Meet who is headed on the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour
The latest cohort of recipients of the Angus Foundation Thomas Foods International Production Tour has been announced, with 12 young members of the beef industry locked and loaded for a three-day tour of Thomas Foods’s paddock to plate operations.
Zoe Puls, Annie Edwards, Ashlea Cross, Tom Graham, Matthew Heywood, Chloe Plowman, Hayden McKimmie, Mitchell Smith, Darby McLaren, Liam Sheahan, Declan Martin and Edwina Hall have each been selected to take part in the production tour, which kicks off in Mt Gambier October 21st, 2025.
The production tour aims to give participants the opportunity to have deep dive into the world of premium beef production, from breeding to processing, and everything in between.
Thomas Foods Internation, a family-owned business established in 1988, has grown into one of Australia’s largest food enterprises. With a global presence, Thomas Foods International is committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation in meat and seafood production. This Beef tour will showcase the history, innovation and resilience in their business.
Over the course of the tour the group will observe breeding and backgrounding at Mt Schanck, Mt Gambier, the grain fed sector at Southern Cross Feedlot, Tintinara and Australia newest and most modern processing plant, Primary Processing at Murray Bridge.
“Having an access all areas look at the vertically integrated supply chain of Thomas Foods International is a great experience for our group to be given,” said Angus Australia’s Jake Phillips.
“TFI is a leading business that breeds, feeds and processes some of Australia’s best Angus cattle and beef products and it’s wonderful to have a peep behind the curtains at all facets in their business.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour in South Australia,” said Ashlea Cross, VIC. “I look forward to connecting with fellow young Angus members and industry leaders. This experience will offer valuable insights into the southern production system and give me a chance to see the whole supply chain from breeding to processing.”
Mitchell Smith, NT, looks forward to the opportunity. “I am delighted to accept a position on the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour,” he said. “Coming from a breeding and finishing background, I believe the tour will offer a great opportunity to see firsthand the final stages of the beef process. I hope to learn what improvements we can make to continue to develop our Angus herd.”
Edwina Smith, TAS, said, “Having participated in both the GenAngus Future Leaders Program and the Tocal Beef Assessment Course, I realise the importance of these programs to my professional and personal development to date.
“I keenly anticipate the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour and look forward to exposure to innovative businesses and connecting with other like-minded individuals within the industry.”
“I am thrilled to be offered this opportunity and am very keen to expand my knowledge and learn more about the breeding growing and processing side of the supply chain using Angus cattle,” said Victorian Darby McLaren.
Already looking forward to taking what he learns back on farm, Dean Martin, SA, said “I am excited to accept my spot in the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour. I’d like to thank TFI and Angus Australia for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the trip, as well as South Killanoola and Dean Eastwood, Farm Manager.
“I am excited to see how TFI’s supply chain works from start to finish and how I could potentially bring knowledge back to apply at South Killanoola.”
“I’m overjoyed to have been accepted into this tour,” said Victorian producer Matthew Heyward “I hope I can take my knowledge from this trip back home and implement it back into my business.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to learn from one of the industry leaders. I’m sure I will gain valuable insights into the full chain of production at TFI and learn through networking with other participants throughout the tour.”
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be taking part in the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour!” said Lachie Sheahan who hails from Western Victoria. “It will be a great experience and a chance to get a deeper insight into different aspects of the industry. I’m looking forward to it!”
Echoing this was Tom Graham, who highlighted, “I’m super keen to see the meat process from beginning to end or paddock to plate!”
“I am very honoured to be selected for the Angus Foundation TFI Production Tour,” said Annie Edwards. “I hope to use the information I learn in my professional life, and utilise new connections, to provide better service, in my role at World Wide Sires Beef.”
“I am so excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Thomas Food International Tour for 2024,” said Queenslander Chloe Plowman “With a passion for the Angus breed, feedlotting and the red meat industry the tour took attention straight away, I can’t wait experience the company’s commitment to paddock to plate and gain insights into a world class Southern Beef Production from breeding, to backgrounding, to feeding, then into their processing facilities and also how they are marketing products and satisfying their customers.”
Of what he most looks forward to, Hayden Mckimmie, NSW, said, “Key networking opportunities to meet fellow likeminded people and to greet industry leaders across Australia to further understand the complexities and challenges faces and the exciting opportunities for the future of Australian agriculture.”
