North-East beef and lamb farmer makes a bid for national title

The industry initiative, presented by NAB Agribusiness and the Cattle Council of Australia, aims to inspire and empower 21-35 year olds who are passionate about the beef industry.

Mr Nicklason if a fifth generation farmer, working with his parents at their North-East beef and lamb property.

“We grow, finish and process all our sheep and about two thirds of our cattle,” Mr Nicklason said.

The family supplies IGA supermarkets at St Helens and St Marys and the East Coast Village Providore with beef and lamb under their Pyengana Premuim Meats brand.

Mr Nicklason is headed to Canberra on Sunday with the other six state Rising Champion finalists for a three-day program to learn effective communication, develop leadership skills join Cattle Council of Australia committee meetings and network with staff from the Agriculture and Water Resources department.

“I’ll be in Canberra with a few of the brighter sparks in the industry. It’ll be a learning experience,” Mr Nicklason said.

The 2017 winner will be announced in Alice Springs on November 20, in conjunction with Red Meat 2017 and the Meat & Livestock Australia annual general meeting.

Mr Nicklason will be presenting his insights on selling green produce and animal welfare issues to the public at this event before the winner is announced.

“I’ll give it a red hot chase,” he said.