Rebecca Matthews will be working under QPIF's state-wide FutureBeef initiative, as part of the 40-strong FutureBeef team, to bring the latest research technologies and best management practice knowledge, skills and training to North West beef businesses.

Ms Matthews grew up on the family beef cattle property north of Charters Towers, and completed her agricultural science degree at the University of Queensland.

After spending time at a Central Queensland feedlot, Ms Matthews worked for two years with the 'Beef Team' based at QPIF's Kairi Research Station on the Atherton Tableland.

During this time, she worked with intensive operators on the Tablelands, as well as beef enterprises in the Gulf, Cape York and Upper Herbert and Burdekin.

"I have been fortunate to work with an experienced team on issues including livestock nutrition, grazing land management, herd management, animal health, marketing and reproduction," Ms Matthews said.

"I realise the North West has its own unique issues in each of these areas so I'm keen to get out on-property to learn how best to assist the local producers."

Under the FutureBeef initiative, Ms Matthews will work with medium to large-sized commercial beef production businesses to help them become more productive, profitable and sustainable into the future.

She is also secretary of the North West Regional Beef Research Committee and will be involved in MLA-driven projects, including:

• SavannaPl an - working one-on-one with local industry, businesses and producers to optimise beef production and profitability.
• MLA's Northern Grazing Systems project.
• Contributing to MLA's publication, Weaning Management of Beef Calves: Practical Guidelines for Northern Australia.
• Supporting MLA's research into phosphorous supplementation in northern Australia.

As well as working directly with producers, Ms Matthews is also keen to form productive working relationships with relevant local groups including the Southern Gulf Catchments Natural Resource Management (NRM) Board.

"I look forward to exploring the region, getting to know the locals and learning more about the North West beef productions systems," Ms Matthews said.