BEEF ELEVATIOn

Ian McCamley, director of MCC Pastoral near Rolleston, Central Queensland, is a highly progressive, multi-generational Australian beef producer. Managing 29,600 hectares and 10,000 cattle, McCamley is recognized for sustainable land management and agricultural innovation. He pioneers improving pastures using deep-rooted legumes and championed Optiweigh in-paddock tech to optimize livestock weight tracking. An active advocate with AgForce Queensland, he champions soil health and ground cover as vital pillars for environmental conservation. By hosting research flux towers and EPA delegations, McCamley bridges the gap between commercial beef production and environmental stewardship, shaping the future of sustainable Australian agriculture.

Andrew Conaghan is the Managing Director of Livestock Junction and is also actively involved in his family’s beef cattle feedlot, Barmount Feedlot, located in Central Queensland. Combining practical feedlot experience with a passion for technology, Andrew works closely with producers across Australia to improve efficiency, traceability and decision-making through integrated feedlot management software systems. Under his leadership, Livestock Junction continues to grow as a trusted software platform for the Australian beef industry, helping operations manage livestock, feeding, commodities, animal health, reporting and compliance within a single system. Andrew is passionate about practical innovation that delivers real value to Australian producers.

Martin Laffer is the Managing Director, Northern Australian Agrifoods, Emerald (Iona Beef Processing Project) and brings a diverse wealth of knowledge from time as a Pastoral Manager with Heytesbury Pastoral, working in Agri-banking and owned and operated his own steel foundry, engineering and mining services businesses. Martin along with his wife and four children are passionate about sustainable agriculture, cropping,  breeding, backgrounding and finishing cattle. Now Martin is the Managing Director, Northern Australian Agrifoods, Emerald (Iona Beef Processing Project) which primarly focuces on an integrated Beef Processing, Feedlot, Power Generation and Bio-fertiliser business/project.

Ross Newman is the founder of Pastures to Prosperity, an agricultural consultancy business focused on helping beef producers turn rainfall and sunlight into productive, resilient pasture systems. With more than 25 years’ experience in pasture agronomy, seed selection, establishment, grazing management and beef production systems, Ross works with producers to make practical, profit-focused decisions that improve both land condition and animal performance. His approach centres on growing high-quality pasture, harvesting it efficiently through livestock, and building soil health to strengthen long-term system resilience. Ross is passionate about empowering producers with clear, evidence-based strategies that lift production while leaving the land in better condition.