Inverell's Kirsty McCormick takes out national agribusiness award

The competition caters for 18-35-year-olds.

“As the Queensland state finalist, it meant that I headed to Canberra for some training and workshops, and for the competition,” Kirsty said.

“We were judged over three days, and then they announced a national champion to represent the youth in the beef industry at the Beef Alliance Conference in New Zealand next month.”

Kirsty finished university last year and works in the Brisbane office of OBE Organic Australia in a sales and production executive role. 

“I was really happy to be named a finalist. To win on top of that was really exciting. I get to do the international trip to the conference, as well as opportunities to speak and be on cattle boards and be involved with industry, so it’s very exciting,” Kirsty said.

She said he position with the company meant that she liaised with 11 customers in the Asian market on a daily basis.

“I handle my customers, send beef to them, do the marketing conduct with that as well as quality assurance and dealing with the abbatoir as well,” Kirsty said.

Kirsty was presented with her award on Wednesday, August 24. She said heading back home for a spot of campdrafting was high on her ‘spare time’ list, and she also helped some stock and station agents with social media and creating videos for Auctions Plus.

“Living in Brisbane has certainly been a challenge for a country girl who went to uni in Armidale, and there is so much city up here between sporting games, functions and concerts, so I’m finding it a bit of an adjustment,” she said.

“But it’s very cool working in the city and still working for an ag company.”