Creating a resilient and engaged industry

Caption: From left, Amy Brooks, Simon Stahl, Caitlin Herbert and Robert Mackenzie

The dynamics of sustainability – and what it means for the Australian beef industry – took centre stage at the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework’s (ABSF) Annual Launch. A panel of industry leaders, including Robert Mackenzie (Macka’s Australian Black Angus Beef), Caitlin Herbert (Gundamain Pastoral), Simon Stahl (Casino Food Company) and Amy Brooks (Stockyard Beef), explored the many elements that influence sustainability and how they connect to the ABSF’s key pillars.

A resilient industry in times of change

The panel defined sustainability as creating a prosperous, profitable and enduring beef industry.

Caitlin Herbert emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure during strong seasons to build resilience for challenging ones, particularly highlighting the role of the feedlot sector.

“The Australian feedlot industry is not just a finishing system, but an essential drought infrastructure for the entire beef supply chain,” Caitlin said.

As a 2024 Nuffield Scholar, Caitlin investigated how feedlots contribute to drought-proofing, travelling through Canada, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

“I came away learning that there is a resilience element to the story. Lot feeding is not just about silage pits or alternative food sources, but also how we invest in infrastructure in good years. By doing this, when we have the tougher seasons, we can help the cattle industry remain sustainable despite the challenges,” she said.

Creating diversity

Amy Brooks spoke about the importance of cultivating a diverse workforce, both at Stockyard Beef and across the wider industry.

“The recruitment and development practices at Stockyard have naturally fostered a diverse and value-driven workforce,” Amy said.

Stockyard invests in staff development to strengthen leadership capability, regardless of background.

“Whether through official programs or one-on-one development, we work to identify the skills and strengths of each individual, encouraging and supporting diversity in the workforce and in leadership.”

Amy noted that while progress has been made, the ABSF’s materiality assessment shows there is still more to do, and many in the industry are committed to driving improvement.

Supporting people and communities

A recurring theme across the panel was the importance of people and community, which is a core pillar of the ABSF.

Robert Mackenzie shared insights into Macka’s long-standing relationship with the First Nations community in their region.

“My father and grandparents have always had a strong relationship with First Nations people of our area. This relationship is ongoing, and we try to support the community where we can,” Robert said.

“We’re supporting a First Nations school and we’re planning on buying a bus for that school as well.

“This is just one example, but it isn’t anything radical or crazy. We just want to help support the community and be involved with what they are doing because it’s the right thing to do,” Robert said.

Employee wellbeing

Employee wellbeing also featured strongly in the discussion. Simon Stahl described how Casino Food Company recognised the need to better support employees facing personal challenges.

“If you go to work angry at other things happening at home, you often blame the workplace,” Simon said.

To help staff access support, the company began offering a fully funded first counselling session. However, limited local services created barriers.

“The only counselling services available were a 35-minute trip away and booked out for weeks. This highlighted a real problem for us.”

The solution was to build internal capability. A human resources team member completed a counselling qualification, enabling two days a week of on-site support.

“The first year, she saw 95 employees. Fast forward to now, we have a couple of people in the business helping to provide that support not just the one staff member,” Simon said.

 Across the panel, the message was clear: the longevity and sustainability of the Australian beef industry relies on building resilience and staying deeply engaged with communities and the workforce. Whether through new infrastructure, community partnerships or additional employee support, these efforts collectively strengthen the industry’s future.