#YBPF2026 is SOLD OUT – but there’s still one way to secure your place
The Young Beef Producers’ Forum 2026 is officially SOLD OUT – but if you missed out on a ticket, there is still one opportunity to join us in Roma this November.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Tim Emery Bursary, providing financial support for one young Australian to attend YBPF 2026.
But don’t delay – applications close Sunday, 4 October 2026.
Established by the Future Farmers Network (FFN) and Young Beef Producers’ Forum in honour of long-time YBPF contributor Tim Emery, the bursary helps remove the financial and geographical barriers that can prevent young people from accessing valuable industry development and networking opportunities.
The successful applicant will receive support towards YBPF registration, travel and accommodation.
Already secured your YBPF ticket? You can still apply. If the successful bursary recipient has already purchased their ticket, the cost of their registration will be reimbursed as part of the bursary.
Meet our 2025 recipient, Zoe Sibley
Longreach-based Zoe Sibley, an Extension Officer with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, was the inaugural recipient of the Tim Emery Bursary in 2025.
For Zoe, attending YBPF provided an opportunity to step outside her everyday role, meet people from across the beef supply chain and have conversations with other young people facing many of the same opportunities and challenges in agriculture.
“Through these conversations I gained a greater feeling of community and a sense that I’m part of important discussions that enable agriculture to progress.”
The Forum also introduced Zoe to areas of the industry she had previously had limited exposure to, including global beef trading, marketing and exports, while providing insights into farm business management, leadership, animal welfare, resilience and innovation.
Importantly, the bursary also gave Zoe the opportunity to meet Tim Emery, whose contribution to YBPF inspired the establishment of the bursary.
“It was great to meet Tim and chat about our similar interests within the beef industry, as well as his experiences and knowledge. I now work closely with Tim through my role at the DPI.”
Zoe said one of her biggest takeaways from the experience was the confidence to challenge conventional thinking and consider new approaches to agricultural problems.
“I want to challenge myself to think of solutions to agricultural problems that are ‘outside the box’ and test my way of thinking.”
Continuing Tim Emery’s legacy
The Tim Emery Bursary was established as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Young Beef Producers’ Forum, recognising Tim’s extraordinary contribution to the event and to the development of young people within the Australian 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.
The bursary continues that legacy by giving another young person each year the opportunity to access the knowledge, networks and connections that have made YBPF an important event for emerging beef industry leaders.
Could you be our 2026 recipient?
If you’re passionate about agriculture and building your future in the Australian beef industry, we want to hear from you.
Whether you work on-farm, in agribusiness, extension, research or another part of the supply chain – or you’re studying and preparing to begin your career – the Tim Emery Bursary could help you be part of the sold-out YBPF 2026.
The successful applicant will receive:
- Registration to the sold-out 2026 Young Beef Producers’ Forum
- Travel assistance to attend the Forum in Roma
- Accommodation during the event
- Access to two days of professional development, industry insights and networking
- The opportunity to connect with young people and established leaders from across the Australian beef industry
Already have a ticket? You won’t miss out – if you are selected as the bursary recipient, your YBPF registration will be reimbursed.
Who can apply?
Whether you’re working on-farm, in agribusiness, extension or elsewhere across the beef supply chain – or you’re studying and getting ready to start your career – we’d love to hear from you. Applications are open to Future Farmers Network members only.
Not an FFN member yet? You can join before submitting your application. FFN Membership is just $20 per year, or $10 per year for students, connecting you with a national network of young people in agriculture and access to FFN opportunities, events, bursaries and member benefits. Learn more about our FFN Member benefits and how to apply HERE.
How to apply for the 2026 Tim Emery Bursary
- Become a member of the Future Farmers Network – applications are open to FFN members only.
- Log in to the FFN Member Portal.
- Complete the Bursary Application Form and select the Tim Emery Bursary.
- Include a link to a short video introducing yourself and telling us why you would like to attend the 2026 Young Beef Producers’ Forum.
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.
