MEAT & Livestock Australia is seeking applications for its Ambassadors for the Red Meat Industry program.

The ARMI program offers participants training in community engagement, communication through media and social media, and building trust with consumers.

The program is designed for producers and people in industry support roles in the red meat supply chain, with successful participants joining MLA’s alumni of ambassadors across Australia.

MLA is calling on people working across the red meat supply chain with a passion for telling the great stories about the industry to apply for the next round of the program.

MLA general manager of communications, Lucy Broad, said the first two online workshops for the new program were very successful, with 25 people honing their skills as industry ambassadors.

“We have had people from across Australia and across the supply chain take part, including producers, chefs, stock agents, butchers and traders, among many other professions.

“The participants have taken part in shared values training, media training and social media training, which has given them the skills to be an effective voice for the red meat industry,” Ms Broad said.

“We strongly encourage anyone working in the red meat industry who wants to boost their skills in communication, building trust and engagement to apply for this program.”

Pending any COVID-19 related restrictions, the 2022 workshops will be held in-person at locations based on where the successful applicants are from.

Program equipped Emma with important skills

MLA ARMI graduate Emma Fessey.

Ambassadors graduate Emma Fessey from Brewarrina, New South Wales, said the program was a valuable opportunity to develop her skills and share her evolving journey and experiences across the red meat industry with others.

Emma works for AuctionsPlus, helps out on her family’s sheep, cattle and goat property and is aiming to compete in the rowing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“As an athlete who sees red meat as an integral part of my diet and to high performance, I enjoy discussing the nutritional benefits associated with red meat consumption and importantly, the journey of ‘paddock to plate’ as many consumers can be unaware of the process.

“This is something I am passionate about sharing and educating others about,” she said.

“The workshop equipped me with important communication and interpersonal skills to be able to lead open and honest conversations about the many dynamic nuances of the red meat industry.

“From these learnings, I feel confident in my ability to acknowledge and understand concerns of others and how to navigate those to ultimately generate a more comprehensive understanding of our industry for those both inside and outside the red meat sector,” Emma said.

The 2022 Ambassadors workshops will be held on the following dates:

8-9 February, plus a follow-up hour on 10 February

8-9 March, plus a follow-up hour on 10 March

22-23 March, plus a follow-up hour on 24 March

6-7 April, plus a follow-up hour on 8 April

25-26 May, plus a follow-up hour on 27 May

To find out more about the program and its requirements, and to submit an Expression of Interest, visit the MLA website.