Beef Central publishes an occasional summary of appointments, departures and achievements occurring across the red meat and livestock supply chain. Send details for entries to admin@beefcentral.com

• Vale Sam Bailey
• New head of agribusiness for CBA
• New UN role for AusMeat specialist
• Former CSIRO Scientist joins Angus Australia
• CEO appointed by Herefords Australia
• Australian footprint for precision livestock management services provider
• New CEO for carbon group
• Live export contributor passes

Sam Bailey and wife Jenny

Vale Sam Bailey

Much loved disabled farmer, public speaker and motivator Sam Bailey has passed away suddenly, aged 58.

Mr Bailey, who became a quadriplegic after a vehicle accident while ringing in the Northern Territory as a young man in 1987, later inspired many in the bush through his public speaking engagements and his 2006 autobiography, Head Over Heels.

He captivated audiences this year at the World Angus Forum in Tamworth and JBS Australia’s enormous Great Southern beef and lamb supplier event in Melbourne in August.

With the support of his wife Jenny and family, Sam overcame his disability after intensive rehab to run a successful farming business on his family farm at Croppa Creek in north west New South Wales.

“All I wanted to be was a farmer and I had my life all planned,” Mr Bailey told the ABC in an interview in 2024.  “I think the accident threatened to shatter that lifelong dream that I had as a farmer but … with a bit of guts and determination, I was about to turn it around and make a life for myself on the land,” he said.

Mr Bailey successfully adapted machinery and equipment to allow him to continue doing the job he loved. He later learned to fly fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He was an ambassador for the Sargood Foundation, providing support to people living with a spinal cord injury.

The Baileys sold their properties, Pine Hills at Croppa Creek and Mossgiel north-west of Warialda in recent years, and relocated to Tamworth.

“Sam’s courage wasn’t loud or showy – it was woven into everything he did. He had a rare gift for turning challenges into opportunities and hard truths into practical hope,” Angus Australia chief executive Scott Wright wrote after his passing.

“What made Sam truly special was his ability to connect with people exactly where they were. His passion for cattle, his infectious humour, and his genuine interest in others left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Mr Wright wrote. “Sam never let circumstances define his limitations – instead, he redefined what was possible and inspired countless others to do the same. His story reminded us all that determination, innovation, and a positive spirit can overcome any obstacle.”

In a statement, Sam’s family said he was a husband, son, favourite uncle and true friend to many.

“The response to his death has been overwhelming and a testament to the impact he had on everyone,” they said. “Sam was exceptional. He was unique. He was true blue. And he had a genuine interest in all those he met.

“Today is a tough day for our family. However, we have been enormously buoyed by the outpouring of love and support. We will miss him dearly.”

New head of agribusiness for CBA

Roddy Brown

The Commonwealth Bank has appointed Roddy Brown as the lender’s new National General Manager for Agribusiness.

A New Zealander by birth, Mr Brown is a career banker, having worked for Westpac for the past 16 years, most recently as State General Manager Victoria, Westpac & Bank of Melbourne, Commercial & Business, and prior to that as Westpac’s Victoria & Tasmania regional general manager for agribusiness lending.

He took up his new role with CBA last week

UN meat role for AusMeat specialist

Ben Robinson, who has overseen the smooth operations and growth of AusMeat’s Meat Standards and Training Services for the past five years, has accepted an exciting new role with the United Nations in Europe.

Ben Robinson

Mr Robinson is the new chairman of the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s Specialised Section on the Standardisation of Meat. The UN has worked closely with Australia’s AusMeat in the field of meat language and description.

Mr Robinson has worked in the Australian red meat industry’s standards and language area for the past 17 years, firstly as a training coordinator with Meat Standards Australia, and later in management and operations roles in training and auditing with AusMeat.

Former CSIRO Scientist joins Angus Australia

Respected animal scientist Dr Brad Hine has joined Angus Australia as extension officer.

Brad Hine

An Armidale local, Dr Hine has a wealth of experience in animal health, genetics and genomics, notching up more than a decade of research work at CSIRO, especially in the fields of immunology and beef research.

His career has taken him from postdoctoral appointments in Canada and New Zealand to leading research projects that directly benefit the beef industry.

He has worked closely with the Angus industry for some years, including the ImmuneDEX trait and genomic tools like Herd Select and Steer Select.

As Extension Officer, Dr Hine will work closely with Angus Australia members and help all producers embrace new technologies and strategies that support profitability and long-term sustainability.

CEO appointment for Herefords Australia

Herefords Australia has appointed Hamish Chandler as the breed society’s new chief executive officer, effective today.

Mr Chandler brings extensive experience in livestock genetics, research and industry leadership, and is widely respected by staff, members, and the broader red meat sector. His appointment signals a renewed focus on positioning the modern Hereford as the sustainable, profitable choice for today’s Australian beef industry.

Hamish Chandler

He joined Herefords Australia in 2023 as Research, Development and Extension Specialist, a role in which he has made a significant impact on the delivery of the organisation’s R&D initiatives and extension activities. His deep knowledge of BreedPlan genetic evaluation, national livestock genetics programs, and practical on-farm experience has earned him a reputation as a trusted and highly capable leader.

Prior to joining Herefords Australia, Mr Chandler led Meat & Livestock Australia’s livestock genetics program, overseeing the National Livestock Genetics Consortium and the national genetic evaluations for both beef and sheep. He has also held roles as Sheep Genetics Manager and LambPlan Development Officer at MLA and began his career as a BreedPlan Technical Officer.

Chairman Marc Greening welcomed the appointment, saying, “Hamish is exceptionally well regarded by our members and staff alike. His deep technical knowledge, practical experience, and clear understanding of the needs of Herefords Australia members make him the perfect person to lead the organisation forward He shares our vision to promote the modern Hereford, a breed with proven fertility, longevity, and carcase quality that aligns with the needs of a modern, sustainable beef industry.”

Hamish has been instrumental in progressing key initiatives under Herefords Australia’s 5-year Strategic Plan, particularly in accelerating R&D programs, improving member services, and promoting the Hereford breed’s performance and sustainability advantages. His ability to translate complex genetic and production information into practical insights has helped members make informed decisions and grow their businesses.

Australian footprint for precision livestock management services provider

Precision livestock management services provider C-Lock has expanded its global footprint, launching C-Lock Australia from a new headquarters near Gatton in southeast Queensland.

The new division will service the Australian and New Zealand markets.

US-based C-Lock Inc is a global leader in precision livestock management and emissions monitoring technology. The expansion marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable livestock production across the Australian and New Zealand agricultural sectors, the company said in a statement. Founded in 2009 in Rapid City, South Dakota, C-Lock has pioneered solutions for measuring livestock emissions, feed efficiency, and animal performance, growing from a startup to an international leader in precision livestock technology.

C-Lock’s product portfolio includes the GreenFeed, SmartFeed, SmartScale, and SmartWater systems, used in 48 countries to measure methane and carbon dioxide emissions, monitor feed and water intake, track weight performance, and improve efficiency in livestock production.

“Australia and New Zealand represent critical markets for sustainable livestock production, and establishing a permanent presence in the region allows us to better serve our growing customer base while contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture practices,” said Pat Zimmerman, C-Lock’s chief executive.

The establishment of the new division brings three key staff appointments, all with deep expertise in livestock technology, sustainability, and agricultural advisory services:

• Scott Cullen joins as Service Manager, responsible for in-person, on-site service, installation, and training for C-Lock systems across Australia and New Zealand. He also manages the company’s parts warehouse and equipment inventory, ensuring customers receive timely maintenance, reliable support, and minimal downtime.
• Christiaan le Roux has been appointed Corporate Sustainability Manager, bringing expertise in environmental management and sustainability reporting. Le Roux will work with companies on greenhouse gas measurement and scope three emissions, applying a pasture-to-plate focus to help producers and supply chains meet evolving sustainability and reporting requirements.
• Kasey Lane joins as Precision Livestock Advisor, offering specialized guidance to help producers optimise operations using C-Lock’s advanced monitoring technologies. Lane will support customers in implementing data-driven strategies to improve animal performance and operational efficiency.

“Australian producers are global leaders in sustainable livestock production, and we’re excited to provide them with the tools and support they need to quantify and improve their environmental performance,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The company will collaborate with Australian research institutions, industry organisations and government agencies to advance emissions reduction strategies. Plans include participation in research trials, industry field days, and educational programs.

New CEO for carbon group

Corporate Carbon Group has appointed Marc Train as Chief Executive Officer, with Gary Wyatt transitioning from Managing Director to Executive Director.

The leadership change comes as Australia’s carbon market undergoes significant transformation, with new 2035 emissions reduction targets and reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism and methodologies.

The transition strengthens CCG’s leadership capacity at a time of growing demand for project developers and advisors.

Mr Train joined CCG in early 2024 and was later promoted to general manager. In this role he has focused on strengthening operational delivery, expanding advisory services, and supporting investor engagement. He brings more than a decade of experience across financial and commodities markets, including senior roles in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, commodities, and business development.

“This is an exciting time to lead Corporate Carbon Group, as Australia’s carbon market continues to evolve, Mr Train said. “My focus will be on strengthening partnerships, supporting clients through change, and positioning the business to play an even greater role in the climate transition,” he said.

CCG’s leadership transition supported its strategy to expand its project pipeline, strengthen investor engagement, and provide practical support for landholders and industry participants navigating change, the company said in a statement.

Live export contributor passes

One of the architects behind the success of the Wellard livestock export business out of Australia has recently passed away at his home in Genoa, Italy.

Emilio Accorenro spent many years as the technical director at Wellard. He spent his entire working life on improving the design of livestock carriers and raising the level of welfare during transport, often interacting with AMSA on the task. Australian livestock shipping performance became the global gold standard, as a result.

Mr Accorenro was in charge of the design and construction of some of the most iconic live ships in the industry, including the Ocean Drover, which on top of being the largest modern era livestock carrier and helped lifted standards of animal welfare to new levels. The Ocean Drover was the first single-tier ship to carry sheep), and after 25 years of excellent service in the Australian market, was sold for almost double what it cost to build.

Mr Accorenro was also responsible for the design and construction of Wellards’ Swagman and Outback vessels, with their IPS dual engine design, and the Ocean Shearer (now Al Kuwait) and many other projects and upgrades.

“It has been a privilege for not only me, but everyone in the industry to be able to work with such a talented, skilled and hard-working person, and he will always remembered for his integrity, politeness and for his contribution to the industry,” Wellard’s chairman Mauro Balzamauro said.