BeefEx Speakers & Presenters 

‘PVO’ as he’s affectionately known as in media circles, is an Australian academic, author and political commentator. Peter has hosted several programs on Sky News, and a  previous co-host of Channel 10’s The Project.

An economist and political theorist at Webster University Vienna and MCC Budapest, specialises in the intersection of political philosophy and energy policies. His work explores how cultural convictions influence policy outcomes, particularly regarding energy, industry, and agriculture, addressing what he sees as a cultural self-hate in the West.

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See Ralph's work HERE

With nearly 40 years in agricultural operations, he supports clients in risk management, commodity management, livestock and grain marketing, and procurement. Formerly directing risk management for ADM, Premium Standard Farms, Continental Grain, and Iowa Select Farms, he now leads a team assisting clients with technical risk management.

Charlie Arnot is recognised as a thought leader in food and agriculture.  He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has more than 25 years of experience working in communications, PR and issues management within the food system.  He is the founder and president of Look East, an employee-owned consulting firm and the  CEO of the Center for Food Integrity.

Andrew Dyer, a Professorial Fellow at Monash University, is an experienced chairman, executive, director, and consultant. He was the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner for nine years and led the widely adopted Community Engagement Review. His governance roles span various industries, and he continues to advise organizations on strategic matters.

Richard de Crespigny, Melbourne native and former RAAF and Qantas pilot, faced a critical moment in 2010 aboard flight QF32 when an engine exploded mid-air. His leadership ensured a safe landing in Singapore. His autobiography "QF32" recounts the incident and won awards, while he was honored with the Order of Australia in 2016.

Alex, Chief Planter of Seeds for #PlantASeedForSafety, is a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with 18+ years in work health and safety. She’s a national winner of the 2020 Syngenta Growth Awards and 2018 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year (SA). Alex advocates for practical, people-focused safety solutions.

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https://plantaseedforsafety.com/

Over the last 20 years, Catherine has worked as an executive, a non-executive director and consulting roles in the agricultural, research and regional development sectors in Australia and internationally. During this time, she has become a proven business leader, communicator and organisational renovator, focused mostly on leadership development, advocacy and delivering innovative solutions for the industries in which she works.

Matt aims to deliver R&D outcomes meeting the Australian Lot Feeding Industry's needs. With a background in animal science and postgraduate qualifications in animal health, he has diverse experience across government, university, and commercial sectors, specializing in sustainability, animal health and welfare, and productivity initiatives within the feedlot program.

NAPCo is a privately-owned company established in 1877, with over 200,000 cattle on 6 million hectares across QLD and the NT. NAPCo also owns and operates the Wainui feedlot on the Darling Downs which finishes 70,000 cattle a year. Darryl has a special interest in innovation and sustainability. 

Nick, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright for over 20 years, leads global technology and innovation. He co-created an AI-enabled privacy chatbot, won the FT Asia Innovator of the Year Award, and co-founded LawPath. Nick serves on boards, hosts Web3 Goes Mainstream, authored best-sellers, and teaches AI at Bond University.

Ben Ikin is a former professional rugby league player who is now CEO of the Queensland Rugby League. He was previously Head of Football at the Brisbane Broncos and host of NRL 360 on Fox Sports. Ben played 150 first grade games for the Gold Coast Seagulls, North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Broncos. He also played 17 state of origin games for QLD and 2 test matches for Australia. 

Lisa joined Stockyard as a Non-Executive Director in 2021, became part of the Executive in April 2023, and was appointed CEO in January 2024. She has led Herefords Australia and served as CMO of Meat and Livestock Australia. Lisa's background includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Uncle Tobys, and PZ Cussons. 

Sally Rigney, formerly Sally Nicol, enjoyed a decade-long career with ABC Radio before embracing storytelling on her Nindigully property in southwest Queensland. Named Greater Downs Woman in Business of the Year in 2021, she leads Rigney Rural, prioritizing a talented and loyal workforce, defining success as finding and enjoying one's place.

Howard Perry-Husbands is the founder and CEO of Pollinate, an award-winning Australian research consultancy. With 15+ years tracking consumer attitudes on the environment and red meat production, he’s also a board member of Planet Ark. Currently studying a Masters of Environment at ANU, Howard is passionate about sustainability and effective communication.

Gary Johnson is an award-winning chef with over 40 years of international culinary experience. Returning to Australia in 2004, he served as Executive Chef for Hilton, managing 70 chefs and a $22 million budget. Currently, as Group Executive with Endeavor Group, he develops food strategy and culinary direction.

Joel Giacomantonio began as a clean-up kid at Super Butcher and is now the General Manager of Queensland's premier meat retailer. Under his leadership, Super Butcher offers Australia’s best quality beef, featuring up to 20 brands and serving 500,000 families in 2023. With nine stores and a strong online presence, Joel's vision and dedication have made Super Butcher a community cornerstone and top local employer.

Dr Cowley's research delves into nutritional solutions to methane emissions and carbon footprints of cattle and sheep, utilising the world's largest methane research facility at UNE. Fran has a keen interest in research for grain-fed cattle, and has conducted numerous industry-funded research projects to improve the productivity, welfare and sustainability of Australian lot-fed cattle.

As a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at The University of Queensland, Dr.Sarah Meale researches nutrition and gut microbiology. With a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta, Dr. Meale has also held a Marie-Curie Fellowship in France. Her work focuses on sustainable ruminant production and reducing methane emissions.

Dr. Melissa George, a veterinary parasitologist with expertise in meat science and veterinary infectious diseases, serves as a field veterinarian and research scientist for Bovine Dynamics. With a PhD from the University of Georgia, she specializes in delivering data-driven solutions for Australia's cattle industry, also managing Eskdale Cattle Pty Ltd.

Sam Gladman, Livestock Manager at Teys Charlton Feedlot has been working in the feedlot industry for the past 15 years. 

Daniel is a lecturer in Small Ruminant Health and Production Animal Medicine at Melbourne Veterinary School and is a veterinary consultant with the Mackinnon Project, servicing Beef Cattle and Sheep clients throughout south-Eastern Australia.

Originally coming to prominence as leader of the legendary folk-rock band Redgum and his Vietnam veterans’ anthem "I Was Only 19", John Schumann continues to occupy an important place on the Australian cultural landscape. 

Sam has over 20 years of experience in large-scale catering and product development. Since 2014, he has promoted Australian red meat globally, working with major brands like McDonald’s and showcasing premium beef cuts at events.

Sam will join Superbutcher Joel Giacomantonio during each morning tea and lunch break at BeefEx to showcase a range of Australian grainfed beef brands.