More than 60 members of the State's beef supply chain attended an industry dinner last night to hear the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin announce a fresh approach to accelerating the growth of the beef industry.

Mr Mulherin said FutureBeef followed a detailed review of DPI&Fs' beef extension service.

"The review identified a need for an increased effort in integrating technologies that improve production and sustainability on-property as well as a need to capitalise on opportunities across the supply chain,'' Mr Mulherin said.

"It also outlined a need to utilise e-technologies and build on opportunities realised through a new partnership with Australian Agricultural Colleges.''

FutureBeef has identified key beef sectors which, if targeted, could deliver the greatest impact on the industry.

Mr Mulherin said the initiative would target responsive commercial beef production businesses and tailor extension activities to focus on privately owned and large corporately owned businesses.

"The fresh approach we are taking to the beef industry will give specific consideration to developing extension activities for 'younger' producers," he said.

"This is based on the fact that they may have a different focus and approach to information and advice."

Mr Mulherin said the growing peri-urban sector would not be forgotten and a special focus would be placed on supply chains.

FutureBeef maps out a fresh approach to meeting the current and future extension needs of the beef industry.

"As a key export-earner and custodian of the majority of the state's natural resources, the health and growth of the beef industry is vital," he said.

The appointment of the FutureBeef manager, Ms Brigid Nelson, was also announced at the function last night.

Ms Nelson, who will be based in Charters Towers, has worked extensively on research, development and extension projects within the North Queensland beef industry for 10 years.

"Maintaining a cohesive extension effort between public and private providers will be fundamental to FutureBeef's success," Ms Nelson said.

She said partnerships and collaboration were fundamental to achieving integration of technology and a whole of business and supply chain focus.