Lila-Rose Watson Announced as 2026 Tim Emery Bursary Recipient
Future Farmers Network (FFN) is delighted to announce Lila-Rose Watson, a young agricultural contractor from Tambo, Queensland, as the 2026 recipient of the Tim Emery Bursary.
Following a competitive selection process and a high calibre of applications, Lila-Rose was selected to receive support to attend the sold-out 2026 Young Beef Producers’ Forum (YBPF) in Roma on 19–20 November.
Established in honour of long-time YBPF contributor Tim Emery, the bursary is an initiative of Future Farmers Network, designed to remove financial and geographical barriers and provide young people with opportunities to develop their knowledge, build industry connections and advance their careers in Australian agriculture.
Through the bursary, Lila-Rose will receive assistance towards event registration, travel and accommodation, enabling her to participate in one of Australia’s leading professional development events for young people in the beef industry.
A passion for the beef industry, built from the ground up
Lila-Rose’s connection to the beef industry began at a young age, growing up on her family’s beef cattle property and Brahman stud.
Following the sale of the family property and cattle, she transitioned into agricultural contracting alongside her family, before establishing herself as a sole trader working across properties in the Tambo region.
Her work includes mustering, fencing, weaner breaking and general stock handling, giving her hands-on experience across different operations and the opportunity to work closely with local beef producers.
With a strong practical foundation, Lila-Rose is eager to continue developing her skills, expanding her industry knowledge and exploring the opportunities available to her as she builds her career.
Attending YBPF will provide an opportunity to learn from experienced producers and industry professionals, gain new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the beef sector, and develop connections with other young people who share her passion for agriculture.
Lila-Rose hopes to take the knowledge and relationships gained at the Forum back into her contracting business, helping her become a more capable and informed contractor while contributing positively to the properties and producers she works with.
On being announced as the 2026 recipient, Lila-Rose said:
“I’m extremely grateful to be awarded the Tim Emery Bursary this year, as it will help me continue developing my skills and knowledge within the agricultural industry. Working in agriculture is something I’m passionate about, and I’m looking forward to gaining more experience, expanding my opportunities and continuing to build a future in an industry I love. This support means a lot to me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
Continuing Tim Emery’s legacy
The Tim Emery Bursary was established in 2024 as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Young Beef Producers’ Forum, recognising Tim’s extraordinary contribution to the event and his dedication to supporting the next generation of Australia’s beef industry.
For more than 14 years, Tim dedicated countless hours to YBPF through his roles as an FFN Director and long-term YBPF Committee member. While formally retiring from the committee in 2022, Tim has remained a passionate supporter of the Forum, its volunteers, sponsors and delegates.
The bursary carries forward Tim’s commitment to ensuring young people, regardless of their background, location or experience, have opportunities to connect, learn and grow within the beef industry.
Lila-Rose is the second recipient of the bursary, following inaugural recipient Zoe Sibley, an Extension Officer with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, who attended YBPF in 2025.
Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders
Future Farmers Network was pleased to receive a strong field of high-quality applications for the 2026 Tim Emery Bursary, demonstrating the passion, ambition and commitment of young people building their futures in Australian agriculture.
The bursary reflects FFN’s broader mission to connect, support and empower young people across Australia’s agricultural industries through professional development, leadership opportunities and meaningful industry connections.
By providing access to events such as YBPF, FFN aims to create opportunities that extend well beyond the event itself, helping young people build confidence, broaden their perspectives and develop networks that can support them throughout their careers.
FFN congratulates Lila-Rose on her achievement and looks forward to welcoming her to the 2026 Young Beef Producers’ Forum in Roma.
About the Young Beef Producers Forum
The Young Beef Producers’ Forum is a two-day conference focused on providing educational, networking and capacity building opportunities for u40 year old‘s with an interest in the beef industry.
YBPF is an event of the highest quality. It is inspiring, engaging and life changing – equipping young beef producers to make a difference in all aspects of their lives, including on-farm, off-farm, family, personal and business related areas.
This year’s theme is Beef Without Borders.
The event has been developed for young producers, by young producers. With the guidance of a steering committee sharing their perspectives and ideas this event has been coordinated by the Future Farmers Network(opens in new tab).
So whether you’re a beef producer, involved in a family business or have a connection with the industry, this year’s Young Beef Producers’ Forum is simply not to be missed.
