The RDE&A for the northern beef industry – feast or famine.

Abstract

Introduction
Are we in the ‘best days’ for DAF Beef Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) or do you yearn for the good old days … the golden era? A difficult question, which really depends on ones’ career path and experiences.
Yet, I have a hypothesis that there have been three distinct phases of Beef RD&E in the Department over the last 40 or so years. This hypothesis is from a research manager’s perspective where I have questioned senior departmental colleagues, reviewed various grey literature, and from my own experiences in DAF since 2005 and in the Northern Territory Department since 1993.
Why is it important? Because culture, teamwork and an appropriate level of funding shape the quantity and quality of the workforce. This results in a steady flow of meaningful projects that make an impact to industry profitability and government priorities. Translating into innovation and professional papers that underpin staff training and personal development opportunities.