National recognition for Barrington farmer

BARRINGTON’S Liam Mowbray has been announced as one of seven participants in Cattle Australia’s 2025-26 National Beef Leaders (NBL) program.

Liam is a cattle veterinarian, Angus breeder, and a Research and Development Specialist at Angus Australia.

Based in the Barrington area, Liam works with producers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to deliver genetic research outcomes and guide national breed improvement strategies.

He also facilitates the Angus Sire Benchmarking and Genetic Evaluation Consultative Committees, helping shape the direction of genetic research and development across the beef industry.

Alongside his professional role, Liam operates Marlea Angus, a growing beef breeding business spanning three properties in the foothills of the Barrington Tops, focused on producing resilient, high-performing Angus cattle with exceptional eating quality.

Cattle Australia CEO Will Evans said the NBL program was designed to attract and retain exceptional people and empower them to become leaders in their chosen fields within the industry.

“The calibre of applicants which our panels were challenged to choose from shows the incredible depth of talent and passion for the industry among the young people or rural and regional Australia,” Mr Evans said.

“Those selected have already proven they are capable, focused and committed to the beef industry.

“The NBL program will help them take their careers to the next level through a series of face-to-face training workshops covering leadership, policy development, corporate governance and media engagement.”

The seven NBL program participants will also join in Cattle Australia activities, including meeting with Ministers and Government officials at Parliament House and mentoring to connect them to leading figures along the beef supply chain.

The 2025 National Beef Leaders are:

• Lewis Crothers: owner/director of Crothers Cattle Company, Matheson, NSW

• Liam Mowbray: research scientist at Angus Australia, cattle veterinarian and owner of Marlea Angus, Barrington, NSW.

• Tyla Comerford: central sales representative with StockLive, Dubbo, NSW

• Teagan Lawrence: extension officer (carbon) in Extensive Livestock Systems team at the Department of Primary Industries, Charters Towers, Qld

• Mia Doering: safety and welfare business partner, Consolidated Pastoral Company, Tansey, Qld

• Larry Farquhar: director and manager of Calco Qld, and manager of Eljay Droughtmasters stud and associated commercial herds, Rolleston, Qld

• Ben Reardon: station manager, Cloncurry, Qld

The NBL program is CA’s flagship leadership initiative and is designed for people aged between 21 and 35 years who are established in their careers and ready to take the next step in leadership and advocacy.

“By developing the skills of these innovative young leaders, who will bring a fresh attitude to new challenges, CA is securing a strong and sustainable future for the beef industry,” Mr Evans said.

Applicants were judged on the following criteria:

• Capacity to represent the Australian beef industry

• Leadership capacity, in presentation and in conduct, over the course of the program

• Beef industry knowledge

• Presentation skills

More information on the NBL program is available at www.cattleaustralia.com.au.