Top beef producers head to South America with National Australia Bank - 10 October 2005

Monday, 10 October 2005

Some of the country's leading beef producers have signed up to spend three weeks examining the industry in South America as part of a tour organised by the National Australia Bank (NAB) Agribusiness team.

In all, 33 participants will leave Australia on 26th October for a 20 day tour of stud and commercial operations, feedlots, saleyards and abattoirs, experimental farms and meetings with local producers in Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

The NAB's General Manager Agribusiness, Mike Carroll, says it's an exciting opportunity to check out the competition.

"There are more than 200 million head of cattle in South America, compared with 25 million here, so there's a lot to be learned," Mr Carroll said.

"South America has been showing the world its potential in agriculture for a long time due to the high quality of its product, and it's shaping up to be one of our biggest competitors in the export market.

"This is a chance to exchange experiences with other beef producers and National Australia Bank beef industry specialists whilst enjoying South American hospitality and seeing some amazing sights."

The beef study tour is being run in conjunction with ANF Agritours. The majority of the participants are from Queensland, but most other states are represented.

About NAB Agribusiness
The National Australia Bank (NAB) employs more than 550 agribusiness banking specialists at over 110 regional locations Australia wide.  The Agribusiness team at the NAB is a leader in providing agribusiness banking services to Australian rural businesses, agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. It serves customers across Australia ranging from small family farming enterprises to large multinational operations.

For further media information, please contact:
Guy McKanna
NAB Australia Corporate Affairs
Tel:  (02) 9237 9817
Mob: 0402 893 843

* The information contained in this media release is for media advice purposes only. The contents are true and correct at time of publishing/issuing, however may change over time. For further information about NAB products or rates, please go to Interest Rates, Fees & Charges