Meet the SG: Olivia Lawson

 Caption: Olivia Lawson is one of the latest to join the ABSF Steering Group

 

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework’s (ABSF) latest Steering Group recruit, Olivia Lawson, is no stranger to sustainability in agriculture. 

Based in central Victoria, Olivia owns and runs Paringa Livestock with her husband Tom, where they develop and supply genetics to the beef industry.

“Our focus is on breeding efficient, fertile and functional genetics that are adaptive and targeted to meet high Meat Standards Australia (MSA) targets,” Olivia said.

While she’s now firmly planted in the beef industry, it was her upbringing on a sheep operation that started Olivia’s agriculture journey.

“After studying agricultural science and working in the wool export industry, I came full circle and moved into beef genetics when I met my husband. I’ve been involved in the cattle business ever since,” she said.

During that time, she has dedicated her life to agriculture far beyond her farm gate, holding roles on several boards including the former Cattle Council of Australia (now Cattle Australia) , Soils for Life and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

“I see value in having a producer voice in advisory capacities. These roles aren’t always easy to fit in while running a business, but without the voice of people on the ground, a unique perspective can be missed,” Olivia said.

Passion for sustainability

The new role on the ABSF Steering Group is a natural fit to her way of doing business – Olivia was awarded the ‘Landcare Sustainable Farmer of the Year’ in 2013, and ‘Coles Weekly Times Beef Farmer of the Year’ in 2020.

“I can’t pinpoint where my sustainability focus began, but my family was both passionate about agriculture and being environmentally conscious,” she said.

“I am open to new ways of thinking and doing things to achieve the best of both.”

As part of the Steering Group, Olivia hopes to provide important insights from her own experiences.

“I am hopeful my experience in the production side of the supply chain will be useful. I’m one of the few members who run a family-based business, and it’s important to have a grassroots perspective,” she said.

Representing southern Australia is also important to Olivia.

“Having geographic diversity on agriculture related bodies is important – we have such a diverse production system and end markets from one end of the country to another.

“We all bring value to the industry, but the sustainability space can look quite different,” she said.

Olivia hopes to see Australia continue to be a world leader for sustainability in red meat.

“It’s important to be ambitious, and as the leading voice of sustainability for the beef industry in Australia, the ABSF shouldn’t be afraid to be bold in looking forward.”