The newly-appointed Meat & Livestock Australia managing director Jason Strong told Hereford producers that global demand for beef continues to rise.

The Palmer Nickel and Cobalt Refinery in Yabulu near Townsville may have a future if the nickel price picks up, according to management, as the Queensland government and the refinery's owner, Clive Palmer, continue talks over its fate.

English Leicester and Southdown stalwart Colin Taylor has been a familiar face at Victoria's big sheep shows for many years.