Red meat career pathway

Abstract

Currently the red meat sector does not have a clearly defined and documented pathway for young people to build a business to increase equity to pursue the goal of land ownership. Succession in the industry is a challenge as the average age of land owners is high beyond 55+. The purpose of this research is to understand the current successful pathways selected entrants have followed to enter the industry. This was conducted by interviewing 12 farmers around the country who are currently in a process to build their equity. A range of questions were asked to gain an understanding of both how they got to where they are and where they are heading in the future. The advice that was given by the 12 farmers interviewed included; the importance of networking and building relationships with key people, involving a team of people to support you, seeking opportunities, working hard, diversifying your income, getting the governance right before you enter the arrangement and taking the opportunities that present themselves.