ANGUS BULLETIN autumn 2016
important dates April 1 April 4 April 13 April 30 April
Autumn calf record forms posted to members Angus National Conference Registrations open May BREEDPLAN submission deadline 2016 Membership fees due
May 1 May
May BREEDPLAN results available
2 May
Spring Inventory forms sent to members
6 May
Angus National Conference Registrations close
13 May
June BREEDPLAN submission deadline
19–20 May
Angus National Conference - Albury
30 May
Autumn Female Inventory fees due
30 May
Winter Bulletin advertisements due
June
7 July
Angus Regional Forum - Wodonga
8 July
Angus Regional Forum - Warragul
13 July
August BREEDPLAN submission deadline
19 July
Angus Regional Forum - Daylesford
20 July
Angus Regional Forum - Hamilton
21 July
Angus Regional Forum - Naracoorte
22 July
Angus Regional Forum - Hahndorf
26 July
Angus Regional Forum - Launceston
28 July
Angus Regional Forum - Perth
29 July
Nominated calving Spring females inventory fees invoiced
August 1 August
August BREEDPLAN results available
3 August
Spring calf record forms posted to members
13 August
September BREEDPLAN submission deadline
30 August
Mid-September BREEDPLAN submission deadline
1 June
June BREEDPLAN results available
13 June
July BREEDPLAN submission deadline
September
27 June
Spring Female Inventory deadline
1 Sept
September BREEDPLAN results available
29 June
Angus Regional Forum - Armidale
13 Sept
October BREEDPLAN submission deadline
16 Sept
Mid-September BREEDPLAN results available
July 1 July
July BREEDPLAN results available
1 July
Angus Regional Forum - Toowoomba
30 Sept
Spring Inventory fees due
5 July
Angus Regional Forum - Orange
30 Sept
6 July
Angus Regional Forum - Goulburn
Mid-October BREEDPLAN submission deadline
Contents autumn 2016 volume 23
14 7 8 10 11
42 Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au
Editor: Liz Pearson Layout and Design: Kristy Campion Print: Offset Alpine Printing Pty Ltd Photos used in this publication have come from many and varied sources. Staff and members of Angus Australia have provided many, others have come by way of professional photographers by request from the editor or from the advertisers.
12 14 16 20 21
22 24
26 30
Beef production that makes cents Angus Sire Benchmarking Program update Strength in Angus live export continues Angus Australia commences direct export pedigree certification The ultimate experience Kerwee keen to work with Angus producers 2016 Angus National Conference Breeders look to selling power of Angus brand 2016 Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial dominated by Angus and angus cross steers ASBP cohort 3 performance collection and analysis Angus breeders harnessing the benefits of reproductive technology Angus Youth National RoundUp wrap up Improving governance of Angus BREEDPLAN
32 34 36
Member Services report Half a million Angus animals now measured for carcase merit Black cattle opening more doors for northern NSW operators
38 38 38 39 40 41 42
45
A long way from Braidwood Deepwater Angus breeder lands in Kansas Snippets from a whirlwind trip across New Zealand Feeder market: The state of play and where to from here Cohort 7 sire nominations Big crowds and happy vendors for the Omeo Angus weaner sale 2016 From the Angus BREEDPLAN desk
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 1
2015 – The year in review Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
2015 was a positive year for producers of Angus and Angusinfluenced cattle with sustained premiums obtained across all market categories. Numerous initiatives were progressed by Angus Australia for the benefit of its members and the broader beef industry. Some of the highlights are summarised below:
Personnel During 2015, long serving senior employees Carel Teseling and Sonya Buck departed Angus Australia to pursue other career opportunities.
largely due to careful control of expenses across all operational areas, additional research and extension grants and certification of animals for export. Figure 1 shows the primary areas of expenditure in 2015.
Governance During 2015, the Angus Australia Board had meetings in February, March, April, July, September and November. Board Committees met numerous times during the year by teleconference. A constitutional ballot conducted in OctoberNovember 2015, resulted in agreement by members to modify the Board structure to include one State Elected Director from each state, three National Elected Directors and up to two Appointed Directors. Transition to this new Board structure has commenced during 2016.
Angus Australia was fortunate to recruit Diana Wood as our new Marketing and Communications Manager. Other key personnel changes included the expansion of Andrew Byrne’s role to Breed Development & Extension Manager; Christopher de Crespigny’s role expanded to Information Systems Manager; and Ron Bower’s role expanded to Administration Manager/ Accountant. In addition, Ashleigh Horne was appointed as Project Officer (Angus BREEDPLAN); Nick Butcher appointed as part-time Technical Officer (Angus Sire Benchmarking Program); Liz Roan appointed as Education Officer; and, Liz Pearson appointed as Temporary Marketing & Communications Manager (maternity leave position).
In November, the Board approved the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, incorporating feedback obtained during member consultation forums during 2015 along with input from staff and Directors.
Finance
A total of 94,178 females were retained on the female inventory in 2015 (3% lower than 2014) - see Figure 2.
Angus Australia and its controlled entities returned a surplus of $83,028 in 2015. The positive result was
Figure 1. Angus Australia expenditure
PAge 2
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Membership At the end of 2015 there were 3,632 members (3% more than 2014), including 1,012 Full Members, 30 Honorary Life Members, 457 Junior Members and 2,045 Commercial Members. During the year there were 21 members recognized with 25 years of membership and 1 member with 75 year’s membership (NGX, Bongongo Angus).
Registrations and Breed Development
Figure 2. Angus Australia female inventory
During the year a total of 72,260 calves were registered (3.7% more than 2014) including 43,480 in the Herd Book Register (HBR); 22,487 in the Angus Performance Register (APR); 4,562 in the Angus Commercial Register (ACR); 256 in the Red Angus Register (RAR); and 1,475 in the Multi Breed Register (MBR) – see Figure 3. A total of 14,328 transfers of ownership were recorded.
Figure 3. Calves recorded in each registration category
including 49% of all weight records and 59% of all carcase records. The increase in Angus Breeding Index Value among 2014 born calves was +$3.40 (+3.5%) with an average increase of +$2.74 (+3.0%) per annum over the past five years – see Figure 5.
Based on statistics compiled by the Australian Registered Breeders Association (ARCBA), Angus Australia recorded 42% of all animals recorded in the Primary Registers of British and European breeds and their derivatives in Australia in 2014; and 50% of the total number of seedstock recorded among these breeds (including Secondary Registers such as APR). High levels of performance recording continued in 2015 with 62,136 birth weights; 47,861 400-day weights; 36,311 ultrasound carcase measurements; 16,871 scrotal size measurements; 14,584 mature cow weights; and, 15,476 docility scores added to the Angus database – see Figure 4.
Figure 4. Angus performance recording
Angus breeders contributed approx. 54% of all performance records included in BREEDPLAN evaluations across all breeds in Australia during 2014,
Figure 5. Trend in Angus Breeding Index
A total of 17,771 DNA tests were conducted in 2015 for the recessive genetic conditions Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH), Contractual Arachnodactyly (CA) and Developmental Duplications (DD). As shown in Figure 6, the prevalence of carrier animals for each of these conditions has reduced substantially compared to when these conditions were initially recognised. Data collection has continued to schedule in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) and results incorporated into monthly Angus Breedplan analyses. A total of 231 sires have been included across the first 6 Cohorts of the ASBP. A total of 2,931 Zoetis HD50k/i50k DNA profiles and 2,756 GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) profiles (mainly from ASBP progeny) were added to the Angus Australia database in 2015, and the resulting genomic values integrated into Angus Breedplan EBVs. Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 3
Figure 6. Carrier frequency among HBR calves for Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH) , Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) and Developmental Duplications (DD)
Information Systems Angus Australia’s software development project progressed well during 2015 with the completion of the basic database framework and modules enabling direct export certification and the storing/ management of genomics data. During the year, Angus Australia switched all telephone and communications connections across to the National Broadband Network, resulting in enhanced performance and significant cost savings.
Export certification During 2015, export certificates were issued for 26,988 animals, mainly Category 2 heifers destined for China. Angus Australia commenced direct certification of breeding animals for export, providing cattle suppliers and exporters with improved and more comprehensive arrangements for export certification.
Marketing & Communications A total of 154 auction sales were reported to Angus Australia in 2015 with 8,103 Angus bulls sold for an average of $6,023; including a record price of $150,000 paid for Millah Murrah Kingdom K35. Angus eNews was distributed to over 3,000 email addresses each week; and, 3 issues of the Angus Bulletin were circulated to members. The Angus Australia website received an average of 15,519 visits (33,961 page views) per month. Database lookups and searches averaged 234,501 views per month. Interest in Angus Australia’s social media platforms continued to increase with 3,411 Facebook followers and 1,813 Twitter followers at the end of 2015. Angus breeders had good success at Royal Shows PAge 4
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
across Australia, including Pine Creek Angus winning the Supreme Beef Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Show with PC Kodiak 5R H130, plus the Hordern Trophy and Interbreed Breeders Group; and J & C Cheyenne H20 wining Supreme Interbreed female at the Canberra Royal Show.
Education, Extension and Youth Angus Australia continued its involvement in Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS) in 2015, providing breeding and genetics education services to members and their customers. A Breed Development Forum was conducted in Armidale in April, followed by the conduct of 9 Regional Forums across all states in June-July. A successful Angus Youth Roundup was conducted at Wodonga in January, with 150 participants. International youth scholarships were awarded in 2015 to Ellen Simpson (University of Illinois; winner of National Judging Competition); Laura Hollingworth (Semex Genetics Kansas State University Scholarship); and Kristen Fredericksen (New Zealand Exchange). Production of the monthly electronic newsletter titled “The Herd” was commenced to enhance communications among Angus Youth members.
Summary During 2015 the Angus breed enhanced its strong leadership position in the industry. Angus Australia progressed with many initiatives to provide greater levels of service to industry now and in the future. I wish to acknowledge the important contributions of the Board, State Committees, Regional Groups, staff and membership in the achievements accomplished by Angus Australia during 2015.
from the president Hugh Munro, Booroomooka Angus
A friend of mine, not in our industry, said “Angus… everywhere I turn I see Angus, what are you guys doing to get such a full exposure of Angus?” My short reply was that we have a very good product to sell. We have seen some significant developments in Angus Australia through 2015, including: • Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP): This project, with funding assistance from the MLA Donor Company, is the world’s most comprehensive beef progeny test program and is providing unique data to validate BREEDPLAN and DNA technologies. Members are encouraged to participate in this project by entering bulls into future cohorts. The staff, co-operator herd owners and bull owners are making valuable contributions for the benefit of all members and the broader industry. • Member Services: Congratulations to the staff in the Member Services Team for their great work during 2015, as summarised in the separate CEO’s report. • Angus Youth: The Youth Roundup was held in Armidale in January 2016, with outstanding numbers of participants. Many thanks are extended to the voluntary supporters and members who officiated in the instruction and guidance of the young aspiring breeders. • Breed Development: There were a number of improvements to Angus BREEDPLAN implemented during the year. Two excellent breed development forums were held during 2015. The forum conducted at Armidale in April gave attendees the opportunity to interact with researchers and academics from the University of New England. The forum conducted at Rockhampton during Beef Australia in May included a panel of respected cattlemen discussing the use of Angus in northern Australia. • Certified Angus Group (CAG P/L): The wholly owned subsidiary of Angus Australia has an exclusive license agreement with Thomas Foods International for the processing and marketing of Angus Pure and Certified Australian Angus Beef. The breed verification service conducted by CAG Pty Ltd for Angus brands is expanding well.
• Governance: The proposal to alter the Angus Australia Constitution to introduce nationally elected Directors was approved by the membership in a ballot conducted during the year. Implementation of the transition to this new governance model has now commenced with the election of Directors in 2016. • Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA): During 2015, there was considerable debate by the ARCBA Executive around Bovine Johnes Disease (BJD), contributing to changes announced in December to the national BJD management program. • Export Certification: Angus Australia commenced the independent certification of Angus breeding stock for export during 2015 under the guidance of our Strategic Projects Manager, using software developed by the Information Systems Manager and his team. • World Angus Secretariat (WAS): At the WAS meeting conducted in Mazatlan, Mexico in October, Angus Australia was granted the right to host the World Angus Forum in 2021. Although there were varying climatic conditions across Australia there have been strong market conditions for commercial cattle and this has a large bearing on the confidence of breeders in the future of the beef industry. There have been records broken in the stud and commercial sales. Commercial Angus breeders are at the forefront, with substantial premiums being paid for our great breed. The rise in gross margins for beef cattle will enable producers to catch up with maintenance programs, invest in infrastructure, bring forward pasture programs, improve their investment in genetics, expand their businesses, and perhaps retire some debt. I thank our CEO and his staff for their great efforts during the year. My thanks also particularly go to our Accountant, Ron Bower, who plays the major role in producing accurate financial statements for the Board. It has been my pleasure to be President of Angus Australia for one year and I thank the Board for their cooperation, diligence and forward thinking during this period. In closing, I wish to remind members of the importance of the sanctity of the Angus Herd Book and the need for Angus Australia to protect its intellectual property. Remember that if your herd does not make genetic progress your business will go backwards. Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 5
PAge 6
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Beef production that makes cents Annabelle Beale, Stock & Land
Western District’s Brett (Nugget) Linke, Mt Napier, buys top end Angus bulls with a focus on producing kilograms of beef at the family’s 607 hectare property, South of Hamilton. His approach has paid dividends year-on-year, with Mt Napier selling 162 autumn drop Angus steers this year, which averaged 316kg and sold for an average of $1075 per head, or 339c/kg. His run of 167 heifers averaged 296kg and $948 per head, or 321c/kg.
best return on investment.
The price is a dramatic increase on last year which averaged $729, or 222c/kg for steers, and $608, or 212c/kg, for heifers. Price comparisons to the 2014 market is even more intense with comparative weight Mt Napier steers average $577, or 185c/kg, and heifers average $473, or 164c/kg.
“Running at a high stocking rate, your calves don’t develop as big inside their mothers,” he said.
The Mt Napier herd was established 12 years ago from a nucleus of “average” females and has since grown to 350 self-replacing Angus breeders which frequently top the western district Angus weaner sales. Mr Linke began with 50 cows, which he believed were not good enough to form a self-replacing herd, so he set about chasing top-end females at dispersals and female auctions in the Western District and across the border of South Australia. “After five years I had bought enough quality breeders that I could begin to phase out the substandard cows,” he said. It has been a long and focused road for Mr Linke who in the past three years has fully established his selfreplacement herd. Growth is a key factor when selecting genetics, which he said was one trait you could rely on to give you the
“I tend to purchase bulls at the heaviest end of the sale catalogue,” he said. He aimed to select the most structural correct bulls in the top 10pc for weight of the catalogue. He estimated his stocking rate to be one-third higher than his neighbours which he attributes to reducing calving issues.
“I rarely have issues with calving and in the last 10 years I’ve only pulled one (calf from a) cow and I wouldn’t pull more than 3pc of heifers.” However, this intense farming operation requires an increase in supplement feed from June to the start of autumn. On average the females would get a bale of hay per year, however due to the dry conditions of the past 12 months that was increased to three bales. With multiple markets including live export orders, Western District weaner sales and direct contracts pulling cattle from the state at a top dollar, Mr Linke said it was a rewarding time to be an Angus breeder. Despite growing his herd to be one of the most notable in the region, he said he had more goals to produce better beef in the future. “I am happy with where I am at now but that said, the Angus breed has progressed so much in the past 10 years, you shouldn’t be satisfied with what you have got, you need to constantly reach to improve your herd,” he said.
“I look at weight gained from birth to sale date that is one figure that doesn’t lie,” Brett Linke, Mt Napier
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 7
Angus Sire benchmarking program update Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) is a major initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir. The objectives of the ASBP are: 1. Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes and female reproduction. 2. Generate data for the validation and refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN. 3. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development. To meet the project objectives Angus Australia aims to join an average of 40 sires a year to approximately 2,000 Angus cows to achieve a minimum of 25 progeny (50:50 steers and heifers) per sire using the fixed time AI program supported by Vetoquinol and using the Cue-Mate devices. The Angus cows are located across several commercial focussed co-operator herds spanning Northern to Southern New South Wales and Victoria. The Angus sires that enter the ASBP are nominated by Angus Australia members. A list of all 230 bulls that have entered the ASBP so far can be viewed in the catalogues listing page on the Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au). Their progeny are comprehensively performance recorded for calving ease, growth, temperament, heifer reproduction, structure, feed efficiency, abattoir carcase and beef quality attributes. The first joining of the ASBP occurred in the spring of 2010 (known as cohort 1) with the project now planning for the joining of cohort 7 in the spring of 2016.
Following is an update on each of the active, in-progress cohorts of the ASBP. The data collection and analysis phases of cohorts 1 to 3 have been completed. The results are available from the ASBP section on the Angus Australia website by way of the Progeny Performance reports for each cohort. This report includes BREEDPLAN EBVs and, for an indication of how the sire progeny perform within the ASBP, progeny averages and rankings.
Cohort 1: Complete • Joining occurred in 2010 involving 35 Angus sires to 1,640 Angus cows across 5 co-operator herds. This cohort produced approximately 900 progeny from fixed time AI. The full data collection phase for this cohort was completed in early 2014.
Cohort 2: Complete • Joining occurred in 2011 involving 47 Angus sires to 2,336 Angus cows across 5 co-operator herds. This cohort produced approximately 1,250 progeny from fixed time AI. The full data collection phase for this cohort was completed in early 2015.
Cohort 3: Complete • Joining occurred in 2012 involving 40 Angus sires to 2,306 Angus cows across 5 co-operator herds. This cohort produced approximately 1,200 progeny from fixed time AI. The data collection phase for this cohort was completed in early 2016. • See page 22 for further information on the outcomes from cohort 3.
Cohort 4: In Progress • Joining occurred in 2013 involving 21 Angus sires to 1,209 Angus cows across 3 co-operator herds. This cohort produced approximately 600 progeny from fixed time AI.
ASBP cohort 5 weaners at co-operator herd Pearsby Hall, Delungra, NSW.
PAge 8
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
• The steers are currently progressing through Tullimba feedlot for feed efficiency testing. Two mobs (of approximately 100 steers each) have completed their testing and have been transferred to Rangers Valley for the completion of their 270 day feeding program. The third and final mob for this cohort (of 81 steers) is currently in Tullimba and due to complete testing in mid-May 2016. The Net Feed Intake (NFI) results for this cohort will be included in the June 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis. • All steers are carcase ultrasound scanned on induction and exit from Tullimba. They are also muscle scored and structurally assessed at this time. • The cohort 4 heifers were joined naturally in spring 2015 as yearlings. The pregnancy scanning of all three mobs (of approximately 100 heifers each) have revealed an 86%, 92% and 88% conception rates based on a 7, 8 and 9 week joining respectively. Full reproductive performance will be known when the heifers calve down at two years of age this spring. • All cohort 4 heifers have also been recently carcase ultrasound scanned on-farm.
Cohort 5: In Progress
feedlot from late winter 2016, with the heifers being joined this spring.
Cohort 6: In Progress • Joining occurred in 2015 involving 41 new Angus sires joined to 2,556 females (including 202 yearling heifers) across 7 co-operator herds. • The overall conception rate to AI (utilising the Cue-Mates and the Vetoquinol 3 event fixed time AI protocol with one round of insemination) was 53.1% across the 7 co-operator herds. • As expected, there was a wide range in conception outcomes when comparing herds and mobs within herds. The highest conception rate for an individual co-operator herd was 62% with several others achieving rates close to 60%. • It is predicted that cohort 6 will produce approximately 1,300 progeny with calving to commence in June 2016.
Cohort 7: Planning In Progress • Sire nominations for cohort 7 are currently open. • The fixed time AI program is scheduled to commence in September 2016. • See page 41 for additional information on sire nominations for cohort 7. For further details on the ASBP visit the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au
• Joining occurred in 2014 involving 46 Angus sires to 2,634 Angus cows across 7 co-operator herds. This cohort produced approximately 1,300 For all ASBP related questions contact: Christian Duff 0457 457 141 progeny from fixed time AI. • Five of the seven mobs in this cohort have been christian@angusaustralia.com.au weaned and the relevant data Progression Summary of the ASBP - as at 1 April 2016 collected including ASBP Cohort weights, docility scores and a vial of 1 2 3 4 5 6 blood (10mm) for Sire Nominations high volume and quality DNA. Joining - FTAI • The weaning, Birth - Bwt, GL, CE docility and In Molecular Breeding Weaning - Wt, Docility, DNA Progress Value (MBV) data Ultrasound Scan In for the weaners Progress Steers & Heifers processed so far was In included in the May Net Feed Intake Progress 2016 BREEDPLAN Abattoir Carcase - Kill and analysis. • The final two mobs MSA Grade data are scheduled to be Meat Science - Shear Force, IMF weaned in April. In Heifer Fertility Progress • The steers are scheduled to start Structure, muscle & coat In Progress entering Tullimba scores
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
7 In Progress
PAge 9
Strength in Angus Live Export Continues Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
2015 proved a strong year for the demand of Angus breeding animals for live export markets, particularly China, with 26,988 exported overall and 25,634 of these to the China market.
2016 is also looking like it will be a significant year for live Angus exports with approximately 16,000 heifers, all for the China market, being pedigree certified for export to the end of March 2016.
Additionally for 2015:
The trend in the heifer export market, coupled with the recent large shipments of Angus and Angus infused steers for the Russian market, shows that live export is becoming imbedded as a consistent marketing option and providing additional strong competition for Angus cattle in southern Australia.
• Angus heifers were 99.4% of the exports with the balance being Angus bulls for the Russian market. • Approximately 15% of the heifers exported were classed Category 1 (i.e. 3 generations of pedigree on the sire and dam side) and 85% category 2 (by known registered Angus sires with 3 generations of pedigree). • Seven Australian licenced export organisations facilitated the sourcing and export of the Angus breeding animals.
The export numbers are based on the Angus cattle pedigree certified via the internationally recognised Angus Australia pedigree database. For further information on Angus export, please refer to the Export section of the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au 2015 proved another strong year for Angus heifer export to China
PAge 10
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Angus Australia Commences Direct Export Pedigree Certification Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
Angus Australia has recently commenced direct pedigree certification of Angus breeding stock as a service for the Australia export sector. This service is critical in several markets that import Angus breeding animals such as China, Russia and Kazakhstan. Pedigree certification is an important part of the export pathway as it allows the importers to access government support such as reduced import tariffs or access to subsidised leasing agreements. Angus Australia has historically worked with third party organisations to produce export pedigree certificates for Australian Angus breeding cattle. Angus Australia can now provide direct export pedigree certification due to the appointment of dedicated staffing resources and the development of software systems crucial to providing this service in an efficient manner. Angus Australia export certification provides: 1. Comprehensive and independent quality assurance checks (e.g. pedigree, ownership, identification) from the Angus Australia database to underpin and maintain the integrity of the certification process. 2. Provision of export pedigree certificates which
are formally endorsed and supported by Angus Australia. 3. Angus Australia registration of both Category 1 and Category 2 export heifers. Category 2 heifers are specifically registered in the Angus Australia pedigree database (i.e. Angus Performance Register) supporting the authenticity of the pedigree certificates. Angus Australia has developed a range of resources related to the export pedigree certification service, such as the Angus Australia Export Standards (English, Russian and Mandarin versions) and an Export Certification Check List – For Producers and Stock Agents. All resources are available from the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au from the Export menu item.
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 11
The Ultimate Experience
Kate Fairlie, 2014 University of Illinois Scholarship Recipient
The ultimate experience would be the best way to describe my 16 week semester spent at the University of Illinois. This scholarship offered me more opportunities than I could have ever imaged. After the completion of the 2015 Angus Youth National Round Up it was time to gear up for a 17 hour flight into Dallas and then on to Champaign-Urbana. Getting through the minor hic-cups that occurred on the way, I finally made it into Champaign-Urbana, a little later than expected. Staying at 4H House was exceptional and my inclusion in all the house activities made transitioning into the American lifestyle a little easier. The first couple of days consisted of tours of the historical university (which was huge), signing up for lectures and getting my bearings around the beautiful town. The university offers a large variety of subjects to students but, unlike Australia, when studying agriculture at the University of Illinois you are able to major/minor in areas such as animal science, crop science, business, education, communication and engineering, which all come under the banner of Agricultural Science. During my time at the University of Illinois all my classes came under Animal Science, which comprised of meat animal evaluation, meat and muscle biology, sheep production and livestock judging. I had the opportunity to experience these amazing subjects, while gaining an insight into the American
PAge 12
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
agricultural sector. I spent the majority of my time with the University of Illinois livestock judging team. From the long practice sessions in state and interstate farm tours, to the late night hotel lobby practice sessions and early starts, in the end it was worth every moment. Competitions were based all over the US, from Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma and Iowa. The team was made up of seven students, two livestock coaches and another two coaches when it came to the National Meat Animal Competition. As a team not only did we train and compete together, but we also organised the FFA and 4H Illinois State judging competition, where there were easily 600 youth in attendance. The overall judging competition structure is different to how judging competitions are run in Australia. At the end of the day both structures teach and train the eye of youth in selecting livestock, whether for breeding
purposes or meat evaluations. I found the competitions in the US more competitive and larger in size and selection. We were judging cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Since returning to Australia I have been asked multiple times what was the highlight of my trip and to be honest the whole trip was an experience in itself. My favourite competition was the National Meat Animal judging, based in Still Water, Oklahoma in 2015. This competition went over three days and consisted of feeder cattle selection, breeding animal placings, keep/cull classes, carcase judging, pricing and communications. This competition focused on both seedstock and commercial livestock industries and I found it to be the most relatable to selecting livestock in Australia.
Feeding cows at local property
I would like to thank 4H House for hosting me throughout the semester as well as Dan Shike for organising this experience whilst based at the University of Illinois. Thanks to the livestock coaches Parker Henley, Chris Cassady and Katelyn HarlowJones for coaching the meats section and sharing
their knowledge with the team. A massive thank you to Angus Australia and Angus Youth for running and sponsoring this scholarship. I highly recommend this scholarship, as you will learn a great deal and meet some amazing people in the US.
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 13
Kerwee keen to work with Angus producers Steve Martin, General Manager Feedlot Operations, Kerwee Lot Feeders Pty Ltd
Stockyard is part of the Kerwee Group of companies, a family business established by Robin Hart A.M. in 1958. The group owns and operates an 11,100 head registered feedlot, grain and pasture properties that supply the feedlot, and a marketing and distribution company focussed on high value markets throughout the world. 100% of current feedlot occupancy is devoted to the Stockyard brands, of which around 50% is long fed Angus. The Hart family were pioneers in the chilled grain fed beef trade to Japan in the early 1970’s. Stockyard established itself as a leading high quality long fed brand in Japan, with long term supply relationships exceeding 35 years. The demand for high quality beef has now extended well beyond the Japanese market, and today Stockyard includes in its key markets; Taiwan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and the USA. Demand currently exceeds supply and despite growing the Angus program by 40 percent in the past 12 months, the company has ambitions for further growth. Stockyard’s target customers vary from market to market for example, in Japan, key markets are large and small retail outlets and home delivery companies. In the Middle East and Asia, target markets are high end food service, fine dining and specialised retailers. Stockyard strives to be the most reputable producer and global supplier of superior branded Australian beef. Stockyard brands have been a regular recipient of awards at national branded beef competitions over the last 20 years. To capitalise on this success Kerwee
PAge 14
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
feedlot are looking to increase partnerships with professional producers, ensuring quality continues to underpin the Stockyard brand and allowing them to expand the feedlot programs to meet customer demand. Having long feeding programs and a value Steve Martin, General Manager based production Feedlot Operations, Kerwee Lot Feeders Pty Ltd model, Kerwee maintains performance by securing reputable supply, in return providing valuable feeding and carcase data feedback to facilitate continued genetic improvement. Kerwee purchases only vendor bred or backgrounded cattle by direct paddock consignment with a known vaccination history and preferably bunk trained from weaning. Target specifications for the Stockyard brand at slaughter are as follows: • • • • •
MSA graded Greater than 75% Angus content Carcase weight above 400kgs Meat colour 1B-C Marbling 2 plus
These are met by selecting for the Angus grain-fed indexed traits. Kerwee needs to maintain throughput 52 weeks of
the year to ensure supply to their long term customer base. They have a strong track record as a consistent purchaser of Angus cattle through good and bad times. Their strategy is proven by the length of trade relationships and insatiable demand for their long fed product. To work together with suppliers, Kerwee use forward pricing and basis contracts as well as agistment arrangements to secure trade when markets become variable. They offer flexibility in the timing of delivery or modified grid weights and can also help provide vaccines for contracted cattle to best prepare cattle for feedlot entry. The Kerwee group is actively looking at expansion possibilities and would like to develop further supply relationships with forward thinking Angus breeders.
Stockyard strives to be the most reputable producer and global supplier of superior branded Australian beef.
Formation of Member Consultative Committees Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
As a member based organisation, Angus Australia values feedback and input from members to assist in developing strategies and programs to enhance and promote the value of Angus. Feedback has traditionally been obtained from a variety of sources including Angus Australia’s Board of Directors, Angus Australia’s Board Committees, organised member meetings (e.g. State Committee meetings, Angus Regional Forums), and direct communication from members. Recognising the importance of member engagement, Angus Australia has initiated the formation of a number of new consultative committees aiming to provide a more formal, structured mechanism for Angus Australia to obtain feedback from the membership. Initially, the consultative committees will include: • Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee This committee will communicate and represent the views and requirements of Angus Australia members in relation to the operation, implementation of improvements, and future development needs of Angus BREEDPLAN. • Angus Youth Consultative Committee This committee will communicate and represent the views and requirements of Angus Youth members with relation to the operation of the Angus Youth program. Replacing the previous Angus Youth Management Committee, this committee will also provide opportunities for
Angus Youth members to develop their leadership qualities and skills. • Angus Sire Benchmarking Project Consultative Committee The existing consultative committee for the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project will continue. This committee will provide guidance in developing policies, strategies and plans relating to the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project. Calls for expressions of interest to participate in each committee, including details of the Terms of Reference for each committee, will be circulated to members during May, with the members of each committee expected to be announced before the end of June. It is important to note the consultative committees have not been formed as policy decision making bodies and the Board of Directors’ role remains unchanged in this capacity. The committees may however make policy recommendations for consideration by the Angus Australia Board of Directors.
For further information, please contact: Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee Andrew Byrne - 02 6773 4618 Angus Youth Consultative Committee Alice Lodge - 02 6773 4608 Angus Sire Benchmarking Project Consultative Committee Christian Duff - 02 6773 4620 Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 15
Angus national conferencE - Albury, 19 - 20 May converting opportunity to PRofit Liz Roan, Education Officer
The Venue
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
Planning has begun in earnest for the upcoming Angus National Conference. The 2016 Angus National Conference is being held in picturesque Albury-Wodonga. Situated along both sides of the spectacular Murray River, Albury-Wodonga is a twin city with Albury, on the north side, located in NSW and Wodonga, on the South bank, located in Victoria. With lots to see and do, members may like to extend their conference trip by a couple of days and use the weekend to do some local sight-seeing.
We are very excited by the line-up of speakers that we have planned for our members, and will list just a few here to whet your appetite and give you a taste of what to expect.
Albury-Wodonga borders the Murray River and sits on the South West Slopes of NSW.
The venue chosen to host our event is the Albury Commercial Club, 618 Dean Street, Albury NSW 2640. The recently renovated club has a large number of rooms and can cater for up to 550 people. Information about the Albury Commercial Club can be found by visiting their website www.commercialclubalbury.com.au.
The PROGRAM The program boasts an impressive line-up of highlevel speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds. Sessions will cover topics in the areas of Market Opportunities, High Quality Beef Production, Embracing Technology and Product Branding. Sessions will run across two days at a relaxed pace, with ample time allowed for refreshments and socialising between sessions. Various trade stands will also run throughout the conference with many opportunities for networking and interaction with other producers and industry service providers. PAge 16
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Ben Thomas, MLA Ben Thomas is the Market Information Manager at MLA, where he has been employed since 2012. Ben’s responsibilities include writing the quarterly beef and lamb industry projections, along with regular market analysis. Prior to working for MLA Ben completed a cadetship with Twynam Agricultural Group and spent two years working on a Canadian cattle farm. He has a Bachelor of Rural Science from the University of New England. Tracey Monaghan, McDonald’s Tracey Monaghan is currently the Senior Director of Supply Chain for McDonald’s Australia. She joined the company as a Quality Assurance Manager in 1998, having already established a career in food technology and quality assurance working for food production businesses. Progressing through the ranks of the Supply Chain team, in 2009, Tracey was promoted to Director of Quality Assurance for Australia and New Zealand. In this role she was responsible for leading the Quality Assurance team, ensuring restaurants are supplied with safe food that meets McDonald’s stringent requirements. She also focused on developing and implementing sustainable supply chain strategies. This involved working very closely and cooperatively with suppliers to make improvements at all points of the food supply chain, from production to processing and distribution. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Tracey was a food
technologist and production manager at Alexander’s Chocolates and worked in quality assurance for General Foods in Ireland. Tracey holds tertiary qualifications in Food Science and Technology from the Dublin Institute of Technology. Pat McEntee, Woolworths Pat McEntee has been with Woolworths since 1987 and is the Director of Woolworths Meat Company. He is responsible for the strategic development, buying, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing of the end to end meat operation. Pat began his career as a butcher before joining Woolworths as the Meat Manager at the Camden store and quickly progressed through a number of senior roles including State Merchandise Manager for Meat in NSW, National Manager Delicatessen and Seafood and the National Merchandise Manager for Meat. Pat was then promoted to General Manager of Fresh Foods for Woolworths which included fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, smallgoods, delicatessen, bakery, seafood and chilled dairy. Most recently Pat returned from New Zealand where he held the role of Managing Director for Progressive Enterprises (Woolworths New Zealand). Throughout his career Pat has been attributed with adding considerable value through innovation, building and leading world class teams and developing long term partnerships with Australia’s best producers and manufacturing companies. Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol Sophia Edwards is the technical specialist for reproduction at Vetoquinol (Bioniche Animal Health Aust/Asia). Sophia completed her PhD and postdoctoral research fellowship at the School of Veterinary Science working with increasing the adoption of AI in northern Australian beef herds. She has published many papers on fixed-time artificial insemination in Bos indicus heifers. Growing up on a stud and commercial beef
cattle enterprise in NSW, it is not uncommon to find Sophia in the field. Sophia is actively involved and has a high interest in the economic benefits and the practical aspects of using artificial reproduction in beef cattle herds. Sophia can be found facilitating large fixed-time artificial insemination programs in north western QLD and smaller intensive programs in southern NSW. Don Mackay, Rangers Valley Don Mackay is Managing Director of Rangers Valley Pty Ltd Australia’s leading grain feeding and beef marketing business. Rangers Valley is one of Australia’s largest feedlots (33,250 head) focused on longfed Angus, Coles Finest Angus and also Wagyu production. They sell a range of high quality branded beef products into more than 20 countries. Rangers Valley has won 4 consecutive Gold Medals for its Wagyu beef and recently won a Gold Medal at the World Steak Challenge in London for its “Black Market” Angus brand. Before Rangers Valley, Don was Managing Director of Australia’s largest beef cattle business, Australian Agricultural Co. Ltd (AA Co.), for 9 years. Don has a number of other corporate roles including Chairman of B&W Rural Pty Ltd, and is a Director of Seymour Whyte Ltd and also NT cattle producer Thames Pastoral Co. Don is the immediate past President of The Australian Lotfeeders Association and past Director of the Red Meat Advisory Council. In 2001 Don was awarded the Centenary Medal by the Prime Minister for Distinguished service to primary industry.
Panel session One of highlights of this year’s conference will be the panel session at the end of the second day, titled Opportunities and challenges for producers of high quality beef. This session will give our delegates an opportunity to interact, discuss topics and ask questions from a panel comprised of industry experts. So if you have any burning questions about marketing, branding or even production opportunities, then at this session, you will have access to the experts to answer your questions. Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 17
AGM and MEMBERS Forum
The Quest Hotel
At the end of the first day’s speaking session, Angus Australia will hold its Annual General Meeting and Members Forum from 4:30-5:30pm. All current financial members are welcome to attend.
The Quest Hotel is another 4-star hotel, with two options nearby, one on Townsend St and one on Kiewa St, centrally located in the Albury CBD. Both hotels are just a short walk to the Commercial Club. Quest have provided a range of rates, depending on the number of people occupying a room.
dinner Pre-dinner drinks, generously sponsored by Zoetis, will kick off the evening’s festivities at 6:30pm on Thursday evening. This will be followed by a two course sit down meal. Of course, no Angus conference dinner would be complete without delicious Certified Australian Angus Beef - so beef will be on the menu. While we dine on a beautifully prepared meal, guest dinner speaker, Jason Strong, CEO of AA Co, will guide us on the journey that AA Co underwent as they transitioned from a simple Pastoral Company into a modern beef business.
Bookings phone (02) 6058 0900
The Quest hotel Room rates
Room Type
Bedding Config
no. of people
Nightly room rate
Studio Suite
1 x Split King
2
$140
One Bedroom Apartment
1 x Split King
2
$145
Two Bedroom Apartment
2 Split King
4
$280
Conference scholarships There are two scholarships available valued at $1,500 each for Angus Australia members between the ages of 18 and 30 to attend the Angus National Conference. Details can be found at www.angusyouth.org/angus-national-conferencescholarships Applications for the scholarships opened on 7 March.
FLights Three airlines fly into Albury: REX, Qantas and Virgin. On all airlines, an early booking will result in a cheaper airfare. To book online, the following websites are available: www.rex.com.au www.qantas.com www.virginaustralia.com
accommodation options Delegates attending the National Conference are asked to arrange their own accommodation. However, Angus Australia have managed to secure great discount rates at two hotels close to the Commercial Club. To take advantage of the discounted rates ensure you state that you are attending the Angus National Conference. Atura Albury Atura Albury a 4-star hotel located at 648 Dean Street, directly opposite the Commercial Club. Room rates for delegates start at $139 per night. Bookings phone Ash (02) 6021 5366 PAge 18
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
COST Costs to attend the conference have been kept low via generous donations from our sponsors. Registration prices are shown below and are inclusive of GST.
Member
NonMember*
Day 1 sessions only
$60
$90
Conference Dinner
$60
$60
Day 2 sessions only
$60
$90
Full 2-day package including Dinner
$150
$210
Event
* If any non-members wish to join as a commercial member first, they will then be eligible for member rates. Cost to become a Commercial member is $88 p.a. (GST inclusive). Please note that Angus Youth Members will receive a 30% discount on their booking.
website & registration Registrations for the conference open 4 April and can be made via an online form.
on
To access the registration application please visit the conference website: conference.angusaustralia.com.au To register by phone contact Amanda Wolfe at Angus Australia prior to 6 May on 02 6773 4606.
Angus national conferencE program outline Day 1 - Thursday 19 May
platinum sponsor
commercial partner
9:00am – 10:15am Morning tea & Registration, trade displays open 10:15am Welcome and opening address
Session 1 10:30am – 12:30pm Market opportunities for beef producers Ben Thomas, MLA - Australian beef cattle market forecast Sam Brown, LiveCorp - Prospects for live exports of beef breeding stock Ciaran O’Gorman, AuctionsPlus - Opportunities from online livestock selling 12:30pm – 1:40pm Lunch and view trade displays
Session 2 1:40pm – 3:40pm Embracing technology Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol - Success with fixed time artificial breeding Don MacKay, Rangers Valley - From paddock to plate: producing the world’s best steak Wylie Wettenhall, Austrex - Opportunities and requirements for export of breeding cattle to China 3:40pm – 4:20pm Afternoon tea & trade displays 4:30pm – 5:30pm AGM and members forum 6:30pm – 7:30pm Pre-dinner drinks (served in the trade display area) 7:30pm – 10:00pm Dinner - Guest Speaker, Jason Strong, AA Co. Transformation of a pastoral company to a modern beef business
gold sponsor
silver sponsor
bronze sponsors
trade sponsors
Day 2 - Friday 20 May 8:00am – 8:30am
Tea and coffee, light snacks and view trade displays
Session 3 8:30am – 9:50am Production opportunities Stuart Johnston, Paraway Pastoral - Producing high quality beef at Paraway Pastoral Company John Langbridge, Teys Australia - Moving towards value-based marketing in the beef industry 9:50am – 10:30am Morning tea and view trade displays
Session 4 10:30am – 12:30pm Success with brands Richard Norton, MLA - Initiatives to assist the domestic and international marketing of Australian beef Tracey Monaghan, McDonald's - Success of the Angus brand at McDonalds Pat McEntee, Woolworths - The role of brands for the marketing of beef at Woolworths 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch and view trade displays
Session 5 1:30pm –2:50pm 2:50pm – 3:00pm
Discussion panel and audience Q&A Closing remarks
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 19
Breeders look to selling power oF the Angus brand Shan Goodwin, Fairfax Group Beef Writer
Nearly every major processor in Australia now has an Angus brand in their product range, hundreds of restaurants have labelled Angus on their menus and most wholesalers and butchers have ensured they also have at least one branded offering. Consumers want Angus on their plates and ask for it by name, such is the modern-day marketing power of the breed. Talk to the industry leaders at the forefront of that brand juggernaut and it’s clear it is founded on the ability of Angus cattle producers in Australia to provide consistent volume at the high level of quality required. Don Mackay, Managing Director of NSW-based operation Rangers Valley which developed the award-winning Angus brands Black Onyx and Black Market, said the key to successful beef brands was delivering something unique, consistently. “We are supplying white tablecloth restaurants and for the people who are their customers, price is not the main consideration but rather the fact it is high quality every time,” he said. “A brand must deliver something and it has to be lived up to every single time. “Customers are too smart for just giving something a fancy name.” Why Angus at Rangers Valley? “Number one, there is volume available,” Mr Mackay said. “And number two - Angus provides the best genetics for doing this - high levels of marbling fed for a long time. “The breed has done a terrific amount of work on developing traits around growth and marbling.” Angus Australia Marketing Manager Diana Wood said recent Angus brand launches had come from both large processors and small producer-owned businesses and the majority of Angus brands in Australia were having a lot of success. “You only need to look at the results being achieved in competitions like the Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards or the World Steak Awards, where Angus brands are regular winners,” she said. “Angus has a reputation for producing high-quality beef and that is driving consumer demand.” “The international success of Angus brands has had a huge impact on the cattle industry.” PAge 20
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Consumers want Angus on their plates and ask for it by name.
“It’s flowing back to the commercial and seedstock industries as buyers are being asked to source more and more Angus cattle. “This level of demand is driven by the fact Angus breeders are able to provide not only the numbers required by the processors but the quality.” Certified Angus Group (CAG) owns the two most prominent Angus brands in the country CAAB (Certified Australian Angus Beef) and Angus Pure. Chief Executive Kate Brabin said the eating quality of Angus had gone hand-in-hand with Australia’s evergrowing reputation for producing clean, green beef to drive demand for branded product. CAG is an independently managed company wholly owned by members of Angus Australia and CAAB, established in 1996, is Australia’s most awarded brand of beef. In the first half of 2015, an exclusive supply deal was struck between CAG and the largest entirely Australian-owned meat processing company Thomas Foods International. Since then, sales of CAAB and Angus Pure product had increased, with particularly strong growth in global markets like Korea and Saudi Arabia, Ms Brabin said. “We’ve also seen new international markets such as China open” she said. “We’ve been able to tap into the fantastic job Meat and Livestock Australia is doing in those markets of promoting Australian beef with its true aussie branding.” “That’s a big part of the conversation we are having there and Angus fits perfectly with the concept.” Domestic sales had also increased under the Thomas Foods International arrangement, she said.
2016 Beef Spectacular Feedback trial dominated by angus and angus cross steers Liz Pearson, Marketing & Communications Manager
Angus and Angus cross cattle in the 2016 Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial have left their stable mates for dead, dominating the top rankings in all areas of feedlot performance, carcase attributes, branded beef specifications and overall performance for the pen of 5 steers competition. The results speak for themselves with Angus and Angus cross cattle taking out 8 of the top 10 rankings for overall performance and 11 of a possible 12 placing’s across the remaining categories. This year the competition drew 360 steers from 45 individual producers across NSW and Victoria. Teys Australia General Manager Feedlots, Grant Garey, Brisbane QLD said, "it was great to see this trial so well supported by Angus producers with around 80% of steers entered being Angus or Angus cross". Considering the strong prices for feeder steers at the time of entry, the organisers were very pleased with the level of support from producers. 19 different breeds and crosses entered the feedlot on 17 September 2015 and remained on feed until 7 January 2016, completing a 112 day program. As is the preferred standard at the feedlot, all steers were vaccinated with Bovilis MH+IBR three weeks prior to feedlot entry and then received their booster shot at induction into the feedyard.
Entry weight specification for this competition were 320kg to 460kg. The competition steers averaged an entry weight of 397kg, with 96% of these steers achieving the correct specifications at induction. Teys Australia, Jindalee Feedlot manager Shane Bullock, Stockinbingal NSW was very pleased with the performance of the competition steers, achieving an average daily gain of 2.25kg while maintaining mortality and morbidity rates below the industry average. All of the steers on feed in this competition were destined for one or all of the Teys Australia brands; Riverine Premium, Teys Certified Premium Black Angus or Riverine Classic. At the time of slaughter, 74% were compliant for carcase performance, with 15% at the optimum level. The average yield for the group was 56.2%. Saleable meat yield averaged at 69.2% with the majority of the group in Teys boning group 6. There are 5 key criteria that steers and producers were evaluated on. These were average daily gain, carcase yield, eating quality, marbling and overall performance as a combination of all indicators. These indicators are coupled with the education process of correctly completing paperwork and complying with industry standards.
2016 BEEF SPECTACULAR FEEDBACK TRIAL RESULTS Overall Performance Placing
Grand Champion Pen: B & KK Lamoureux - Angus cross Reserve Champion: RB & KK Lamoureux - Angus cross 3rd: Coota Park Blue E - Angus cross 4th: Coota Park Blue E - Angus cross 7th: Minnamurra Pastoral Company - Angus cross 8th: TJ Pierce & KM McConvlle - Angus cross 9th: Bungeeltap Pty Ltd - Angus cross 10th: Waverley Run F069 - Angus cross
Carcase
1st: Minnamurra Past Co - Angus cross 2nd: TJ Pierce & KM McConville - Angus cross 3rd: RB & KK Lamoureux - Angus cross
Feedlot Performance
2nd: Coota Park Blue E - Angus cross 3rd: Southern Cross Grazing - Angus cross
Riverine Premium Beef Champions
Champion: Minnamurra Past Co - Angus Cross Reserve Champion: Bryce Miller - Angus
Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Champions
Champion: Bungeeltap Pty Ltd - Angus cross Reserve Champion: Waverley Run - Angus
Riverine Classic Beef Champions
Champion: Southern Cross Grazing - Angus cross Reserve Champion: TJ Pierce & KM McConville - Angus cross
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 21
ASBP Cohort 3 Performance Collection and Analysis Completed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The collection of the full suite of performance data for the Cohort 3 progeny of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has recently been completed. This included abattoir carcase grading outcomes and meat science laboratory results for the Cohort 3 steers, and fertility information for the Cohort 3 heifers. The results are available from the ASBP section on the Angus Australia website by way of updated Progeny Performance reports. This report, available for each ASBP cohort, includes BREEDPLAN EBVs, progeny averages and sire rankings. The latest BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes for the Cohort 3 sires are also available from the Angus Australia website through the interactive online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. A summary of the top performing sires from Cohort 3 are tabled on the following page. This table lists the top 10 Cohort 3 sires for the Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a range of Progeny average values from birth to slaughter based on their progeny within the ASBP. For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au As background, the ASBP steers entered the University of New England’s Tullimba Research feedlot at around 450kg average liveweight with most steers being in the 400kg to 500 kg range. They were on feed for approximately 100 days at Tullimba undergoing Net Feed Intake testing, before being relocated to Rangers Valley Feedlot, Glen Innes for an additional 170 days to complete a total feeding period of 270 days.
Utilising the 270 day feeding period has several benefits in relation to genetic evaluation for carcase traits including: • Maximising the variation and expression of the carcase traits, particularly marbling. • Beef CRC research has shown that there was no re-ranking of sires for carcase traits, such as marbling, when progeny are finished on pasture or grain and slaughtered at different carcase weight end-points. The Beef CRC research did show greater expression of genetic differences when animals were finished on grain and slaughtered at heavier carcase weights. • Ability to measure the steers on several occasions in the feeding period to further investigate the relationship between the carcase traits at different time points. For example all ASBP steers are ultrasound scanned at feedlot induction, again at Tullimba feedlot exit after 100 days, and then direct carcase measurements taken at slaughter following the full 270 day feeding period. Additionally, the natural joining outcomes on over 350 Cohort 3 yearling mated heifers (i.e. siblings of the steers) have also been collated and analysed to produce updated Days to Calving EBVs for the Cohort 3 sires. This involves measuring the days from the heifer’s first exposure to natural joining (i.e. bull in date) until to the day the heifer calved. If a heifer was exposed and does not conceive or calve then a penalty record is applied. For all ASBP related questions contact: Christian Duff 0457 457 141 christian@angusaustralia.com.au
The carcase data collection and analysis for the Cohort 3 steers has been completed.
PAge 22
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
A 2 year old Cohort 3 heifer from sire Blackrock F3 and her calf from natural mating.
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 23
37.5
SMPF195
NURG20
TFAF3
BCHE11
SJKF148
NZCF80
EUDF0066
CGKE9
WMYF3
USA16396573
QPDF24
Sire
NORF857
282.6
280.9
280.9
280.6
280.6
280.5
280.4
280.1
279.1
279.0
278.9
278.4
467.2
BCHE11
USA16873429
WGMF195
SJKF148
NMMF159
VLYG1730
NZE14738007774
NHZF493
NURG20
BSCF73
Sire
WLHG40
NMMG18
DBLF4
WJMF96
NBBG117
NGMF510
NHZF493
NZE1036
NURG20
USA16873429
Sire
199.9
204.4
205
205.2
205.9
205.9
206.2
207.5
207.7
208.3
209.6
200 day Wt (kg)
88.2
91.7
92.0
92.0
92.1
92.2
93.3
94.0
94.5
95.9
Carcase EMA (cm2) 96.1
WJMF96
NJWF189
WMYF3
NGMF510
BSCF73
NZE1036
NHZF493
NURG20
EUDF0066
NBHF526
Sire
NZE21095009E38
USA16873429
NURG20
NHZF493
NGMF510
DGJF27
NZCF80
NORF857
DBLF4
NHZF1023
Sire
536.4
551.2
551.3
555.2
555.5
557.5
558.3
558.7
560.7
561.4
565.9
600 day Wt (kg)
10.0
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.7
12.0
12.0
12.1
12.6
13.3
13.8
Carcase IMF (%)
NZE10285
QPDF24
VLYG1730
QBVA020
NZEB11
NZCF80
NZE14738007774
WLHG60
USA16396573
DGJG19
Sire
NZE21095009E38
CGKE9
NHZF493
NGMF510
NURG20
USA16873429
NORF857
NHZF1023
NZCF80
DBLF4
Sire
302.4
298.7
297.7
297.5
296.8
295.7
294.1
293.2
292.4
290.5
290.1
DTC (days)
503.8
536.2
542.2
545.8
551.2
552.0
563.0
567.8
572.8
588.6
669.7
MSA Marble Score
SJKF148
WJMF96
NURG20
NORF340
NBBG117
DGJF27
WLHG40
NJWF189
SJVG10
NGMF510
Sire
NGMF510
BCHE11
VLYG1730
USA16873429
NURG20
NHZF493
NZCF80
NORF857
NHZF1023
DBLF4
Sire
‐2.8
‐3.2
‐3.3
‐3.4
‐3.4
‐3.4
‐3.4
‐3.5
‐3.5
‐3.7
‐3.7
NFI‐f (kg/day)
65.0
65.6
65.6
65.7
65.7
65.8
65.9
66.0
66.0
66.5
67.0
MSA Index
For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au)
Av. (40 Cohort 3 Sires)
36.5
WMYF3
36.3
36.2
36.2
36.5
NZEB11
7
36.0
BSCF73
USA16396573
6
35.5
10
NORF266
5
35.1
34.8
WJMF96
QPDF24
4
NBBG117
WLHG60
3
34.3
9
NORF340
2
34.1
8
DGJF27
1
GL (days)
Birth Wt (kg)
Sire
+104
Av. (40 Cohort 3 Sires)
Rank
451.4
+122
468.9
470.9
473
474.1
EUDF0066
NZE1036
BSCF73
SJKF148
NMMF159
475.8
10
+127
+127
+131
+133
NURG20
476.1
BSCF73
6
+135
NJWF189
476.3
9
NORF857
5
+139
BCHE11
486.8 479.1
DBLF4
NGMF510
4
+148
WMYF3
NBHF526
Carcase wt (kg)
NBBG117
NZE1036
3
+165
+169
Sire
8
NHZF1023
2
ABI ($)
7
NURG20
NHZF493
1
Sire
Rank
Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) - Cohort 3 Top 10 Performing sires
Angus Breeders Harnessing the Benefits of Reproductive Technology Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Breeders of Angus cattle have long been very progressive in adopting new technology within their breeding enterprises, and there is no better example of this than the use of reproductive technologies like artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET). Analysis of the calves that have been recorded with Angus Australia reveals that approximately 150,000 Angus calves have been bred using reproductive technologies in the past 5 years, with ~ 125,000 calves bred using AI, and ~ 25,000 calves bred using ET. This equates to approximately 50% of calves recorded with Angus Australia during this period. Importantly, the reproductive technologies are being used to more widely distribute superior Angus
genetics than what would be possible using natural paddock mating. Analysis of the genetic merit of the sires being used reveals the Angus Breeding Index of the sires used to produce calves via AI was on average, $16.00 higher than the Angus Breeding Index of the sires used to
Angus Australia use of Reproductive Technologies
PAge 24
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
"Analysis of the calves that have been recorded with Angus Australia reveals that approximately 150,000 Angus calves have been bred using reproductive technologies in the past 5 years".
produce calves via natural paddock mating during the past 5 years. The Angus Breeding Index estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. Likewise, analysis of the genetic merit of the dams being used reveals the Angus Breeding Index of the dams being flushed to produce calves via embryo transfer was on average, $15.00 higher than the
Angus Breeding Index of the dams used to produce calves via natural paddock mating during the past five years. Not only are breeders of Angus cattle at the forefront of adopting reproductive technologies, but reproductive technologies are being used effectively to distribute superior Angus genetics, and ultimately to more quickly improve the profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain.
genetic merit of sires and dams by mating type
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 25
Angus Youth National Roundup Wrap Up Alice Lodge, Angus Youth Co-ordinator
The 2016 Angus Youth National Roundup was held in Armidale, NSW from 14 to 17 January. A record number of Angus Youth members from Western Australia to New Zealand gathered in Armidale for the event. Held over 4 days, the Roundup attracted 220 participants from ages 8 to 25 with all levels of cattle experience and provided both a learning and fun experience for all. The educational sessions were delivered by experts in the industry and included topics such as halter making, factors affecting carcase pricing, commercial cattle assessment as well as a trip to Tullimba Feedlot for the senior’s age group. The competitions at the event included the Parader
Parader Junior Judging
Angus Australia gratefully acknowledges the generous support received from the sponsors of the 2016 Angus Youth National Roundup and the many volunteers who helped make the event such a success.
JUNIOR
SUB-INTER
INTERMEDIATE
SENIOR
Thomas Duddy
Maggie Halliday
Erica Bayliss
Natalie Grylls
Hannah Powe
Reserve Champion
Taylah Hobbs
Angus Llewellyn
Chelsea Devenish
Jack Laurie
Kate Schoen
Encouragement Award
Harry Chase
Olivia O’Reilly
Hamish Branson
Sean McIntosh
Laura Harris
Charlotte Cooper
Will Harborne
Kaitlin Swain
Terry Collier
Annika Whale
Abby Llewellyn
Becky Wright
Isobel Robertson
Lachie Ware
Sam Hunter
Taylah Hobbs
Casey Halliday
Erica Bayliss
Laura Lockhart
Lane Evans
Thomas Duddy
Will Harborne
Adam Phillips
Bethany Bayliss
Annika Whale
Rachel Henry
Brett Johnston
Erica Bayliss
Bailey Gardner
Oliver Jefferies
Champion Reserve Champion Champion Reserve Champion
Grand Champion Herdsman: Hannah Powe
PAge 26
The Special Dinner Dance was held on the Saturday night with 440 people in attendance. Thank you to Elders Walcha for leading the auction which raised money for the Angus Australia Foundation. Featured lots in the auction included a headbail, several elite embryo and semen packages, artwork as well as a large amount of items featured in the silent auction.
PEE WEE Champion Herdsman
classes, judged by Rachel Wheeler, the cattle classes judged by Matt Spry and associate judge Kate Fairlie and also a junior judging and herdsperson competition.
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Grand Champion Parader: Sam Hunter
Grand Champion Junior Judge: Bethany Bayliss
Scholarship and Major Award Recipients Trans Tasman Exchange: Hannah Powe Bulliac Studmaster Award: Chloe Gould Outwest Angus National All Breeds Heifer Show Award: Jasmin Ramage Lanark Angus SA Junior Heifer Expo Award: Chloe Gould Lanark Angus SA Junior Heifer Expo Encouragement Award: Ryan Ballentine Merridale Angus Aspiring Breeder Award: Richard Cartwright Matthew George Citizenship Award: Lauren Amor EJ Angus Encouragement Award: Nathan Leach Nairn Park Schools Competition Champion Team: McArthur Anglican College Champion Team: Goonoo Red Angus Best Presented Animal: Nathan Leach Best Maintained Stall: Goondoola Red Angus Top right: Alison Laurie, Knowla Livestock with Thomas Duddy from Killain Angus. Middle right: Alice Hall, Hannah Powe and Caitlin Berecry during the Barnyard Olympics. Bottom Right: Abby Llewellyn and Taylah Hobbs.
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 27
Most Widely Used Sires in the Last Two Years - quick facts Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Tuwharetoa Regent D145
1. Tuwharetoa Regent D145 has the most progeny born in the last two years, followed by Rennylea Edmund E11 and Te Mania Emperor E343. These bulls have a combined total of 5,614 progeny born during this period. 2. Of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years, 8 are imported sires, with 7 from the United States and 1 from New Zealand. An additional 2 bulls are sired by imported sires. 3. The average Angus Breeding Index of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is +126, which is placed in the highest 10% percentile band (when compared to 2014 drop calves). 4. Across individual traits, the average EBVs of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is outlined in Figure 1.
Trait Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Daughters Gestation Length Birth Weight 200 Day Growth 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Milk Scrotal Size Days to Calving Carcase Weight Eye Muscle Area Rib Fat Rump Fat Retail Beef Yield IMF NFI-P NFI-F
average of Sires with most progeny
Breed Average
+0.7 +0.8 -5.0 +3.2 +48 +88 +113 +90 +20 +1.6 -4.9 +68 +7.1 +0.7 +0.3 -0.2 +2.9 +0.36 +0.43
-0.1 +0.0 -3.5 +4.3 +41 +75 +98 +87 +14 +1.6 -3.6 +54 +4.4 +0.0 -0.1 +0.2 +1.5 +0.09 +0.15
Figure 1. Average EBV's of the 20 bulls with most progeny in last two years
PAge 28
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 29
Sire Ident
VTMA134
NGMY145
VTMB219
USA14543651
VTMB1
NENZ181
USA2928
VTMA217
USA0035
BNAD145
BNAD145
USA14844711
BNAD145
USA14777016
VLYC402
USA13395344
USA14675445
USA13009379
USA15354674
USA16969555
146 2240 113 1847 192 1527 103 1492 145 1456 136 1444 270 1209 106 1130 16 1111 27 1054 49 1014 53 863 38 720 1 672 9 642 74 623 29 610 29 587 29 583 39 539
6546 776 3364 143 4249 434 1884 25 3742 341 2463 116 6881 1235 1622 56 1042 4 1010 4 971 0 1341 57 765 0 653 0 664 4 1430 36 587 0 836 17 553 0 648 2
Prog Anly Perf Dtrs 4538 83 1430 19 2192 47 753 0 2094 17 1234 0 4230 8 469 0 245 9 318 0 200 0 502 10 392 0 161 0 91 8 728 1 0 0 239 0 30 0 333 0
Scan Prog Carc Prog
Average EBVs for 2014 born calves:
USA15513367
CONNEALY EARNAN 076E
USA16916944
V A R RESERVE 1111
USA16295688
G A R PROPHET
USA17236055
SYDGEN BLACK PEARL 2006
USA15738589
WERNER WESTWARD 357
VTMG333
TE MANIA GASCOYNE G333
USA17057287
G A R ANTICIPATION 7261
BHRG548
DUNOON GABBA G548
VLYE313
LAWSONS NOVAK E313
NJWG279
MILWILLAH GATSBY G279
VTMG555
TE MANIA GASKIN G555
VTMG67
TE MANIA GARTH G67
USA16396499
S A V THUNDERBIRD 9061
NAQA241
ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241
QHED62
CARABAR DOCKLANDS D62
HIOE7
AYRVALE BARTEL E7
NZE14647008839
MATAURI REALITY 839
VTME343
TE MANIA EMPEROR E343
NORE11
RENNYLEA EDMUND E11
BNAD145
TUWHARETOA REGENT D145
Animal Ident
Name
Num Herd Prog 2Yr
Statistics
+0.0
-1.4 56%
-7.4 74% -0.1
+0.6 53%
+3.2 77%
-2.8 67%
-4.1 77%
+1.9 69%
+0.6 85%
-7.6 90%
+1.1 88%
-5.7 62%
-5.0 80%
+3.6 55%
-3.0 67%
-0.7 86%
+3.0 79%
+2.7 70%
-0.1 89%
+3.8 83%
+0.2 86%
+2.7 91%
+2.1 89%
-1.2 93%
+0.3 98%
+2.0 67%
+1.3 83%
+4.9 92%
+3.0 85%
+5.9 92%
+5.4 96%
+3.2 48%
+4.6 -10.0 66% 99%
+6.1 88%
+4.4 77%
+5.0 88%
+2.9 96%
-3.5
-3.9 98%
-4.0 98%
-0.2 99%
-7.6 98%
-2.5 99%
-6.2 98%
-4.6 98%
-3.2 98%
-1.7 99%
-2.4 99%
-3.3 99%
-8.9 99%
-7.0 99%
-4.9 99%
-8.7 99%
-5.0 99%
-6.3 99%
-7.4 99%
+3.5 89%
+5.6 94%
-2.1 99%
-9.7 93%
+4.3
+6.2 98%
+2.5 98%
+3.3 98%
+3.0 98%
+2.9 99%
+0.3 98%
+1.3 98%
+5.5 98%
+3.5 99%
+5.2 98%
+3.1 98%
+2.4 98%
+2.5 99%
+4.0 99%
+4.0 99%
+1.6 99%
+1.2 99%
+4.9 99%
+1.0 99%
+6.0 99%
Bwt
Birth GL
-6.9 97%
Calv-Eas Dir e Dtrs 600
Growth Mwt
+88 98%
+71 96%
+97 97% +84 97%
+66 89%
+93 +122 +109 99% 99% 99%
+90 +129 +105 98% 98% 94%
+89 +113 99% 98%
+82 98%
+95 +125 +127 99% 99% 98%
+72 99%
+90 +124 +113 99% 99% 98%
400
+80 94%
+95 85%
+87 86%
+72 87%
+98 98%
+82 94%
+99 93%
+96 +119 82% 80%
+76 98%
+68 94%
+83 96%
+91 79%
+60 93%
+58 87%
+75 83%
+86 +118 +101 97% 97% 85%
+88 +111 98% 97%
+84 +110 97% 94%
+82 +106 97% 93%
+86 +110 97% 94%
+86 +104 92% 85%
+82 81%
+41
+75
+98
+87
+58 +106 +136 +106 97% 97% 96% 84%
+43 95%
+65 +114 +141 +107 97% 97% 97% 87%
+55 85%
+39 98%
+33 96%
+46 96%
+47 97%
+49 98%
+50 97%
+45 98%
+45 97%
+59 +103 +132 +118 98% 98% 97% 93%
+50 99%
+47 98%
+49 99%
+42 98%
+51 99%
+38 98%
+50 99%
200
+14
+15 77%
+28 76%
+28 85%
+20 74%
+22 87%
+19 75%
+19 75%
+18 74%
+18 90%
+18 72%
+19 75%
+32 76%
+19 89%
+22 98%
+19 92%
+26 96%
+21 82%
+12 97%
+13 93%
+19 98%
Milk
+1.6
+0.9 96%
+0.8 81%
+0.6 96%
+0.8 78%
+0.1 98%
+2.0 90%
+0.6 95%
+2.6 97%
+1.4 97%
+2.3 95%
-1.0 95%
+3.6 95%
+1.1 97%
+3.0 99%
+3.4 98%
+2.4 98%
+3.3 98%
+2.0 98%
+2.0 98%
+1.5 99%
SS
-3.6
-2.0 42%
-4.9 39%
-2.8 52%
-5.7 35%
-3.9 59%
-5.5 54%
-4.5 42%
-5.4 60%
-4.5 60%
-5.4 57%
-2.7 57%
-6.2 58%
-4.4 57%
-4.3 90%
-4.7 60%
-8.3 68%
-4.2 51%
-8.0 70%
-6.2 70%
-4.5 86%
DC
Fert
+3.6 86%
+5.7 90%
+8.4 83%
+4.2 85%
+6.8 84%
+4.2 88%
+5.2 97%
+7.2 88%
+9.6 93%
+4.1 87%
+4.4 92%
+6.6 92%
+7.1 96%
EMA
+7.3 85%
+9.0 67%
+6.3 88%
+54
+84 80%
+4.4
+7.8 85%
+63 +11.2 78% 75%
+72 84%
+75 73%
+54 85%
+44 +10.7 85% 81%
+60 +12.6 79% 82%
+77 81%
+61 90%
+75 80%
+76 80%
+52 86%
+79 87%
+85 97%
+62 88%
+82 94%
+50 84%
+62 96%
+50 93%
+90 98%
Cwt
+0.0
-0.8 84%
-0.9 79%
+0.4 85%
-0.4 70%
+0.8 87%
+0.8 83%
-1.1 83%
+3.0 85%
-2.2 87%
+2.3 84%
-0.4 85%
+1.8 85%
+0.8 89%
-1.8 97%
+2.2 88%
+1.8 91%
+4.1 87%
+0.3 93%
+2.9 90%
+1.1 96%
Rib
-0.1
-1.7 80%
-1.7 73%
+0.4 81%
-1.5 63%
+1.0 83%
+1.2 81%
-2.9 79%
+3.3 84%
-1.3 86%
+2.2 82%
-1.4 83%
+2.9 83%
-2.0 86%
-2.2 97%
+2.6 87%
+0.0 90%
+3.8 86%
+0.8 95%
+2.5 89%
-0.7 97%
P8
Carcase
+0.2
+0.9 75%
+2.6 70%
-0.5 77%
+1.7 61%
+0.2 79%
-0.4 76%
+2.3 74%
-2.9 79%
+0.2 83%
-1.7 76%
-1.8 78%
-0.8 78%
+0.8 83%
+1.2 96%
+0.2 83%
-1.1 87%
-1.8 80%
-0.5 90%
-1.4 87%
-1.4 95%
RBY
Estimated Breeding Values and Accuracies (%)
Extra
+1.5 +0.09 +0.15
+1.9 +0.26 +0.30 81% 54% 56%
+1.2 +0.08 +0.12 74% 51% 50%
+3.2 +0.42 +0.04 82% 58% 60%
+1.3 +0.02 -0.13 63% 42% 45%
+2.7 +0.11 +0.34 85% 65% 67%
+4.4 +0.66 +0.90 83% 61% 61%
+2.2 +0.15 +0.31 76% 53% 54%
+3.9 +0.73 +0.69 83% 67% 68%
+3.1 -0.12 -0.10 88% 74% 80%
+4.5 +0.88 +0.86 80% 64% 65%
+4.4 +0.28 +0.05 83% 65% 65%
+3.9 +0.46 +0.60 85% 64% 65%
+0.7 -0.08 +0.20 86% 66% 68%
+1.8 +0.25 +0.12 96% 92% 93%
+1.2 +0.41 +0.73 86% 69% 71%
+3.8 +0.62 +0.86 91% 79% 86%
+2.4 +0.48 +0.62 84% 64% 66%
+3.2 +0.17 +0.22 93% 79% 80%
+3.9 +0.74 +1.15 91% 79% 85%
+4.4 +0.61 +0.68 96% 88% 89%
IMF NFI-P NFI-F
March 2016 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN - 20 Sires with the most progeny in the last two years
Indexes GRS
+98 +128
+98
+93 +130 +106
+4 +102 +101 +104 +102
-5 +115 +110 +121 +115 93%
+28 +125 +124 +127 +123 94%
+6 +143 +132 +155 +138 97%
-- +136 +131 +138 +134
-19 +123 +115 +131 +119 96%
+46 +131 +118 +153 +118 90%
-- +130 +129 +140 +125
+14 +114 95%
+19 +110 +103 +123 +104 92%
-4 +119 +100 +140 +107 93%
+15 +107 97%
+48 +139 +120 +157 +129 98%
-2 +118 +117 +114 +121 97%
+12 +120 +113 +129 +116 99%
-16 +134 +115 +134 +134 98%
-11 +148 +127 +170 +135 98%
+3 +109 +109 +105 +111 96%
+5 +152 +128 +178 +138 99%
+8 +126 +114 +142 +116 98%
+92 +141 +101
ABI DOM GRN
-3 +114 99%
Doc
Improving Governance of Angus BREEDPLAN Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Over the past six months, Angus Australia has been reviewing the governance processes behind Angus BREEDPLAN, with a view to ensuring Angus beef breeding enterprises are best placed to access world leading genetic evaluation tools and services that enable continuous enhancement of Angus and Angus influenced cattle and beef products. The review has involved careful consideration of feedback from Angus Australia members, alongside consultation with staff at the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) and Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), and has resulted in a number of changes being initiated to the governance of Angus BREEDPLAN: • Formation of Angus BREEDPLAN Technical Committee – comprised of technical staff from AGBU, ABRI and Angus Australia, the newly formed technical committee is responsible for coordinating and leading the technical development of the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. One task of the technical committee will be to review and jointly set R&D priorities for Angus BREEDPLAN. • Formation of Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee – comprised of Angus Australia members, the newly formed consultative committee aims to increase engagement and consultation with leading users of the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, while also providing leading users with a forum for raising concerns and discussing suggested improvements to the BREEDPLAN analytical software. Expressions of interest for the consultative committee will be circulated in May 2016. • Formalised schedule for implementation of changes and enhancements to the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation software – where appropriate, enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN will be introduced on a more formalised schedule, with analytical changes implemented in the June and December Angus BREEDPLAN analyses each year.
PAge 30
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
• More frequent BREEDPLAN analyses – An additional four BREEDPLAN analyses will be conducted each year, bringing the total number of Angus BREEDPLAN analyses annually to sixteen. • Processing of all pedigree, performance and genomic information for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN at Angus Australia. In association with the changes to the governance of Angus BREEDPLAN, Angus Australia has also initiated a number of strategies aimed at improving the genetic evaluation tools that are available to Angus Australia members: • Increased investment in Research, Development & Extension – Angus Australia has considerably increased investment in R,D & E projects focussed on improving the genetic evaluation tools that are available, and the uptake and utilisation of those genetic evaluation tools, with the ultimate objective being to further improve the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain. In addition to the already considerable investment in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program, Angus Australia has recently appointed an Angus BREEDPLAN Project Officer and Angus Australia Education Officer, and is well advanced in plans to develop a 5 year strategic R, D & E project for the Angus breed in Australia. • Increased capability to deliver more modern genetic evaluation services – Angus Australia has embarked on several projects that will provide increased capability to deliver a more modern and user friendly service to members. Central to this is the development of in-house web application software to replace the current ILR2 software being utilised by Angus Australia. Members who wish to further discuss the changes to the governance of Angus BREEDPLAN, or the strategies being implemented to improve the genetic evaluation tools that are available to Angus Australia members, should contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on 02 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
Introducing Liz Roan - Education officer Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
At the start of February this year, Angus Australia was pleased to welcome Liz Roan to the team in the role of Education Officer. Working as part of the Breed Development and Extension team, Liz will be responsible for implementing Angus Australia’s education activities among Angus members and stakeholders. Liz has extensive experience in education and information technology roles associated with the livestock industries, and most recently worked as the Education Manager for the Poultry Co-Operative Research Centre (Poultry CRC). In this role, Liz was responsible for the development of a wide range of online and digital educational resources, including maintenance of the PoultryHub, a centralised website for educational material relating to poultry production, containing written and video materials, as well as an award winning mobile application known as Egg Grab’n’Grade. Liz also worked in conjunction with NSW TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations to develop and deliver training courses for poultry industry personnel, including writing, editing and publishing text books, learning manuals and assessment guides. Prior to her role at the Poultry CRC, Liz had a long history behind the scenes in the Australian Beef Cattle industry, having spent nearly 18 years at the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) in a number of roles, focused mainly on programming of registration and performance systems, where Liz had responsibility for account management, software development and software maintenance for numerous Australian and New Zealand beef breed associations. Liz is a partner in a medium-fine wool production
QUALITY ASSURED RIGA BULLS
Riga Angus Inaugural Yearling Bull Sale 1pm – Friday 15 April, 2016 40 HBR & APR Angus Bulls On-Property Featuring sons of: Connealy Revenue 7392 Silveiras Conversion 8064 Werner Westward 375
For sale information and to order a sale catalogue please contact Vera & Ian Finger P: (03) 5775 2140 | M: 0429 939 105 E: info@rigaangus.com.au | www.rigaangus.com.au
Liz Roan, Angus Australia's Education Officer
enterprise between Armidale and Guyra and has a long held interest in animal breeding and farm production. Liz’s other enduring interest is in the area of education. “I’m a strong believer in the value of lifelong learning”, she said. “To stay competitive these days, you must continue to grow your skills. There’s always room to enhance what you know and how you apply it, whether it be in a workplace situation, or even with hobbies and life skills. I enjoy having a goal to attain, something to strive for, and to keep me busy.” Liz’s appointment will complement the existing field activities and events undertaken by Angus Australia, such as nationwide Regional Forums and the Angus National Conference, with a focus on the development of electronic educational resources. “I’ll be looking at video presentations, tutorials and mobile applications in particular”, she said. “Today’s self-serve environment demands learning solutions that are interactive, responsive, and able to be accessed any time and any where. I’m looking forward to working with members of Angus Australia to produce resources that are both relevant and engaging.” Liz can be contacted on 02 6773 4602 or education@angusaustralia.com.au Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 31
member services report Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
Importance of collecting hair samples Angus Australia would like to reinforce the importance of collecting hair samples for future genetic and DNA Parent verification testing services. It is an Angus Australia Regulation that all sires must have a DNA profile on file, and that all sires must also be paternally verified before any progeny can be registered on the Angus Australia registers. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.41 It shall be a requirement for the registration of all HBR, RAR, APR or MBR calves that their sire has a DNA profile recorded with the Society. If HBR, RAR, APR and born after 31/12/2002, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. If MBR and born after 31/12/2014, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.42 All “donor� dams shall have a DNA profile recorded with the Society before their embryo transfer calves can be registered. If a member has however, failed to collect a hair sample before the animal has been sold or died, DNA profiles can still be built using Microsatellite (MIP) technology at the University of Queensland (UQ). To build an animal profile, members must submit samples from a minimum of seven calves. If the profile build is for a sire, the seven dams of the seven calves must also be submitted. This allows UQ to determine which alleles (DNA markers) come from the dams of the calves, therefore showing which alleles must have been inherited from the sire. Building a profile is a very costly exercise when compared to a standard parentage test. For example:
Test Required
Cost
7 x progeny MIP tests @ $25.30 each
$177.10
7 x dam MIP tests @ $25.30 each
$177.10
14 x processing fees @ $6.60 per sample
$92.40
Total minimum cost for profile build
$446.60
In comparison, a standard parentage SNP or SEQ test costs just over $30 per animal. PAge 32
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Another factor to consider is that there is no guarantee profiles generated by a build will be successful. It is recommended that 10 progeny samples (and their 10 dam samples) be submitted for the best possible success rate. Angus Australia recommends collecting samples from joining sires before they are depastured with females. DNA samples can also be stored free of charge at the Angus Australia office for quick and easy access for future testing. For any enquires contact the Member Services Team on (02) 6773 4600 or via email regos@angusaustralia.com.au.
IMPORTANT REMINDER 12 months of age is an important deadline for your calves for a number of reasons. 1. Late calf registration fees can be avoided by supplying registration details to the Member Services Team before the animal reaches 12 months of age. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.5 Applications for registration must be submitted within 12 months from date of birth of an animal otherwise the prescribed Late Calf Registration Fees shall apply. If calves are registered before this age, it ensures females will be picked up in the correct inventory. 2. If you are using NLIS as a means of identifying your animals on the database, calves must have their visual numbers recorded before yearling age. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.35 Where a NLIS ear tag is used as one of the forms of permanent identification: (i) its visual NLIS number must be recorded with the Society before the animal turns 12 months of age When this information is supplied the Member
Services team can access the MLA database to collect the RFIDs for your animals, increasing their traceability and ensuring accurate recording. 3. Angus Australia understands that despite meticulous recording, the parentage of the occasional calf can be mixed up. If members pick up any discrepancies early, changes to parentage can be easily altered before the animal reaches 12 months of age. After this age though, calves can only be updated after parentage verification. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.38 An application to change the sire of an animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR that is more than 12 months of age must be accompanied by a DNA paternity verification. Refer Angus Regulation: 6.39 An application to change the dam of an animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR that is more than 12 months of age must be accompanied by a full DNA parent verification Parentage verification can take around 4 weeks to receive results back. If members need information for catalogues or further calf registrations, there is almost a guaranteed delay while the parentage testing is conducted. Members are encouraged to double check their registrations and conduct any testing as early as possible. If members require assistance or have any further queries, they can contact the Member Services team on 02 6773 4600 or regos@angusaustralia.com.au
Member services 2015 Stats Figures are based on period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 For 2015 the Member Services Team registered 95,308 animals. Female: 59,925 Male: 29,859 Steers: 5,524 HBR Registrations: Female: 21,651 Males: 20,984 Steers: 845
APR Registrations: Female: 12,077 Males: 8,426 Steers: 1984
ACR Registrations: Female: 2,126 Males: Steers: 2,436
RAR Registrations: Female: 213 Males: 41 Steers:2
MBR Registrations: Female: 910 Males: 323 Steers: 242 BASE Registrations: Figures include Export registrations. Figures consist of APR,ACR & MBR Base registrations Female: 22,948 Males: 85 Steers: 15 We have processed a total of 14,328 transfers. We produced 255 sale catalogues with a total of 13,079 lots. A total of 24,203 DNA samples were submitted for testing. Please see below for a brief break-up DNA Genetic testing AM: 1,925 CA: 2,518 DD: 9,969 NH: 2,338
Pestivirus: 693 Mannossidosis: 48 Coat: 789 Storage: 1,111
GGPLD: 672 GGPHD: 106
i50K: 1,227 HD 50K: 1,704
DNA Parentage testing SEQ & SNP: 5,520
Microsatellites: 643
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 33
Half a Million Angus Animals Now Measured for Carcase Merit Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
The commitment of Angus breeders in Australia and New Zealand to enhancing the carcase attributes of Angus cattle has never been more evident, with comprehensive live animal ultrasound scanning measurements, abattoir carcase information and genomic data being collected on Angus animals and analysed through Angus BREEDPLAN. Highlighting the magnitude of the information being collected, over half a million Angus animals now have live animal ultrasound scanning measurements analysed in the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, with approximately 35,000 Angus animals being routinely measured using live animal ultrasound scanning each year.
structured progeny test programs organised by individual members of Angus Australia. By comparison to ultrasound scanning where measurements are collected on live animals, abattoir carcase measurements are of particular value as the attributes of a beef carcase can be measured directly and a number of additional traits assessed such as marble score, ossification, meat colour, meat tenderness, and overall eating quality. Abattoir carcase measurements have now been collected and analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN for over 12,000 animals, with measurements collected for the purposes of genetic evaluation on approximately 1000 – 1500 Angus animals each year.
Live animal ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive technology that allows the carcase attributes of an individual animal to be assessed on-farm, with measurements routinely collected for rib and rump fat depth, eye muscle area, and intramuscular fat (or marbling).
Supplementing the live animal ultrasound scanning and abattoir carcase measurements that have been collected, Angus breeders are also at the forefront of adopting genomic technology, whereby DNA samples are collected and an animal’s DNA analysed to provide an estimate of their genetic merit.
In addition to live animal ultrasound scanning, carcase measurements are being collected in the abattoir and meat science laboratory through initiatives such as the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program and several
Genomic predictions are now incorporated in Angus BREEDPLAN for over 16,000 animals, with genomic testing currently being undertaken on an additional
PAge 34
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
2,500 – 3,000 animals each year, representing an investment of approximately $200,000 per annum. The comprehensive carcase information being collected on animals is a major point of difference for the Angus breed and highlights the commitment of Angus Australia members to utilising the latest technology within their breeding programs. Importantly, the carcase information being gathered is enabling Angus animals with superior genetic merit for important carcase attributes to be identified and used widely in Angus breeding programs to improve the weight, yield and quality of Angus carcases in beef supply chains supplying both the domestic and export markets. Analysis of the information that has been collected demonstrates that Angus carcases are now 42kg heavier (when animals are slaughtered at around 25 months), 0.6% higher yielding with 1.7% more intramuscular fat (in a 400kg dressed carcase) than equivalent Angus carcases in 1990, due to the genetic improvement that has been achieved within the Angus breed. Additional improvements in carcase attributes have also been achieved due to changes in management and production practices. Already well regarded for superior carcase attributes, the continual recording of carcase measurements and adoption of the latest technologies in Angus breeding programs will ensure Angus genetics continue to deliver improved profitability and remain in high demand within the Australian beef industry.
Table 1 – Measurements Collected on Angus Animals Using Live Animal Ultrasound Scanning Rump Fat
Fat depth at the P8 rump site, measured in millimetres (mm). The P8 rump site is located at the intersection of the line from the high bone (third sacral vertebrae) with a line from the inside of the pin bone.
Rib Fat
Fat depth at the 12/13th rib site, measured in millimetres (mm). The 12/13th rib site is located on the longissimus dorsi muscle (eye muscle) between the 12th & 13th rib.
Eye Muscle Area (EMA)
Cross sectional area of the longissimus dorsi muscle between the 12th & 13th rib, measured in square centimetres (cm2). May also be referred to as Rib Eye Area.
Intramuscular Fat (IMF)
Amount of intramuscular fat (or marbling) within the longissimus dorsi muscle between the 12th & 13th ribs, measured in percentage units (%)
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 35
Black cattle opening more doors for Northern NSW operators Shan Goodwin, Fairfax Group Beef Writer
For progressive Northern NSW operation Rangers Valley, the move to a more global and domestic outlook was the catalyst to develop a suite of brands. Rangers Valley has been in the beef brand game for more than 20 years and Japan was once its only market. Seven years ago, 75 per cent of its product was still sold into Japan, the majority pure black Angus under the Naruo label and a small amount of Wagyu. Today, it has four Angus brands, sells into 25 countries and has doubled its feedlot capacity. Black Onyx, with a marble score of three, guaranteed Black Angus parentage and on feed for a minimum 270 days, and Black Market, with a marble score of five, has provided the company the opportunity to be more specific in its targeting, according to managing director Don Mackay. “We are the only company producing longfed pure black Angus cattle and that gives us the opportunity for higher returns,” he said. “It’s a new category for high-end restaurants and retail, a product similar in marble score to that which is typical of Wagyu.” Black Market and Black Onyx collected a gold and silver medal at the World Steak Challenge in London in October. With about 30,000 head of Angus produced per annum, 2500 go into Black Market, about 7500 to Naruo and Highland (mostly loin cuts), sold into Japan
Ewen & Marg McLeish Ph: 02 6824 2044 Mob: 0428 242 044 E: outwestangus@bigpond.com W: www.outwestangus.com.au
Lot 8
OUTWEST CE KUMBLE K99
Angus cattle on feed at Rangers Valley, Glen Innes
only, and 20,000 to Black Onyx. Black Onyx cattle have an average carcase weight of 460 kilograms and Mr Mackay said Rangers Valley “can’t get enough” to meet the strong demand. However, Rangers Valley is strategic in how its Angus cattle are selected. DNA samples of every animal are taken so the company has complete traceablility of product. Angus suppliers come from the Queensland border through to King Island. Seven years ago, the Glen Innes feedlot was only half full. It is now licensed to 50,000 and has environmental approval to 40,000. Continued growth is on the agenda.
Lot 9
OUTWEST TB KHANCOBAN K122
55 Registered Sires, includes sons of :
S A V ANGUS VALLEY 1867 S A V THUNDERBIRD 9061 S A V BIRTHSTONE 8258 CONNEALY EARNAN 076E
#outwestbullsforsale
PAge 36
Outwest Angus 4th ON PROPERTY BULL SALE WEDNESDAY 11th MAY 2016
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Fixed time artificial insemination – Improving profitability of both stud and commercial herds Dr Sophia Edwards, Technical Specialist Reproduction, Vetoquinol Australia
Most stud stock breeders use some form of artificial breeding in their herds and can directly relate this to a cost benefit in the production of bulls for sale or use in their herd. However, the use of artificial breeding in commercial herds is less widely adopted. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) technologies now make artificial breeding a reality for commercial breeder herds. Synchrony treatments which include an intravaginal progesterone releasing device such as the Cue-Mate®, allows an entire mob of cows and heifers to have a synchronised ovulation. In FTAI approximately 75% of females will ovulate within a 12 hour window allowing females to be inseminated at a ‘fixed time’ without the requirement for heat detection. The use of FTAI is increasingly growing as more and more breeders are becoming time poor and lack the on farm expertise to inseminate cows. With minimal training, synchronisation treatments can be performed by on farm staff, with an experienced technician only being required on one occasion for the AI of the females. Despite the ease of implementing FTAI in beef herds, there are many other benefits that assist commercial breeders to improve the bottom line:
higher value. • Calves are mostly of a uniform age – increases improvement of genetic appraisal of replacement heifers as an age bias will not occur, and a uniform calf drop are easier to market. • Surveillance of heifers/cows at calving is reduced – as heifers and cows will calve in a tighter window reducing the labour involved in calving surveillance which can persist for weeks.
Access to superior genetics: FTAI allows commercial producers to utilise sires that would not otherwise be available to them, enabling the use of sires most suited to their genetic improvement objectives. As an entire mob of cows can be submitted to FTAI, more calves sired by higher quality bulls can be produced. This allows commercial breeders to realise their goals, or respond to market trends quicker than what can be achieved by natural mating.
This article has briefly outlined the core benefits of FTAI in breeder herds. The benefits of FTAI in commercial herds far extend beyond the benefits of genetic gain and hence more and more herds are using FTAI as a tool to improve their management and profitability.
Females are inseminated on the first day of the breeding season: With an average of 55% (ASBP data) and reports of up to 75% of Angus cows conceiving to FTAI, this can substantially compact your calving interval. There is a variety of management benefits that result from having high proportion of females conceiving on the first day of the breeding season: • Females are more likely to calve every 12 months – earlier calving cows are easier to get back into calf. • Earlier calves are heavier at weaning – calves that are born early are older at weaning, will weigh more and thus if sold at weaning are generally of
If you would like to know more about how FTAI can improve the profitability of your herd, or how to get started in FTAI, please don’t hesitate to contact Vetoquinol Australia on 1800 032 355.
All Black Angus Acheron
Registered APR Bulls Available from AI sires TM Berkley, TM Emperor, TC Aberdeen from a registered APR female herd, with 100% unassisted live calves in 2015 & 2016. Semen tested - Grass only Enquiries Richard Reed (03) 9853 9789
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 37
A long way from Braidwood
Ellen Simpson, 2015 University of Illinois Scholarship Recipient
While some days are long, the past six weeks have passed astoundingly fast. After 48 hours or so in transit, I was welcomed to Illinois by temperatures around -20 degrees and a generous dusting of snow. Since then, the weather has been largely inconsistent yesterday it was a blissful 18 and sunny, yet a snowstorm is forecast tonight with an expected 4-6 inches of snow to fall. I moved into a Sorority House (somewhat like the movies and very reminiscent of boarding school), which is on the University campus and I attend classes alongside 40,000 other internal students. My classes include genetics, reproduction, nutrition and meat science as well as up to 18 hours per week spent training for the judging teams. So far, we have travelled to South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin covering around 5000km for competitions. In addition to cattle, we have judged pigs, sheep and goats. Combine these with converting metric
measurements to US Standard, the first week or so was spent attempting to learn a new language and jump (many) terminology hurdles. Competitions have covered breeding animal evaluation, general livestock judging and carcass ranking, pricing and grading. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and generous with their time – having travelled abroad before, I was pleasantly surprised at just how warmly an Australian accent is received here. Undoubtedly, previous recipients of the U of I scholarship have left a lasting impression on many people. I have been sought out by numerous university staff members and various people within the wider beef cattle industry. My time here is going incredibly quickly, however spring cannot come soon enough.
Deepwater Angus Breeder Lands in Kansas Laura Hollingworth, 2015 Semex Kansas State Scholarship Recipient
I’ve been State side for nearly a month already as part of my Semex Angus Youth Kansas State University scholarship, and have enjoyed the experience very much so far. Being based in the Mid-West of the US I’ve had the opportunity to see various farm and ranch operations, with cow-calf and feedlot production as well as centre pivot irrigation fed from the Ogallala aquifer making up the majority of these operations. I am based in the Flint Hills of Kansas at the Kansas State University, which has one of the most comprehensive cattle production portfolios of any university in the country. As such, I have access to world class facilities and learning opportunities that have provided an excellent platform from which to improve my knowledge of beef production systems. Additionally, I have been able to attend classes in other facets of production including forage management, livestock assessment and agribusiness.
the considerable volume and proportion of grainfed cattle in America, compared with our large grassfed sector here in Australia. However, despite some of the differences in production between our two countries key facets of efficient production such as reproductive efficiency, herd health, genetic improvement, market compliance, and business profitability stay constant.
Coming from a commercial background, it’s certainly been interesting having the opportunity to compare beef cattle production between the two countries. There are obvious differences, the most notable being
This has been a great learning experience so far, one which I consider myself lucky to have been given. I look forward to learning more over the remaining few months of my trip.
PAge 38
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Snippets from a whirlwind trip across New Zealand Kristen Fredericksen, 2015 Trans-Tasman Exchange Recipient
In November I began my tour of New Zealand on the Trans-Tasman Exchange, starting in the South Island with Grampians Angus. Seeing their gorgeous deep and thick cattle on very difficult hill country and being welcomed by Sarah, Jono and little Hank Reed made me excited for what was to come in the following weeks. After a quick visit to the beautiful Te Mania property to view the yearling bulls and females (as we moved them alongside the beach) I moved onto Twin Oaks Angus. I appreciated the way the type and structure of these cattle complemented the emphasis placed on carcass traits. We made the trek up to Christchurch on the Monday with seven head of cattle for the show. I had a great time over the next five days camping with Roger and Susan and their team of five kids on the grounds. It was great to meet other youth involved with Angus and see the kids getting involved through the youth competitions. I remained around Christchurch for the next two weeks to complete a University placement at a veterinary clinic. During this time I spent a few nights with Marie Timperley to have a look through the Timperlea Angus breeding herd and was welcomed at social events with the young farmers group in that region. Before heading off to the North Island, I made a quick visit to Kakahu Angus to help out with their AI program and was taken for a fantastic look around Stern Angus, seeing the ageing Braveheart of Stern. I started my North Island part of the trip at Waiterenui Angus. I admired the focus on maternal traits in their herd and it was a privilege to see the stud during their 100th year. Motere Angus was next. I found gaining an understanding of their program, particularly in their mating, really interesting. I then moved up to Gisborne where I stayed a number of nights with the Crawshaws who have Kenhardt
Angus. It was here that I saw some of my first purebred New Zealand Angus genetics and the resilience of the cow herd that are pushed to perform. I took day trips from here to visit Kaharau and Turihau Angus to see some more beautiful well established New Zealand Angus genetics on picturesque properties, as well as a tour through the abattoir in Gisborne. They were having a fantastic season up in that region which made for beautiful scenery and cattle in great condition expressing their genetic potential. My final two studs were Atahua and Merchiston Angus where I continued to have huge admiration for more beautiful, powerful females. I also continued learning, being introduced to the concept of a satellite herd. After a whirlwind seven weeks visiting twelve studs across a large portion of the country, it is safe to say I learnt an incredible amount about the industry in New Zealand, saw some amazing cattle and met a large number of fantastic, kind people. It was the perfect time of year to be visiting the studs, seeing yearling bulls and cows with calves at foot at joining. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Angus Australia, Angus Youth Australia, NZ Angus and Generation Angus for providing me with such a fantastic and rewarding opportunity and everyone who hosted and helped me whilst on my travels.
THE TOOL THAT DELIVERS MORE
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 39
Feeder market: The state of play and where to from here Greg Krarup, National Livestock Manager, NH Foods – Whyalla Beef Pty Ltd
2016 is shaping to be a very challenging year for the feedlot sector of the beef industry. Already, numbers are declining due to the big sell-off over the past two years. Within the generic grainfed beef market it is becoming increasingly difficult to move volumes of grainfed meat, particularly in a price conscious market where countries are offering grass-fed product at well below Australian grainfed prices. Over the past 12 months we have seen sales of feedlots throughout the country to companies and farming families looking to expand their current portfolios. Given the situation that most feed lotters are in now, in relation to the cost of store cattle and the returns, many may be wondering why they are competing in this space. On the bright side, however, commodities are relatively cheaper for feed lotters. With numbers on feed presently high, sustainability has become a key factor. Already, feed lotters are paying irregular prices throughout various locations just to secure numbers over and above their daily quotas. Saleyards are becoming a place to gather to see what is on offer and to bid desirably on cattle that were previously regarded as rejects, but are now seen as steers that are available and suitable for feeding. The key to successful feed lotting is sustainability and with that comes quality. The strategy of purchasing second grade cattle to fill available space will only hurt the Australian grainfed market in the long run. Short term for the feeder market there are some new players affecting this space. The selling season from north to south is extremely spread out, with supply of southern cattle filtering out in the warmer months, and QLD cattle holding off hitting the market until the winter months. With the increased demand for live export cattle in the north we expect to see a shortage of cattle through the winter months as many of the cattle that are expected to be snapped up by live export orders would have previously been available to the feeder market. Long term, if either the north or south are lucky enough to snag a good season, we would expect breeders to hang onto their heifers and rebuild their PAge 40
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
herds, leading to considerable downward pressure on cattle prices through the following 12 months, as supply corrects itself. If neither market experiences a good season, we would expect cattle prices to remain competitive. With every other competitor around the world now looking to take advantage of Australia’s shortage of cattle, our ability to supply both the usual and key markets is crucial to us keeping quality at all time high levels. To help achieve this, we must develop stronger relationships with our high performing producers. Branded products and breed branding are key considerations, as these give the consumer a name to link to their enjoyment of eating beef. This is where the Angus breed is a step in front, as this breed provides adaptability to feed for various days, suitability for domestic and export markets, quality of product and a recognised brand. Further to this, breeders of Angus cattle are able to obtain performance feedback data, which is vital to their ability to produce a better product each and every time. Angus breeders remain in the hot seat in this space, with the importance of quality and high demand for breed specific products driving prices. This, along with Angus cattle demanding the highest price on every grid, results in promising opportunities. As our pricing moves up and down, given supply and demand and the pressures to remain competitive, producers still need to be vigilant when looking to market their cattle. If you have formed long term relationships with lotfeeders, and you assume you will be given a better price elsewhere, think twice. It is very important to remain loyal and keep your established relationships strong through the bonds of trust, honesty and loyalty and I’m sure if your buyer is worthy, it will all work out in the long run. The mentality of them (producers) and us (processors/ feedlotters) needs to be broken down and squashed. Compared to the big contributors to the economy, (transport/logistics; mining and resources etc.) we in the beef industry are not at the front of the pack, so we need to work very closely together to remain sustainable throughout every link in the chain.
ASBP Project Officer Appointed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
In January 2016, Angus Australia welcomed Nick Butcher to the team as a part-time Project Officer within the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP). Nick’s role will be assisting Angus Australia’s Strategic Project Manager, Christian Duff, to co-ordinate and undertake field activities relating to the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. Nick holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of New England. He currently manages a family beef cattle breeding and grazing enterprise near Bundarra, NSW and has an expanding cattle pregnancy scanning business. Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Parnell said “Angus Australia is very fortunate to have been able to appoint Nick to this role due to his range of skills relating to practical cattle management”. “From his background, Nick possess skills crucial to the successful running of the ASBP such as co-ordinating artificial breeding programs, pregnancy scanning, blood collection for genomics profiling and general knowledge of data collection from birth to slaughter”. Nick is based in Inverell, NSW and can be contacted on 0427 701 236 or nick@angusaustralia.com.au
ASBP Sire Nominations Open for Cohort 7 Nominations are currently open for the next joining round of the Angus Sire Benchmarking program (ASBP) to produce the cohort 7 progeny. This joining program will commence in late September to November of 2016, involving approximately 2,500 cows and 7 co-operator herds. The Benefits of Bulls entering the ASBP include: • Involvement in Australia’s largest beef cattle progeny test program including large contemporary groups. • Receive high accuracy EBVs, particularly for hard to measure traits such as net feed intake, abattoir carcase data and female reproduction. • Receive progeny average values and sire ranking from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA Index and MSA Marble Score. • High density DNA profiles will be stored for current use (e.g. sire verifications, genomic predictions) and future research. • Closer genetic linkage to the ASBP ensures research outcomes, particularly in the genomics area, will have more relevance to your herd. Approximately 40 bulls will be selected for the 2016 joining program with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 cows by fixed time AI. The bull selection criteria will be based on genetic diversity, breeding values, selection indexes and their relationship to sires already used in the ASBP. Preference will also be given to early nominations. For further details on the ASBP and sire nominations for cohort 7 visit the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au For all questions in relation to the nomination process or the ASBP in general please contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager 0457 457 141 or christian@angusaustralia.com.au Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 41
Big crowds and happy vendors for the Omeo Angus weaner sale 2016 Liz Pearson, Marketing & Communications Manager
The carpark was full and the lanes were 2,103 - Steers $1,270 $938 brimming as the 1,834 - Heifers $1,150 $823 largest crowd seen yarding: 3,937 - Avg: $910 this week turned out for the first Elders weaner sale for the Mountain Calf sale run at Omeo in VIC.
Top
Avg
Strong competition presented as feedlot buyers and restockers alike jostled for position on the rail to secure top notch Angus steers and heifers. Across the yarding, the outstanding quality of Angus weaners made it clear that the season has been favourable to producers with the top lines in the first two lanes estimated to average between 320 – 400kgs. The sale kicked off with South Gippsland bullock fatteners claiming their stakes on the first few pens of this exceptional lineup with feedlotters, Hopkins River Beef following suit, paying up to $1,190 for steers to go into the feedlot. Relative to last year’s prices, weaners made up to and over $100 per head dearer than 2015 prices with Mountain Maiden receiving top honours on the day, selling 65 Angus steers for $1,000 - $1,270.
offered 140 Angus steers in the Omeo Angus weaner sale, which sold for $640 – 1,020. Louise Pendergast thought that the money they received for their 10 month old steers was generally quite good. Notable quotes from the steer portion of the sale follow: • • • •
GH & AJ Burston, 167 Angus steers, $970 - $1,230 GV & JG Crisp, 70 Angus steers, $1,020 - $1,200 David Hurley, 77 Angus steers, $1,005 - $1,190 CE & DG Anderson, 154 Angus steers, $765 $1,140 The heifer portion of this sale stamped its place as a quality contributor, with weaners aged from young calves to yearlings. Line honours went to JA Commins & Co who sold a total of 117 Angus & Angus cross heifers. The younger heifers sold for $880 and their yearling stable mates sold for $1,100- $1,150, topping the sale. FA & DM Boulton, Gelantipy VIC have supported the Omeo Angus weaner sale for a number of years, and this year was no exception, offering the largest consignment of 398 Angus heifers from one vendor. Their lighter heifers made $740, with the remaining heifers selling for $930 - $1,050. Overall, Mrs Boulton was happy with the prices and the draft average of $926.
For steers in the 260 – 320kg weight range, prices achieved were 315 – 340c/kg and this Ian Nicholas, Benambra, sold his 31 steers for $1,210 and his second 24 for $1,000 and he The sale average for heifers of $823 result reflected the drier was very happy with these results. accurately reflects the age range of conditions in the south of late. heifers along with many producers retaining their first The sale average of $938 for steers reflects the draft as replacement heifers. variation in age of weaners on offer, with many spring drop calves in the sale, however this average did not Top quotes from the heifer portion of the sale: reflect the outstanding prices paid for the heavier end • GH & AJ Burston, 87 Angus heifers, $765 - $980 of the steers. • CE & DG Anderson, 126 Angus heifers, $835- $940 Local Angus producer, Brendan Flynn commented • LH & SE Pendergast, offered the youngest heifers of the sale, 122 Angus heifers, $550 - $830 that while they’d had a good season and received All vendors would agree that enthusiasm petered out great prices, the family had received strong prices last year also. The jump at the top-end of the sale wasn’t towards the end of the heifers, however prices still as pronounced as elsewhere in the sale, and even remained good and the sale achieved 100% clearance. though many of the cattle were as big as last year, they were a bit drier. Three of the five Mountain Calf sales this year were supported by LH & SE Pendergast, Benambra, who PAge 42
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Overall, vendors were happy with the prices they received for their Angus steers and heifers and they are keen to see how the weaner market continues through the remaining southern sales and the northern sales scheduled to begin next month.
getting to know your Member services team Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
Esther Glasgow is a part-time Member Services Officer working 3 days a week. Esther was born and bred in the Western Districts of Victoria. Esther grew up on Claremont Angus at Woolsthorpe. Esther has a Diploma of Ag as well as a professional wool classing certificate. Esther lives on a seedstock property between Guyra and Ebor with her partner and his family. How long have you been with Angus Australia and what’s your favourite part of the job? I started in December 2014. The best part of the job would definitely be helping members with their registrations and recording. I enjoy getting to know our members. What drives you to achieve great results in your team? When members recognise and appreciate the work we do for them. Tell me about your role at Angus Australia I am a part-time Member Services Officer working 3 days a week. My role consists of registrations and enquiries, processing sale catalogues, assisting in export processing, transfer and processing of animals and any other general day to day enquiries.
Save the Date: Angus Australia Regional Forums Angus Australia will once again be conducting a series of regional forums across Australia during late June and July. The regional forums are open to anyone with an interest in Angus cattle and are a great way to catch up with Angus Australia staff and fellow Angus beef producers. The regional forums will be delivered by Angus Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Parnell, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne, and Strategic Projects Manager, Christian Duff and will discuss the latest outcomes from Angus Australia’s programs and initiatives.
Where have you travelled? I travelled to Alberta, Canada for 6 months in 20132014 where I worked at Cudlobe Angus for the Bolduc family. I have also travelled between South Australia and Victoria since graduating, working in both sheep and cattle enterprises. What might someone be surprised to know about you? I started a business with my brother James in 1998. We co-own and operate a Poll Dorset stud at Claremont. Selling 50 rams per year at an annual on property sale in October.
Date
Location
Wednesday, 29 June
Armidale
Friday, 1 July
Toowoomba
Tuesday, 5 July
Orange
Wednesday, 6 July
Goulburn
Thursday, 7 July
Wodonga
Friday, 8 July
Warragul
Tuesday, 19 July
Daylesford
Wednesday, 20 July
Hamilton
Thursday, 21 July
Naracoorte
Friday, 22 July
Hahndorf
Tuesday, 26 July
Launceston
Thursday, 28 July
Perth
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 43
2016 Angus Australia Foundation Study Scholarship recipients announced Alice Lodge, Angus Youth Co-ordinator
Angus Australia has awarded the 2016 Angus Australia Foundation Study Scholarships to members (pictured above, L-R) Lauren Amor, Kristen Fredericksen, Chloe Gould, Hannah Powe and Annie Vivers. Angus Australia with support from the Angus Australia Foundation, has created five new scholarships that were open to Angus Australia members to support them in completing their tertiary studies in courses that will benefit the Australian beef industry. Members studying an agricultural based degree, diploma or certificate at a registered institution who have a commitment to the Australian beef industry and the Angus breed were encouraged to apply. Each scholarship recipient will receive $1000 to help cover the costs associated with studying (for example, textbooks, equipment, college etc). The 2016 Angus Australia Foundation Study Scholarship recipients: • Lauren Amor is currently studying a Masters of Teaching (Secondary), after completing a Bachelor of Animal Science in 2014, at the University of New England, Armidale NSW. • Kristen Fredericksen is in her fifth year of a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga NSW. • Chloe Gould is completing her Bachelor of Agriculture Science with Honours at the University of Queensland, Gatton QLD. • Hannah Powe completed a Bachelor of Agriculture Science last year and is furthering her study by undertaking a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga NSW. • Annie Vivers is currently at the University of New England studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness. For more information about these new scholarships and the recipients head to www.angusyouth.org
Generation Angus NZ Trans-Tasman Exchange Alice Lodge, Angus Youth Co-ordinator
During January and February this year, Australia has played host to Georgia Davies, the 2015 Generation Angus New Zealand Trans-Tasman Exchange recipient. Georgia spent 8 weeks travelling up and down the east coast of Australia staying with a variety of different Angus studs. Without the support of these Angus members we would be unable to offer these recipients the experience and exposure to the Angus breed and the wider Australian beef industry. We would like to thank you for your hospitality and support of Georgia during her stay.
PAge 44
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
It has been a big start to the year for Angus BREEDPLAN, with the processing of all Angus performance information, BREEDPLAN enrolments and enquiries now being undertaken at Angus Australia, rather than ABRI. On this note, just a reminder that the new contact email for Angus BREEDPLAN is breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au With the transition of Angus BREEDPLAN processing from ABRI to Angus Australia, there have been some important developments. New Look Sire Summary A new look Angus BREEDPLAN Sire Summary is now available. The new sire summary includes streamlined introductory notes, NFI-F, NFI-P and Docility EBVs for all sires, and new trait leader reports for Gestation Length, NFI-F, NFI-P and Docility EBVs. To find a copy, head to the Angus Australia website and go to the BREEDPLAN > Sire Summary Tab. Inclusion of NFI & Docility EBVs in Herd Reports NFI-F, NFI-P and Docility EBVs are now included in BREEDPLAN herd reports. In addition to listing the EBVs for each animal, herd trends for NFI-F, NFI-P and Docility EBVs are also provided. New Understanding EBV Fact Sheets Newly updated Understanding EBV fact sheets are available in the BREEDPLAN > Understanding EBVs section of the Angus Australia website. The fact sheets give an overview of each EBV that is calculated within the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. New Data Submission Feedback Reports When performance information is submitted to Angus Australia for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN, members will now receive a Summary of Performance Added to the Database report in addition to the usual email. This report will be sent as an email attachment and will outline the performance information that has been successfully added to the Angus Australia database. Performance Recording Forms now Sent via Email For members submitting performance information on paper, printed copies of Performance Recording Forms and Mature Cow Weights have previously been mailed by ABRI after the calf registrations have been processed by Angus Australia. These forms will now be emailed as an attachment (in pdf form) and listed in the Files to Download section of the Angus Australia website. Members can print the forms when required and return the completed forms to Angus Australia. If
Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
required, printed copies of the forms are still available from the Angus Australia office on a request basis. Angus BREEDPLAN Compatible Microsoft Excel Template A Microsoft Excel template for submitting weight and scanning data is available that can be used as an alternative to using paper performance recording forms. The template can be found in the Forms section of the Angus Australia website, or can be emailed on a request basis. Performance information can also be submitted electronically using an appropriate herd recording computer program (e.g. StockBook, HerdMASTER, KoolPerform) or the performance submission facility available via the Member Login area on the Angus Australia website. Check Your Outlier Reports A quick reminder that all BREEDPLAN outlier reports are provided in the Files to Download section of the Member Login Area on the Angus Australia website. An outlier occurs when the difference between a performance record for an animal, and the average of all animals in the contemporary group is greater than would normally be expected for the trait measured (more than 3 standard deviations). When this happens the outlier data is excluded from the BREEDPLAN analysis until the data is checked and Angus Australia has been notified that it is correct. Please endeavour to regularly check for outlier reports in the Files to Download section of the Angus Australia website. If you do not check these records and notify Angus Australia of the corrections or verification of the data, then the outlier records will remain excluded from all future BREEDPLAN analyses. Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 45
HCH Genetics
Artificial Breeding Pregnancy Testing Foetal Aging Embryo Transfer Semen Sales Freeze Branding
Poss Element 215 Very few bulls are within the top 1% of the breed for CED, CEM, with a negative BW of -2.5 and yet be within the top 5% for both WW and YW. This makes Poss Element a very unique Angus bull. Long, powerful, softly made calves
PA Ranch House Extreme docility at +30 EPD Phoenotypic stand-out with super high semen fertility. Within the top 1% of the breed for EMA and milk, within the top 5% for 200 and 400 day wt and CW, complete with good marbling and excellent 600 day growth figures.
Bruns Thunderbolt High growth, dense bodied, power bull. Stand out for foot and leg structure. Broody, super feminine dam with perfect feet and udder. Within the top 4% of the breed for WW, YW, ADG, doc, milk and within the top 10% for marbling
Australian leaders in animal reproduction Over half a million cows ultrasonically pregnancy tested Extremely accurate foetal aging Large and small scale AI programs with over two decades of experience
PAge 46
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Dale Edwards 0427 806 672 highcountryheifers@bigpond.com www.hchgenetics.com breednfeedbeef.com
Canberra Show 2016
Junior & Grand Champion Bull - Hillview Kew K20 Exhibited by DR & DP Hill, Hillview Angus Stud
Senior Champion Bull - Hillview Kevin K2 Exhibited by DR & DP Hill, Hillview Angus Stud
Junior Champion Female - Hollywood 75W Vanessa L4 Exhibited by Lyn & Ian Flecklington, Hollywood Angus
Senior & Grand Champion Female - Talis Promise G326 Exhibited by Talis Angus
Supreme Exhibit - Talis Promise G326. Exhibited by Talis Angus
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 47
Certified Angus Group 2015 Report Kate Brabin, CEO, Certified Angus Group (CAG) Pty Ltd
What a year 2015 was for Angus producers in Australia. Angus continued to command premiums above other breeds across all markets and with cattle herd numbers on the decline and cattle prices on the incline, it has been extremely rewarding for producers. Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd (CAG) is in the unique position where we are owned by Angus Australia members and work exclusively to promote and create demand for Angus beef domestically and internationally. CAG also works closely under agreement with processors and 2015 has been extremely tough. While the perfect storm was brewing for breeders and growers, processors found it increasingly difficult to purchase and process cattle without loss. In 2015 there have been mutterings that ‘Angus may saturate the market’ and ‘Angus have become a commodity’ in many comments within the press from other breeds. Comfort however for Angus members and producers is provided by every major processor in Australia and their ongoing recognition of the strength and quality of Angus brands through all now carrying an Angus brand. Driven by demand from the consumer, Angus brand prominence continues to rise. It is important however to recognize that not all brands are created equal. There are varying degrees of quality in the various Angus brands on offer. Each brand has been developed for a specific consumer target market and specific price point. There are Angus brands focused on pasture fed Angus cattle and brands focused on grain fed Angus cattle. The AusMeat language and Meats Standards Australia grading system are key to deciphering the differences in all brands. For example, a cut of beef from an Angus young steer (YS) MSA graded would be of discernably better eating quality than a cut from an Angus prime beef (PR) that was not MSA graded for eating quality. The difference in quality of these products is also reflected in price. The YS MSA graded Angus beef would be more expensive than that of the PR Angus PAge 48
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
beef at point of sale. Recognition of ‘you get what you pay for’ is being built. Generally Angus beef are bringing higher prices over the hook, via direct consignment and in the saleyards due to the availability of specific markets for Angus beef at the consumer end of the supply chain. Certified Angus Group (CAG) through their work with member owned certified brands Certified Australian Angus Beef, Angus Pure and Verified Angus brands continued in 2015 to promote Angus beef to the world by name and brand through quality specification. Many Australian processors process Angus beef specifically for the McDonalds Angus burger, which CAG, through their subsidiary Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd (ABV) verify for Angus parentage. ABV is aimed specifically at driving value for the members of Angus Australia by ensuring that participating Angus processors are in fact sourcing Australian Angus cattle for use in the brands. Processors in addition to McDonalds, using independent third party verification provided by ABV include but are not limited to Thomas Farms International, Rangers Valley, Bindaree Beef, Manildra Meats, Jacks Creek and Warmoll Foods and Argyle Prestige Meats. Member owned brands, Certified Australian Angus Beef and Angus Pure together with all processors using Angus Breed Verification services captured an average of 22,000 head per month in 2015 of Angus and Angus cross cattle in Australia in support of the increased price of Angus cattle. Certified Australian Angus Beef and Angus Pure continue to drive demand for ‘whole of carcase’ and ensure overall the animal is more valuable. Brand forequarter cuts, loin cuts and butt cuts are branded across both retail and foods service domestically and overseas and trim continues to be utilised in Angus branded products. Meat and Livestock Australia has confirmed to the market that the domestic herd is on the decrease and 2016 thus far promises to follow this trend. Shortage in supply, higher cattle prices and price pressures placed on the processor with a flow on effect to all consumers looks to be in our future. CAG will continue to support Angus beef in the market place and ensure the producers of Australian Angus are supported through out the storm with brands to supply to.
Have You Downloaded the Angus Australia App? Angus beef producers who use a smart phone or tablet are encouraged to download the Angus Australia app. The Angus Australia app is an add-on to the suite of online database search tools that are available via the Angus Australia website (e.g. animal and member search), and enables users of a smart phone or tablet to view information about a particular animal or seedstock operation in a user friendly manner. The Angus Australia app can be downloaded free of charge from the iTunes App Store or Google Play, and is compatible with most iOS and Android mobile devices. Breed Development & Extension Manager at Angus Australia, Andrew Byrne said the Angus Australia app is of great benefit to beef producers when viewing animals in the paddock or at agricultural events and shows, or when trying to obtain contact details for an individual seedstock producer”. “The app enables users to pull out their phone and view a range of information regarding each animal including a 2 generation pedigree, complete EBVs and selection index information, the popular EBV graph display, vendor comments on sale animals and
a photo of each animal” said Andrew. “Furthermore, the Angus Australia app is fully interactive enabling beef producers to easily search and sort a group of animals on particular criteria of interest, while a favourites feature within the sale catalogue function enables sale lots of particular interest to be easily highlighted and viewed in a separate list”. Andrew explained that an important feature of the app was the ability to download sale catalogues and then view them offline when attending sales where there is no mobile phone coverage.
Angus Australia Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries Angus Australia, with support from the Angus Australia Foundation and numerous other sponsors, is now offering a considerably expanded Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries program. The program aims to increase member’s knowledge of the Angus breed and to assist Angus Australia members to expand their knowledge and experience of the Australian and International agricultural industries. Currently there are three international scholarships, five opportunities to receive educational scholarships, three opportunities to receive registered Angus heifers, and numerous other scholarships, awards and bursaries to attend different industry events. Below is a snapshot of the scholarships, awards and bursaries that are offered: • • • • • • • • • • •
University of Illinois Scholarship Semex Kansas State University Scholarship Trans-Tasman Exchange Beef Australia Scholarships (x3) Angus National Conference Scholarships (x2) Angus Australia Study Scholarships (x5) BeefEx Scholarships (x2) LiveEx Forum Scholarships (x2) The Stewart Award Youth Ag Council Consultative Committee Award Te Mania Most Potential Breeder Award
• National Judging Competition Runner Up Award • Studmaster Award • Outwest Angus NSW All Breeds Heifer Show Award • Lanark Angus SA Junior Heifer Expo Award • EJ Angus Encouragement Award • Matthew George Citizenship Award • Kathleen and David Cornell Shield • Travel Bursaries To find out more about the Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries program head to www.angusyouth.org
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 49
angus australia staff directory Peter Parnell Chief Executive Officer M: 0428 918 632 P: 02 6773 4605
Ron Bower Administration Manager Accountant P: 6773 4607
E: peter@angusaustralia.com.au
E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au
Liz Pearson Marketing & Communications Manager
Andrew Byrne Breed Development & Extension Manager
P: 02 6773 4601 M: 0488 758 360
P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042
E: marketingmanager@angusaustralia.com.au
E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
Christian Duff Strategic Projects Manager
Lee-Anne Turner Member Services Manager
P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141
P: 02 6773 4604 E: lee-anne@angusaustralia.com.au
E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
PAge 50
Christopher de Crespigny Information Systems Manager
Michael Ainsworth Computer Programmer
P: 02 6773 4619
P: 02 6773 4610
E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au
E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au
Robyn Brazier Marketing Assistant
Nick Butcher Project Officer, ASBP
P: 02 6773 4609
M: 0427 701 236
E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
E nick@angusaustralia.com.au
Esther Glasgow Member Services Officer
Samantha Hamilton Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4611
P: 02 6773 4613
E: esther@angusaustralia.com.au
E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Ashleigh Horne Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
Sarah Kelly Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4603
E: sarah@angusaustralia.com.au
P:02 6773 4621
E ash@angusaustralia.com.au
Anna Lee Accountant's Assistant
Alice Lodge Angus Youth Co-ordinator
P: 02 6773 4612 E: anna@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4608 M: 0400 536 055 E: alice@angusaustralia.com.au
Kelso Looker Member Services Officer
Liz Roan Education Officer
P: 02 6773 4614
P: 02 6773 4602 M: 0448 888 410
E: kelso@angusaustralia.com.au
E: education@angusaustralia.com.au
Melissa Rolff Membership Co-ordinator
Bianca Schloeffel Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4617
P: 02 6773 4616
E office@angusaustralia.com.au
E: bianca@angusaustralia.com.au
Amanda Wolfe Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4606 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au
Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6772 3095 Email: office@angusaustralia.com.au Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
PAge 51
ANGUS AUSTRALIA merchandise sale
Angus Black Polo Shirt unisex rrp. $25 NOW $10
Angus White Polo Shirt unisex rrp. $25 NOW $10
Angus White Polo with Red Trim unisex rrp. $25 NOW $10
Angus Ladies Black/Red Polo rrp. $25 NOW $5
Angus Men’s Chambray Shirt rrp. $35 NOW $5
Angus White Business Shirt Mens & Womens rrp. $35 NOW $15
Angus Black/Red reversible vest rrp. $45 NOW $20
Angus business tie Navy/Black rrp. $30 NOW $10
Angus traditional Tie Navy rrp. $30 NOW $10
Angus Thermos Silver or Clear rrp $15 NOW $5.00 ea or 2 for $7.00 Angus Rugby Top rrp. $45 NOW $15
PAge 52
Angus Bulletin — Autumn 2016
Contact: Ann Lee 02 6773 4612 - anna@angusaustralia.com.au
THE SCIENCE OF SELECTION The advanced genomic selection tool available for Australian Angus breeders
i50K for Angus is a DNA test that predicts genetic potential for a range of economically important traits. The genomic predictions have been developed using BREEDPLAN EBVs provided by Angus Australia. An i50K for Angus test enables: • Evaluation of 22 key performance traits important to the future productivity of your business; • Identification of elite, unproven bulls and young bulls with a unique combination of traits; • Selection of superior heifers to become herd replacements and elite females for submission to AI or ET programs; • Highly accurate pedigree records through DNA trace-back technology that matches calves with sires in a multiple-sire system. To take your breeding decisions to the next level call:
1300 768 400 Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2016 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. www.zoetis.com.au ZL0423 02/16
www.angusaustralia.com.au