Red Meat Ambassador Nicci Teitge.

Finding fresh voices for red meat’s future

30 Jul 2025

As the first generation in her family to work in agriculture, it took time for Nicci Teitge to find her voice in the industry. Becoming a Red Meat Ambassador was a reminder that it’s a shared passion for agriculture that makes her belong.

Following in her sister’s freshly trodden footsteps, Nicci found her path into agriculture in a similar way to many school leavers.

“I visited a station for the first time when my sister became a station cook, and since that experience, it’s always been ag for me,” Nicci said.

Nikki left her Mornington Peninsula home in Victoria to work on a station in northern Australia.

“When I turned 18, I worked as a governess at a station near Clermont (Queensland).”

While the job was love at first sight, Nicci said there is confronting layer of isolation that came with being new to the industry.

“I found it challenging being the first generation in agriculture. It can be really intimidating. There were a few places I worked at that really knocked my confidence.

“When you don’t have the connections and family ties, it can be quite hard,” she said.

After spending eight years working throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory, Nicci returned to Victoria and now works in livestock sales at Invest Inya Farmer.

Sharing passion with the public

In early 2025, Nicci attended a Red Meat Ambassador (RMA) workshop. The workshops provide professional training in community engagement, communication through media and social media, and how to build trust with consumers.

“It was really great to build my networks and be in a room full of people who have the same passion for what we do.”

Following the 2024–25 workshops, all 86 participants from across the supply chain said they were using the strategies and skills learned over the two days.

“The concept of ‘like thoughts’ was a great takeaway. Some issues can be hard to discuss with someone outside of the industry, but it helps to remember we both have the same goals, whether it’s eating healthy food or animal welfare,” Nicci said.

“Remembering we all want the same outcome is a great way to open up a productive conversation with them.”

The media training, which is provided within the workshop, has also been invaluable to Nicci.

“I do a lot of public speaking and talking with people from different backgrounds in my role, so those skills have really boosted my confidence.”

Following the announcement of the 2025−26 Red Meat Ambassador workshops, Nicci recommended joining the growing network of ambassadors across the country.

“Definitely put yourself out there and have a crack. Everybody is probably a little bit nervous, but everyone is so welcoming. You get so much out of it.”

Workshops will be held in the following locations in 2025–26: