2022 Winter Angus Bulletin

Distributed by the Angus Society of Australia

Winter 2022

Angus BULLETIN

The Stock Agents Toolkit for pre-game discussion and planning · Growth, Development and Putting into Practice · Angus HeiferSELECT - Generation 2 Hits the Industry · Getting back to basics with Angus ESSENTIALS · Understanding Structural Soundness EBVs

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“Getting you ahead”

Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022 “Eastern The Plains” Guyra NSW| 1

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20

contents

49

Winter 2022 | Volume 48

2

Contents

37

Where are they now?

4

Out & About

38

Bonnie Cox chosen as the inaugural Angus Foundation AuctionsPlus cadet

5

Presidents Report

6

CEO Report

8

Erica Halliday Elected as 47th President of Angus Australia

42 Angus Youth take out major awards at Sydney

9

Angus breed stalwarts recognised for dedication to the breed

43

10

Angus feeder steer premium blows out to $1/kg liveweight – what’s driving it?

44 Stoney Point raises $9,000 for the Angus Foundation

14

The Stock Agents Toolkit for pre-game discussion and planning

45 Getting back to basics with Angus ESSENTIALS

16

40 Getting the bigger picture on a career in the Beef Industry

Search across multiple sale catalogues at the same time using Angus saleSELECT 47

18

A new look for www.angusaustralia.com.au

GenAngus Out and About

Angus HeiferSELECT - Generation 2 Hits the Industry

49 Angus HeiferSELECT supplying valuable insight for herd management

20 GenAngus Future Leaders Program scaling new business heights 32

Growth, Development and Putting into Practice

35

2022 NH Food Australia Angus Youth National Roundup to return

36

APPLY NOW: BeefEX 2022 Scholarships

52

Utilising Opportunity and Actioning Your Goals

55

Commercial at Coonamble

56

Building from a new Beginning

58

Angus Verified NVDs & Guidelines

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: Diana Wood Layout: Ebonie Jones Printer: printcentre.net.au.

TACE Angus.Tech ASBP Breed Development Commerical Supply Chain General Angus CONNECT Northern Development Member Services Youth

60 59

Commercial Supply Chain Out & About

64 Understanding Structural Soundness EBVs

72

Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services

74

Member Services Matters

76

The use of sex sorted semen in the Australian Beef Industry

79

81

ASBP – Time to Nominate Your Bull

Angus Carcase Success at Sydney

82 Angus success at Lardner Park steer trial 83

Around the Shows

85

Angus success in Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic

86 Behind the Beef – Meet the CEO 91

Staff Directory

Marketing Angus Foundation

Advertisers Indexes 63

60 Clear lines at Moonya Agriculture

Angus Education

3R Beef

12

Kidman Angus

34 Achmea

IBC Killain Angus

1

75

Bald Blair Angus

Knowla Angus

54 Ben Nevis

89 KO Angus

29 Booroomooka Angus

BC Millah Murrah Angus

84 Bridgewater Angus

31

Milwillah Angus

82 Broadwater Angus

15

Moorunga Angus

57

Brooksby Angus

84 Mundarlo Angus

51

Clunie Range

77

13

Choice Angus

90 Neogen

78

DSK Angus

8

Raff Angus

59

Duddy Angus

31

Safety Zone Calf Catchers

33

Dulverton Angus

70

Sara Park Angus

1

Eastern Plains Angus

4

Segenhoe Angus

35

Eastern Spreaders

70

Semex

28

Farmer Breeding Supplies

17

Sugarloaf Angus

46 Genetics Australia

85

Tandara Angus

30 Genetic Choice

IFC Texas Angus

7

Graneta

80 The Glen Angus

41

Heart Angus

48 Twynam

39

Inglebrae Farms Angus

79

Myanga Angus

Vetoquinol

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Board of Angus Australia. Neither the Editor nor Angus Australia takes any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken by readers or others based on information contained therein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse or cancel without notice any advertisement in a publication issued by them.

Out & About A

B

C D

A: Pictured at the Armidale ‘Have your say’ workshop, Erica Halliday, Angus Australia President, Tammy McLeod, Senior Member Services Officer, Adelie Botes and Amanda Wolfe, Angus Australia Administration Officer, B: Northern Development Officer, Jen Peart & Member Services Manager Bernard Beatty collecting meat samples from ASBP Cohort 10 steers for laboratory testing IMF and Fatty Acid profiles, C: 2021 Norman Lethbridge Award presentation, Sydney Royal Easter Show - Michael McCue (RAS Chief Steward), Micquella Grima (Angus NSW Committee Member, Winner 2020 Lethbridge Award), Cope Lethbridge, Peter Grieve OAM, (Chairman Angus NSW), Emma Bracks (Winner 2021 Lethbridge Award), Andrew Heath (Ag teacher Bede Polding College), D: Members of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Consultative Committee, Angus Australia Board members & staff at Rangers Valley for a consultative committee meeting, farm tour and viewing of approximately 330 steers from Cohort 10 of the ASBP.

BULL AND FEMALE SALE Saturday 20 August, 2022

Inspections by private appointment Craig Atkinson 0418 764 877 - craig.atkinson@segenhoegroup.com.au ‘Segenhoe fairlight’ 1131 Rouchel Road, Aberdeen NSW 2336

4

Presidents Report

Erica Halliday, President and Board Chairperson I want to thank everyone for the kind messages and calls I have received since I was elected the 47th President of Angus Australia (and the second ever woman President after the amazing Libby Creek).

It is both an honour and a privilege and I look forward to talking with members and working with Scott Wright, our excellent Board, and the wonderful team at Angus Australia to make the process of registering and marketing our cattle easier.

I have always felt part of the Angus family, growing up through the show circuit with my parents, working for Don Nicol as both Project Officer and Youth Facilitator for Angus Australia before winning the Illinois Scholarship and going on to work on the broader beef industry. My husband Stu and I took over the reins of Ben Nevis in 2013.

I am delighted to be on the Board with our newest board member Sinclair Munro of Booroomooka Angus. His grandfather and my father were together in Borneo in WW2 and that was where my father’s love of the Angus breed came about. Dad purchased his first cows from Bald Blair and Abington in 1947 and this year as we celebrated 75 years of Angus Australia membership, awarded at the time that both Abington and Bald Blair Angus celebrate their 100th. Coinciding with this, I take over the presidency from none other than Sam White of Bald Blair. All these events show to me what the Angus breed can be to members more than a place to register and record their cattle. It can be a way to connect, a place to find people who share your values and a place of friendship and camaraderie.

To this end we have hit the road with Scott Wright, Angus Australia staff and board members reaching out to members across the country both across their kitchen tables and at the Have Your Say Workshops. The first question is “what regulation do you find the most annoying?,” and from there we go about identifying what bugs members the most and investigating how we can fix it, plus looking for new and great ideas to make the process better and easier. As always, our research and technical staff are keeping abreast of the latest science, and we plan to keep our momentum in this space.

The Autumn bull sales were record-breaking, reflecting the demand for our breed as the national herd rebuilds after the drought. With the Spring bull selling season starting this month this trend shows no sign of abating, backed by the strength of the EYCI, good rains across the eastern seaboard and a buoyant mood in the market. Increased supply of bulls onto the market should dampen demand but it hasn’t happened yet. The important thing for Angus breeders to remember for future prosperity is that we will be judged by the ones that we didn’t cut - so sharpen those pocket knives people.

A small team of us travelled to New Zealand in May to meet with New Zealand Angus as well as the AngusPro group.

While not enjoying the same economic climate for beef that we are at the moment, the New Zealand 2-year-old sales currently underway are very solid. The competition for land-use in the face of climate action is a lesson for the Australian beef industry and as we work towards the MLA target of Carbon Neutral 2030, we need to look at methods

Jack Halli day, Erica Halli day Cherry Steele & Mag

gie Halli day

of methane reduction, but more importantly the role of pasture in becoming a net synch of carbon. To date this space has been dominated by tree plantings but the New Zealand story tells us that we must find balance too or we threaten to overburden grazing businesses. It simply makes sense to take grass which is the most abundant plant on earth and upgrade it to beef, the most nutrient dense form of protein on the planet. We know this process when it’s well managed can not only be carbon neutral, but a net synch of carbon. This is a good story that only we can make happen.

Congratulations to the Angus Youth Consultative Committee and Jake Phillips for the hugely successful GenAngus program, which was recently run in Adelaide. It was a leadership, business and technically savvy workshop attended by our “older youth,” targeting 20–40-year-olds.

By all accounts it was an extremely creative and informative space with valuable networking opportunities and just plain, good old-fashioned fun with young people getting back together after COVID-19.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our retired past CEO Peter Parnell, and retired past President Sam White for their service to Angus Australia. Peter has left Angus Australia in such a strong financial position with sound investments into youth, research, data security as well as software development, all of which underpin the value of the Angus brand.

His humble manner and strong leadership have left us in very good stead. We will greatly miss Sam White on the Board, I have often heard people say that if they had to go into the trenches, they would take Sam and I second that. Sam has always fought hard for our breed and its members in such a selfless fashion. We wish him all the best reconnecting back with his family and enjoying Bald Blairs 100th year of membership.

Wishing everyone a successful bull selling and buying season ahead.

Yours Erica Halliday The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

|5

CEO Report

Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer The past three months has been an incredible journey as I settled into the role of CEO. I have endeavoured to keep the best aspects of the culture at Angus Australia, and at the same time pivot and bring a new direction to the organisation.

Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright with Angus NSW during farm tours near Mudgee

Moving the culture of an organisation isn’t an easy process.

Perhaps change is the wrong word; rather it would be that I am seeking to focus the organisation on member engagement and to simplify and streamline all our processes.

That engagement and simplification is what has preoccupied my time since commencing as CEO in March.

2022 is all about focus and working with the Board to formulate a new 5-year strategic plan to begin in 2023.

The “Have Your Say” workshops have been very useful in drawing out the small (and large) issues that perhaps have been overlooked.

If you would like to contribute any feedback about Angus Australia in any way, please email: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au or kathryn.duddy@angusaustralia.com.au.

New Zealand

At the May board meeting, Erica Halliday was elected as the new President of the Board. Erica and I share a common heart for improving service and engagement with members. I am certain this will be a positive chapter for the entire organisation.

Sam White finished up his time on the board following the AGM and Sinclair Munro has joined the board as a National Director.

The board meeting was productive, with considerable time spent on several significant projects currently in development. Importantly, a new regulation around leasing of females was considered and passed. This new regulation will be communicated to members in the coming weeks.

In May, Sam White, Erica Halliday, Tammy McLeod and myself visited New Zealand to welcome and interact with our newest group of breeders, AngusPRO. This was a helpful workshop with a very passionate group of breeders who are a great addition to our “Angus family”. AngusPRO bring a great energy to Angus Australia, headed up by the positive work of Tim Brittain.

While in New Zealand, we also had a meeting with New Zealand Angus to consider a way of working together moving forward. While the content of the discussion at that meeting is confidential, I can report we had important and very helpful discussions in which both parties resolved several ways of working together in a positive partnership moving forward.

Visitation and “Have Your Say” Workshops

As I write this, we are midway through our “Have Your Say” workshops. Can I say thank you to the membership for your attendance, attitude and your enthusiasm for the future of both the organisation and the Angus breed.

These discussions have helped me to gain an even better understanding of the needs of the membership.

I appreciate the time given by the various Board members to attend and contribute. In addition, I have continued to visit as many members as possible to enable frank and open conversations about the future of the breed and the society.

6

May Board Meeting

GenAngus Future Leaders

One of the absolute highlights of the year was being able to attend the GenAngus Future Leaders event held in Adelaide in May. The organisation was fantastic, and you can be assured the future of the breed is in great hands, judging from the high calibre of young people who attended.

The course has a team building component and then moves into a number of skill building sessions, aiming to equip our Angus leaders of tomorrow with the skills and mental outlook they will require to make their businesses a success. Thank you to Achmea Australia for their valuable alliance in allowing us to host such an enriching event for these young people.

Affiliated Angus Groups

Another key activity has been to start engaging with our Affiliated Angus groups. I have been able to attend several meetings including the NSW Angus AGM and farm walk at Mudgee. Sam White and I presented to the group and held a very helpful discussion on a range of topics. We enjoyed dinner with the group that evening and enjoyed the hospitality of Coffin Creek and Talooby the following day.

I was able to attend the June QLD Angus meeting, and it was a pleasure to start building a rapport with that group. I am looking forward to joining the meetings of the Tasmanian and West Australian groups in the coming months.

Staff Changes

Many will have noticed some significant staff changes at Angus Australia since my appointment as CEO. This follows a restructure of the business into the following four areas: 1. Genetic Improvement 2. Member Engagement 3. Marketplace Services 4. Corporate Services Christian Duff has been appointed as General Manager of Genetic Improvement. This senior role will oversee a team to deliver Angus Australia’s genetic improvement initiatives, including our genetic evaluation services to members and associated Research and Development (R&D) programs (both internal and collaborative). For the foreseeable future, Christian will also maintain his role directly managing our R&D programs, including external collaborations and the Angus Australia reference population program (Angus Sire Benchmarking Program). Christian has a depth of experience in beef cattle genetics, has a great connection with members, is currently studying for his PhD with UNE and is the perfect candidate to oversee this business unit.

Andrew Byrne has been moved into the role of Genetic Evaluation Manager, which sits within the Genetic Improvement business unit. This role will focus on the delivery and development of our Genetic Evaluation services.

Jake Philips has been appointed as Extension Manager.

Jake, who is based in Naracoorte SA, will oversee Angus

Australia’s extension and engagement programs. Jake’s appointment is an important part of our new strategy to increase field engagement with members. He has a depth of experience in the beef processing sector and the seedstock breeding sector. You will find Jake very approachable; he also shares my “member first” philosophy.

Bernard Beatty has been appointed as my replacement to head up our Member Services. This team of course is the primary contact for most of our members. Bernard oversees most of the day-to-day transactional activity between our team and members. Hailing from the health industry, Bernard has a career of customer service and staff management.

Kathryn Duddy was appointed in a multi-faceted role as Company Secretary, Human Resources Manager and Assistant to the CEO, with a range of responsibilities. As my assistant, Kathryn is an excellent point of contact if I am unavailable, and for anything that is related to the Board of Directors. Kathryn has a depth of experience in both management and customer relationships and will bring new energy to Angus Australia as we seek to improve our culture going forward.

Goodbye to two great men….

I would like to acknowledge the important work and now friendship of Sam White and the mentoring of Dr Peter Parnell, whose priority was always the organisation. In his final days at Angus Australia, Peter concentrated on setting me up for success. Thank you to both Sam and Peter! Both of you have made the transition of myself into the CEO role easier and smoother than I could have ever hoped. Thank you for putting the future of Angus Australia above your own personal success.

Should any member wish to contact me, please feel welcome to touch base via phone or email. In the event I am unavailable, please contact Kathryn Duddy and she will alert me to your needs.

Yours sincerely, Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

|7

Erica Halliday Elected as 47th President of Angus Australia Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer

Following a long history with the Angus breed and the society throughout her life, Erica Halliday has been elected the 47th President of Angus Australia by the Board of Directors at their meeting held in Armidale on Thursday May 26th.

Hailing from New South Wales, Mrs Halliday is a fourthgeneration producer and partner of Ben Nevis Angus, Walcha NSW and comes into the position following outgoing president and board chair Sam White, Bald Blair Angus, Guyra NSW. With her husband, Mrs Halliday runs Ben Nevis Angus, a seedstock operation established in 1947 by Mrs Halliday’s father Bruce Steel.

Mrs Halliday has a long history intertwined with Angus Australia, dating back to 1986, where she competed in the inaugural Angus Youth Roundup. Following this Mrs Halliday was heavily involved with the society at a Youth level and in 1994 was selected for the Angus Youth University of Illinois Scholarship following her win of the National Judging Competition.

From 1995 to 2000 Mrs Halliday served on the staff of Angus Australia as Youth Coordinator, where she worked in the development of the youth members of the organisation.

Mrs Halliday has served on the board of Angus Australia since 2018 and was previously chairman of Angus NSW (formally the NSW State Committee).

Mrs Halliday is a strong advocate for the Australian Beef Industry and has previously served on a number of board committees including the New England Girls School and the Australian Beef Industry Foundation and is currently an Elected Member of the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee – Meat and Livestock Australia, an appointed member to Namoi Unlimited Industry Steering Committee and a director of Rural Aid Australia.

In taking over the helm Mrs Halliday paid tribute to Mr White and his leadership of Angus Australia.

‘Sam is a man of great substance, a man of honour, integrity and pure kindness, but at the same time someone who is not afraid to pull the hard punches when required.’

‘If there were ever the hard questions to be asked or the courage needed to get something done to get to the heart of an issue, Sam was always up to the task.’

‘This is something that the Board has really appreciated and admired from Sam as he has an amazing business brain coupled with being extremely ambitious and looking for opportunities in every problem that he sees.’

‘It has been absolute honour to work with Sam and while we will miss his presence on the Board, I look forward to working with the current Board and our CEO Scott Wright to continue to drive the success of Angus Australia and the Angus breed.’

In wrapping up his term Mr White thanked his fellow directors for their support and guidance during his time on the Board and in particular during his term as president and board chairman.

‘I would also like to acknowledge the many members that have contributed to the continued success of Angus Australia over the past twelve months, particularly those that have contributed to the governance of the organisation, including Board members, state affiliated members and consultative committee members.’

‘On behalf of the Board and the broader membership for I would like to thank the staff of Angus Australia for their efforts in maintaining a high level of uninterrupted service to members during the challenging times and circumstances that presented in 2021’.

Mrs Halliday will be supported by newly appointed incoming Vice-President James Laurie, Knowla Livestock, Moppy, NSW.

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Erica Halliday, President of Angus Australia with Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer and incoming Vice-President James Laurie

Angus breed stalwarts recognised for dedication to the breed Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

The 103rd Annual General Meeting of the Angus Society of Australia in Armidale on May 26th 2022, was the backdrop for the presentation of three major membership awards to Bald Blair Angus, Guyra NSW and Forster & Sons, Abington NSW for 100 years of membership and Ben Nevis Grazing, Walcha for 75 years membership.

In a fitting presentation outgoing President Sam White, Bald Blair Angus made the presentations to James Harris of Forster & Sons and Erica Halliday of Ben Nevis Grazing, while Erica Halliday, who became Angus Australia’s 47th President during the subsequent Board Meeting, made the presentation to Sam White.

Angus Australia CEO congratulated Bald Blair Angus, Forster & Sons and Ben Nevis for their long-term commitment to Angus Australia.

‘It is a testament to the strength, leadership and dedication of these families and the legacy that they have left behind that sees their descendants serving as breed leaders in the Angus leaders in breed today.’

‘The foresight, determination and the faith that these pioneers had in the Angus breed, has ensured that the future of the breed and the custodianship of the land and the cattle continues to be in great hands throughout each generation.’

While the Society was officially formed on May 9, 1919, the first recorded list of members was recorded in July 1922 and included F.J White and Sons of Bald Blair and Norman Forster, Abington, both considered prominent pioneers of the Angus breed, among the 14 members (or families) on the record.

The Bald Blair legacy dates back to 1898 when the Whites purchased Bald Blair, with the Angus stud running since 1908, making it one of the oldest angus studs in Australia.

Colonel Harold F (HF) White from Bald Blair became the longest serving President in the role for a decade from April 1927 to March 1937, after he succeeded his uncle James Cobb White, Edinglassie, whom was the first President of the Society from 1919 to 1927.

In his day, Colonel White was one of the most influential breeders of Aberdeen-Angus cattle due to his show ring and performance cattle.

He is also hailed as one of the leading pioneers of performance recording for Aberdeen-Angus cattle. The White Family over the course of 100 years have continued to be prominent figures within both the Society and the Angus breed.

Colonel White’s sons Richard and Graham White presided as President for the periods of 1968 to 1969, and 1996 – 1997 respectively, with Sam White, the current custodian of Bald Blair Angus having just finished his term as President from 2020 to 2022.

Sam, his wife Kirsty and their two sons Abbott and Arthur continue the Bald Blair legacy today.

Norman Forster was the society President from 1939-1941.

As a producer, Forster and his family were among those who invested in Aberdeen Angus bulls and heifers from New Zealand starting the Abington herd in 1918.

Forster regarded the formation of the Society as a crucial step in the breeds development in Australia and left an invaluable to the breed through his dedication to both the Society and the breed.

He foresaw great potential for the breed to spread to every corner of Australia and no doubt would take great pride in the influence the Angus breed now has o the beef industry.

Both Colonel White and Forster were among buyers of the United Kingdom society’s first shipment of bulls in 1927.

While the Abington stud was dispersed in 1950, Angus cattle have remained a large part of Abington station and the membership of Forster & Sons with the Society continued, with James Richard Forster Harris at the helm.

Today both Bald Blair and Abington are still active members of the beef industry and have continued the success of the Angus breed on their properties through the ever-evolving improvements in beef cattle production.

For Ben Nevis Angus, while Angus have been part of the family since 1902 it wasn’t until Bruce Steel (Ben Nevis Founder) went underage at 16 to World War II where his commanding officer, HG Munro of Booroomooka inspired him to start an Angus Stud. Something he did with his father in 1947 based on Abington bloodlines.

The Angus breed became a whole way of life, and today Ben Nevis is a fourth-generation family business with all the family involved including Bruce’s wife Cherry, daughter Kylie Steel and granddaughter Bonnie Cox and daughter Erica Halliday, son in law Stuart Halliday and grandchildren Jack and Maggie Halliday.

Bruce and Cherry were both considered an inspiration and mentors to many Angus breeders and were instrumental in the development of the Angus Youth National Roundup as we know it today and served on a myriad of Angus committees including, the Angus Australia board, the NSW State Committee and the New England Angus breeders group.

With Erica at the helm of both Ben Nevis and Angus Australia as President, the legacy developed by her father and mother continues with the next generation.

Sam White – Bald Blair Angus, Erica Halliday – Ben Nevis Grazing & James Harris – Forster & Sons

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

|9

Angus feeder steer premium blows out to $1/kg liveweight – what’s driving it?

Jon Condon, Beef Central

What’s driving the eye-watering advance in premiums being paid for Angus feeder steers over generic flatback feeders over the past 12 months?

As recently as the beginning of last year, the Angus premium on heavy feeders suitable for +100-day feedlot programs was worth only around 15-20c/kg liveweight across parts of eastern Australia. That advantage has now blown out to 95-100c/kg.

A number of supply chain managers spoken to for this report suggested on Friday that 530c/kg was the going rate for heavy flatback feeders in the paddock currently, while Angus were 630c/kg, and higher in places.

In past years, the Angus premium occasionally got to 25c/ kg, which proved ‘enough’ to incentivise many breeders of British-type feeder cattle, because it represented a bonus return of $80 to $120 a head, depending on weight. Today, that premium is typically worth around $400 a head.

We sought assistance from AuctionsPlus analyst Michael McManus to prepare the graph published below, which plots Angus feeders +400kg sold online since 2019, against generic 100-day feeder prices (Wagyu and Angus cattle removed).

Angus Vs flatback heavy feeders +400kg on AuctionsPlus since 2019

around October 2019 and again in early 2020, due to oversupply pressure.

This time last year (May 2021), good Angus heavy feeders on AuctionsPlus were making 466c/kg, and flatbacks 408c/kg.

By March this year, Angus feeders averaged 602c/kg and flatbacks 510c, and that advantage has continued to grow.

Gaining momentum

The manager of one of the largest commercial feedlots in Australia told Beef Central the trend in Angus premium in his region had started more than a year ago, but had gained momentum more recently.

Late last week, he said his yard was paying 525-530c/ kg for good flatback heavy feeders, and 625-630c/kg for equivalent straight Angus.

“It bounces around a little, and it depends on who you talk to. There are obviously smaller feedlot operators out there that might have more money than that, because they don’t have the established long-term relationships in the marketplace. They may be waving their chequebook around even more now – but they might only buy a hundred head and then disappear,” he said.

Two key drivers

As can be seen, there has been a dramatic divergence between Angus (blue line) and flatback feeders (orange line), especially since around March last year, now reaching its current all-time record high.

Also worth noting in the graph, the Angus premium virtually disappeared during the depths of the drought – especially 10

Two key factors appear to be driving the current Angus feeder premium.

The first is the booming demand for quality beef across global markets this year, as the COVID veil lifts, consumer confidence returns, and food service markets get back on their feet. More than ever, quality is high on the priority list for cashed-up consumers eager to get out after 201921 lockdowns, and marbled Angus beef is a popular part of that.

Consumers want to do things well when they eat at home, entertain, or go out for dinner, and marbled beef is a strong part of their response, being prepared to pay a significant premium for it.

The second, supply-side reason is more complex.

Angus breeding females across NSW, Victoria and southern Queensland were liquidated in record numbers during the 2019-20 drought.

When it came time to re-populate those breeding paddocks after the seasons started to break during early 2020, Angus females were either in very short supply, or prohibitively expensive. Instead, producers who previously bred straight Angus for brand programs settled for females of virtually any breed they could get their hands on, simply to ‘put calves back in the paddock.’

As reported earlier, large numbers of Santas, Brahmans, Droughtmasters and other bos-indicus and Taurus breeding females flowed into NSW and even Victoria after the drought broke.

That process, in turn, has produced a relatively larger number of crossbred calves – no longer eligible for Angus beef brand programs. This has heavily driven the current $1/kg premium for Angus feeders, Beef Central was told.

“When we were forced to kill all those pregnant Angus cows out of the south during 2019, we were inevitably going to impact the supply of Angus feeders later on,” one large supply chain manager said. “You couldn’t just go into the market and buy any quantity of Angus replacement cows.”

“If you go back to 2019, the NSW tablelands and southern NSW – both heartland areas for generating Angus feeders – were probably the hardest hit in Australia from drought.

There was a huge number of Angus cows taken out of the system, sent to slaughter. It didn’t rain in that region until about February 2020, taking further Angus cows out of the system that year as well,” the supply chain manager said.

“Where we are sitting right now, we’re in the smallest drop of Angus cattle, as a result of the 2018-2019 joining period so heavily impacted by drought. We’re at the peak of the impact.”

“I think if you did a survey, it would be mind-blowing how many more crossbred cattle there are in NSW at the moment, in paddocks that used to run straight Angus, as desperate beef producers got hold of whatever females they could, after the rain returned.”

None of those crossbred progeny would qualify for an Australian Angus commercial beef brand program at present. Brand programs operating under verification systems administered by Angus Australia require 100pc Angus genetics, while some others (JBS and Teys, for

example) accept a minimum Angus breed content of 75pc (Angus x Angus cross with no bos indicus or dairy influence).

“In order to re-qualify for Angus premiums, they either have to bred their way back or buy their way back, securing Angus breeding females, which are themselves making huge premiums at present,” the contact said.

As an example of recent Angus breeder replacement pricing, Paraway Pastoral Co last month sold close to 200 PTIC Angus heifers and young cows from Victorian and NSW holdings on AuctionsPlus, ranging from 376kg to 612kg. Heifers made from $2700 to $3060 and cows up to $3560.

Brand program impact

The situation was inevitably having an impact on the volume of genuine Angus brand program beef being produced this year, the supply chain manager said.

“And to make the situation worse, there are more grainfed supply chains trying to do an Angus brand program now that ever. It has made the competition that much more intense, for the scarce eligible cattle that are out there. And added to that, more Angus females are again being directed into Wagyu F1 breeding programs, further impacting the availability of straight Angus feeders.”

All this suggests that it could be a year or two, at least, before Angus females can fully restore the population of straight Angus feeders necessary to satisify Angus brand program requirements.

“It will slowly get there, but it takes time. In many cases, Angus breeders have had to start from an Angus heifer to produce straightbred cattle again,” the supply chain manager said.

“The only thing that will change the current premium for Angus feeders is time. You can’t paint them black.”

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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“There may be a little more relief in terms of a few more Angus feeders available by October this year, when autumn drop 2021 Angus calves start to hit the market.”

Premium as strong as it’s ever been

Speaking to Beef Central during Friday’s RNA branded beef competition results announcement in Brisbane, Stockyard Beef’s marketing general manager David Clark acknowledged that the Angus feeder premium presently was as strong as it had ever been.

Stockyard currently processes around 17,000 fed Angus cattle each year – many destined for the company’s Stockyard Gold 200-day program – a figure which has doubled in the past five years, making the current Angus supply challenge all the greater.

“The current premium says a lot about the strength of ‘brand Angus’ in the marketplace, and overall global demand presently for higher quality beef,” Mr Clark said.

“Is it sustainable? I’m not sure, but hopefully we will see bigger numbers of Angus feeders flush out next year, as post drought recovery continues, and that should bring the price differential back to a more reasonable level.”

Impact on production

A livestock manager for a large Queensland grainfed beef business said his company’s Angus grainfed branded beef program was currently killing around 800 a week, down from 1200 prior to the drought impact – simply because the feedlots (company-owned and outsiders) fell short of their Angus feeder target.

On the meat side, another large grainfed beef processor said his company had had conversations with export customers about switching from Angus-specific brands to his company’s other non-breed specific brands, due to supply and price.

“We’ve had discussions with some customers overseas, saying, ‘Try this grainfed branded product instead. It is British/Euro based, 120-day grainfed and MSA-graded, and will still eat consistently well’.”

“But for whatever reason, they still want Angus. They know what Angus is, and how it performs, so it is an easy thing to request in an order, especially when their customers are prepared to pay for it.”

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Rebecca Brazier 0428 210 027 | Elders - David Simpson 0427 399 362 | www.choiceangus.com The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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The Stock Agents Toolkit for pre-game discussion and planning Jake Phillips, Extension Manager

The Stock Agent’s Toolkit has been designed for stock agents across Australia and New Zealand as a clear, simple, and effective place to learn to interpret and understand the evolving amount of information available when considering purchasing registered Angus bulls.

Stock Agents play a critical role in the transaction of information and decision making between the seedstock producer and the commercial breeder, with this in mind a series of eight short videos and summarised written content has been developed. The video content supplements the traditional written content by allowing a variety of learning styles to take advantage of the content.

The Stock Agents Toolkit includes key components such as: · The role genetics plays in my client’s herd? · Interpreting and understanding the information in Angus sale catalogues · What tools are available to identify the right genetics for my client? · DNA – Parent Verification, Genomics and Genetic Conditions · What do you need to do before starting to look at bulls? · How do I find bulls to suit my client’s needs? · Why is focusing on genetics a worthwhile exercise? · Selecting your next Angus bull

Each of the eight modules were born out of discussion with leading stock agents in the industry, helping to identify the key areas where agents and clients could conduct some pre-game (prior to sire purchasing) discussions and planning to ensure the sires being evaluated met the client’s breeding objective and were going to contribute the most amount of genetic gain in the traits of importance first.

Although the Stock Agents toolkit is designed for stock agents, the messages and content also relate to many seedstock and commercial Angus breeders and the benefits of using the content as a discussion point in planning for the upcoming breeding season will be long lasting for the supply chain.

If your Stock Agency would like more information on the Stock Agents toolkit please contact Jake Phillips on 0401261217 jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au and visit the Angus Education Centre to review the module https:// www.angusaustralia.com.au/education/

THE STOCK AGENTS TOOLKIT:

What role does genetics play in your clients herd?

The performance of a bull is largely influenced by the genetics and the environment. The way a bull presents on sale day is often a reflection of the environment it has been raised in up until that point. Utilising breeding decision tools will give a more accurate indication of the animals true breeding value, tools such as EBVs should be considered to assist in making informed decisions regarding sire selection.

Angus Sale Catalogues

With more and more information on animals’ and their breeding values becoming available it is important to be able to understand and interpret the information that is presented in a sale catalogue.

Tools Available For Making Genetic Decisions

Estimated Breeding Values are a tool to predict an animal’s true breeding value which is defined as its genetic merit for each trait.

Visit the Angus Education Centre to review the module

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DNA – parent verification, genomic and genetic conditions

DNA technology is being routinely used to provide a quality assurance step in verifying recorded pedigrees , for genomic evaluation and inclusion into the TACE analysis to provide more information on the genes its carrying earlier in the animals life and with greater comparison, and for testing of the 9 genetic conditions monitored by Angus Australia.

What do you need to do before starting to look at bulls?

There are a few simple steps to help find the right bull for clients; define the target market; review the available selection indexes and define the breeding objective. You can then identify a suitable seedstock producer who produces bulls that meet your clients breeding objective and have been raised in a way that will work in your clients environment.

How do i find bulls to suit my clients needs?

Angus Australia has searching capabilities through Angus Select on the Angus Australia website. Angus Select helps find animals for sale or who have genetics for sale which can be searched across catalogues listed with Angus Australia. By registering to use Angus Select you will get access to the full amount of information available on each animal.

Why is focusing on genetics a worthwhile excercise?

The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has demonstrated that there is great potential to achieve genetic improvement in Angus breeding programs by utilising selection tools, such as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Selection Indexes.

Selecting your next Angus bull

Choosing your bull is an important task, with many things to think about before you make your selections. Whether you are selecting bulls from an auction, a sale, or from within your own breeding program, there are a number of things to consider. A single bull’s genetic influence has the potential to significantly impact the future direction of your herd, so it is important to choose wisely.

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80 Old Moorooduc Rd, Dromana, Victoria The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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angus.tech

Search across multiple sale catalogues at the same time using Angus saleSELECT Jake Phillips, Extension Manager

The Angus SaleSELECT tool enables Angus breeders to search and sort the registered Angus animals that are currently available for sale and identify those animals that are most aligned with their breeding goals and objectives.

This modern, intuitive interface makes it easier for breeders to search, sort and compare animals, to pinpoint the exact genetics that are of interest to their enterprise.

As part of the Angus TECH developments , registered users have the ability to search for animals listed for sale located in catalogues on the Angus Australia database.

Using Angus saleSELECT gives users the option to search across multiple sale catalogues at same time to better refine the animals that may suit their location, time of year or animals that better suit their breeding objective based on their Estimated Breeding Values.

To search across multiple sale catalogues , click on Angus SELECT across the top ribbon of the Angus Australia homepage on the website.

From here , click on Angus SaleSELECT button to search across multiple catalogues ( Figure 1).

Clicking the show map feature will bring up a map of Australia and show the location on a marker where sales currently listed with Angus Australia are physically located Figure 3.

Figure 3.

Figure 1.

Angus SaleSELECT will then present you with the option of choosing sales from a drop down box or choosing a sale located in certain areas Figure 2. A feature of this option is to click on the show map option in the blue box on the right hand side.

When choosing sales to search , using the drop down option on the sale box, choose a listed sale from the list available (Figure 4).

Figure 4.

Register for Angus Tech

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Figure 2.

To add an additional sale to search, click the blue button with the + to then add the additional sale to your search criteria (Figure 5).

Click search , the results displayed will then be the results of only the sales selected by you to suit your location. Standard features of Angus TECH can then be utilised to sort the search results by columns such as index value, birth date or Estimated Breeding Values as well as other useful options such as select individuals on their tick box and generating reports only for your selections (Figure 7).

Figure 5.

Following your selection of the sales listed to search, click the blue button that says proceed to animal selection criteria Angus SaleSELECT will then be provide options to you regarding the animal details such as sex, registration status or Estimated Breeding Values to add to your search as additional search criteria Figure 6.

Figure 7.

The ability to search across sale catalogues listed with Angus Australia gives the user the ability to find the most desirable animal and genetics listed for sale without having to search each catalogue separately, instead this brings the user the ability to compare the animals by bringing them into the same search result.

The register for Angus Tech please go to https://angus. tech/user/register?thento=/enquiry/animal For further assistance contact Angus Australia.

Figure 6.

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The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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AAngus Youth

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GenAngus Out and About A: Brodie Collins and Milly Nolan, The Livestock Collective, B: Emma Thomas, Achmea Australia and Scott Wright, Angus Australia, C: Emily Read and Nancy Crawshaw, D: Sam Finlayson, Jack Laurie, Bridget Watson, Cara Fagan and Tim Finger, E: Ellenor Nixon, Sarah Scott and Kate Reynolds, Angus Australia, F: Jasmine Green, Chris Metcalfe and Jamie Pepper, G: Lachlan Woods and George Giddings, H: Alexis Gandy and 18

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Ellenor Nixon, I: George Phillip and Richard Officer, Achmea Australia, J: Diana Wood, Angus Australia, Bruce Creek, Libby Creek OAM, Jake Phillips, Angus Australia and Perry Gunner, K: Ben Lucas, Damon Englund and Angus Pilmore, L: Chris Metcalfe, Angus Pilmore, Jack Laurie, Dayna Grey, Jasmine Green and Jamie Pepper The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

GenAngus Future Leaders Program scaling new business heights Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

What does it mean to be recognised as a future leader?

In opening the 2022 GenAngus Future Leaders program, Angus Australia Extension Manager, Jake Phillips noted that, ‘They are enthusiastic, positive and passionate’, three words that are not out of place when describing the twenty-nine GenAngus future leaders that recently came together in Adelaide.

With an eye on their future in the beef industry and the drive to push themselves out of their comfort zones, the 2020 and 2021 cohorts joined the 2022 Cohort, for the first two days for the leadership day and first day of presentations.

The excitement in the air was palpable as GenAngus returned to a face-to-face event for the first time since 2019.

The leadership day was a combination of ‘scaling new heights’ aka Tree Climb Adelaide and team problem solving at Escape Room Adelaide.

Sweeping The Sheds During the official dinner, Jake asked the group, ‘What does it mean to be recognised as a future leader?

For Jake this is what resonates. ‘They are enthusiastic, positive and passionate. They are highly competent, they seek continuous improvement, and embrace opportunities that no one else wants to latch on to. They want to be in the hot seat. They are people in positions of leadership. They are visible examples of role models to everyone around them and willing to do anything that they ask others to do.

They lead from the front, they pack up at the end and when everyone has gone home, they sweep the sheds.

They understand you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Leaders have and demonstrate integrity, personally and professionally. Leaders recognise astutely that their power is only strengthened by reciprocal empowerment by those they lead and influence.

They make a habit of reflection and systematically review personal and business performance; they develop reflection and practice these habits daily. They appreciate value and have faith in the collaborative process, trusting that the group will find a better solution that works for everyone.

They are persistent, they don’t give up and they never ring the bell. They don’t take themselves too seriously, they are humble, they practice humility often and they know their personal strengths and weaknesses, their tendencies.

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Alkira Riley, Rebe cca Rund ell & Georg e Giddings They are receptive to views that counter their own.

Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to see the world from multiple perspectives and respect their differences.

Leaders must have an international and global view of society, business, farming and indeed life. Future leaders will need to learn to listen respectfully, consult with others, work as part of the team and take responsibility for their actions.

Leaders will need to be able to optimise todays only constant, change. They will need to thrive in chaos.

Leaders must have mentors and role models that can teach them how to manage the political nature of life and business. The agricultural landscape units of power used to be land size and cattle herd numbers, how many people worked for you, how many Toyotas, but today in the technology revolution, units of power are information and knowledge.

Being in the right place at the right time will still be critical for leaders. Leaders must make time to make themselves available for opportunities and make themselves available for others. They must give people good time.

Future leaders have vision, real influence and they have a hard work mindset, they also have great character and integrity.’

Sage Advice From Industry Leaders

The GenAngus Future Leaders Program would not be possible without the industry alliance between Angus Australia and specialist farm insurer Achmea Australia and when opening GenAngus at the official dinner, Jake Phillips acknowledged the support that Achmea Australia provides Angus Australia, alongside the Angus Foundation and New Zealand Angus.

‘The alliance from Achmea Australia to bring this program to life, along with the support from Achmea Australia staff has offered across four years, continues to be life changing for now 40 young passionate agricultural leaders in Australia and New Zealand.’

Jake also recognised the work that Angus Australia has had in developing the careers of your beef leaders since the formation of the Angus Youth programs in the 1970’s.

‘Angus Australia has an amazing record of being the catalyst of opportunity for some of the brightest minds in the Australian beef industry. This commitment to the future is nothing short of remarkable’.

‘For some of you this program may change your life, in fact I know it does. Personally, for me, to be able to bring this program to life is one of the greatest pleasures I have had in my working career.’

Throughout the dinner presentations were made by Achmea Australia CEO Emma Thomas and Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright, as well a keynote address from past Angus Australia President, Libby Creek OAM and finished off with a panel discussion made up of 2020 GenAngus Leaders, Brodie Collins and Damien Thomson and 2021 Future Leaders Dayna Gray and Jasmine Green.

Dinner on the second night was a casual occasion that included a panel discussion from some of the program speakers opening up on their career trajectory in agriculture and some sliding doors moments on how they ended up in the position they have. These conversations included sharing some lows and the vulnerabilities they faced along their journey, as well as the incredible highs they have achieved in their careers.

Sharing the stage, were Angus Street, AuctionsPlus; Milly Nolan, The Livestock Collective; Heidi Wright, Wright Social; Richard Officer, Achmea Australia and Cam Parker, Primary Producers SA.

Building A Sustainable Future For Ag

During her speech Emma highlighted, that at Achmea Australia it is their vision to protect and enhance agricultural communities. What this means is in ‘PROTECT,’ we support farmers to recover from a loss quickly to put them in a position to continue business to produce food and fibre for the world’ and in ‘ENHANCE’, to not just be part of communities, but to develop ways to improve those agricultural communities by our presence.

And for Emma, that is how GenAngus came about.

‘With Dr Peter Parnell, we asked the question, how can we enhance the Angus beef community, and we discussed the future leaders program and how Achmea Australia could support that.’

‘I am immensely proud to see this program going from strength to strength, flourishing and attracting very talented leaders.’

Looking to the future, and presenting during National Reconciliation Week, Emma encouraged the GenAngus Future Leaders to be leaders in inclusion and diversity and to look at how they can embrace diversity in both Australia and New Zealand.

‘This is your community, so please make the most of it, grow connections, take away opportunities to reconnect in the future and think about how you can support each other and your farming communities through this program.’

‘Unlock innovation around sustainability and look at the farming practices you have today. Are they sustainable for the future to continue to produce great quality food for many generations to come.’

‘You are here because you are already leaders in your community. I challenge you to take that away and see how you can embed sustainability practices and if you already are continuing to embrace them and lead this in your communities by sharing your knowledge with others.’

Image: Simon Casson

2020, 2021 and 2022 GenAngus Future Leaders with Achmea Australia CEO Emma Thomas and Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright Achmea Australia CEO, Emma Thomas. Image: Simon Casson

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

Dream big, work hard

Libby Creek OAM was raised on an Angus stud in the south east of South Australia and spent most of her life managing large beef enterprises with her husband Bruce. This includes the Basin Angus for more than 18 years, the past 15 years at Hillcrest Pastoral Company, as well as being involved in her familys live export business.

In 1992 Libby joined the South Australia State Committee and in 2011 joined the Board of Angus Australia for 8 years and had the role of President from 2016 to 2018, In 2021 Libby was awarded an Order of Australia medal for services to beef industry.

Libby originally had dreams of becoming a livestock agent, but at the time it was unusual for females to be employed as an agent and while she did become employed in a studstock role, Libby also ended up involved in the export of Angora goats to New Zealand.

During this time, Libby met her husband Bruce and following the birth of her first child Will (who incidentally was awarded the 2011 Michigan State University Scholarships), Libby began to work for the family Angus stud, The Basin Angus and live export business, before taking over the running of the stud and selling over 300 Angus bulls around Australia.

Following family succession, Libby and Bruce moved to Kangaroo Island and in a twist of fate, the people they were working for bought The Basin and Libby and Bruce found themselves back in charge of the stud for another 8 years.

The stud was sold in 2007 and Libby and Bruce became joint managers for a family business, Hillcrest Pastoral, running five cattle properties and Libby is still working for them today.

In 2011 the course of Libby’s life was changed following a phone call where they were asked to host a group of Kazaks to visit a commercial beef cattle property. The Kazakstan government was funding the importation of beef cattle following the breakdown of communism in the early 1990’s and their beef cattle population needed replacing.

Following the tour, Libby and Bruce were invited to Kazakhstan to build a world’s best practice Australian type commercial cattle property.

The next thing they knew, Bruce had moved to Kazakhstan to set the property up and Libby found herself commuting between Australia and Kazakhstan, while continuing her employment with Hillcrest Pastoral.

Unsurprising Angus cattle were the mainstay of this program and Bruce built an entire farm and feedlot from a bare piece of land under challenging conditions.

Angus heifers were imported and were kept in paddocks as opposed to being housed, which was the norm. But Bruce believed that the cattle needed to adapt to the environment, that is –45 degrees in winter and 38 degrees in summer.

The Angus cattle were incredibly resilient and that is something Libby loves about Angus cattle, along with their ability to thrive in so many different environments around the world.

Libby was fortunate to select all the Angus heifers for the project in Kazakstan and introduce them to Australian EBVs, so they could understand how performance recording worked in Australia.

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Libby Creek OAM. Ima ge: Simo n Casso n During their time in Kazakhstan, Libby was enthralled by the humour, warmth and generosity of Kazak people.

‘It made me think about what is important in life, when people who have so little can be so welcoming and generous, warm and kind.’

Libby’s time on the Angus Australia Board taught her about good governance and the complexities around making decisions that affect members across a range of environments.

‘A simple change can have a negative affect somewhere else. It taught me that making change is not always simple.’

But for Libby, the diversity of the board and experience from so many varied business backgrounds, and at times totally opposing opinions, saw the team still work together to see where they could adjoin and come out with a good outcome.

Libby has enjoyed the journey to promote Angus cattle in so many ways over the years of her career and hopes that in some small way she can continue to add to that.

‘What I have learned is that life doesn’t always work out as you planned and great opportunities can come along when you least expect it.’

‘Money is good to have but having a job that you really love and really want to get out of bed each day to do is the best job in the world.’

‘I believe to treat people with respect and to look after your employees and be good to your employer and to run their business like it is your own.’

‘Try to see both sides of every story. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand where they are coming from.‘ ‘Accept criticism and feedback no matter how much it might hurt, or you might disagree with it, but grow from it, embrace the change, and keep an open mind to new technology.’

‘Whatever opportunity you get, grasp it with all you can, build a group of mentors around you, people you look up to and respect and people that inspire you to do better every day.’

During her time in agriculture, Libby is often asked about being female and the first female to lead the Angus Australia board.

‘The opportunities for women in agriculture are so much broader today than they were when I started my career, but it is my hope that women are given roles because they are the best suited for that role, not just because they are female.’

‘I have been given wonderful opportunity in my career and I know that this generation will receive more, but I have followed my passion in the beef industry, and I hope that I can give something back.’

For Libby, her greatest achievement is her three beautiful children and with every challenge thrown at her it comes back to the important things in life. That is, ‘To cherish love and appreciate family and friends around you.’

‘Go to bed each night knowing that you have tried to do the very best you can and that you have been good to people around you and you have enjoyed each day.’

‘Some days are not good, and we all have those, accept that you are not always going to get things right and learn from that and do take opportunities when they arise.’

‘It won’t always be the right choice, but at least you have had a go. Play to your strengths, if you are good at what you do, male or female, you will be recognised for what you do and you will be given opportunities.’

‘I am envious of the opportunities you have and know it is an exciting time to be in agriculture.’

Enjoy the Journey

As someone with a love of reading, Scott is not short of inspirational quotes and with a mantra to practice what he preaches, Scott himself has had a vast career in agriculture.

Haven been given the opportunity to attend a program like GenAngus during the development of his career Scott had some sage words of advice.

‘Listen and hang on every word that people speak to you because you will face the ups and downs of life.’

‘The gems you get out of these courses, the interactions, and the friendships you build will carry you through ‘My encouragement to you is to grip what you’ve got at the moment, know that the storms of life will come, but then there will be good times and one day someone will give you a job and trust you with an organisation.’

‘Change is inevitable, and you can make change, but what I have learned in my career is to find your deep purpose in life, to really work out what makes you tick, to work out what is the core that gets you up in the morning. I encourage you to find that core and cling on to that and have a win.’

‘This program will cause you to make great life decisions, so grab on to this journey and make the most of it.’

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Grab Every Opportunity You Can

Dayna Gray grew up in the North-West of Tasmania on a small beef cattle property. Following a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) at Marcus Oldham Dayna worked for Thomas Foods International, in a mixed role of supply chain and marketing management. At the beginning of 2021, Dayna commenced a Livestock Pregnancy Scanning business initially working on weekends and in July last year took the pregnancy scanning business full time and hasn’t looked back.

In reflecting on her time in GenAngus Dayna said that starting with mindset, was the best way to begin the journey as she believed that Pete Clark set them up with the skills needed to absorb the days to come and with developing the listening skills needed and the mental state required to learn.

From there it was the network built out of GenAngus, ‘This has been really important to me and is a great way to connect with likeminded people.’

When asked about engagement and support from GenAngus, Dayna could not speak highly enough of the outcomes.

‘Following GenAngus, my partner and I were looking to buy some land and so I got in touch with Francis English from Rabobank (one of our speakers), via LinkedIn to go through my plans and we met up and Franics helped us through the process and got the wheels turning.’

B C Jasmine Green grew up on a commercial Angus operation herd and was heavily involved in the Angus Youth program as a junior. Jasmine spent 6 months working on a large seed-stock operation in the USA before completing a Livestock Science degree at UNE. Together with her family she runs a small, registered Angus and commercial herd at Merryvale in the NSW Southern Tablelands. And with her husband Hayden runs their own seed-stock business – Summit Livestock in the Riverina. Jasmine also works for Teys Australia as part of the Livestock procurement team, based at their Wagga beef processing plant.

As Jamsine continues to grow her family business, she applied for the GenAngus program to help build her business knowledge and skills as well as meet and work with other like-minded young cattle breeders.

‘We are at that point in our business where it is a good opportunity to brush upon my skills and increase networking’

A: Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright, B: Dayna Gray, C: : Jasmine Green. Images: Simon Casson

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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‘I encourage the 2022 cohort to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, and remind them that networking is so important.’

And given her family is going through succession at the moment to move back to the family farm at Crookwell, GenAngus came around at a good time.

‘Participants are asked to be vulnerable in these sessions and it’s important make the most of the presenters, listen to the shared succession journey with professionals and learn of the success and failure stories from each other.’

‘GenAngus gave me the confidence to start those conversations and I have since worked with ProAgtive to progress our secession journey.’

In summing up her experience, for Jasmine the strength of the program is the networks created and the fact that everyone comes from different parts of the industry and can share their experiences.

‘Getting together face to face has enhanced the networking and learning what drives each other as individuals and what drives their business has been invaluable.’

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Go to bed each night knowing that you have tried to do the very best you can - Libby Creek

Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics and spent time working with ABARES before recently taking a role as a market analyst at AuctionsPlus.

With a passion for breeding cattle and driving genetic improvement through the use of objective decisions, Damien hopes to continue the growth of Shacorrahdalu Angus.

Damien’s main advice for those involved with GenAngus is to make the most of the networking opportunities available.

He also noted that there will be a lot of information to absorb, so encouraged the group to set themselves up as best as possible to soak it all in and be present and engaged.

‘There will be a lot of varied information coming your way in terms of relevance and importance to your business, but I encourage you even in those areas that aren’t what you are thinking about right now, make sure you do listen because you will always pick up things you didn’t know what you didn’t know or things you just hadn’t thought of and things that will connect to other areas of your business. Even if they aren’t front of mind, make sure they are at least, back of mind.’

‘And don’t forget to ask questions, don’t go home wondering if you should have asked that question.’

Setting Up For Business Success

E Brodie Collins, Tennyson, VIC, currently works on farm for his family Angus Stud, Merridale Angus, as well as running their dairy operation.

Brodie applied for GenAngus to continue learning and to continue striving to be better in whatever way he can be.

‘GenAngus was the next step for me to continue this process.’

Brodie highlighted that after attending the online version in 2021 that he was able to implement some change in the marketing and social media he was doing for his stud.

‘We increased the paid advertising and implemented a social media strategy which saw an extra 500 followers for Merridale online.’

The big achievement for Brodie was knowing that a photo of one of their bulls in their sale was seen right up the east coast of Australia and went on to make $50,000, which was a big result for the Collins family.

Moving forward, Brodie will continue to keep trying new methods of marketing and digital advertising and growing their followers.

Damien Thomson, Berremangra, NSW, has a background in the agricultural industry through his family’s commercial and seedstock Angus operations, where he is involved within the management of the herds. Mr Thomson has studied a 24

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Angus Youth

Angus Australia’s Extension Manager Jake Phillips described the GenAngus Future Leaders Program as an incredible experience for all involved.

‘Twenty-eight of the Angus breeds’ and Australian beef industry’s brightest young people have had access to some of Australia’s most leading speakers and have been given the knowledge skills and empowerment for them to make real life change in their businesses and on their farms.’

Jake acknowledged that the wide range of topics covered meant that participants received a number of different outcomes out of the program that they can take home and implement.

The program was designed to challenge the participants business perceptions, increase their knowledge and confidence and inspire them to put into practice the outcomes they gained from the event Presentations were made by:

D: Brodie Collins, E: Damien Thomson. Images: Simon Casson

· Pete Clark, 21 Whispers - Mindset: A stirring presentation on the power of the mind and the ability we have to control it if we train to do so. The attendees were given the chance to think laterally and learn about how their mindset influences what they see as well as other key messages such as trying to envisage seeing both sides of difficult situations and keeping focused on the gains, not the gaps in our challenges.

According to Pete, ‘As the world changes and adjust to our new normal, our mindset will be the difference that makes the difference.’ · Richard Officer & Danielle Whitelock, Achmea Australia – Risk Mitigation & Liability: Brought some real-world perspective and palpable examples of how insurance and risk mitigation is a critical part of business, particularly in agriculture. Richard and Danielle used a game show to break down some knowledge barriers and start the conversations about how attendees might mitigate risk in their business and highlight steps to take to ensure their business and family are covered when unexpected situations arise.

Born and raised on a broad acre farming enterprise in Northern NSW, Richard has a strong understanding and knowledge of farming communities and their exposure to risk.

Danielle sees first-hand the importance of insurance to protect agricultural communities. Committed to Achmea Australia’s vision of protecting and enhancing agricultural communities, she is able to help achieve this vision through supporting the next generation of leaders. · Simon Quilty, Global Agritrends – The Outlook for Australian beef: Had attendees hanging on every word of his presentation (albeit via Zoom) about the ebbs and flows of the world protein market and in particular Australian Beef.

Simon provided candid and valuable insight into the similarities the Australian beef industry currently has with the 1970’s but also why he feels that the current time is going to be the “golden era” for beef based on world supply decreasing, Australian supply increasing and the world demanding more quality, which positions Australia with an enormous opportunity.

Given his extensive career and the fact that he has a very active meat and livestock consulting business and works closely with medium size to large meat processors, live cattle exporters, Australian feedlotters, backgrounders and Australian farmers and importers in China, Japan and the US, Simon is well placed to provide accurate insights.

· Francis English, Rabobank & Matthew Merret, Bretnalls – Finance Fundamentals for Young Farmers: Provided a wealth of knowledge to attendees on finance fundamentals for young farmers. Attendees were provided with advice around the importance of accurate bookkeeping and finance management, relationships with bankers, lawyers, and accountants. Attendees were encouraged to find the people and professions that will help them in business and life and get them on their team by bringing them into the circle, a close-knit group of contacts working together.

For Matthew, an upbringing in the rich agricultural area in the South-East of South Australia provided the platform for a considered understanding and appreciation for all kinds of farming businesses. He specialises in many areas, including management reporting, budgeting and forecasting, compliance and tax planning.

Passionate about finance and agriculture, Francis has a straightforward approach, and is enthusiastic about financial literacy and having an organised approach to business ownership. · Simon Vogt, Pinion Advisory – Implementing Change: Attendees were taken through the ins and outs of implementing change in their business along with developing a strategic plan. Simon covered off the important aspects of this process, including early call to action, that is recognising the need for change and putting processes in place to make change; the change cycle, looking at the type of change you will make and what that means; the pre work for chan, understanding your business model, knowing your clients’ proft drivers and what to look for; and developing a forward looking strategy, your plan of action to achieve a long term overall aim. Attendees were also given valuable insights into the management characteristics or traits of top 20% farm business managers.

Simon chairs a large number of Advisory Boards for farming families and family corporates working on strategy, growth, and optimising profitability and he enjoys combining his financial knowledge with ‘mud under the boots’ experience to create valued outcomes for clients. · Cameron Parker, Primary Producers SA – Redefining our Success Cam shared a stirring and emotive self-reflection on his career, from a Melbourne born student, through management of Australia’s largest supermarket chain and establishing deep connections with agriculture in regional Victoria. This was the start of a whirlwind career that progressed into policy development for peak industry bodies across Queensland and South Australia.

Cam’s message was about thinking deeply and asking participants to consider what it is they are striving to achieve and defining success, and challenging them to consider why through the seven Whys. Essentially asking the individual to answer why they were at GenAngus, followed by six further whys to establish their core reason they believe in what they are doing. It had a resounding effect on the group who enjoyed the challenge of critical thinking.

Cam also shared insightful business growth mindset strategies such as the 10,20,70, allocating 10% of time thinking about the past, 20% dealing with the present and 70% working on the future and encouraged attendees to The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

2020 Cohort

2021 Cohort

consider big decisions they were dealing with for the future with 70% of their attention.

Cam also encouraged the group to think big and consider themselves capable of making big change on an industry level, not just a farm level.

Cam is considered a leader amongst his peers, considering the pathway he has taken with choosing agriculture as a career and identifying the way he could make the most positive contribution to the industry through policy direction and consultation to government.

the group to define their goals and what they wanted to achieve, to define their target audience and imagine what that audience will resonate with and finally to craft the message to generate genuine engagement.

Heidi shares a connection to grass roots agriculture with and with her business purpose being to help organisations that add-value to the agriculture, food and fiber sectors to GROW, through providing ongoing access to world-class social media strategy and tactics, she brought skills to the table that could be implemented straight away.

· Angus Street, Auctions Plus – The Secrets to AuctionsPlus Success: Provided the group with candid and personal insight into the success of the business based on values, culture and having the right people. Angus also challenged the group that growth and comfort do not coexist and that thinking digitally needs to be a foundation pillar of businesses going forward. The attendees were totally inspired by Angus’s presentation and felt an emotive connection to Angus who laid much of his own life lessons on the table for the benefit of the group.

Angus is passionate about helping businesses evolve to stay ahead of the pack through the use of digital technology, and believes that with a little country music, genuine conversations and a motto of ‘the sum of us beats the one of us’ we can shape the future of the Ag sector.

· Jake Phillips, Angus Australia – A breeding Program

by Design: Produced a series of key messages that challenged the group to focus on being objective with their comparison of genetics, to focus on developing a breeding objective and to focus on what the limiting factor for production is in particular animals and indeed herds. Attendees soon became focused on their own herd goals and selection criteria as each of the attendees’ breeding objective was discussed and dismantled to reveal which was objective and which was subjective and where the right path to success was more likely going to be.

Jakes role at Angus Australia is front line with Angus members and breeders of Angus cattle to assist them in understanding the variety of breeding and genetics selection tools and information available to them. This also includes overseeing the expansive Angus Youth scholarships, awards and bursaries offered to industry, a program Jake himself has benefited from previously.

· Diana Wood, Angus Australia – Marketing 101: An oversight to branding, what sets us apart, how colours and themes and consistency can influence a customer’s perception and some key notes on defining who you are as a business. Diana encouraged everyone to know your core business, identify what sets you apart, research your competitors and the market and to always focus on quality.

Diana also reminded attendees it is never too early to start your marketing plan.

Given her involvement in the Angus Youth program, Diana has a passion for supporting youth in agriculture and believes it is integral for the up and coming stars of the beef industry to be provided access to the tools which can help them succeed, in particular in the areas of marketing and communications. · Heidi Wright – Wright Social: Gave an inspirational session on all thing’s social media.

Heidi covered the dos, the don’ts, the must haves, and the best-in-class advice for business using the world of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to engage with customers and followers around the world. Heidi challenged 26

· Jess Cavanagh and Isobel Knight, Proagtive – Sucession Planning: Provided candid insight into the often-contentious dilemma of succession planning by presenting valuable information on the key components to successful succession planning.

The attendees were able to have open and honest discussions as a group, while looking at real life scenarios that had played out in other families, with Jess and Isobel able to provide thought provoking insight into how best practice succession planning works, what’s required and the most appropriate time frames to monitor to ensure the best result can be achieved for all interested parties.

Jess’ dream is that Australian families will continue to have the passion, drive and skill to continue in their roles as custodians of Australian farms, well into the future.

While Isobel’s passion is to ensure that the next generation has an opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes a lack of succession planning is costing farming families, rural communities and agriculture dearly.

These were some of the many comments that summed up the experiences of the 2022 GenAngus Future Leaders as they opened up and shared their experiences across the program.

Jarrod Koch, Barrabool, VIC, has been co-director and owner of Longview Agriculture for approximately five years.

Together with his wife, he runs an Angus and Simmental stud and commercial beef operation, including Angus breeders and grass fattening Angus steers across two properties in southwest VIC. Jarrod was blown away by the quality of the presenters during GenAngus.

2022 Cohort

· Milly Nolan, The Livestock Collective – DISC Profiling: Prior to GenAngus attendees completed DICS assessments producing a profile designed to assist their understanding of self and others, to learn how to build relationships, relate better with one another and learn how differing perspectives affect relationships. The DISC model identifies the main behavioral styles to facilitate interaction with people to more effectively manage and communicate.

Milly had attendees deep dive into their behavioral styles to help them identify how they can better interact in team environments. The attendees were encouraged to share their profiles with each other and open up on ways they could use their style to their advantage in business.

Milly is keen to unite the livestock industry and ensure our voice is heard and as such is passionate about providing the tools for others to reach their greatest potential.

Forever Learning & Growing

‘The business skills, the networking and the long-term connections we have made’.

‘I thought I knew what I was doing but have realised that I don’t necessarily have all the skills and I need to keep learning’.

‘A pack of practical skills that we can take away and implement at home.’

‘They have been really phenomenal, and I’ve tried to take a little bit out of every lesson, but the key takeaway is just trying to slowly improve every day in all different aspects of the business .’

Jarrod also took a lot from the Risk Mitigation session, ‘Richard really honed in to us the importance of making sure that our businesses and our assets are protected and encouraging us to go through the whole gambit, of what level of risk are we comfortable with, what we can do to reduce that level or risk, right through to insurance.’

Peter Colliver, Meningie, SA, currently works as Stud Manager of Stoney Point Performance Angus and has been involved in the beef industry from the age of 16. He also studied and obtained an advanced diploma in Agriculture and completed 21 months exchange with IAEA in Canada and Denmark.

Peter applied for GenAngus because, ‘I thought it was a great opportunity for where I am in my career to further my knowledge, meet a lot of influential people to build my network and increase my skills.’

‘One presentation that I took the most out of was the one presented by Francis and Matt on banking and accounting. It was a great opportunity for someone like me that’s looking to get into land ownership and to know that there are still ways of getting into agribusiness and property ownership,

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J A: Alexis Gandy, B: Ben Lucas, C: Bridget Watson, D: Cara Fagan, E: Damon Englund, F: Emily Read, G: George Giddings, H: George Phillip, I: Jack Laurie, J: Jarrod Koch, K: Nancy Crawshaw, L: Peter Colliver, M: Sam Finlayson.

Images: Simon Casson

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Angus Youth which I thought had almost been beyond my grasp and that there are certainly still opportunities for young people to get into agriculture now.’

Emily Read, Coonabarabran, NSW, grew up working and contributing to her family cattle operation. She returned to the business officially in 2018 and has since began growing her own herd with her husband, breeding commercial Angus cattle.

For Emily being able to network and learn from some of the best in the industry was key. ‘Everyone in the room is already passionate, but it just gives you that extra little push to go home and be like, yes, we can make this better, we can improve this.’

‘Learning about marketing has been huge because we have been a little bit lost, so it was great to hear from Di about product recognition and branding, but also learning from Heidi about social media, both giving us some things that we can go home and focus on.’

Damon Englund, Upper Stowport, TAS, is director of Deep Creek Cattle Services Pty Ltd, and also runs a small Angus stud DC Angus. In its sixth year, Deep Creek Cattle Services is an Artificial Breeding service providing beef producers with genetic gain. Damon and his partner also own and run a small farm buying weaned Angus heifers from clients or weaner sales to develop into PTIC heifers to be sold on AuctionsPlus annually.

Damon joined GenAngus to further his business skills in areas like marketing, but Pete Clark’s presentation was something that really resonated with him.

‘Starting with mindset set the program up, it highlighted that I need to be better both as a person and I need to become more disciplined in business and push myself out of my comfort zone.’

‘I would certainly recommend GenAngus to anyone that’s thinking about attending, along with the business skills you can pick up from this program, is the phenomenal networking.’

Cara Fagan, Coonamble, NSW, has been involved in the beef industry from a young age through her family farming enterprise. Cara has been involved in the breeding programs, bull selection and all aspects of animal husbandry and management. GenAngus appealed to Cara because of

the business support and knowledge opportunities that come from the program.

‘I think it’s really important to be in a group of like-minded people because then you can build your ideas on each other, and you’ll find that there’s always a lot more growth and strength in the team.’

And in terms of putting her learning into practice, ‘I think the first thing that I’ll take home and implement will be the branding strategy. I’ve gotten a lot out of the marketing, social media and branding sessions. I will also be looking at the risk mitigation strategies we have in place.’

Bridget Watson, Coonalpyn, SA, and her family started a commercial herd in 2012 and recently began a seedstock enterprise, where they are developing their stud herd with the aim to host their first bull sale in 2023.

Initially thinking she was too young to attend GenAngus, Bridget was glad that she was encouraged to apply and step outside her comfort zone.

‘It’s such a good program and I’ve learned so much from it. And being so young, it’s not a weakness, it’s probably a strength. I am learning so many new things and it just opens my future for me.’

‘The mindset presentation also stood out for me because I do doubt myself and the mindset showed me that I can do this and I will do it fun.’

Nancy Crawshaw developed a passion for agriculture and genetics growing up on her parents’ sheep, beef, and Angus Stud property in New Zealand and is currently working as a Quality Assurance Manager for Teys Naracoorte.

Being able to reconnect with a group of young people who are also passionate about Angus in the beef industry and

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wanting to gain improvement through further learning was key for Nancy.

‘We’ve got a great network out of it, but the amount of information we’ve absorbed over the last few days has been very eye opening, it is going to take us a while to process all the information and then work out how can we start implementing what we have learned.’

For Nancy the DISC profiling was a highlight. ‘Being able to take this profile information back to my team at work could be quite a big advantage in our team, and in our next meeting, everyone can go through some of the processes, such as writing a post it note to describe the other team members to see how we all view each other.’

Samuel Finlayson was brought up on a cattle property based near Armidale, NSW, where his family developed Angus beef brand ‘Three Creek Beef’. Sam has worked in the business’s international trading and finance sectors.

Sam applied for the program to gain further knowledge and experience in how to take the next step in business.

“I also believe that networking with other likeminded individuals and business professionals will be an invaluable opportunity for further development.”

In summing up his experience, Sam took a lot from Angus Street.

‘Be the change you want to see and the ‘Legacy’ quote of sweep the sheds reminds me how important humility and discipline is and how they come hand in hand.’

The session on succession planning was also key for Sam, ‘After listening to that I realised how important succession planning is in a family.’

George Philip, Dannevirke NZ George Phillip is a sheep and beef farmer near Dannevirke on the east coast of the north island in New Zealand. The family runs 240 stud breeding cows and their progeny as well as 4300 breeding ewes with 1000 stud ewes.

Coming out of GenAngus, George hopes to develop some structure and effort in his marketing program to try and keep this consistent.

George also has a vision for having more involvement in the genetic direction of his herd.

‘Listening to Jake and knowing how to set a breeding objective, getting that nailed down and making sure we are doing our best to collect the data needed for genetic evaluation will be important for me.’

George Giddings, Fairlie NZ runs Meadowslea Angus with his family. They mated 700 stud Angus cows this year as well as 3000 stud ewes and focus on breeding cattle suitable for the South Island hill and high-country environment.

During the 2020 COVID lockdowns George and his family were unable to hold their annual in-calf female sale as a conventional auction, so developed their own Yourbid helmsman-style bidding platform to run that sale which was very successful.

George went into the social media session thinking he knew a lot, but after listening to Heidi found himself learning so much more than he realised was possible and has some new ideas to take home and implement.

Given his involvement in online auctions, George also took a lot out of Angus Street’s presentation. ‘Leaning how to turn friction points into positives is a key thing and knowing how to manage the business against the existing industry and make it work for everyone.’

Alexis Gandy, Diamond Tree, WA, is co-owner of Gandy Angus, a seedstock operation offering bulls at auction annually, which she has run for 15 years.

Due to being in a rebuilding phase of their herd, following family succession. Alexis felt the need to develop some skills to help promote their business and remind people they are still there and so applied for GenAngus.

The calibre of the speakers was something that stood out for Alexis, as well as the fact that there was something for everyone in each session.

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Angus Youth

Ben Lucas, Book Book, NSW, has a background of over 10 years’ experience working on his family farm where they run approximately 1,000 Angus breeding stock. Since 2020, he has operated Baylen Angus and in their first year the original focus of this business is to breed bulls for the everyday farmer.

Ben ended up attending GenAngus because his wife applied for him and according to Ben, it was one of the best things she has done for him, ‘I am very grateful, because it was an absolutely fantastic program.’

‘It couldn’t have come at a better time, as we look to grow our business. I realised that even topics that don’t really interest me, that when you sit there and listen to that, you’re like, wow, it actually does play a massive part in your business.’

‘Succession planning was a highlight being on a family farm operation and Simon Quilty’s presentation about market trends gives you a little bit of confidence in going forward for the next five years. It’s given me a little bit of confidence to say, right, we’re doing the right thing, so let’s go in at 100 miles an hour and if we come out the other side and the market stays where it is, well, we feel confident in what we’re doing.’

Jack Laurie, Moppy, NSW, is the owner of Breeder Genetics, a genetics company focusing on the selling of semen. It is a breeder-to-breeder platform providing a marketplace for all beef producers.

As well as business outcomes, Jack was driven by the connections to apply for GenAngus.

‘Throughout my life, I’ve probably learned, it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know and at a lot of these events, the connections and the networking you can do at them is underrated.’

Jack highlighted that, ‘It’s a lot about the little things we could be doing better that sort of add up. I know it’s a

bit of a cliche to talk about the one percenters, but if you can tweak some of those little things we’d be able to do a lot better.’

‘Talking about our mindset and how we can have a positive mindset and trying to actually understand how we’re going to receive information and give it back out, through to how can all be doing better with our social media, as well as looking at finance to get in a better financial position and have more security.’

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I think it’s really important to be in a group of like-minded people because then you can build your ideas on each other - Cara Fagan

Where to from here?

As the week ended Jake Phillips finished with some parting words of inspiration.

‘The real magic happens when we are able to bring the right presenters and future leaders together in the same room, open their minds and facilitate their learning growth journey.’

‘The most impressive component of the program is how everyone was able to learn from each other, identifying the strengths of others and offering pieces of experience and self-reflection that others may be able to use.’

Most importantly the participants survey responses indicate that the likelihood they will make practice change by attending GenAngus was 97/100.

‘The submitted scores of likelihood of the participants to make practice change is a clear sign that the program offers the right ingredients for the participants to think deeply, self-reflect, implement cultural changes and strategically think about the business they are in and the opportunities they will take to ensure that the Angus industry and its people will continue to be profitable and sustainable and offer the next generation a chance to enjoy the wonderful things the breed has to offer,’ said Jake.

‘It is clear that the GenAngus program has cemented its position as Australia’s leading development program for young people with a passion for the Angus cattle industry.’

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‘But the social media session was a standout for me, it’s something I really struggle with and always ends up at the bottom of my to do list. We got some practical tips on how to manage our social channels and really setting some strategy around that. I really need to take the time to make a plan, write it out, be a lot more deliberate about what I’m doing, because it can be really easy to rush to the outside and physical tasks that always seem to take priority.’

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Angus Youth

Growth, Development and Putting into Practice Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

She wasn’t sure about applying for the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, but Bridget Watson definitely made the most of her time in the program over the three days in Adelaide during June.

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quiet cattle that we know we can work safely with in the yards or out the paddock.”

Looking to the future of their business, the Watsons have some clear goals outlined they are aiming to achieve.

“In 5 years, we see ourselves selling 40 bulls a year with a good customer base,” said Miss Watson.

“Females and heifer bulls will be in high demand in the future so therefore the EBVs and genetics will become even more important. The demand for the Angus breed will be high because of numbers increasing over Australia.

“Long term we wish to have a 500-cow herd and around 80 bulls, and be a well-known stud that produces structurally sound, calving ease animals. We would like to have a bull that is good enough to put into the AI system.”

Earlier in the year, the Watsons were the successful purchasers of an Angus heifer, Stoney Point Annabelle S002PV, which was auctioned at the Stoney Point Stage Two Dispersal Sale in March, with all proceeds going to the Angus Foundation.

The Angus Foundation provides a mechanism for members and other beef industry stakeholders to support youth development, education and research programs conducted

by Angus Australia.

The Watsons were made aware of the heifer through their relationship as repeat clients of Stoney Point for their commercial operation. Of their purchase the Watson family expressed that they looked to use the foundation heifer as a foundation for their developing stud enterprise.

“Initially purchasing the heifer has drawn an awareness to Binnowie Angus and our journey, therefore helping us get our name out.

We breed Angus because that’s where the demand is.

We know people want Angus and we know there is a market for it.

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Hailing from the Coonalpyn area in South Australia, Miss Watson is a recent graduate from high school and when the opportunity arose to apply for the development program, she somewhat baulked at the program.

“Jake (Phillips, Angus Australia Extension Manager) mentioned it to me and said I should do it and that I would benefit from it, and I thought that I was a bit young and doubted myself. But my dad gave me the kick I needed and said I should really apply for it.

“It’s a really good program, and I am so happy that I did apply. I have learnt so much from it and being so young is not a weakness, it’s actually probably a strength, as it opens up my future for me.”

Founded in 2012, the Watson family run both a commercial and Angus seedstock operation, as well as a hay enterprise.

The family has been utilising Angus within their operations for approximately 12 years, citing the demand for the breed as their key driver for their selection decision.

“We breed Angus because that’s where the demand is. We know people want Angus and we know there is a market for it. We also started breeding Angus initially because of the history of good calving ease.”

Recently, Miss Watson and her family developed Binnowie Angus, a seedstock enterprise with the aim to host their first bull sale in 2023.

With a low stress management operating philosophy and practice, the Watson’s key drivers for success identified within their businesses are grass fed, low supplementary feeding and good feed management, low numbers per hectare, and good quality structured cattle.

In the coming years, Bridget and her family have the goal for this business to build a herd with a wide customer base selling up to 50-60 good quality structured bulls.

“The short-term goals for our business would be to increase our herd numbers so we have a number of bulls to be able to sell at auction as well as getting that customer base,” said Miss Watson.

When selecting genetics for their operations, the Watsons value ease and longevity in their cattle and for their clientele.

“The traits that are most important to us are calving ease, growth, structure and docility,” said Miss Watson.

“When it comes to breeding, we want to breed an animal that isn’t going to have trouble with calving. We want everyone to have those sleep easy at night animals while still maintaining good growth.

“We believe structure is important because we want our cattle to last and to be able to carry the weight. We want

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Following her time at the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, Bridget is looking forward to implementing what she learned over the three-day intensive workshop into the developing Binnowie Angus.

“The GenAngus Future Leaders Program was definitely far beneficial to my personal and professional development,” said Miss Watson.

“Being so young it was all new and a learning experience for me and I know that in the future I can apply it all to better our business. Some things I can apply now and some later down the track, but I know I’ll be aware and know exactly when to apply it.”

When reflecting on her key take homes from the event, Miss Watson focused on presentations that were relevant to the launching of their new business identity.

“I enjoyed everything about the program however if I have to narrow it down, I would say I found Angus Street’s story and journey incredibly inspiring.

“Something I took home and know I can implement was Diana Wood and Heidi Wright’s presentations about marketing and social media. As a new stud starting out, we want to make ourselves as visible and known as we can and we want to build that strong customer base,” she said.

“Learning about how to successfully market and use social media to its full potential was really the push in the right direction I needed to bring back and apply at home.”

“I loved it all. The mindset presentation (by Peter Clark of 21 Whispers) right at the start got me as I do doubt myself, like I said before I wasn’t sure I wanted to apply because I thought I was too young but it’s that mindset game of I can do this. And I will.”

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Angus Youth

Solar panel safety key to help keep farmers farming

Emerging energy technologies, such as solar energy, are becoming more prevalent on Australian farms. Despite its many advantages, cattle farmers using solar panels are being encouraged to check closely for any damage, especially after storm events, to help protect their farm.

When damaged, solar panels can leak toxic chemicals and could contaminate nearby surfaces, warned Richard Reynolds, Farm Insurance Specialist with farm insurer Achmea Australia.

Growing up on his family’s cattle property near Rockhampton, Richard has a strong affinity with agriculture and currently operates his property on 100% off-grid solar power.

“Our sunny climate provides plentiful renewable energy, so almost ten years ago, we decided it made sense both economically and environmentally to go completely off-grid when designing and building our new home and farm infrastructure,” Richard said.

“In 2014, our goal became a reality with our property power needs solely relying on renewable energy (7.5KW of solar panels and more than 75KW/hours of battery storage),” he said.

“Because we are not connected to the electricity network, safety and reliability are always top of mind for my business and family,” Richard said.

Achmea Australia Farm Insurance Specialist, Richard Reynolds

“It is also important that inverters are not directly mounted on flammable surfaces such as timber,” he said.

Richard said being aware of potential issues was important in risk mitigation, as well as being proactive in protecting assets against storm damage.

“When insuring your buildings, it is important to understand the risks of all the features of the building, including any fixtures, such as the possible impact of damaged solar panels,” Richard said.

Through their strategic alliance, Achmea Australia and Angus Australia are committed keeping farmers farming.

Having seen the property damage caused by hailstorms, Richard spoke about the dangers of damaged solar panels as part of Achmea Australia’s Keeping Farmers Farming series.

To get a quote to insure your farm with Achmea Australia, call 1800 724 214, email info@achmea.com.au, or visit www.achmea.com.au

The Keeping Farmers Farming series was developed by the specialist farm insurer to help support the resilience of the agricultural sector in these unprecedented times.

Insurance issued by Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. (Achmea) ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984.

“Although many solar panels are quite resilient and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, extreme weather can cause damage to the panels which could result in glass fragment and chemical contamination to a building’s roof, gutters, downpipes and water tanks,” Richard said.

According to Richard, some people may not be aware that solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are made up of silicon, with most solar panels containing two layers of silicon cells.

“Both the top and bottom layers of cells contain chemicals that, when combined, create a positive charge and a negative charge resulting in a charged field,” Richard said.

“The panels use this charge field and sunlight to create electricity,” he said.

When the solar PV panel is damaged badly, toxic chemicals could leak and any materials that they come into contact with, would need to be cleaned of residue and small glass fragments.

“If the chemical and glass residue cannot be removed, then the affected material, including any water tanks, should be replaced on that building, to prevent the risk of human consumption,” he said.

Richard said the panels, and most importantly the junction boxes, cabling, and inverters, should be inspected regularly and tested in accordance with manufacturing requirements to reduce the risk of fire.

achmea.com.au 1800 724 214 info@achmea.com.au 34

The information in this document is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances). This means any advice may not be appropriate for your circumstances. Before using this information to decide whether to purchase the insurance policy, you will need to consider the appropriateness of any general information or advice we give you and how it relates to your specific situation to ensure the insurance cover meets your needs and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from the ‘Downloads’ section of our website achmea.com.au/downloads. For feedback and complaints, visit achmea.com.au/complaints. To view Achmea Australia’s privacy statement, visit achmea.com.au/privacy. Achmea Australia does not warrant that the information contained herein is accurate, reliable, complete or up to date, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, disclaims all liability of Achmea Australia and its Associates for any loss or damage suffered by any person by reason of the use by that person of, or their reliance on, any information contained in this document or any error or defect in on this document, whether arising from the negligence of Achmea Australia or its Associates or otherwise.

About Achmea Australia Achmea Australia is part of the Achmea Group, which is one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands. The Achmea Group has approximately 13 million clients worldwide and is fully dedicated to farm insurance in Australia to ‘keep farmers farming’.

2022 NH Food Australia Angus Youth National Roundup to return Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

In great news for young beef enthusiasts, the 2022 NH Foods Australia Angus Youth National Roundup will be held in Wodonga, Victoria on 6 – 9 October, following its postponement in January this year.

All members of the beef industry aged between 8 and 26 are encouraged to register for the four-day event, with the Roundup event open to all competitors, from novice to experienced.

In addition to the educational experiences and competitions such as herdsman, junior judging and paraders, there are still several excellent awards on offer at the event as part of the Roundup event, including the Merridale Angus Aspiring Breeder Award, EJ Angus Encouragement Award and the Matthew George Citizenship Award.

Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips looks forward to welcoming participants to the first Roundup event since 2020.

“It has been long awaited, but we are pleased to have registrations open for the 2022 NH Foods Australia Angus Youth National Roundup,” said Mr Phillips.

“We are looking forward to bringing together young members of the beef industry for this four-day staple event, which has unfortunately been missing out of the calendar since the last Roundup in Toowoomba in January 2020. We thank our Roundup Organising Committee for their work and our sponsors for their support in holding this event.

Entri es close Augu st 5th “The parents bus trip will be a great day out for parents and guardians, visiting cattle studs, All Saints Winery and the Corowa Distillery and Chocolate Factory,” said Roundup Coordinator Toni Nugent.

Registrations for the NH Foods Australia Angus Youth National Roundup will close on Friday 5 August 2022.

Keep up to date by following the Angus youth social media channels and the Angus Australia website.

For further information or questions relating to registrations, merchandise or anything Roundup related, please contact Toni Nugent, Roundup Coordinator on E: toni@toninugent. com.au or M: 0418 974 775.

Please note that 2023 Roundup will not be taking place in January. An announcement will be made in early 2023 to confirm the timing of the this event.

“We encourage past participants and those who have never attended before to register for the event, which will be host to a jam-packed program aimed at both practical and educational skills development.”

Furthermore, the 2022 Roundup will have fun in store for the parents/guardians, with the parents and sponsors bus trip organised for those attending Roundup with their children.

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The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

APPLY NOW: BeefEX 2022 Scholarships Dzintra Menesis, Marketing Officer/Graphic Design

The dates are drawing closer for BeefEX, the major forum celebrating the Australian feedlot industry. Angus Youth members interested in the grain fed cattle feedlot sector are highly encouraged to apply for BeefEX 2022 scholarships.

BeefEX is set to run from the 18th to the 20th of October 2022 in Brisbane, Qld, and the Angus Foundation will once again award two scholarships exclusively to Angus Youth members. This is a fantastic opportunity for grain fed beef entrepreneurs to attend this well renowned, thoughtprovoking event.

Successful recipients will receive $1500 to assist in covering costs associated with attending the event, a two-day conference set to focus on consumer trends, markets, economics, production, finance, and leadership.

BeefEX is widely known for drawing together a variety of experts from the grain fed beef industry including but not limited to: nutritionists, veterinarians, backgrounders, regulators, service providers, transport operators and others involved in the grain fed industry and beef supply chain.

Previous scholarship recipient Ruby Canning attended BeefEX in 2018 and gained a lot from her experience of the program.

“The BeefEx Conference was an experience that was engaging, informative and provided many networking opportunities for all participants. Topics discussed throughout the conference by a range of industry leaders included consumer trends and the economics of the beef industry, as well as a focus on markets, production and finance incorporated with leadership’.

“The incorporation of international and Australian presenters ensured the event focus of ‘big data’ was well covered in a comprehensive manner and ensured a grasp on the position of Australian beef within global markets.”

Angus Australia Extension Manager, Jake Phillips says that the aim of this scholarship is to open the door to networking opportunities where participants will gain personal and professional skills and will evolve into next level decision makers.

‘BeefEX is a fantastic way to further develop their knowledge in the Australian feedlotting industry as well as the beef industry as a whole’.

“The conference offers an extensive overview of the feedlot industry and is a fantastic networking opportunity hosted by the peak national body for the Australian feedlot industry.”

For further information regarding eligibility and where to apply please visit the Angus Australia website or Angus Youth social media channels for updates.

Registrations for the scholarships to attend BeefEX 2022 will close the 29th of August 2022.

36

Apply here!

Ruby Cann ing and Han nah Cargill at BeefEX in 2018

Other opportunities up for grabs

The Angus Youth program, supported by the Angus Australia Foundation and numerous other sponsors, 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.

Keep an eye out on the Angus Australia website for exciting and informative scholarship opportunities.

Tocal beef cattle assessment school

Five scholarships will be available to Angus Australia members aged 16 to 30 to attend the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment course from 5th-7th December 2022 in Tocal, NSW The course will cover a wide range of topics ranging from using EBV’s, structural conformation and selection of market utilising Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus breeds and their crosses and will help participants through developing practical skills and information, presenting networking opportunities.

Scholarship applications open 1st August 2022 and close 12th September 2022.

LIVEXchange 2022

Two scholarships will be available to Angus Australia members aged 18 to 30 to attend LIVEXchange 22 from 9th-10th November 2022 in Darwin, NT This conference is the major event for Australia’s livestock export industry, held every two years as a joint venture between LiveCorp and the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC).

This event is all about sharing information and insight into the livestock export trade, breaking down knowledge barriers, being open about industry challenges and demonstrating industry’s commitment and ongoing effort to improve animal welfare in supply chains.

Scholarship applications open 1st August 2022 and close 12th September 2022.

Where are they now?

Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer Featured in this edition of “Where are they Now” is Kate and Murk Schoen.

Kate and Murk Schoen What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?

Kate- My first Roundup was at Glen Innes in 2007, I had been begging my parents to attend for years! I was lucky to be awarded Grand Champion Parader and made some friends that are some of my best mates today!

Murk- My first Roundup was in 2005 in Gunnedah. It was so hot, and it was the first of 14 Roundups in a row that I attended, both competing and on the committee. That’s got to be some sort of record?

What activity/event stands out to you the most?

Kate- I don’t think I could pick, but I don’t think I can go past the fact that at the 2008 Roundup in Bendigo I was awarded a scholarship to attend the NSW Beef Cattle Assessment School and that is where I would meet my wonderful future husband, Murk!

Top of the list would be Roundup. It’s where so many lifelong friendships and contacts are made. Also, right up there would be attending the World Angus Forum in New Zealand in 2013, when we travelled over with some of our best friends to represent our country. We made new friends and contacts from all over the world and it was such a great experience. There have been so many opportunities, I could fill the whole page.

Murk- Can’t go past the World Angus Forum in New Zealand, it was such a great experience.

In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?

Kate & Murk – Contacts - it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Over time we have come the realise that the agricultural industry is also a people game, you never know who you will meet or where that conversation might lead.

Angus Youth not only provides platforms for meeting people and attending events, but Angus Youth has also developed our confidence to be able to take the next step in so many different ventures. You think you’re just having fun with black cows with your best mates but in reality you are gaining skills and meeting people you will call on your whole life.

What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program?

Kate & Murk – From lectures about structure, making cattle halters, and attending our first interviews for scholarships and prizes at Roundup in the early days.

To attending leadership clinic and sitting on our first Angus Youth committee, to chairing a consultative committee and rubbing shoulders with the Board. Learning to be a leader and to help others and be part of a team. They are just some of the wonderful skills we have learnt through Angus Youth that we use now in our business and will continue to do so into the future.

How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now?

Murk & Kate – As producers, we are so lucky to be able to make a living from agriculture. Together we manage Schoen Pastoral, a mixed farming enterprise in Corowa, Southern NSW, which includes a diverse range of enterprises which include dryland and irrigated winter and summer cropping, contracting, prime lamb, commercial cattle, and the jewel in the crown, our AARDEN Angus Stud. The stud was started with very modest numbers but this year we will calve down more than 50 stud cows with future plans for growth.

Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?

Kate & Murk – Absolutely get involved! - The opportunities are endless and so varied with something for everyone.

Sitting down and thinking of the countless events and places we have travelled thanks to Angus Youth Roundup is just the starting point, a funnel that captures young people at the start of their spark of interest and from there the only way is up, just like it has done for us and so many others.

There is no doubt that our involvement in the program has helped shaped who we are and has developed a passion for not only the breed, but the Angus community. The Angus Family is a very special all-inclusive one and we look forward to being part of it for a very long time.

Then – Murk & Kate Schoen at the Hamilton Vic. Roundup in 2012

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Angus Youth

Bonnie Cox chosen as the inaugural Angus Foundation AuctionsPlus cadet Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

With her eyes firmly on a future in the beef industry, Bonnie Cox has been awarded the inaugural Angus Foundation and AuctionsPlus Cadetship.

As part of the recently launched industry cadetship program, designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry and to provide a vast array of professional development opportunities for young beef breeders, the cadetship will see Bonnie take part in a four-week placement working with online marketplace AuctionsPlus in their day-to-day operations.

Following her placement, Bonnie will conclude her cadetship by completing the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course.

During the cadetship, Bonnie will develop a unique understanding of how AuctionsPlus works and the important role they play in global food production.

Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips looks forward to seeing Bonnie’s progress during her time in her cadetship.

“We congratulate Bonnie on being awarded the inaugural AuctionsPlus Cadetship. Bonnie has displayed a desire to continue to build on her existing experience and development within this industry and establish herself with a long-term career as a beef producer,” said Jake.

“We look forward to seeing Bonnie in her cadetship role at AuctionsPlus and to follow her personal and professional development, exploring opportunities in one of the many career avenues the agricultural industry has to offer.”

AuctionsPlus Chief Executive Officer Angus Street said, “It’s fantastic to see the Angus Youth Program going from strength to strength. We see the program as a fantastic way to support the next generation of young men and women coming through the industry.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Bonnie into AuctionsPlus to learn more about our business and get to know our team.”

As a young person cementing herself in the agricultural industry, Bonnie is extremely excited to start her experience with AuctionsPlus.

38

“My current job involves sales, networking, building relationships and using new technologies. The cadetship, I believe, will help me to build on these skills, give me confidence to make quicker decisions, improve my communication skills and how to manage the daily stresses and work effectively in a bigger organisation,” said Bonnie.

“I’m also hoping to be shown different career paths I’ve not known existed that I could pursue while working to get a place of my own. I’m studying a Bachelor of Ag and I’m hoping the people I meet and the different experiences they’ve had will open my thoughts on the variety of careers in the cattle industry. I’m hoping that it will enhance my studies and bring a different perspective.”

When asked about where she sees herself in the industry in the future, Bonnie said, “My family breeds Angus and without a doubt I want to be able to follow that path. My career thoughts have changed over my teens but in my twenties I’ve come back and found my place in the ag industry. My dream is to own my own property and to breed beef. There’s a long way to go to owning my own operation but each opportunity will help me reach my goal.”

“I’d also love to be able to give young people, who don’t have an agricultural background and wish to get involved in the industry, a helping hand to learn and have good experiences without being turned away because they’re not from a rural background. I think it’s important to encourage all types of youth to look to the agricultural industry for a career path.”

For further information regarding the Angus Australia Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries Program please contact Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips at youth@ angusaustralia.com.au.

About Bonnie: Bonnie has a long history with the Angus breed, growing up showing cattle for her family’s stud at local shows in the New England area and competing in paraders and junior judging competitions. She competed in the Angus Youth National Roundup for a number years, and currently works for studs competing at the Royal shows.

She also assists in running a small commercial beef farm south of Sydney and works as NSW Sales Manager for WatersUps, a role which exposes her cliental throughout NSW. She holds Certificate 3 in Equine Performance and Primary Industries and is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at Charles Sturt.

About the Angus Foundation: The Angus Foundation provides a mechanism for members and other beef industry stakeholders to support youth development, education and research programs conducted

by Angus Australia.

These programs are designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry, to provide professional development opportunities for young beef breeders, and to assist in conducting research, development and educational programs for the benefit of Angus breeders and the wider Australian beef industry.

The Angus Foundation can only operate and facilitate financial support to initiatives through the generous sponsorship from Angus Australia members and industry partners who elect to donate to the Foundation.

These funds are crucial to the ongoing support the Angus Foundation gives many parts of the Angus Youth program including scholarships, awards and bursaries as well as important research and development overseen by Angus Australia.

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

Getting the bigger picture on a career in the Beef Industry Bonnie Cox’s firsthand experience of the 2022 AuctionsPlus cadetship Dzintra Menesis, Marketing Officer/Graphic Design This May, the Angus Foundation announced the winner of the AuctionsPlus Cadetship, an exciting program offering a unique perspective on how online marketplace AuctionsPlus works and the important role they play in global food production.

Here, the dedicated and eager Angus Youth member Bonnie Cox gives insightful feedback on her experience.

This invaluable perspective of the program is important to the Angus Foundation, a collective funded by Angus Australia members who pride themselves on continuing to expand the programs on offer.

All programs and scholarships funded by the Foundation are designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry and to provide a vast array of professional development opportunities for young beef breeders.

the auctioneer went along. I found this challenging but very enjoyable.”

Other skills acquired included customer service training and data input when booking sales.

At the end of her first week Bonnie said she was surprised at how much manpower is used behind the scenes to conduct the online sales.

Week One:

The three-week program started off at the AuctionsPlus head office in North Sydney, where Bonnie was set to work within their day-to-day operations. Her recount of this experience shows how immersive the training was, which shaped a holistic and unique understanding of how online livestock sales are run.

“I had a great first week in North Sydney at AuctionsPlus where I was placed in the Market Operations team, where they handle building and preparing for a sale, running the sale, and post-sale snapshots and communications,” Bonnie said.

During this time Bonnie was given a general overview of how sales run behind the scenes.

“I was given a laptop and I sat in on the WA fortnightly cattle sales with Maddie and she explained how the website operates from the backend.”

Following this Bonnie was taken through pre-sale checks such as checking catalogues, double-checking EBVs are correct for stud sales and adding final weights and reserve prices. ”I observed a Helmsman’s sale take place for Reiland Angus and then I helped build the National sheep sale that runs Tuesday/Thursday.”

As the week went on, Bonnie was given more hands-on opportunities, whereshe learnt the first steps to preparing and building sales from that first call with an agent andwas involved in the Monterey Angus and Murray Grey Sale, the National Weaner and Yearling Sale, the Jamestown Sheep Sale, as well as observing an Equine Helmsman sale be prepared for bidding to open.

Come Friday, Bonnie was immersed in the action with the large number of sales running.

“A large dairy bull and cow sale went wrong every chance it got, and it was great to see the team handle it so well.

“I sat in on the Speriby North Angus bull sale and was given access to the staging website, where I could have a go at keeping up with the sale and entering prices as 40

“I’ve had a great week and learned quite a bit. I, like most, thought so much of the process was automated.”

One thing that appealed to Bonnie during this time were the social aspects that are incorporated as part of team building to make the workplace a fun and inclusive environment.

“The office takes part in casual netball competitions every Tuesday, so I stayed late and joined the team and Thursday is also office trivia day!”

Week Two

During her second week, Bonnie spent her time with the Regional Agency Services team - the main ‘face’ of AuctionsPlus to agents and farmers, and the team that speaks with agents and book sales.

“The work they do is quite similar to a sales role and during the week they had sales training which I took a lot from to apply to my current role.

“The team are very good at what they do. I can say they’ve completely sold me on selling commercial lots through the website, I’ve already gotten Dad on board with it!”

Week Three

The third week of Bonnie’s placement saw her travel to Naracoorte in South Australia to attend an AuctionsPlus Assessor School, where those wishing to list stock on AuctionsPlus are put through training that allows them to become accredited Assessors.

“Week 3 in Naracoorte was absolutely awesome,” Bonnie said.

“I got to meet 22 agents, most were from SA, with one from WA. I had some great conversations with a few of them and came away from them with a few new ideas for my own enterprise in the future.”

During the Assessor School Bonnie did both cattle and sheep assessments.

“I gave both a good crack and learnt a bit more about cattle assessing than I already knew and learnt about sheep assessments for the first time! We also did a few mock assessment entries to the website which was very handy to know.”

Bonnie describes her overall experience of the program as rewarding and beneficial to her career prospects for the future.

“I really loved my time away, some of the things I got to learn and the conversations I had have already proved invaluable.”

Following her time in South Australia, Bonnie returned to the office to spend time with the Marketing team, where she developed some hands-on practical skills though creating blogs and email campaigns and working on social media campaigns.

“This was right up my alley as I’ve got quite a large creative side and to be able to mix that with my love of the industry was really fun, with a highlight seeing one of the photos I took scheduled across the social media channels.”

At the time this article was written, Bonnie was working with the Integrity team and is already impressed with how the team handles disputes and is very keen to get a further look into this aspect.

Once Bonnie finishes up her placement with AuctionsPlus, the next part of the cadetship will see her complete the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course to further her qualifications at the hugely renowned agricultural and business management college during August.

Bonnie in action during her time with AuctionsPlus

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The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Youth

Angus Youth take out major awards at Sydney Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Past and present Angus Youth representatives put their best foot forward across an array of youth competitions, taking out some highly covetable awards at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, including Dayna Gray in the National Judging Competition and Lochie McLachlan in the National Paraders Competition.

A 2022 National Beef Cattle Young Judges Final

B

Dayna Gray, representing South Australia was the winner of the 2022 Agricultural Shows Australia national beef cattle young judges final at the recent Sydney Royal Show.

Raised in the North-West of Tasmania on a small beef cattle property, Dayna ventured across the water to Geelong, completing a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) at Marcus Oldham before accepting a position with Thomas Foods International, in a mixed role of supply chain and marketing management in 2019.

In February 2021, Dayna commenced a Livestock Pregnancy Scanning business initially working on weekends and in July took the pregnancy scanning business full time.

Towards the end of 2021 Dayna was selected to take part in the GenAngus Future Leaders Program. GenAngus is a flagship Angus Youth program developed in conjunction with Achmea Australia and designed to aid young beef industry leaders in increasing their knowledge and confidence to launch a new or existing beef enterprise.

Placing second was Brittany Abbott, representing Victoria, who has competed in Angus Youth events previously.

In third was Micquella Grima whom earlier in the day was awarded the NSW State Championship title in the 2022 RAS/ASC Cattle Young Judges Competition State Final.

Micquella was recently announced as the recipient of the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup Senior Bursary which allows her to attend the Young Beef Producers Forum (YBPF) in Roma QLD. Micquella grew up on a small property in Orchard Hills, NSW and has been showing Stud Beef cattle for nearly 10 years at both regional Ag Shows and at a Royal level for a number of beef producers.

Micquella commenced her second year studies of a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Agribusiness through the University of New England this year. Once graduating, she intends to pursue a career in either agronomy with a particular emphasis on efficient grazing strategies to improve the resilience and efficiency of farming operations or livestock nutrition and genetics.

In 2021 she established Hope Hill Cattle Company whilst also managing Donnelly Downs Pastoral Co. with her partner 42

C based on a 3000 acre property in Western NSW, specialising in both commercial and stud beef cattle including both purebred and cross bred Angus breeders. In 2021, Micquella was the recipient of the Norman Lethbridge Award through Angus NSW which opened up the opportunity for her to be selected as the Youth Representative for Angus NSW. Incidentally, the 2022 National competition was judged

by Meat & Livestock Australia managing director, Jason Strong, who himself just happens to be another alumnus of Angus Youth. Jason was an instrumental part of the team in developing the Roundup to its current format and also won the University of Illinois Scholarship in 1990.

2021 National Beef Cattle Young Judges Final

In the 2021 National Beef Judges competition (delayed due to COVID travel restrictions on 2021), Alice Hall, from Quarter-Way Angus in Tasmania, placed third. Alice spent many years on the Angus Youth Management Committee and has been involved in a myriad of Angus Youth events and organising committees.

The winner of this competition, Sarah Sutton, and runnerup Angus Llewellyn, have competed in a number of Angus Youth activities throughout the years.

2022 National Paraders Final

Queensland representative Chloe Plowman has won the 2022 Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) national beef cattle paraders final.

Chloe is a third generation beef cattle producer from Ruby Ridge Angus at Kingaroy and has a long history of involvement in the Angus Youth program.

Chloe finished year 12 at the end of 2021 and is now working part time at Aussie Land and Livestock, Kingaroy.

At the 2020 Angus Youth National Roundup in Toowoomba Qld, Chloe was awarded the EJ Angus Encouragement Award, Reserve Champion Intermediate Meat Judge and Champion Intermediate Parader.

2021 National Paraders Final

After a three year wait, Lochie McLauchlan finally got the chance to compete after being selected by Victoria at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Show.

A: 2022 National Judge winner, Dayne Gray, with overjudge Jason Strong. Image: Showcase by Branded Ag, B: Micquella Grima with Tom Baker, overjudge for the NSW State Finals for Junior Judgings, C: Chloe Plowman at the 2020 Angus Youth national Roundup in Toowoomba, D: Lochie McLauchlan at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Feature Show, where he won the 2019 State Title to qualify for Nationals. Images: Showcase by Branded Ag

At the end of his schooling years Lochie was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to get in contact with a family in Canada which gave him the opportunity to spend three months living and working on the family ranch. Whilst in Canada, Lochie attended major shows like Agribition and FarmFair.

As a young, enthusiastic and determined kid Lochie has always known he wanted to become a stock and station agent and develop into an auctioneer, which was made a reality towards the end of 2021.

D Lochie grew up on his family farm located in the south west of Victoria, Mortlake. His family own and operate an Angus stud calving down 50 breeders and selling stud bulls during Beef Week field days.

Lochie has been an active member of the Angus Youth program across his entire life and was awarded a scholarship to attend the LIVEXchange Conference for 2022.

He is also a member of the current NH Foods Australia Angus Youth Roundup Organising Committee.

A new look for www.angusaustralia.com.au Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Angus Australia is excited to share an updated version of the Angus Australia website.

Given that the website was last refreshed in 2016, it was time to update the site to ensure that the information that members require most is easily accessible.

All menu items (both angus.tech and general pagers) have been collated under one ‘burger’ menu (three little lines in the top left-hand corner), with ‘Quick Links’ for some of those most visited areas of the current website available from the bottom of every page.

Information for each area of Angus Australia is now available in specific hubs, so for example if you are interested in ‘Member Services’ for example, everything you need to know, including news relating to member services can be found in the one area.

We are here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Either email marketing@angusaustralia.com. au or phone our office on (02) 6773 4600 and our team will be able to assist you.

For a quick tour of the new features scan the QR code.

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Foundation

Bridget, Matilda and Will Watson with their Foundation stud heifer, Stoney Point Annabel S002PV

Stoney Point raises $9,000 for the Angus Foundation Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

Stoney Point Performance Angus rallied support for the Angus Foundation at their recent Dispersal sale, donating all proceeds of Lot 335, Stoney Point Annabel S002PV, to the Angus Foundation.

The heifer, sold at day two of the Stoney Point Stage Two Dispersal Sale, was a 2021 drop Sydgen Enhance daughter with a particularly handsome set of EBVs and genetics, selling for an impressive $9,000.

While he himself is in the process of moving on from the Angus breed, Perry Gunner, Stud Principal of Stoney Point Performance Angus, highlighted the importance of ensuring the next generation of Angus stewards through providing opportunities for the beef industry’s future leaders.

“The Angus breed is very successful, but unless it looks forward to the future then there is no point being successful,” said Mr Gunner.

“The Angus Foundation is all about the future and the youth that will come through in the future to continue the great performance of the Angus breed.”

In addressing the crowd prior to the sale of the heifer Mr Gunner said, “I think when you are a bit older like me it’s worthwhile leaving something for the future, so I am leaving the proceeds for this heifer, so it’s up to you guys to bid up and help the other side.”

Will Watson and daughters Matilda and Bridget were the successful purchasers of Annabelle S002PV and look to use the Foundation heifer as a foundation for their developing stud enterprise.

“We recently started up our own stud, which Pete (Colliver, Stoney Point Farm Manager) got us into and Pete said this was the opportunity to get into the stud game as he knew we were keen, and the kids were keen. So, we bought the heifer for our children to start their first stud,” said Mr Watson.

“

When asked why they were drawn to the foundation heifer for their purchase, Mr Watson said, “Last year we bought our first stud cattle out of the Stoney Point sale, we are very happy with their genetics and have been using their genetics for about 10 years. We thought this heifer was going to a good cause and was a good push to start Matilda off.”

Over the course of the two-day dispersal 372 females were sold, averaging $8,103 with a top price of $34,000.

The Angus Foundation provides funding for several of the Angus Youth Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries provided to young Angus members, as well as supporting education and research opportunities.

The Foundation has been responsible for providing support for the Trans Tasman Travel Bursary to New Zealand, scholarships to attend the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course, the LiveEX conference, the SmartBeef conference, Beef Australia and the industry leading GenAngus Future Leaders Program. Previously the Angus Foundation has also assisted students to attend both the University of Illinois and Kansas State University in the United States.

The Foundation has also recently seen the addition of new opportunities with the introduction of the Foundation Research Grants, awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students to enable them to undertake research that can be applied to the Australian beef industry; and in conjunctions with AuctionsPlus, a Foundation Cadetship that will see the recipient spend time with AuctionsPlus and finish with attending the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course.

The Angus Foundation is all about the future and the youth that will come through in the future to continue the great performance of the Angus breed

“

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Getting back to basics with Angus ESSENTIALS Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

BREEDING & GENETICS - A valuable starting point

The first Angus ESSENTIALS session scored a 9.2 out of 10, for how satisfied attendees were with the webinar, as they were given an understanding on how genetics work and the role that they play with a beef breeding system. If you missed out on the launch of Angus ESSENTIALS, you could catch up on everything here, including answers to some of the burning questions you may have about the topic of breeding and genetics.

MEMBER SERVICES - Tips & Tricks for your registered Angus journey

The Member Services team are generally the first touch point for any member or prospective member of Angus Australia and as such the services they provide are an integral part of running a registered Angus operation. The second instalment of Angus ESSENTIALS is your insight into the operations of this team and the work they complete to assist you in your operation. If you missed out on this round of Angus ESSENTIALS, you could catch up on everything here, including answers to some of the burning questions you may have about record keeping, registering calves, inventory, membership and registrars of Angus Australia.

Angus ESSENTIALS – Do you have a performance recording strategy?

With performance recording playing such a huge part of the business of raising registered Angus cattle the third instalment of Angus ESSENTIALS is your insight into genetic evaluation, the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) and performance recording.

If you missed out on this round of Angus ESSENTIALS, you could catch up on everything here, including answers to some of the burning questions such as, What is the TACE Analysis? When to use it? How do you get the most out of it? And how do you set up a performance recording strategy?

UPCOMING ANGUS ESSENTIALS WEBINARS

The Angus ESSENTIALS webinar series is designed to be a starting point for people considering the registered cattle business and for new members to Angus Australia to understand the full range of breeding and genetic tools or existing members to brush up on their knowledge and skills. The series will provide information and advice from leading industry speakers for attendees to learn how to extract the most value out of breeding decisions, registrations and record keeping, genetic evaluation and creating practical performance recording and genotyping strategies, conducting artificial breeding programs through to the considerations of marketing and preparing for sale.

The Angus ESSENTIALS series will feature the following topics: DNA technology July

7

September

8

An overview of the use of DNA technology, what it is, when to use it and how to get the most value from Genomics, including creating a genotyping strategy for your herd

Angus Select August

11

REGISTER NOW

AI Programs

September

Running a successful AI program – The hints and tips from industry experts REGISTER NOW

The Angus ESSENTIALS webinars will be hosted via ZOOM, with registration required to attend.

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Using Angus Select to find animals, animals for sale, genetics for sale and also a look at the reporting functions available

REGISTER NOW

Sale Preparation Preparing for your sale – A guide to marketing and advertising with Angus Australia

REGISTER NOW

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus CONNECT

Strength in Diversity

TEXAS ICEMAN R725

IMAGE: STUDSTOCKSALES.COM

Sire: POSS MAVERICK PV · Dam: TEXAS UNDINE H647 SV

Accelerate

your breeding program at Mach speed with the record breaking Texas Iceman

R725

· Texas Iceman’s EBV’s are unmatched with a combination of +4.1BW, +155 600D and +12.6 EMA. Add to this his excellent calving ease direct +6.4, Scrotal Circ +2.7, carcase Wt +91 and positive for both fat EBV’s it is easy to see why competition to own this young sire pushed him to a record breaking $225,000. · Iceman is backed by one of the most prominent maternal lines in the Australian Angus breed. His dam Texas Undine H647 has been a matron of the Texas Angus program. Texas Undine H647 has now produced 18 sons who have sold for an average of $37,100 at Texas Angus. · Iceman’s unrivalled performance, breed leading index values and eye-catching phenotype combine to make him a sire who will dominate the global beef industry for many years.

DAM OF ICEMAN TEXAS UNDINE H647

· Texas Iceman R725 is now available in male or female sexed semen.

Dir

Dtrs

GL

BWT

200

400

MCW

Milk

DTC

SS

DOC

CWT

EMA

RIB

P8

RBY

IMF

NFI-F

Angle

Claw

EBV

+6.4

+4.8

-8.5

+4.1

+65

+120 +155 +138

600

+16

-3.1

+2.7

+9

+91

+12.6

+1.2

+0.8

+1.2

+1.7

+0.50

+1.02

+1.08

(Acc)

57%

48%

71%

75%

74%

73%

73%

70%

67%

40%

73%

49%

69%

67%

71%

67%

67%

67%

54%

78%

78%

Perc

20

30

6

49

3

2

2

6

63

76

23

46

2

2

18

21

22

63

84

61

88

June 2022 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation

46

$A

$A-L

$253

$453

6

1

Top 20%

Nigel Semmens P: 0439 417 941 E: nsemmens@genaust.com.au

John Gommers P: 0417 575 932 E: jgommers@genaust.com.au

Freecall: 1800 039 047

www.genaust.com.au

Angus HeiferSELECT - Generation 2 Hits the Industry Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement

Angus Australia has officially launched Generation 2 of Angus HeiferSELECT. This was the focus of the Autumn 2022 Angus CONNECT event, which was streamed via Angus Australia’s YouTube Channel on May 26th, 2022.

Angus HeiferSELECT is a product designed for Australian commercial Angus breeders wishing to utilise genomics to add precision to the selection of Angus replacement females, ramping up genetic progress in their overall beef herd. It was developed following 18 months work with Angus Australia’s R&D collaboration partner, CSIRO - Australia’s national science agency. In summary, Angus HeiferSELECT Generation 2 provide 4 main sources of information including:

Angus BreedCHECK

Genetic predictions

for determining breed composition, focusing on Angus content

for 13 commercially important traits

3 overall values

DNA sire verification

i.e. Selection Indexes) covering Cow-Calf Value, Feedlot-Carcass Value and Total Breeding Value

View the full presentation HERE

More specifically, the topics covered in the Autumn 2022 Angus CONNECT event included: Official Launch of Angus HeiferSELECT Generation 2

The new generation of Angus HeiferSELECT is now available as a genetic selection tool for commercial producers. Christian Duff (General Manager of Genetic Improvement) provides insight into the enhancements made to the product that will benefit the selection of Angus heifers in commercial herds.

The Science Behind SELECT

Angus HeiferSELECT provides precision to heifer selection through genomic based predictions, but how was it developed and work? Dr Toni Reverter (CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist) takes producers through the details as to the science and Australian focused data powering this on-farm tool.

Case Study – Producers using Angus HeiferSELECT

Fraser James, “Guy Fawkes Station”, Ebor gives a realistic and practical account of how Angus HeiferSELECT is utilised in his Angus breeding operation, why he chooses to use Angus HeiferSELECT and his experience with it so far.

The Road to Adoption

To date, Angus HeiferSELECT results have been provided on over 20,000 Angus heifers from over 60 Australian and New Zealand beef breeding herds, with exponential growth in its use observed. Lachlan Ayoub (Zoetis Senior Sale Representative – Genetic Specialist) provides his accounts from the field including how Angus producers are utilizing this product to enhance their beef breeding businesses.

Validation – Does Angus HeiferSELECT work?

How can we be sure that Angus HeiferSELECT works? This is the question answered by Dr Aaron Ingham (CSIRO Group Leader – Livestock and Aquaculture) as he talks through the validation behind Angus HeiferSELECT, ensuring that the research underpinning it translates into “in the paddock” results.

New Developments in the Commercial Genomics Space

Christian Duff (General Manager of Genetic Improvement) delivers a peek over the horizon at further enhancements to Angus HeiferSELECT and other genomic technology currently being developed for the commercial beef production space.

Further information on Angus HeiferSELECT Generation 2, including a product flyer, technical specifications and background scientific literature can be accessed from the Angus Education centre (https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/education/ breeding-and-genetics/angus-heiferselect/) or Angus Australia website (http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/breeding/ animal-selection/angus-heiferselect/) If you have any questions about Angus HeiferSELECT please contact Angus Australia or our Genotyping partners: · Angus Australia – (02) 6773 4600 · Zoetis Animal Genetics – 1300 768 400 · Neogen Australasia – (07) 3736 2134 The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 47

Commercial Supply Chain

ANGUS & ANGUS & ANGUS COMPOSITE BULLS ANGUS COMPOSITE BULLS

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Pastoral Company’s “They handle very tough conditions whilecomponent producing quality calves for Proven in Northern Australia as a core of Consolidated both feedlot markets and replacement females”Troy Setter-CEO CPC. Pastoral Company’s Angus cattle.

“They handle very tough conditions while producing quality calves for Eldersfeedlot contact: Dhugaldand McDowall both markets replacement females”- Troy Setter-CEO CPC.

48

M: +61 428 592 692 E: dhugald.mcdowall@elders.com.au Elders contact: Dhugald McDowall Farm contact: Ceri Lewis M: +61Manager 428 592 692 +61 458 886 765 E:M: dhugald.mcdowall@elders.com.au E: managerag@twynam.com Farm Manager contact: Ceri Lewis A: Wingello Park, Marulan, NSW M: +61 458 886 765 E: managerag@twynam.com A: Wingello Park, Marulan, NSW

Angus HeiferSELECT supplying valuable insight for herd management Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

At ‘Guy Fawkes’ station, Ebor in the New England of New South Wales the use of Angus HeiferSELECT was introduced as a way of gathering accurate sire identification as well as supplying predictive data that could be used to decide which heifers would be kept to breed from.

Fraser and Pam James have now been using Angus HeiferSELECT at ‘Guy Fawkes’ for three years, with the 2019 born ‘Q heifers’ first tested in 2020. More recently the James’s have just begun sampling the 2021 born ‘S Heifers’ as they have been coming through the yards for their booster shots post weaning.

‘We’ll sample most of our weaner heifers each year, but we will leave out any that have any obvious structural issues and I will sample smaller lighter heifers as long as they have the frame, as they may simply have been later born calves and I’m confident that most will grow out well over winter with our program to develop them,’ said Mr James.

Mr James started to investigate Angus HeiferSELECT following the products release at the end of 2017.

‘I began talking to Lachie Ayoub at Zoetis about it when the first media articles started appearing and it took me the best part of two years to get my head around it’.

I had many conversations with Lachie in that time and read as much as I could about genomics and we finally pulled the trigger in 2020, following a fairly busy 2019 while there were drought and fires to contend with.’

When asked what he hoped to achieve using Angus HeiferSELECT and his reasons for implementing the use of the product, Mr James highlighted efficiencies of management and selection as key factors.

‘Simply weighing heifers and drafting off the ones I liked wasn’t going to produce cows and ultimately steers that marbled, had big EMA, were efficient etc.’

‘We could select heifers that were structurally acceptable but the only way to keep pushing the traits I wanted was

“

to keep using bulls that displayed those progeny traits, but I didn’t have any way of identifying the females that were holding us back.

The drive to receive more data to help make more accurate breeding decisions was also a driving force behind the implementation of Angus HeiferSELECT. ‘We don’t progeny test, I don’t have any interest in spending two months a year looking for newborn calves to tag and weigh etc. and even if we did start traditional progeny testing it would take us years to start getting accurate data.’

And while Mr James sees the current accuracy of Angus HeiferSELECT as a limitation, he believes that because the research has been done and will continue that overall accuracy will continue to improve.

‘We know that genomics works and has predictive ability, the levels differ with the various traits but as long as the R&D keeps going then the technology will continue to improve.’

The use of Angus HeiferSELECT is a long-term commitment at ‘Guy Fawkes’, with Mr James highlighting that he is only three years in and until he is further down the track, he won’t know the impact the product is having for his herd.

‘We’ve committed to the program as long as the R&D continues by Angus Australia and its partners and as long as the data continues to support the program.’

‘This is new technology, it isn’t traditional progeny testing and collection of EBVs, and I’ve listened to the critics who think I’d be better off running a traditional progeny test program, but I don’t have the time, resources or inclination to start that now and it would be a slow process to collect data of any accuracy.’

Simply weighing heifers and drafting off the ones I liked wasn’t going to produce cows and ultimately steers that marbled, had big EMA, were efficient etc

“

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus CONNECT

‘Angus HeiferSELECT gives me sire identification, that is valuable to me, and it also gives me predictive data on several traits, none of which I had before, so I’m prepared to back the science and use it.’

Mr James highlighted that he is just trying to do lots of small things really well.

‘Animal health, grazing management, breeding management etc. and if I continue to do that and focus on bulls that are going to drive me in the direction I want to go and over lay that with some technology that helps me eliminate the underperforming females then I think it will all turn out fine in the long run.’

‘I enjoy breeding commercial cattle, our steers are performing in the feedlot and our surplus heifers sell well, I’m proud of the cows I have in the paddock.’

With Angus HeiferSELECT providing a maternal, feedlot and overall breeder score out of 100, Mr James is able to use this information when making his decisions.

The two years of results that Mr James has received from Angus HeiferSELECT has shown him that he has got a decent cow herd.

‘I’d be shocked if that wasn’t the case given the effort, we’ve put in on the breeding side.’

‘Our total scores range from 15 to 96, averaging around 55 out of 100 for Total Breeder Value. Obviously, a Total Breeder score of 96 out of 100 sounds great but I’m under no illusion that I’ve bred a near perfect animal.’

‘We’ve basically selected on overall scores, above 65 total score and a female stays unless she has a low score for something like marbling or EMA which is crucial for us.’

In time Mr James believes that he will learn to analyse the data a lot better and would like to see Angus Australia further educate producers better on the various ways use the data produced for Angus HeiferSELECT. Mr James sees Angus HeiferSELECT as the ideal product for any commercial producer that wants more tools at their disposal when it comes to commercial heifer selection.

‘The sampling is very quick to do and basically idiot proof as long as you follow the instructions. All of your data is maintained by Angus Australia and available via the database along with lots of reports and analysis.’

With an eye on further evolvement in genomic technology for commercial producers, Mr James has been following the development of Angus SteerSELECT as a tool to use down the track.

‘It has been really interesting, the data shows that it is accurate in predicting feedlot performance.’

50

‘If commercial feedlot trials back that up then that opens up a whole gambit of new opportunities for both producers and feedlots. Potentially you’ll have a cheap test that can be done on your steers prior to going to the feedlot, that will give the feedlot information on what program (Short or long fed) that they’ll suit and producers should be rewarded for steers that perform.’

‘I can see potentially other tangents as well. Steers that perform in the feedlot, grow quickly and have good feed efficiency should have a lower carbon footprint so having a predictive tool to select those steers is valuable.’

Angus forms the cornerstone at “Guy Fawkes Station”

Fraser and Pam James have owned ‘Guy Fawkes Station’ since 2004, with their commercial Angus operation due to calve down 700 females this year, with approximately 520 cows and 180 heifers.

The 960 ha property located at Ebor, 85km East of Armidale on the Eastern Fall of the New England Tablelands is acidic basalt soils with a 1200mm average annual rainfall mainly spring and summer dominant.

Improved pastures consisting of different blends of cocksfoot, fescues, bromes, plaintain and chickory, red, white, and sub clovers.

In terms of management, the property is divided into seventy four paddocks for cell grazing.

Cows are set stocked for three months from August through October for calving and then the cows and calves start rotational grazing post calf marking.

All steers and heifers continue on a grazing rotation from then on until they are sold.

At ‘Guy Fawkes’ cows are joined in multi sire matings in mobs of around 100 for 8 weeks in spring to start calving in August.

This year will see the James’s join 280-300 heifers go through a single dose Fixed Time AI program at the start of October with back up bulls introduced 10 days later for 6 weeks.

‘The AI heifers calve over 15 days starting in early July, said Mr James.’

‘I really focus on developing my weaner heifers over the winter so that I have as many as possible up to at least 300kg and ideally 340kg + by AI time.’

‘They get the freshly sown paddocks to graze and I’ll supplement them if necessary to get them in shape to join.’

When it comes to setting their breeding objectives, balance is number one for the James’s.

‘An animal that is structurally correct, the steers need the frame and leg to stand for 270 days in a feedlot, marbling and EMA is very important for that market, as is feed conversion efficiency.’

‘Growth is important but I don’t want to produce elephants because big cows are high cost maintenance.’

‘For the females, fertility is obviously paramount, the heifers need to calve down unassisted, raise that calf and reconceive.’

‘We pregnancy test post weaning and anything empty or that has structural issues is culled.’

When selecting bulls to meet their breeding objectives, balance again plays a large role, with Mr James stating that he looks for, ’Curve benders whose progeny calve easily and grow quickly and then stop growing, that marble, have big EMA and good feed conversion efficiency.’

‘I’m producing feedlot steers for the long fed market so that’s the focus when choosing a bull but you’ve got to produce good cows to get those steers so balance is key.’

‘We’re targeting the high marbling feedlot market for our steers and Rangers Valley take all our steers at around 500kg and we have a great relationship with them.’

‘The majority of our surplus heifers are sold PTIC with the marbling genetics suiting both Angus and F1 producers.’

‘When seasons permit like the last couple of years we’ll also buy in steers to grow out for the feedlot market. We’re very lucky to be on good country in a pretty safe rainfall area.’

‘A lot of people would say Ebor is too good for cows but I like breeding cattle and this is we’re we are. I have no interest in buying breeding country further West and then spending half my week in a vehicle.’

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Commercial Supply Chain

Utilising Opportunity and Actioning Your Goals Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

Jarrod Koch, Barrabool, VIC, is co-director and owner of Longview Agriculture, and together with his wife Fiona, runs a beef enterprise consisting of registered Angus and Black Simmental cattle, commercial Angus and SimAngus breeders and backgrounding Angus steers for entry into domestic grassfed programs.

Since purchasing their first property in 2016, the Koch’s have run commercial Angus breeders with the registered Angus stud commencing in 2020.

When it comes to the decision of progressing their operation with the Angus breed, Mr Koch attributes his background as a former saleyard manager and his awareness of the Angus premium that is commanded by stock associated with the Angus breed as a driving force.

“In addition to the growth and fertility traits that Angus are renowned for, the eating quality is a new focus of the industry and Angus is again proving its breed merits,” said Mr Koch.

“Angus are in a very strong position as the demand for quality Australian beef continues to grow over the next decade. Across the industry, different areas of focus will become apparent and evolve over time.”

Within their operation and selecting traits in their breeding program, the Koch’s are very focused on improving the product that they are offering into the markets in which they participate.

For their breeding cow herd, they turn off weaners into the domestic market, therefore highlighting early growth as a critical trait in order to be able to deliver a larger more valuable calf.

When joining Angus heifers to sell as future breeders, the Koch’s aim for calving ease, low birthweight and early growth characteristics.

“Overall whilst we focus initially on the above traits when selecting bulls for our different enterprises, we also look at the bulls’ overall values as well as a physical inspection focusing on structure and phenotype to ensure we aren’t sacrificing in other areas,” said Mr Koch.

“The key drivers of success for us are very different depending on each of our enterprises – for our commercial breeding operation, which is our main focus, we require high conception rates, marking and then weaning as many calves as possible per breeding cow and finally having 52

weaners that continue to grow and put on weight during the weaning process and right through to sale.”

With a transition into the industry in recent years, and with the continued development of their enterprise, Mr Koch has more recently had the opportunity to step into his role within his business on a more full-time basis.

“Having had a previous career in the Australian Defence Force, I was considering my next career and whether I would stay in the engineering pathway or seek a new career in an area better suited to my passions and skillset,” said Mr Koch.

“Having spent time in the country as a child, I was drawn to agriculture and the farming lifestyle so once I transitioned out of the ADF in 2016, we purchased our first farm and I maintained full-time employment across a number of different agricultural roles and industries to grow my exposure to different people and knowledge, whilst at home we also spent time growing our skills, herd numbers and overall business slowly to the point where I was able to step back from full-time employment in late 2020.”

“The transition to self-reliance and taking day or week opportunistic employment has allowed a better worklife balance whilst also being able to focus on the onepercenters in our business which drive success and growth.”

Looking to the future growth of Longview Agriculture, Mr Koch is driven in developing both their commercial enterprise, but also branching into the seedstock sector.

“Long-term we aspire to be a large progressive and sustainable commercial and stud breeding operation, holding annual bull and female sales. We want to be known as industry leaders with a focus on incorporating the best genetics possible to drive objective and measurable growth in commercial drivers of success – for example weight gain and carcase quality.”

The next five years for the Koch’s will be dedicated to the growth of their herds, but also their assets, with short term goals of growing stud numbers to 100 registered breeders, further expanding land under management Jarrod, Harper, Matilda, Fiona, Evie and Molly Koch

through purchase, lease or agistment and increasing their stud’s name recognition within the registered Angus and Simmental breeders in Victoria. Furthermore, they look to expand the roles of current and potential personnel within their company.

“As any business grows, additional roles become available for new and existing employees and for us, it is ensuring we have the right people in the right position. Over the next five years, we will continue to grow and develop and for me this includes deliberately spending time and effort on strategic and operational tasks,” said Mr Koch.

“Recognising opportunities and pathways for growth, whilst not forgetting the hard work and love of cattle and farming that encouraged me to enter the industry in the first place.”

“Sustainability and efficiency will become very important as competition for land and resources increases, however this presents opportunity for those in our industry willing to embrace the change. Stud breeders will see continued reward as the commercial sector seeks competitive advantages in their businesses.”

With plans in mind to diversify and expand their business in the coming years, Mr Koch applied to the GenAngus Future Leaders Program to utilise the intensive workshop for further opportunity for development as he looks to take the next steps within his business, highlighting the opportunity to network with other young leaders in the industry with a willingness to share, be open in discussions and honest about their experiences, strengths and weaknesses.

Reflecting on his time within the four-day program, Mr Koch took a lot from the presentations from industry professionals and the networking within the group of emerging agriculture leaders.

“Whilst there was a lot of different topics covered, a common theme that ran through the whole program was that of continuous improvement and sustained incremental effort to drive business growth and success and this is my key takeaway,” said Mr Koch.

“The biggest danger of these programs is attending and becoming overwhelmed with the number of changes you want to make in the business and either making a few and

then become fatigued or not even starting at all due to choice-paralysis.”

“To implement successful change in our business, I have a document outlining the key messages from each session and day and how I might apply that to our business. These changes will then be prioritised, put into an actionable plan outlining resources, timelines, and measurable outcome and finally this can become the key document driving our business over the coming month, quarter, and year,” he said.

“Overall, the program was a fantastic professional and personal development opportunity that I am grateful for having attended. Being able to listen to some of industry’s leaders on various topics has opened my eyes to what it is I know and more importantly what I do not know.”

“The growth opportunity presented by being in a group with other passionate young leaders was inspiring and encouraged everyone to seek their best version of themselves.”

Mr Koch highlighted that the program was beneficial to people in all walks of the industry, with the key driver the common passion to develop themselves professionally and personally through opportunity.

“As I continue to grow and develop, there are lessons and information learned during the GenAngus Future Leaders Program that I will continue to develop and hone to become the best possible leader for our industry. I look forward to sharing that journey with my colleagues on the program and the wider industry.”

“The team at Angus Australia deserves to be highly commended for the program they put together with their alliance partner, Achmea Australia, and I encourage anyone who is passionate about the beef industry to consider applying for this program.”

“You don’t need to be the biggest farmer in your area or even own your own land – one of the greatest advantages of this program was bringing together leaders who are currently working across a broad range of the industry but have a key passion – being the breeding and marketing of Angus beef products.”

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Sire Benchmarking

S I V E N R N E B E M B EPTE

S S L 7 L E U SAL ANGUS B 90

S BULLS U G N A TIONAL P E C X E G 780 154 N I 7 D 2 E 4 E 0 R ay on OF B u

llid .a us.com Erica Ha g l l n a a c s i e v s ea enne uiries pl www.b For enq 54

ISHED E S TA B L

1947

Commercial at Coonamble

Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer Hailing from the central-western plains of New South Wales, Cara Fagan has been involved in the beef industry for as long as she can remember. Today, Miss Fagan runs a commercial Angus herd based at Coonamble, NSW, alongside her mother, Suzie.

Since finishing school, Miss Fagan has been involved in the breeding programs, bull selection and all aspects of animal husbandry and management within the family’s commercial breeding operation, having completed an Agribusiness degree from Marcus Oldham in 2020.

Comprising of 600 females, Miss Fagan’s current business model focuses on turning off steers, targeting the feeder market.

When it comes to their operation and the selection of an Angus influence, the Fagan’s have been running commercial Angus cattle since 1963, when the herd was started by Miss Fagan’s grandfather Brian. Following her father, Suzie Fagan has since managed and grown the herd alongside Cara.

Speaking on the benefits of the Angus breed, Miss Fagan said, “They’re hard to go past. Between the adaptability, fertility and marketability, you have a very well rounded and consistent product.”

“I believe the breed will continue to grow, and in particular become more present in northern Australia. Their performance is consistently impressive, and I believe this speaks for itself.”

With the key drivers of success of their herd being pregnancy and weaning percentage, much of the Fagan’s trait selection falls to maternal and carcase traits.

“We take all traits into account, but the foundation ones we focus on are calving ease, a moderate mature cow weight, docility, short days to calving, a high carcase weight, positive rib fat and excellent foot structure,” said Miss Fagan.

“Together, these help us focus on breeding a profitable, tough animal driven by longevity.”

Looking to the short-term outlook of their business, Miss Fagan will incorporate more Artificial Insemination into the operations’ joining program in order to increase comprehensive performance recording.

In the long term, Miss Fagan and her mother endeavour to transition the top 25% of their commercial herd into a small seedstock operation. Furthermore, the grassfed market is an area of interest for the Fagan’s for the future of their business. “(The long-term goal) is to sell a consistent line of bulls annually – founded on calving ease, docility, high carcase weights and bulls that are adaptable and resilient and produce high-quality grass-fed beef.”

Looking into the future aspirations of the business, the Fagan’s also aim to have an established relationship with a meat processor that provides consistently high-quality grassfed beef and a team of staff members whose own skills and goals are fostered in a safe and positive work environment.

Miss Fagan was a member of the 2022 cohort of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, joining 12 fellow up

and comers in the beef industry for an intensive three-day workshop covering beef business fundamentals.

Reflecting on her experience taking part in the program, Miss Fagan had some notable take homes from several the presentations made during the workshop. “’The Outlook for Australian Beef’ was really good to zoom out and see how we fit into a global food system, and it was also very interesting to see the projections for the American market during drought and how this will impact prices going into 2023,” said Miss Fagan of the presentation made

by Simon Quilty of Global Agritrends.

“Another standout was ‘The Secret to Success’ with Angus Street. I found this particularly beneficial, as it’s very important to recognise the power of soft skills and the positive impact they have on your business.”

“Angus spoke a lot about consistency is greater than intensity, which is key to a positive trajectory.”

“The presentation ‘Implementing Change’ with Simon Vogt was a standout as I enjoyed the practical nature of this session as it tied everything together so well, from people to production. I particularly enjoyed delving down into the production costs for a kilo of dry matter and the niche nature of this.”

Miss Fagan believes that her time as part of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program was of great benefit to her professional and personal development and encourages those with a passion for the industry to apply.

“It was an incredible three and a half days, and I am so grateful for the speakers, the conversations we had, and the networks I developed.”

“I would highly encourage anyone who is keen on enhancing their skills to apply to the program.”

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Commercial Supply Chain

Building from a new Beginning Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

The last 12 months have been a period of growth for Ben Lucas, Book Book, New South Wales, and his family.

“ 56

“We went to the sale, and it took me 93 lots to have a bid.

We purchased two registered heifers and since then I’ve bought a couple more at a few other sales. So, our main driving objective comes back to my passion for breeding bulls and always trying to produce the right bulls that work well for us and suit our target market.”

For his developing business, Mr Lucas aims to produce yearling bulls for the commercial breeder, as well as commercial heifers pregnancy tested in calf to be offered for sale each year.

“Our herd is run under commercial conditions with no special treatment. We believe this works best for us because of the market we are targeting, which is grass finished cattle. We tend to run our cows in small mobs and that way we find them easier to handle.”

“When we are selecting genetics, we are really looking for genetics with plenty of calving ease, fertility, early maturing calves at 200 and 400-day weights and good foot/ structure scores.”

Explaining the key drivers of success for their herd, Mr Lucas said, “Our main key drivers would be first and foremost getting calves on the ground and having a successful A.I. program, because we can select different bulls for different needs which that allows us to target the traits that we believe will benefit us and our clientele the most.”

From July, Mr Lucas will be seeing calves on the ground, with the primary aim to build their seedstock herd.

Looking to their long-term aspirations, the Lucas’s aim to purchase more land and further extend their business and clientele, with the ambition to one day host their own bull sale.

“I hope to still be doing the same things that work for our business and hopefully I’ve moved on and tried something

I have been involved with Angus cattle my whole life and haven’t really had a choice with my upbringing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way

“

Launching Baylen Angus in 2021, Mr Lucas and his wife currently breed commercial Angus and are developing their own Angus seedstock operation, whilst also managing his family run commercial operation based at Tarcutta in southwest NSW. A third-generation farmer, Mr Lucas has been involved in his family’s farming business, and the Angus breed, his entire life.

“I have been involved with Angus cattle my whole life and haven’t really had a choice with my upbringing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mr Lucas said of the Angus breed, and it’s use within the various businesses he is involved in.

“I also believe they are the number one breed in Australia, if not the world, and with the consumer demand for Angus beef why would we want to change. Angus also has the widest range of genetics on the market which makes it a lot easier trying to find or breed cattle that will suit your herd.”

Considering his role in the agricultural industry and his recently launched business, Mr Lucas cited his driving objective for starting this business was his underlying passion for breeding quality cattle.

“I’ve always had a passion for breeding bulls but just never thought of going down the stud path, so we intially decided to breed some bulls from our commercial heifers and use them in our family farm operation,” said Mr Lucas.

As a matter of fact, Mr Lucas had an unconventional push into the seedstock sector.

“My wife had just given birth to our second child, Jack, and I had a couple of weeks off work. Our dog decided to take off and went missing, only to be picked up by another farmer who had a female sale coming up not far from home - so I went and picked up the dog the next day and he handed me a sale book.”

"Brooksby", 5341 Thunderbolts Way, Bundarra

ANGUS

Annual On-Property Sale

Wednesday 27 July 2022 Starting 11:30am, "Brooksby" - Inspections Welcome Open Day - 30 June 2022

different for the things that haven’t worked for us,” said Mr Lucas on how he sees himself in the next five years.

“We hope to have built up a small clientele base and fingers crossed we can find ourselves a bit more dirt.”

“After listening to Simon Quilty (of Global Agritrends) speak at the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, I believe there is going to be a very bright future for all beef cattle, and I really think that if our consumers keep demanding black cattle the future in the Angus breed will be just as bright.”

Birth - 2.6, EMA - 7.5, IMF - 1.2, Milk - 18

Brooksby Jermaine R039

In June, Mr Lucas took part in the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, a program designed to provide the opportunity for the next generation to fast-track their leadership in the beef industry.

When speaking of the program’s impact on his personal and professional development, Mr Lucas said, “I couldn’t fault it. I think it will put us in good stead, especially for those who are just starting out, and it has definitely changed the way I look at things or how I approach things, whether it be business or personal.”

Of the presentations made throughout the course of the three-day intensive workshop, Mr Lucas highlighted those that resonated with him particularly.

Birth - 4.6, EMA - 6.1, IMF - 1.2, Milk - 20

Brooksby Navigator R172

“The key presentation for me would have been that focused on succession planning,” he said.

“I thought Jess (Cavanagh) and Isobel (Knight) (of Proagtive) presented very well and the topic really resonates with me at this present time, because I believe having a plan in place can work but it’s always nice to get some professional advice to point you in the right direction as that allows us to think and plan our future for the generations to come.”

Mr Lucas encourages likeminded individuals to apply for the next cohort of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic program. It’s a jam filled couple days, but I’d highly recommend anyone to do it, it’s very beneficial.”

Birth - 4.6, EMA - 5.9, IMF - 1.8, Milk 20

Brooksby Navigator R175

Interfaced with

0428 680 814 · glenwarrahbrooksby@gmail.com Left: Fletcher Lucas, Middle: Ben Lucas with his wife Bailey and eldest son Fletcher

www.glenwarrah.com.au

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus Verified

NVDs & Guidelines

BLACK ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES Straight black hided Presenting Angus characteristics Small amount of white underline (not visible from the front of the animal) No white legs, feet or tail · No horns · Scurs accepted, not fixed to the skull No bos indicus or dairy characteristics

Angus x Angus AA x AA Angus cross Angus Angus

Example of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description

58

R

BEE

F

TS

AKEY O

EXPO

Commercial Supply Chain Out & About A

B

C

D

E

A: Verified Black Angus Beef Audit in April at The Casino Food Co-Op for Jack’s Creek Black Angus, Casino Food Co-Op Kalani Moss, Quality Assurance Department with Angus Australia’s Liz Pearson, B: A massive crowd was on hand to see the #AngusPremium in action at the Glen Innes Weaner Sale, April 11th, C: Wingham Beef Exports Chris Black, General Manager and Shayne Russell, Quality Assurance Manager with Angus Australia’s Liz Pearson, D: Verified Black Angus Beef Audit in April at NH Foods Whyalla Beef Feedlot, Whyalla Beef Feedlot’s Daryle Belford, Assistant General Manager with Liz Pearson, Angus Australia, E: Angus Australia’s Liz Pearson with Craig Thomas, Colin Say & Co who secured the Champion Pen of Angus Steers and Greg Chappell, Dulverton Angus at the Glen Innes Weaner Sale, April 11th.

- SELLING ON PROPERTY WITH SARA PARK ANGUS -

FRIDAY 29 JULY 2022, 1PM “RUTHERGLEN”, 347 WELLINGROVE RD GLEN INNES

OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2022, 10AM - 4PM Private inspections also welcome

Jeff & Kathryn Duddy 0499 869 969 Robbie Bloch 0409 191 229 · Tom Oakes 0409 901 930 · Will Claridge 0428 236 930 Terry Pyne 0447 231 411 · Brad Newsome 0419 483 958

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Northern Focus

Clear lines at Moonya Agriculture Jen Peart, Northern Development Officer

James and Natalie Stinson and their family own and operate “Moonya” and adjoining property “Tannaby”, Mt Abundance (60km south west of Roma), running a breeding operation that turns off Angus-Santa cross feeder cattle.

Their decision to utilise Angus genetics stems from their drive to produce a true to type animal with consistency that lends itself to marketing lines of cattle into the feeder market.

“They are a totally marketable article in this part of the world. They are adaptable to the conditions in general and there is always someone who wants them, whether it is a backgrounder or a feedlotter, or producers from NSW. They also present well, because they don’t have huge variation like they do in other breeds, they all look the same and it certainly gives them a line,” says James.

“We are really trying to narrow in on a specific type of beast and the Angus breed is pretty good on that front.

We have an image in our mind what we are looking for,” explains James.

“More recently we have been targeting growth and weight for age and temperament is a consideration. We find that poor temperament influences their own growth” Natalie adds.

By running a cross breeding program James and Natalie feel that they achieve a degree of resilience to handle the extremes, with Mount Abundance regularly experiencing above 40°C during Summer and below freezing during Winter.

“At the end of the day we are in Queensland, we don’t have a reliable rainfall and it gets hot as well as cold and dry. We get all the extremes. If Buffel grass frosts, it loses it’s protein and the cattle still have to perform. It is that overall doability, that where we find benefit with the cross breeding” says James.

Ideally joining 900 females each year, the females are run in mixed age mobs of 80 for ease of management and are cross joined (Angus bull over Santa cows, Santa bulls over Angus cows) for 12 weeks from mid-November each year.

“We structure our entire breeding program around having nothing lactating over winter and then we join to start calving in late August, early September,” says James.

“It’s all about breeding for us, keeping our replacement heifers, selecting what we like, or what we have evolved to like, and what we know does well. Fertility is the number one priority.” says Natalie.

The replacement heifers are joined for the first time as yearlings, and everything that is not in calf in at preg testing is culled.

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Moonya Agriculture Location “Moonya”, Mt Abundance 3,000ha (7,400 acres) “Tannaby”, Mt Abundance 4,000ha (9,880 acres) Land type Scrub & downs country Annual Rainfall 550mm pa (23 in) “There are no second chances where fertility is concerned, if she isn’t in calf we are not interested in her,” says James.

This no tolerance approach has yielded results for the Stinson’s,with preg testing results consistently in excess of 80%, with yearling heifers returning 89% preg tested in calf and cows (including re breeders) ranging between 86-87%.

“We are happy with these results. You always want more but they must have a bit of pressure and if you aren’t putting that little bit of pressure on, you aren’t improving what you have got by taking off the bottom. It also helps with cashflow” says Natalie.

Like many producers, James and Natalie’s business has been significantly shaped by drought, and as a result the selection of replacement heifers has been mostly quantity based.

“We are just trying to recover from the 2019 drought which was pretty ordinary and playing the balance between getting our breeder numbers back up, selection of replacements and shortening our joining period, coupled with time management constraints,” says James.

By shortening their joining period, the Stinson’s hope to tighten up calving and achieve a greater level of consistency again in their calf drop.

The smaller ones that are a bit later born tend not to fit the clear lines that we usually see across our herd. If we tighten joining and have a tighter age groups at weaning that will give us clearer marketing options with a deteriorating season, with management and with everything else involved in breeding,” says James.

“We noticed that our Angus cows in particular have a very tight calving window, even coming out of the drought. Their window has been tightening right up and their average calving date is ideal,” he states.

Traditionally replacement heifers at “Moonya” were selected on a minimum weight of 320kg which was deemed to work really well. However, the last couple of years James and Natalie have been chasing numbers to rebuild their female herd and as a result, have been only culling the animals that returned empty and that ‘they could not stand.’

“That is what we have done in the recovery phase, but we would like to get back to that minimum weight criteria and also getting an external classer to class the heifers,” says Natalie.

Their experience in the 2019 drought has also led them to begin planning major infrastructure works to better allow them to feed cattle over dry times.

“In the previous drought we sold everything, and then it was just too hard to get back in, to get the numbers and the genetics that we want, that took years, a lot of money and a lot of breeding. During the 2019 drought we decided we would feed, we wanted to still have cattle at the end, and it worked in some ways, it didn’t in others, and it taught us a lot. As a result, we have put together a feeding program to go forward with now, we have sorghum planted for silage and bunkers dug, we have silos for pellets or grain, a feed mixer to be picked up, we bought feeders, built a hay shed and have oats planted for hay. In theory what that allows us to do is keep a herd of 500 core cows and feed them for 400-500 days,” explains Natalie.

“It is about preserving those genetics. We have put a bit of time into them, time is probably the biggest investment, and we have put money into them. We have discovered

that you can’t just go out into the market and buy that cow back at the flick of a switch,” adds James.

In addition to greater selection of replacement heifers and tighter joining periods, they also are placing higher emphasis on their bull selection.

“We purchase all our bulls, it is the only opportunity that you have each year to introduce new genetics to stir the pot up otherwise your gene pool gets too small,” says James.

“We primarily look at fertility. I really like the figure that the Angus Society have, Days to Calving, and it gives some indication of re conception rate which essentially is what we have been trying to achieve. They have got to have a calf, raise it and get back in calf in 365 days. So that fertility trait is a strong priority, so that’s been our primary focus for the last few years,” he states.

“Docility, structure and growth are also of great importance to us, we use the figures as a reference and as a guide, but the ultimate decision is made on visual assessment. We just follow along with the data and if a bull has all the figures we then ask, ‘do we like the look? ‘how’s his temperament?’” adds Natalie.

Significant attention is also paid to birthweight EBVs, with James and Natalie agreeing that it is a major consideration and as a result they don’t have a lot of calving difficulty.

All bulls have their BullCHECK assessment completed prior to joining each year and the bulls are joined at a ratio of 1:40, meaning two bulls per 80 cow mob. Also, a concerted effort is made to ensure that the bull herd at “Moonya” remains a young herd.

In terms of managing these bull’s acclimatisation from wherever they have been purchased from James believes that basic management is key.

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Northern Focus

“

We structure our entire breeding program around having nothing lactating over winter and then we join to start calving in late August, early September

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“

“Irrespective of where they come from you must nurse them long a little bit, their environment has changed regardless, their feed has changed regardless. At the end of the day, they are bulls they are there to do a job and I think that regardless of if it was a searing heat wave or covered in ice, if there was a job to be done, I think that they would still go and do it. We haven’t had any issues with them, and they get on with the job,” he explains.

The Stinson’s feel that they are fairly satisfied with the article they are breeding currently and are receiving that feedback from the feedlots purchasing their male progeny.

Weaning onto oats at around 260-270kg, the steers are achieving weight gains from 1.2kg/day to 1kg/day depending on the quality of feed and are sold into the feeder market usually by direct sale or occasionally via the saleyards.

In terms of limitations, hair is a concern of the Stinson’s, and they feel that they gain adaptation benefits through crossbreeding and achieving a slicker coat.

“At the end of the day it is a Bos Taurus genotype, there is always going to be a challenge as far as the Queensland conditions go, but the positives are the weight gain, their polledness and temperament. We all detest dehorning, 70% of our calving herd now is polled, we would like to see fewer with horns and we will achieve that using the Angus genetics,” he says.

When asked what was next for the Stinson’s Moonya Agriculture enterprise there are several driving factors.

Infrastructure and preparedness for the next drought is a key focus but James and Natalie also feel that it is achieving that next 1% increase in production, as well as recovering the quantity and quality of their breeding herd.

They are currently involved in a phosphorus supplement trial with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, aiming to see if greater phosphorus availability has an impact on their preg testing rates.

“We are always pushing for more, gain that extra 1% and I suppose that is where this phosphorus work coming in, just trying to push that a little harder and try and gain out of that. I think we have most things covered and the trajectory is looking good,” says James.

Fema les are run in mixed age mobs of 80

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Breed Development

Understanding Structural Soundness EBVs Andrew Byrne, Genetic Evaluation Manager

Two EBVs published in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation that are often not well understood are the EBVs relating to structural soundness, being Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs. The series of articles on the following pages provide a comprehensive overview of these EBVs, along with a recap of the changes and improvements that were made to their calculation in December 2020.

Interpreting Structural Soundness EBVs Claw Set EBVs provide estimates of genetic differences in claw set structure (shape and evenness of claws), with lower Claw Set EBVs indicating an animal is expected to produce progeny with more desirable claw structure, being toes that are symmetrical, even and appropriately spaced.

Foot Angle EBVs provide estimates of genetic differences in foot angle (strength of pastern, depth of heel), with lower Foot Angle EBVs indicating an animal is expected to produce progeny with more desirable foot angle, being a 45-degree angle at the pastern joint with appropriate toe length and heel depth.

Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs are expressed as expected differences in score units, with lower Foot Angle and Claw Set EBVs being more favourable, and identifying animals that will produce progeny with more desirable structure (i.e. a score closer to 5).

For example, if one sire has a Claw Set EBV of +0.46, and another sire has a Claw Set EBV of +1.20, the first sire would be expected to produce progeny that have, on average, 0.37 (i.e. the EBV difference of 0.74, divided by 2) of a score more desirable structure, all other things being equal.

EBV reference tables are published for Claw Set and Foot Angle that indicate where an animal’s EBV sits relative to the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs of other Angus and Angus-influenced animals in Australia and New Zealand.

Currently, breed average for Claw Set is +0.85, meaning that animals with a Claw Set EBV of less than +0.85 can be considered a ‘breed improver’ for claw structure. Similarly, breed average for Foot Angle is +0.97, meaning that animal with a Foot Angle EBV of less than +0.97 can be considered a ‘breed improver’ for foot angle.

Percentile band values are also published in association with each Claw Set and Foot Angle EBV. For example, a percentile value of ‘10’ for Claw Set EBV indicates the animal’s genetics are ranking in the highest (most favorable) 10% of Angus animals for claw set structure.

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Claw set structure reflects the shape on the inside edge of each claw, and the space between the claws

Foot angle structure reflects the angle of the pastern joint, indicated by the depth of heel & angle of the front of the claws

Advantages of Structural Soundness EBVs While many producers have successfully managed the structural soundness of their animals using different selection strategies, such as the culling of animals with unacceptable structure, Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs provide a useful tool that breeders can use in association with existing management and culling strategies to further improve the foot structure of their animals.

Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs have several major benefits when used in association with traditional selection strategies, including: · Like all traits of economic importance, the foot structure of an animal is a combination of the genetics it has inherited from its sire and dam, and a range of non genetic effects. Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs take any differences in non-genetic effects into account and focus on the genetic differences between animals. · The Claw Set and Foot Angle EBV calculated for an animal takes into consideration not only the foot structure of the individual animal, but also the foot structure of all the animal’s relatives. In this manner, the Claw Set

and Foot Angle EBVs provides a better indication of an animal’s genetics for foot structure than an assessment of the animal’s foot structure alone. · Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs allow for genetic differences in foot structure to be identified between animals who themselves may have acceptable foot structure. Animals who may have acceptable foot structure but are likely to produce a high percentage of progeny with poor foot structure can be removed from the breeding herd, or conversely, if two animals of similar genetic merit for other traits are being considered for use within a breeding program, the animal that is likely to produce a higher percentage of progeny with superior foot structure can be selected. · Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs allow for the genetics of an animal for foot structure to be considered in circumstances where it is not possible to assess the foot structure of an animal. For example, when considering the use of a new imported sire within a breeding program.

Information Used to Calculate Structural Soundness EBVs The Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs published in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation are based on over 100,000 structural scores that have been collected on Angus animals in Australia and New Zealand for claw set and foot angle.

Scores have been collected in over 200 Angus seedstock herds, and across all regions in which Angus seedstock cattle are represented.

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Breed Development

Recap - Improvements to Structural Soundness EBVs in December 2020 Considerable changes and improvements were implemented in December 2020 to the Structural Soundness EBVs that are published within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation.

The changes and improvements that were implemented can broadly be summarised as follows: · Publication of EBVs for more animals · Increased ability for members to submit structural scores · Incorporation of genomic information · Ability to directly compare EBVs with North American EPDs · Changes to the analytical model 1. Publication of Structural EBVs for more animals By comparison to the previous EBVs, EBVs are now published for a considerably greater number of animals.

For example, the number of animals born in 2020 with Structural Soundness EBVs increased from 6,179 to 37,512, representing a 6-fold increase (Figure 4).

· Acceptance of multiple scores per animal: Animals can now be scored multiple times across their life, whereas previously only one score per animal was accepted for analysis.

In general, scoring animals once as yearlings (or rising 2 year olds), and once per year as mature females is recommended. Scores can be collected at any time throughout the year.

The strategies adopted have been successful in increasing the number of structural scores being submitted, with a 38% increase in the number of structural scores submitted to Angus Australia in 2021, by comparison to 2020 (Figure 5).

Figure 4 - Number of Animals with Claw Set EBVs Published Birth Year

Old

New

2015

6175

16595

2016

7524

21936

2017

7072

26467

2018

7786

31728

2019

7603

35040

2020

6179

37512

2. Increased Ability for Members to Submit Structural Scores A number of strategies were adopted to increase the submission of structural scores and improve the accuracy of the EBVs being published. · Acceptance of breeder collected scores: In addition to

the scores collected by independent accredited assessors, breeder collected scores are now also accepted for analysis.

Research has illustrated that the heritability of breeder collected scores is similar to the heritability of scores collected by an accredited assessor (i.e. 0.22 v 0.25 for claw set, 0.23 v 0.24 for foot angle), showing breeder collected scores can be incorporated without any detriment to the genetic evaluation.

Members are encouraged to use an independent assessor for the collection of scores on sale animals, or in situations where they are not comfortable collecting scores, with the acceptance of breeder collected scores aimed at facilitating an increase in the recording of scores on replacement heifers and mature females. · Acceptance of scores from mature breeding females: Scores collected on mature breeding females are now accepted for analysis.

Previously, scores were only analysed for animals aged younger than 750 days of age, where animals often showed limited variation in structural soundness by comparison to older animals.

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3. Incorporation of Genomic Information Genomic information is now incorporated into the genetic evaluation, taking advantage of the considerable genomic reference population that now exists for structural soundness, not only in Australia, but also in North America (Figure 6). Previously only pedigree and phenotypic measurements (i.e. scores) were considered in the analysis.

Research has illustrated that the incorporation of genomic information, considerably improves the predictive accuracy of the Structural Soundness EBVs for Australian animals from 0.41 to 0.65.

4. Direct Comparison with North American EPDs A feature of the new Foot Angle and Claw Set EBVs is that the analysis is now conducted jointly with the American and Canadian Angus Associations, meaning that the breeding values published on Australian Angus animals can be compared with the breeding values published on animals in North America.

This is of particular benefit when evaluating the potential use of imported sires within a breeding program, and provides Australian Angus breeders with more certainty regarding foot structure when selecting genetics from the global Angus gene pool.

While comparable, to assist with interpretation, the Structural Soundness EBVs are published in a manner that is consistent with the other EBVs in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (Figure 7). This includes: (i) Publication as an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV), rather than an Estimated Progeny Difference (EPD),

(ii) Publication of accuracy values as the correlation between the predicted and true breeding value, rather than as the BIF accuracy, and (iii) Publication of TransTasman specific EBV reference tables (i.e. breed average and percentile bands).

With this in mind, the EBVs published in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation are simply twice the EPDs published in North America, and so to convert the Foot Angle or Claw Set EPD on a North American animal, simply multiply the EPD by two and it will give the equivalent EBV in Australia.

Likewise, to convert the Foot Angle or Claw Set EBVs on an Australian animal, divide the EBV by 2 and it will produce the equivalent EPD in North America.

Australia EBV

+0.58

EBV Acc

98%

Perc

7

USA/Canada EPD

+0.29

EPD Acc

0.79

Perc

1

Figure 7 - Claw Set Breeding Values of Baldridge Beast Mode

5. Changes to the Analytical Model Further to the beforementioned changes, two additional changes were made to the analytical model that is used to calculate the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs. · Transition from a single trait to multi-trait model The Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs are now calculated in a bi-variate (i.e. two trait) analysis that models the genetic correlation between claw set and foot angle. This genetic correlation is estimated to be +0.38.

In the previous analysis, the EBVs were calculated in a series of single trait analyses where the genetic correlation between traits was not considered. · Transition from a threshold to a linear model The Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs are now calculated using a linear model, whereas previously a threshold model was used.

Linear models are used across most traits in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation and are applied when the phenotypes are distributed normally (i.e. a bell curve).

Threshold models are less commonly used and are usually applied when the phenotypes are distributed in categories (i.e. yes/no) with non-normal distribution. For example, calving ease where >95% of birth difficulty scores have a value of 1 (unassisted). In the previous analysis, a threshold model was used with structural scores grouped into three categories, being scores of 1-4, 5-6, and 7-9.

Research investigated the differences between using a threshold or linear model in the structural soundness evaluation and determined results from both threshold The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Breed Development

and linear models were highly correlated. A linear model was subsequently adopted as it is more compatible with other analytical features such as the incorporation of genomics, and the utilisation of multiple scores on each animal. A linear model also addressed concerns that had been raised previously with the grouping of scores in the threshold model.

While it does not result in the removal of many scores from the analysis (i.e. there are only a very small percentage of scores of 1-4), the new linear analytical model only incorporates scores of 5 and above in the calculation of EBVs.

Figure 8 - Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs are now calculated using a linear analytical model

Validation of EBVs As part of the ongoing maintenance of the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs, Angus Australia recently conducted an analysis to assess the predictive ability of the EBVs. To validate the EBVs, 2317 sires who had 5 or more progeny with structural soundness scores collected were ranked on their EBV and drafted into 4 quartiles.

The average progeny score of sires in each quartile, along with the percentage of progeny with a score of 5 or 6, were then used to assess whether the EBVs being calculated were reflective of the differences observed in progeny scores.

As illustrated in Figure 9, sires in the lowest (most favourable) quartile for Claw Set EBV had progeny with an average front foot claw set score of 6.05, by comparison to sires in the highest (least favourable) quartile who had progeny with an average front foot claw set score of 6.46.

Likewise, 78% of progeny from sires in the lowest (most favourable) quartile had a front foot claw set score of 5 or 6, by comparison to only 54% of progeny from sires in the highest (least favourable) quartile.

The analysis demonstrates that the Claw Set EBVs are reflective of the differences in progeny scores and can be used with confidence when making selection decisions.

Similar results were observed when sires were drafted into quartiles based on their Foot Angle EBV.

Figure 9. Relationship Between Claw Set EBVs and Progeny Scores for Front Feet Claw Set

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Collecting Structural Soundness Scores Seedstock breeders interested in having Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs published for their animals need to collect subjective structural soundness scores.

Structural soundness scores are collected using the Beef Class Structural Assessment System.

Scores are collected using a 1 – 9 scoring system, where: · A score of 5 is considered ideal · Scores of 4 and 6 show slight variation from ideal, but this includes most animals. Any animal scoring 4 and 6 would be acceptable in any breeding program · Scores of 3 and 7 show greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, however seedstock producers should be wary · Scores of 2 and 8 are low scoring animals and should be looked at carefully before purchasing · Scores of 1 and 9 should be considered culls Front and rear feet should be scored separately.

When should animals be scored?

Structural soundness scores can be submitted on animals older than 320 days of age at scoring (i.e. 10 months), with an animal able to be scored multiple times across its life.

Scores on both young animals, and mature females can be analysed. In general, scoring animals once as yearlings (or rising 2 year olds), and mature females once per year is recommended. Scores can be collected at any time throughout the year.

Use of Accredited Technicians Both breeder collected scores and scores collected by accredited technicians can be submitted for inclusion in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation.

Tips when collecting structural soundness scores · It is important to try and score as many animals within each contemporary group as possible. Collection of structural soundness scores for only a selection of

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

Assessing the level of separation between the claws and the degree of curl on the inside edge of the claws

Claw Set

5

1

5

It is suggested that independent accredited assessors are used for the collection of scores on sale animals, or in situations where the breeder is not confident with scoring their animals.

A “Paddock Guide to Structural Scoring for Genetic Evaluation” is available from Angus Australia to assist any breeders wishing to collect structural scores for their animals.

2

6

3

Foot Angle

4

5

7

6

7

8

8

9

Assessing the depth of heel and level of slope on the hoof

5

6

7

8 The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 69

www.saraparkangus.com.au

ON PROPERTY SALE “Rutherglen”, 347 Wellingrove Rd GLEN INNES

SALE DAY - FRIDAY 29TH JULY 2022, 1PM OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2022, 10AM - 4PM Herb Duddy Ph: 02-6733 6796 · Mob: 0429 002 809

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animals (e.g. only collecting scores for sale bulls rather than the entire bull drop) may result in data biases and the subsequent calculation of Structural Soundness EBVs that do not reflect the true genetic merit of animals. · There needs to be some variation in scores for them to be used in the genetic evaluation. Scoring all animals in a group with a score of [5] does not identify any differences

in structural soundness between animals, and consequently does not provide any useful information for the calculation of Structural Soundness EBVs. · If there is variation from foot to foot, the score that is collected should reflect the worst foot. · A management group should be recorded for any animals or group of animals that have been treated differently or exposed to significant non-genetic influences prior to measurement that may affect their structural soundness scores. For example, differences in feed, or animals being run on different types of country (i.e. soft, rocky). · Structural soundness scores should be recorded for all animals in a contemporary group on the same day. Scores collected on different days will not be compared together.

· It is important the same person scores all animals within a management group to account for variation between scorers. · If foot trimming is practiced, structural soundness scores should be collected prior to trimming so that differences between animals are accurately described. · Structural scores can only be analysed in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation for animals that have a prior 200 or 400 day weight included in the analysis. The most recent 200 or 400 day weight contemporary group forms an important criteria in determining the contemporary group in which structural soundness scores are analysed.

Future Research & Development A number of research initiatives are underway to further improve the structural soundness EBVs that are available within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. · EBVs for Rear Leg Side View Previously, EBVs were also published for Rear Leg Side View (RS) and Rear Leg Hind View (RH).

It is anticipated that a new Rear Leg Side View EBV will be released for review and feedback during the second half of 2022, with targeted implementation into the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation in December 2022.

By comparison to the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs, the RS EBVs will only include animals from Australia and New Zealand.

· Improving the collection of phenotypes Angus Australia is providing a PhD stipend scholarship to a student at the University of New England to investigate the use of different image collection systems and sensor technologies combined with artificial intelligence to objectively collect hard to measure and novel phenotypes for genetic evaluation, with a particular focus on traits of structural and functional importance (e.g. feet, leg and udder structure).

The research is similar to a project being led by the Canadian Angus Association in collaboration with One Cup AI.

· Inclusion of 1-4 scores The new linear analytical model currently only includes scores of 5 and above in the calculation of Structural EBVs. While it only results in the removal of a small number scores from the analysis (figure 5), research has commenced to explore the inclusion of scores of 1-4 in the analysis

Further Information To further discuss the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs that are published within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, or the collection of structural soundness scores, please contact staff at Angus Australia.

Comprehensive information is also available from the ‘Understanding EBVs’ and ‘Collection Guidelines for TACE’ modules in the Angus Education Centre. www.angusaustralia.com.au/education The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 71

Member Services

Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services Angus Australia, in collaboration with our partners, Neogen Australasia and Zoetis Animal Genetics, offer members a comprehensive range of DNA services for utilisation within their Angus breeding enterprise.

The provision of DNA services is part of Angus Australia’s commitment to ensure members and their commercial customers have access to world leading genetic evaluation technologies, and associated tools for genetic improvement, which will ultimately enhance the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain.

The DNA services that are available have a wide range of applications, such as the verification of parentage information, the identification of carriers for recessive genetic conditions, improved accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus seedstock animals, and

more accurate selection of replacement Angus females in commercial breeding programs.

Developing a strategy for utilising the DNA services that are available within your breeding program can be daunting, but a number of staff at Angus Australia are available to provide assistance, along with staff at Neogen and Zoetis.

Contact staff at Angus Australia today on (02) 6773 4600 to discuss your DNA service requirements. Information is also available by contacting staff at Zoetis on 1300 768 400, or Neogen on (07) 3736 2134.

Angus Australia – DNA Services - Zoetis Animal Genetics

Genomic Tests

Genetic Conditions

Zoetis HD50K for Angus

$51.45

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$25.85

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$25.85

1

Add Core Genetic Test Panel

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$25.85

Add Full Genetic Test Panel

2

$41.25

Dwarfism (DW)

$25.85

Add Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$8.25

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$25.85

Add Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$8.25

Add Developmental Duplications (DD)

$8.25

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$25.85

Add Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$8.25

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)

$25.85

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$8.25

Osteopetrosis (OS)

$25.85

Add BVDV (PI)2

$9.90

¹ Includes AM, CA, DD & NH 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821) 3 TSU samples only

Angus HeiferSELECTTM

$42.65

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

4

4

Genetic Traits Coat Colour (RG)

$25.85

Myostatin (NT821)

$25.85

DNA Sample Types

TSU samples only

Hair

No charge

Parentage Verification

Semen

No charge

$29.15

Tissue

No charge

Included

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Base Panel (280 SNPs) Add Parentage Verification

Use AngusSELECT to find Angus animals and tap into the unlimited potential of Angus genetics 72

All fees and charges are GST inclusive. Transactions for overseas members will be charged in $AU, with GST deducted.

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Neogen Australasia

Genomic Tests

Genetic Conditions

Angus GSTM

$48.15

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$25.85

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$25.85

Add Core Genetic Test Panel 1

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$25.85

Add Full Genetic Test Panel 2

$41.25

Dwarfism (DW)

$25.85

Add Developmental Duplications (DD)

$8.25

Horns (HH)

$25.85

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$11.00

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$25.85

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$25.85

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)

$25.85

Osteopetrosis (OS)

$25.85

Includes AM, CA, DD & NH 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821 only) 1

Angus HeiferSELECTTM

$40.45

Genetic Traits

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Coat Colour (RG) Myostatin (6 variants) 5

Parentage Verification Base Panel (543 SNPs)

$30.25

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Build SNP Profile 4 4

$220.00

Involves building an animal’s SNP profile from the genotypes of their progeny. Requires availability of genotypes for a minimum of 10 progeny, plus genotypes of the progeny’s other parent/s.

$25.85 $25.85

5

Includes NT821, C313Y, E226X, F94L, NT419 and Q204X variants

DNA Sample Types Hair

$3.30

Semen

$11.00

Tissue

$11.00

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Fees Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (10 pack)

$12.00

Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (100 pack)

$120.00

Transfer DNA profile to another DNA lab

$5.50

Parentage Discovery

$66.00 p/hr

Base Animal Surcharge

Incorrect Hair Collector Kit Surcharge 1 2

$27.50

1 2

$2.20

Surcharge covers access to the Angus Australian genomic reference population in th TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Applied to hair samples not provided in an Angus Australia Zoetis hair collector kit

• View & search individual catalogues • Search across multiple catalogues • View upcoming sales • Find suppliers of Angus genetics • See how Angus Australia can help you To access AngusSELECT visit the Angus Australia website: www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 73

Member Services

Member Services Matters Bernard Beatty, Member Services Manager

Not sure if people feel the same way, but sometimes you wonder where the year has gone.

We have moved well into the Winter season with some temperature readings reminding us of how cold it can get, especially in the New England Region of NSW (-8.7 recently in Glen Innes). · Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather...

A lot has been happening within the Member Services Department, a noticeable increase in DNA services, registrations and new members coming on board, which is exciting.

Changes within the MSO Team and how we are supporting our members

You may recall an announcement that was made by our CEO Scott Wright earlier this year when he stepped into his new role regarding the Member Services staff being allocated members. This was to help our members in managing their registers, animal registrations, angus.tech support, and DNA services, just to name a few!

We have been quietly working towards this change since this announcement was made and want to assure our members the team are well on the way in upskilling themselves in some aspects of the services we provide to you.

We also welcome a new Member Services Officer, Katie Carlon, to our team. Katie has a background in the rural sector, having worked on farms and stations around the New England and across the Top End. Welcome to Katie.

Sprin g inventory will be due soon

Spring Inventory

Spring Inventories have been processed and sent out to members who have dams that are Spring calvers. If you have not received any notification about this, and believe you should have, please contact the Member Services team.

Just a reminder to members that the Spring Inventory Fates are due by 15th July. Please ensure that you have submitted your fates well before this date. Please contact our office in writing if you need an extension to submit your fates. If you do not, then you will be billed for the complete list of dams on your inventory.

Following this the Calf Record forms will be processed and made available to you.

Your Spring Inventory fees will be invoiced from the 26th of July 2022.

74

We are wanting to streamline how our forms are sent to members, and our preference is to email. We will always post out forms to members who request this, so please just contact our team, who are more than happy to send out these forms to you.

Genomic and DNA Services

As you may appreciate, the MSO team work diligently to process DNA samples as they are sent in to the Angus Australia office, and we take pride in being able to process them in a timely manner.

To help our team achieve a quick turnaround, we ask that members please provide our team with the necessary paperwork, filled out correctly, and where possible, the samples are collated in an order that matches your paperwork.

We are currently experiencing some delays in getting results back from the labs, and if we can reduce any extra time taken to process DNA, it can only help in the service to our members. We appreciate your understanding and are always available to answer any questions you have.

We also recommend that when posting your DNA samples, please use the Australia Post Tracking system to keep track of your DNA. We have on occasion received samples where the packaging (mainly envelopes) are damaged, and the sample lost.

We highly recommend using more secure methods, such as using a cutout piece of cardboard to line the envelope on both sides, and some sticky tape to assist in avoiding such instances

Reminder

Additional DNA Requirements for animal registration when parents are born after January 1st 2018.

This information was made available to members when these changes came via various communications channels both in print and online, including the Autumn 2020 Bulletin and since that time ongoing communication has occurred.

It is timely to remind members again of this requirement.

For those members who have been registering calves using sires born after 01/01/2018 that don’t have a DNA Profile, you will recall seeing these requirements in the pending reports you receive: If the sire of the animal being registered is born after 01/01/2018, · a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the sire with > 5000 SNPs

Knowla

· and the animal being registered was bred by AI or ET, the sire must also be tested for the genetic conditions monitored by the Society.

If the animal being registered was bred by ET, and the donor dam is born after 01/01/2018, a DNA Profile must be recorded for the donor dam with > 5000 SNPs Please refer to the Angus Australia Regulations (6) – REGISTRATION OF ANIMALS for more details on these requirements.

Privacy Settings In Angus.tech – Another Reminder Worth Noting

For those members who want to have their contact information displayed on MemberSELECT, especially when holding on farm sales and wanting to market their business, will need to update their privacy settings to allow this to happen. Please contact our team if you require further information regarding this. angus.tech is where you can manage this yourself, and we encourage you to review your details from time to time and update them as you see fit.

livestocK

14th annUal PRoDUction sale Friday July 29th at Gloucester

Pending Registration Reports

When members submit calf record forms and files to register animals they will receive at least one report with the animals registered, and then may get another Pending Report if animals have not been able to be registered. This report will include the reason/s why.

We strongly recommend that you review your reports and come back to the team with updated information so we can get these animals registered for you. Please do not hesitate in contacting the Member Services team to assist you with this process.

Contact

If you require any information, help or assistance, please do not hesitate and contact the Member Services team at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or email office@ angusaustralia.com.au For registrations email: regos@angusaustralia.com.au For DNA services email: dna@angusaustralia.com.au For membership enquiries: office@angusaustralia.com.au For catalogue services: catalogues@angusaustralia.com.au For TACE information to be entered into the database, email: tace@angusaustralia.com.au If you want to discuss any other matters, concerns, suggestions for improvement, and any compliments about the team, please contact myself, Bernard Beatty – Member Services Manager on 02 6773 4646 or bernard.beatty@ angusaustralia.com.au

84 Angus Bulls • 6 PTIC STud heIferS • 100 NSM heIferS

Feature Sires; Karoo Realist N278, GAR Ashland, K. Monty M186, Inglebrae Reality N6, Baldridge Alternative, K.Payload P175, K. Nobleman N127, Bowmont King, Landfall Keystone N106.

James Laurie: 0439 616 003 jameslaurie@skymesh.com.au Ted Laurie 0428 472 948 knowla@skymesh.com.au

www.knowlalivestock.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 75

Advertorial

The use of sex sorted semen in the Australian Beef Industry Vetoquinol Australia

It is common knowledge that the dairy industry is well ahead of the beef industry in the uptake of both artificial insemination (AI) and sex-sorted semen.

The primary driver of the latter is obvious with the tremendous upside to the industry of effectively replacing the majority of the male calf crop each year (i.e. 50% of calves born) with females.

Sexed semen sales are however also growing at a phenomenal rate in the beef industry as the size of the AI market grows. Beef semen sales experienced 25% year on year growth reaching 448,000 doses last year recorded from herd improvement companies. While this currently represents less than 1% of Australian beef semen sales (vs 22% in dairy), several factors are driving this growth which is set to continue accordingly to the leading herd improvement companies.

Uptake of Sexed Semen

· Sexed semen has a place in the beef market. The rate of growth will ultimately be determined by its uptake in sectors where there is a significant premium such as part of the national herd rebuild post drought (predominantly Angus female sexed semen).

The uptake of sexed product will also be largely driven by factors such as: · the number and accessibility of semen-sorting laboratories · the cost of sexed semen · the availability of AI vets and technicians · beef prices; and · seasonal conditions.

Uptake for AI in the beef industry is largely driven by use of synchronisation protocols that enable fixed-time AI (FTAI), however the traditional approach may not best suit sexsorted semen. In a traditional FTAI program, females are inseminated at a ‘fixed’ pre-determined time, irrespective of behavioural oestrus.

To incorporate sex-sorted semen into an FTAI program, it is recommended that protocols and management procedures are amended to ensure that every female that receives a dose of sex-sorted semen has a higher likelihood of conception. This usually takes a tailored approach to synchronisation and it is recommended that an expert in the field is consulted before embarking on such a program.

Price

Sex-sorted semen will continue to attract a premium price due to its higher cost of production and different processing methodologies. Furthermore, fewer straws are produced from the sorting process than conventional semen processing.

Australian beef producers can currently access sex-sorted semen from approximately $45 to upwards of $120 with price variations often reflecting supply and demand of particular sires.

76

Given the price of purchasing elite sire bulls ($50,000+) combined with the benefits of being able to select male or female semen (depending on individual breeding objectives), increasing the rate of genetic gain in a herd gain and increasing profitability.

While the price of sexed semen may seem expensive, when you consider the number of bulls sold for $100,000+ (for the collection of conventional semen), the price of sex-sorted semen becomes more economical, especially when other benefits are considered. For example, being able to select male or female semen to achieve individual breeding objectives, increasing genetic gain in the herd and increasing profitability.

According to Nigel Semmens, Genetics Australia, demand has increased this year for “fresh” sex-sorted semen from beef sires with producers achieving excellent conception rates.

With the Sexing Technologies lab on site at Total Livestock Genetics, semen can be collected, processed through the sexing machine and kept at a controlled temperature before being used in AI programs within 48 hours of collection.

Sorting Laboratories

Sexing Technologies is the only company currently in Australia with a sex-sorting semen laboratory located at Camperdown, Victoria. We understand that this will soon be complemented by a second laboratory in Rockhampton to service the northern beef market.

The sperm is sorted by analysing the differences in DNA content between the X- and Y- bearing sperm. In cattle, the X- chromosome (female) contains approximately 3.8% more DNA than the Y- chromosome and the sorting technique is routinely 93% gender accurate.

Future

All AI companies are continuously engaged in bringing to market a selection of sires with the required traits and genotypes to produce the highest ROI for industry stakeholders.

A key factor to the uptake and development of sexed semen will be the use of data. Paul Douglas from Sexing Technologies stresses that the future will be driven by stud breeders and commercial farmers using objective measurements to identify the elite or top performing portion

of their herds and in turn applying advanced reproductive technologies to infuse these animals with high performing and efficient genetics.

The availability of trained personnel to conduct assisted breeding programs will be critical to sustain the rapid industry growth rates.

Conclusion

Rapid technological advances combined with genomics, increasing specialist knowledge and increasingly successful commercial AI programs are likely to continue driving the

uptake of sex-sorted semen in the beef industry. The establishment of a second Australian lab to service the northern beef industry is also likely to serve as another pillar for growth; particularly while market and seasonal conditions remain favourable.

Vetoquinol would like to acknowledge and thank the following contributors to this article: Anthony Shelley (Genetics Australia), Bill Cornell (ABS Australia), Paul Douglas (Sexing Technologies), Geoff Woods (World Wide Sires), Mike Rose (LIC Australia), Bob Merlin (Select Sires U.S.A) and Tim King (Hico.)

M yanga

A N G U S

aFERTILITY aDOCILITY aSTRUCTURE

40 ANGUS BULLS BULL SALE

OPEN DAY

11am Saturday 6 August 2022

Saturday 30 July 2022

Chatsbury, via Goulburn

9am till 4pm

myanga.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 77

DSK

Sire Benchmarking

29

th

Annual Bull Sale

22

nd July

1 pm on farm Borah Station & AuctionsPlus

53

Angus Bulls: Raised on Grass Finished on Crop

NKSR16 Lot 6: son of DSK Pine Drive P106 NKS21S3 Lot 34: son of Sydgen Enhance

NKSR67

NKSR5

Lot 8: son of DSK TEL Pep P48 High Performance with Fertility

= More KG’s for More $$’s in Your POCKET

NKSR5 Lot 4: DSK TEL REX R5 (son of “Big Tex”)

Open Day 6th July - Borah Station 10 am start High Profile, Commercially Focussed Guest Speakers

Sons of DSK Dams built on outcross Canadian genetics that are thriving in our harsh Australian conditions & markets

Specialist Heifer Joining Sires; Sydgen Enhance, GAR Inertia & DSK Pine Drive P106 Performance Sires; Texas Earnan L612 (“Big Tex”), DSK TEL Pep P48, Remitall H Rachis, Young Dale Xcaliber & Byergo Black Magic 78

Chris Knox - 0427 600 278

Borah Station, Coonabarabran

dskangusandcharolais@westnet.com.au

ASBP – Time to Nominate Your Bull Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement

It is time to nominate bulls for the next round of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) to produce the Cohort 13 progeny. Angus Australia has already received strong interest, seeing 20 bulls nominated so far.

For this reason, members are encouraged to submit their nominations as soon as possible.

The joining program will commence in September 2022 and involve around 1,800 Angus cows across several cooperator herds.

The benefits of bulls entering the ASBP include:

· Close genetic linkage to the Angus Australia genomics reference population ensures research and genetic evaluation outcomes will be highly relevant to your herd. · Be involved in world-leading research in areas such as

methane emissions phenotyping, development of genomic tools, new meat quality traits and understanding resilience traits immune competence. · Receive high accuracy EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values), particularly for hard to measure traits such as abattoir carcase data, female reproduction, and feed intake. · Receive progeny average values and sire rankings from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA (Meat Standards Australia) Index and MSA Marble Score. · Involvement in one of Australia’s most comprehensive beef cattle progeny test programs including large contemporary groups.

Approximately 30 Angus bulls will be selected for the 2022 joining program with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 cows by fixed time AI (Artificial Insemination). The bull selection criteria will be based on genetic diversity, breeding values, selection indexes and their relationship to sires already used in the ASBP. To be eligible, registered Angus Bulls must be nominated before Monday August 1st, 2022 For further details on the ASBP and to nominate bulls for Cohort 13 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, General Manager – Genetic Improvement M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

repro360.com.au

REPRO360 RESOURCES Online resources designed to help you multiply your outcomes in your FTAI and ET programs: • Webinar recordings • How-to videos • Case studies • FAQs repro360.com.au | vetoquinol.com.au

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

| 79

Sire Benchmarking

52nd Annual Bull Sale

Friday 16th September, on property ‘Glenview’ Walwa Offering 70

ANGUS BULLS, 8 angus infused Grey Bulls.

Featuring drafts of bulls sired by leading AI Sires

BALDRIDGE 38 SPECIAL Baldridge 38 Special Low BWT, top 5% Growth, top 2% Breeding Index

BALDRIDGE ALTERNATIVE E125 Baldridge Alternative E125 Top 1% for Growth & CWT

 SYDGEN ENHANCE Sydgen Enhance Top 10% for Growth & Breeding Index

MURDEDUKE QUARTERBACK Q011 Murdeduke Quarterback Q011 Low BWT, top 10% CWT, top 2% IMF%

Also catalogued will be progeny of The Glen’s most successful Natural Service Sires.

The Glen Keystone P21, by Landfall Keystone K132 The Glen Intensity Q320, by Rennylea L519 Ardrossan Capitalist Q193, by L D Capitalist 316 Ardrossan Initiative P202, by S A V Initiative 4406 The Glen Genesis P236, by Pathfinder Genesis G357

ENQUIRIES & VISITORS WELCOME

BEEF WEEK OPEN DAY ly u

Monday 25th J

80

Mike & Joy Gadd 0427 371 347, 02 6037 1347

Ian Peake Cattle Breeding Program Manager, 0448 244 050

Mike & Joy Gadd - The Glen Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, ‘Glenview’, 3091 Shelley Rd (PO Box 3), Walwa VIC 3709 Ph: 02 6037 1347 | Mob: 0427 371 347 | E: mike@theglenpastoral.com.au | W: www.theglenpastoral.com.au

Angus Carcase Success at Sydney Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Angus steers continued their tradition of success in the Sydney Royal Easter Show steer and carcase competition, with the Angus breeds’ team of three purebred steers placing second in the prestigious Stanhill trophy, and steers winning the Champion Virtual Taste test carcase, Reserve Champion Lightweight carcase, Reserve Champion Heavyweight carcase and Reserve Champion trade heifer or steer.

PUREBRED STEER & CARCASE COMPETITION

STAN HILL TROPHY FOR TEAM OF 3 PUREBRED STEERS · 2nd to the Angus Team · Pymble Ladies College · BW & MM Brooker · Scots All Saints College CLASS 1 LIGHTWEIGHT SCHOOL STEER Pymble Ladies College – Angus, bred by Knowla Livestock · 1st Live Judging · 1st Virtual Tate Test · 3rd Carcase Judging CLASS 2 MIDDLEWEIGHT SCHOOL STEER The Kings School – Angus, bred by Coffin Creek Angus · 3rd Virtual Taste Test Scone High School – Angus, bred by Main Camp · Bronze Carcase Medal CLASS 4 LIGHTWEIGHT OPEN STEER Mr Mark Ryan & Family – Angus, bred by Mark Ryan & Family · 3rd Carcase Judging · Bronze Carcase Medal Red Bend Catholic College, Angus bred by R Rice & Co · 1st Virtual Taste Test · Champion Virtual Taste Test Red Bend Catholic College - Angus, bred by R Rice & Co · 2nd Virtual Taste Test CLASS 5 LIGHTWEIGHT OPEN STEER Pymble Ladies College, Angus bred by Knowla Livestock · 2nd Virtual Taste Test · 1st Carcase Judging · Reserve Champion Carcase · Silver Carcase Medal Yanco Agricultural High School, Angus bred by YAHS 7 Andrew Baker · 1st Virtual Taste Test · 2nd Live Judging BW & MM Brooker, Angus bred by BW & MM Brooker · 2nd Carcase Judging · Silver Carcase Medal CLASS 6 LIGHTWEIGHT OPEN STEER Red Bend Catholic College, Angus bred by R & M Hart · 2nd Virtual Taste Test CLASS 7 MIDDLEWEIGHT OPEN STEER Scots All Saints College, Angus bred by Sunnypoint Pastoral Company · 2nd Virtual Taste · 2nd Carcase Judging Scots All Saints College, Angus bred by Alexander Downs · 1st Virtual Taste Test · Bronze Carcase Medal Red Bend Catholic College, Angus bred by R & M Hart · Bronze Carcase Medal CLASS 8 MIDDLEWEIGHT OPEN STEER Oakhill College, Angus bred by Staple Hill Angus · Bronze Carcase Medal St Gregory’s College, Angus bred by VMI Enterproses · 3rd Virtual Taste Test BW & MM Brooker, Angus bred by BW & MM Brooker · Bronze Carcase Medal

Image: Angus Stanhill Trophy Team made up of steers exhibited by Pymble Ladies College, Scots All Saints College BW & MM Brooker

CLASS 10 MIDDLEWEIGHT OPEN STEER Frensham, Angus bred by Kate & Anthony Waldren · 1st Virtual Taste Test Scone High School, Angus bred by Main Camp · 2nd Virtual Taste Test · Bronze Carcase Medal CLASS 11 HEAVYWEIGHT OPEN STEER Scone High School, Angus bred by Main Camp · 1st Carcase Judging · Gold Carcase Medal · Reserve Champion Heavyweight Carcase Scots All Saints College, Angus bred by Sunnypoint Pastoral Company · 1st Virtual Taste Test · 2nd Carcase Judging · Silver Carcase Medal Calrossy Anglican School, Angus bred by Scrivener Family · 2nd Virtual Taste Test CLASS 12 HEAVYWEIGHT OPEN STEER St Gregory’s College, Angus bred by Reiland Angus · Silver Carcase Medal St Gregory’s College, Angus bred by St Gregory’s College · 1st Virtual Taste Test CLASS 13 HEAVYWEIGHT OPEN STEER Frensham, Angus bred by Milong Angus stud · 2nd Virtual Taste Test TRADE HOOF & CARCASE COMPETITION · Tayla Miller – Angus steer · Reserve Champion Trade Steer/Heifer The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Angus success at Lardner Park steer trial Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Angus and Angus influenced cattle achieved success in the 46th Lardner Park steer trial against teams from 32 beef producers.

Steers bred by Tony and Marg Killalea, at Wantagong NSW took out a major award in the 2021 Trial, with the two-steer team (Angus/ Shorthorn sire out of Angus/Shorthorn cows), entered by the Killaleas outperforming the competition to win the Combined Weight Gain and Carcase Award.

Of the winning pair, one steer achieved the highest daily live weight gain of 1.58 kg (the pair achieved 1.38 kgLW/ day) and the other steer finished second place in the carcase results.

This year is the second time the Killalea family have won, having previously won the weight gain/carcass award in the 2018 competition.

Alex Lineham of Lineham Farms, Vervale Vic. Took out the award for Highest Carcase Score as a pair, with Angus steers, that averaged a carcase score of 86.99.

The Highest Eating Quality Award based on MSA Index, also went to an Angus pair of steers exhibited by Dane Martin of Glenfalloch Station, Licola Vic., with an average MSA Index of 62.48.

The highest weight gain pair went to SimAngus of steers exhibited by Chase Jones of Jones Farms, Moorooduc Vic,

who also received the 3rd prize overall for Combined Weight Gain and Carcase.

The steer trial is unique in Australia as it is the only grassbased trial with cattle managed under independently controlled grazing conditions during the period of the trial at Lardner Park, Warragul in Gippsland Victoria.

The trial, which ran from early July to end of November 2021, measures weight gain over the five months and concludes with a final carcass assessment to meet a standard domestic trade 200 – 330 kg category.

The trial provides valuable information on the growth and carcase quality of the steers entered for producers.

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Sons of · Ascot Global · Ascot Major General · Ascot Mogul · Gar Ashland · Gar Drive · Gar Phoenix · Gar Scalehouse · Rennylea Kodak · Var Discovery · Broadwater Surefire · S Chisum 255 · WWA Black Onyx · Millah Murrah Paratrooper Foundation Females Ascot, Ayrvale, Dulverton, Kiburnie, Lawsons and Wattletop INTRODUCING BROADWATER ASHLAND R33# 374 Kg when weaned at 9 Months. Weighed 650Kg at 14 Months.

Top 1% for GF and Grass Selection Index.

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SIRE: G A R ASHLAND PV x DAM: LAWSONS KI JUDD N6502 #

EBV Perc

Milk +20 23

DIR +5.4 26

BIRTH DTRS +6.8 13

FERTILITY SS DC -5.0 +1.6 41 64

GL -5.5 33 CWT +79 9

GROWTH 400 600 +105 +132 8 13

BWT +2.9 22

200 +59 8

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CARCASE Rib Rump -1.8 -1.7 92 82

RBY +2.2 4

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Nathan Fenby from Zoetis and Marg Killalea, Killandayle Beef, Image: Warragul and Drouin Gazette

Around the Shows

A

B

C

D

E

A: Urquhart Perpetual Trophy for Supreme Beef Exhibit, Hordern Trophy Bull and Senior & Grand Champion Angus Bull Pine Creek Royal Roll R017, echibited by Prine Creek Stud, B: The Hordern Trophy winning pair - KO Jedda K127 KO, and PC Royal Roll R017, C: Gordon Fuller Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Breeder’s Group Interbreed - Pine Creek Stud, D: Hordern Trophy Female and Senior & Grand Champion Angus Female - KO Jedda K127, exhibited by KO Angus, E: RAS Supreme Beef Interbreed Heifer and Junior Champion Angus Female - Diamond MS Reckoning R447, exhibited by Diamond Angus Stud.

Images: Showcase by Branded Ag

24. Spring Bull Night 08. is Coming!

‘22

The event will streamed from Youtube and Facebook (7pm).

Do not miss out on the opportunity to hear about the latest offering of A.I. Angus sires and the proven performers, which could take your herd to the next level.

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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· Established 1996 ·

BRIDGEWATER ANGUS

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Angus success in Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

First time entrants, Granite Ridge Angus, Avenue Range, South Australia were awarded Grand Champion carcase with a purebred Angus steer in the Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic, Australia’s largest annual carcase competition, on 94.44 points.

More than 1500 carcasses were entered from October to February in the 2021-2022 Southern and $50,000 was raised for the Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia from the entrants.

Entries were received from South Australia and Victoria and processed at Teys Australia’s Naracoorte abattoir over a five-month period.

Granite Ridge entered 26 steers and heifers with their winner of class two (single steer or heifer 260.1-340kg) scoring 94.44 points from a possible 100 for market specifications, saleable meat yield and eating quality and taking out the prestigious Grand Champion Carcase Award.

The 312.6kg carcase had a 94 square centimeter eye muscle area with a rib and rump fat of 10mm and exceptional an MSA marble score of 590.

Like most producers that enter carcase competitions Granite Ridge chose to enter the Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic to test that their program was working.

Their 26 steers and heifers were ready to go to Teys at the time the competition was due to take place and so the animals were entered.

With a focus on growth, structure and carcase when selecting genetics and making breeding decisions for their herd, Scott Finlay, Granite Ridge was thrilled with the results.

‘It is proof that we are doing works.’

The animals selected for the competition were out of registered cows, sired by paddock bulls and put on good pasture before the competition.

Granite Ridge Angus is located near Avenue Range in the south east of South Australia, with another property located near Murray Bridge and owner Scott Finlay having bred commercial Angus cattle for 15 years prior to getting into the stud game.

‘I have always been happy with the Angus breed and it is the way of the future. The Angus breed has always done well and performs well in varied climates’.

Yarli Pastoral, Meningie Soutth Australia took out the awards for Best Team of 10 and Best Team of 3, as well as the award for the highest MSA Eating Quality Index, with 69.02, believed to be the highest in the competition’s 14 year history.

Yarli Pastoral also achieved success in the state MSA Excellence in Eating Quality awards in March at Robe which benchmarks all MSA accredited producers who sold cattle in 2019-2021.

During this period Mr. Fischer sold 980 head which had a MSA compliance of 94.5 per cent and average MSA index of 63.62.

900 Angus breeders are run over two properties at Meningie and Field, with a split autumn and winter/spring calving.

The Autumn progeny are sold as vealers at 11 months of age, mainly to Woolworths, while the spring born calves are grown to heavier weights and sold into Teys Grasslands program.

A

Joel Stu art and Scott F inla y Gra nite

Ridge An gus

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A: Top image: Susie and Mark Kranz, present the Alan Kranz Memorial Trophy for the highest scoring MSA eating quality carcase to Rhys Fischer, Yarli Pastoral, Meningie (middle). Image: Stock Journal

The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Behind the Beef – Meet the CEO Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer

Thank you for joining the podcast today, Scott. It’s your first time on as CEO. You’re not a stranger to the podcast, but the first time in the new position. How are you feeling?

Thanks, Cheyne. It’s exciting, to be honest. I’ve been a longstanding advocate of your podcast, so I think it’s great and a great way for you to interact with the membership and to get a good message out there.

In your own words, can you introduce yourself to the listeners and let us know who you are?

I’m Scott and I am the CEO of Angus Australia, which is a great privilege to me. Just a bit about myself, I have a little farm at Glencoe, which is towards Glen Innes. I am married to Julie, and Stuart and Courtney are our kids, who are both now off doing their own thing. At our little place we’ve got a few commercial cattle which we enjoy running.

What’s something about you that most people aren’t familiar with?

One that probably comes to me is each Sunday, you’ll find me in Church. My private Christian life is probably something that doesn’t come out in everyday conversation, but it is very important to me, and it probably influences the way I look and see things in the world and the sort of organisation that I like to run. I think what stems out of that, and this will be something that people don’t know, is that I have a great interest in the institutions we have in society, so all the things that have stemmed from the last 2000 years.

I’m working through Winston Churchill’s History of an English-Speaking Peoples. I think some of those Judaic Christian values that we have and the institutions we have are pretty important. So anyway, that’s a little hobby horse I’ve got there.

Circling back to the fact that you’ve just started your new position, what has your career journey and progression been like to get to this point? What’s a little bit about your working background?

I grew up on the North Coast of New South Wales, in a town called Kyogle, and I went from there to Gatton College and studied Rural Management there in the early 90s.

I did a couple of things in association with that and then following my course I went and worked in Singapore where I was given a position at Singapore Food Industries. We imported and distributed all types of food and wine, but a lot of frozen beef and lamb, fruit juice, frozen vegetables, things like that. It was a mixed business, and I was a market research executive there, so I’d look for new product and find out where we could sell it in Southeast Asia.

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Then I came back to Australia and from 1999 through to 2016 ran our family wine business, so I spent a lot of time in the wine industry which was a fantastic part of my life. Following that, I had two years at Wilshire and Co, which was a CRT, talking to farmers and doing rural merchandise there.

Then thankfully, I came to Angus Australia.

Considering you’ve done quite a bit in that time and across a couple of different fields, when did you first become passionate about the ag industry, and furthermore beef cattle?

One of my first memories in life was that both my grandfathers were in the dairy industry. I can remember I’d often stay with my grandparents, and I’d follow my grandfather up to his dairy in the morning and can remember walking up through the fog. My grandfathers also had beef cattle and they would teach me a lot about cattle. Generally, I don’t tend to differentiate between beef cattle and dairy a lot because a good stockman is a good stockman, whether it is dairy or beef. I loved that period of time and they taught me a lot.

I think through my teenage years we had a great ag department at our school, and probably to the shock of some they had a Hereford stud, so I spent time on the Hereford youth camps and things like that where I learned to show cattle and judge.

I guess I’ve always just had a long-standing involvement with cattle. I mean, if my mum was here she’d say that I was pretty passionate about cattle ever since I was a little tacker.

I think what happened during my time in the wine industry, and we’ve always had the farm on the side, was that I really developed an interest in strategy and business and where to move forward over time, so they sort of blended together.

Who’s been your biggest supporter and mentor over the course of your career?

It’s a funny question and I sort of stumbled around it a bit when you put that question to me. I just feel so blessed that I’ve just had a number of people through my life. They come and go for a period of time and for a season you’ll have somebody impact you deeply in your life - and I’ve just had so many.

My mum and dad have been positive, and my in-laws as well. My wife Julie and my kids are very passionate, and all the family support has been amazing. I worked with some great people in Singapore and I still remember Tony Dunn, my economics lecturer when I was in college.

Scott Wrig ht My first boss in Singapore was Alan Carnell, and he’s still a family friend today. Blokes like Chris Carl and in more recent times, Graham Truscott, Peter Parnell and Ron Bower.

Why do you think it’s important to have those touchstones of people throughout your career that give you that mentorship and give you that encouragement? Why do you think it’s important for a young person coming up in the industry to identify people in their life that could progress their career in a certain way and be a mentor for them?

It’s really important, because we can get a rush of blood at times, and I think the main thing is that those wise heads have a bigger perspective. They can look at things that we can’t see, as we see snapshots of time whereas I think, especially people that have been in the industry or worked with us longer, can see a bigger view and add some wisdom. They can also maybe see some of our character failings at times and season our life with good advice. That’s probably the most important thing.

I think another thing is that they care about us. They really care and it’s hard to see it when you’re in the pits, but they just give you those little gems of wisdom and say, what about this? What about that?

What motivates you to get up in the morning and go to work?

I’ve never had trouble getting up, but these days, because you get to that very reflective late 40s stage of your life, you have had a career for a while and then you actually get reenergised. I’ve had a couple of those moments where you reenergise.

I started thinking about big things through the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, and there was a perfect storm in the wine industry and a number of factors that came together which was diabolical and it killed the industry.

I started thinking about how you build enduring great organisations, and a mentor I was using as a business consultant at the time, Chris Carl, introduced me to a book called Good to Great by Jim Collins and he talks about what makes organisations do better from other organisations.

We sit here as Angus Australia today and we have done better than some of the other breeds for example, that’s well known, and I was fascinated with that. I’d love to ask, particularly Graham Truscott and Peter Parnell, so what happened? What was the difference? What was the inflection point?

That’s the excitement for me today. What do we do? So, are we the top of the cycle? Are we not? What can we go on with?

Last year I was talking with Ben Mayne and he just had this little throwaway line that the best ten years have yet to come. And I thought, that’s encouraging. We’ve got all of this ahead of us, but what can we do as an organisation to control our own destiny? How do we make Angus Australia great?

What’s been the biggest challenge that you’ve faced over the course of your career and how did you overcome it?

And what did you learn from that time?

Some of you may or may not know, we lost our family winery to a fire in 2016, and it was sudden and traumatic. All of a sudden the business disappeared, and that was traumatic.

We looked at it and the economics weren’t great to rebuild, so we decided to exit the industry at that stage.

Then it was the process that I went through with what do you want to do with the rest of your life?

You’ve invested this much time and you’re now in your 40s.

What’s the second chapter going to look like?

I had to look pretty deep and say, what are you passionate about? How can you re-educate?

I went back and studied Animal Science and realised I was not too old to study, and actually what came out of that has just been a blessing, because I found the interest in myself that I really didn’t know was always there.

Putting on the CEO hat now, and as you’re looking down at the start of your new tenure as the head of Angus Australia, what do you think are the biggest challenges our industry will face in the next five years?

I am a bit of a private economist, so I think it’d be hard to walk away from the world events that are shaping things.

I’m not sure we can really predict what will happen in terms of the world economy with Russia and China and some of the trade disputes that are going on, and what that does for the world economy, to interest rates and the effect of the rebuilding herd for us here.

I recently listened to a good talk from Anne Home that said that economists and statisticians can never predict The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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the market going forward and so I think it’s a price cycle.

If you look at the beef price cycle, it changes over time, so that’s the biggest thing that we’ve got to contend with as an industry.

But then I think the forces that are happening in the world like artificial intelligence, and we’ve got genomic technology that’s changing, and how does that impact our seedstock industry going forward. That’s going to be a real challenge for us to grapple with, what sort of technology is going to come into the space and how does that change things?

As a business Angus Australia has to really work with what the genetic evaluation looks like going forward. It might completely change, and we might not be able to foresee some of the technological changes that are on our doorstep, and I think we’ve got those multinationals starting to get into the market there.

With every challenge, there is opportunity. What do you think are the biggest opportunities Angus producers have for the next five years?

I think the biggest thing is we’ve just got the greatest product in the world. We’ve got an increasing population and we’ve got the premium protein in the world in terms of red meat and more specifically, beef, and then premium beef amongst that.

I think there’s no end to the upside there and it’s a big opportunity. Within you’ve got the big beef exporters and producers around the world, and we have to be nearly the best positioned producing country in the world to produce that premium product.

I think when you zoom out what it’s all about is delivering a product that’s got all the traceability in the world and those premium attributes, I think there’s some real opportunity there. Our Wagyu friends have done a great job at positioning themselves that it’s all about marbling. I think that’s been great, but I think there’s a lot more to beef than marbling and I think what we’ll find is some of that niche product that’s going forward in terms of flavour, maybe especially off grass, that there’s some great opportunities to market exceptional product going forward and I think Angus is well placed to do that.

Looking back at the breed in Australia, what do you think the greatest achievement of Angus producers has been over that time?

It has to be market share. How the breed goes from being a minor breed to I believe approximately 49% of the commercial beef females in Australia being influenced by Angus genetics. I mean, that’s just extraordinary, really. The market share and the Angus Premium constantly amazes me in the marketplace.

We’ve got the whole supply chain saying that they want that product. I think the volume and the consistency that Angus producers have been able to put into the market is fantastic and that’s come about because of the quality of product.

Obviously the seedstock sector has worked hard on improving that and we have done all the genetic improvement to accelerate that. I take my hat off to the Angus community at large. It’s a flywheel that’s just turning and turning. Just to think that Angus beef has carved out such a high percentage of the quality end of the beef industry is remarkable.

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So, to the future, what are your goals for Angus Australia going forward as CEO? First of all, simplicity. I hate complexity so I want us to strive towards making things simpler and better for our members.

There will be a big focus on member engagement going forward. We’ve got to remember that the members own the business and engagement has to be front and foremost.

One that’s maybe hard to understand is that we need a strong, independent Angus Australia as an organisation that charts its own destiny. But what I mean by that is Angus Australia needs to maintain its independence so that it is not dictated by outside forces, so that we control our own vision going forward. I’m a big believer in that the best organisation to service Angus members is one controlled by Angus members.

Are there any other CEOs that come to mind that you kind of look up to and the legacy that they have left for companies?

Yes, there’s a couple. As a young guy, I worked for Singapore Food Industries and we had a few hundred employees and the managing director was Peter Tay. I’d go into the coffee room of the morning and I’d sit with Peter and we just had these great animated chats. He grew that organisation and they bought subsidiaries in the UK and Australia and different parts of the world. He was a bit pivotal in terms of forming my thinking going forward and he was a great man.

I love what Hugh Killian is doing with AACo, and I think the rebuilding of that business is quite interesting.

An odd one is CEO Mark Vassella from Blue Scope Steel.

Steel would be seen as a bit of a dowdy business, but that business and how it’s managed, as an Australian steel maker that’s recreated itself and the fact they do it with very little debt. In the economic climate going forward to see an Australian manufacturer doing so well, and I think nearly half the revenue comes from overseas or something like that, I just love the story.

And then probably the one book I read a bit is by Ken Allen from DHL and how when he took over, DHL were flailing going back about 15 years ago, losing money hand over fist, and he says in his book that he had to get people learning how to deliver a parcel again and they just got them back to basics.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read or best podcast you’ve ever listened to that has resonated quite strongly with you?

For books, if you’re in business, you need to read all five of Jim Collins’s books, with the pivotal one being Good to Great. I do listen to a lot of different podcasts. My favourite Australian podcast is John Anderson’s Conversations, and I love the way that he drills deep into where we’re going as a society.

I love this fellow in America called Dave Ramsey. His is just raw and robust and he helps people with their financial choices. I’ve just discovered Angus Underground recently as well, which is an interesting one and Australian Pork do a good job of theirs.

What advice would you give someone pursuing a career path similar to your own?

I think one thing I’ve learned is to always be interested and to read and ask questions and meet people and get as

much wisdom as you can. I am a great believer, like Peter Parnell, in higher education. I think for me if you have a great career then you get in your forties and stop - don’t! Go back and learn. I remember I went back to the University of New England, and I decided to do a postgraduate in Animal Science about six or seven years ago and I turned up and there’s all these kids there in their twenties. I felt like the old guy, but they were so welcoming and good, and I learned a lot going back and doing that.

From then I’ve gone on and done the Australian Institute of Management training. I think just be interested, read heaps, engage with people and don’t ever think you’re too old to have a go again.

I think this could be the most important question of the day. How do you have your steak?

There are three answers to this. First of all, there’s no steak like scotch fillet. I have it medium rare. And these days I don’t have any sauce on it.

I just eat red meat every day, I love it and there’s nothing better. I like blade because it’s real and we have our own cattle killed, and it’s just tasty and good. But if you asked me what I think is the best cut of meat, I love a rolled roast because the flavour just goes through that beef.

Do you have a recommendation for a drink to go with it?

I know you’re a bit of a connoisseur in the wine area.

I am a lover of wine and it’s got to be a red. I’ve evolved now so I think you can find a Bush Vine Grenache from South Australia, maybe McLaren Vale or in the Barossa, that’s the peak.

26TH ANNUAL BULL SALE BOWRAL

Scott Wrig ht with Sa m Whit e and Jo South orn Are there any final thoughts that you’d like to leave with the listeners today?

I would just like to say that I found the organisation and the community around Angus just the most wonderful group of people and I’ve been humbled to have been given the job as CEO. I love the fact that a guy that comes from the wine industry with an interest in commercial cattle has been embraced and given a real go in that space.

I love the industry. I love my conversations with members. I love driving around the country and looking at what you’re doing. Every patch is different, every members’ cattle are different. It’s a really great time to be in the beef industry, and I feel it as a privilege.

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The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement & Research Manager P: 02 6773 4620 · M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

Nick Butcher, Project Officer, ASBP P: 02 6773 4638 · M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au

Jen Peart, Northern Development Officer P: 02 6773 4644 · M: 0417 219 405 E: jen.peart@angusaustralia.com.au Andrew Byrne, Genetic Evaluation Manager P: 02 6773 4618 · M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

Malshani Samaraweera, Geneticist P: 02 6773 4622 E: malshani@angusaustralia.com.au

Marketplace Services Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager P: 02 6773 4601 · E: diana@angusaustralia.com.au

Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer P: 02 6773 4635 · E: communications@angusaustralia.com.au

Robyn Brazier, Marketing Assistant P: 02 6773 4609 · E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au

Samantha Hamilton, Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues P: 02 6773 4613 · E: sam@angusaustralia.com.au

Ebonie Jones, Graphic Designer P: 02 6773 4610 · E: ebonie@angusaustralia.com.au

Dzintra Menesis, Marketing Officer - Graphic Design P: 02 6773 4645 · E: dzintra.menesis@angusaustralia.com.au

Kate Reynolds, Graphics & Multimedia Officer P: 02 6773 4645 · E: design@angusaustralia.com.au Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager P: 02 6773 4608 · M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au

www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Winter 2022

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Staff Directory Member Engagement Jake Phillips, Extension and Youth Manager P: 02 6773 4625 · M: 0401 261 217 E: jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au

Bernard Beatty, Member Services Manager P: 02 6773 4636 · E: bernard.beatty@angusaustralia.com.au

Tammy McLeod, Senior Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4604 · E: tammy.mcleod@angusaustralia.com.au

Adam Allingham, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4602 · E: adam.allingham@angusaustralia.com.au

Katie Carlon, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4605 · E: Katie.Carlon@angusaustralia.com.au

Lily Christian, Member Services Officer P: 02 5775 8710 · E: lily.christian@angusaustralia.com.a

Rachael Constable, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: rachael.constable@angusaustralia.com.au

Robyn Kelly, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au

Heather Rocks, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4621 · E: heather.rocks@angusaustralia.com.au

Sarah Scott, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4611 · E: sarah.scott@angusaustralia.com.au

Lou Wood, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4617 · E: office@angusaustralia.com.au

Corporate Services David Cameron Administration Manager/ Financial Controller P: 02 6773 4624 · E: david.cameron@angusaustralia.com.au

Joy Howe, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4612 · E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au

Carole Johns, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4628 · E: carole.johns@angusaustralia.com.au

Sue Webeck, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4606 · E: sue@angusaustralia.com.a

Kathryn Duddy, Company Secretary, Human Resources Manager and Assistant to the Ceo P: 02 6773 4614 · E: kathryn.duddy@angusaustralia.com.au M: 0447 332 202

Ron Bower, Human Resource Manager P: 02 6773 4607 · E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au

Amanda Wolfe, Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4650 · E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au

Christopher de Crespigny, Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 · E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au

Dale Curtis, Computer Programmer E: dale.curtis@angusaustralia.com.au

David Edgar, Computer Programmer E: david.edgar@angusaustralia.com.au

Gerard Hammond, Computer Programmer E: gerard.hammond@angusaustralia.com.au

Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02926773 4600 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au www.angusaustralia.com.au

Limited Semen Available!

SAV AMERICA 8018

X SAV MADAME PRIDE 3145

KILLAIN ANGUS INTRODUCE SAV Anthem 0042 THE BEST SON PRODUCED TO DATE

BY THE $1.51M (USD) WORLD RECORD SELLING ANGUS BULL, SAV AMERICA 8018.

Anthem was the lead off bull in the 2021 SAV Sale selling for $250,000 (USD). Anthem is the highest marbling bull ever produced in the history of the Schaff Angus Valley program ratioing 191. Anthem’s dam SAV Madame Pride 3145 is a phenomenal producer and as stated by Kelly Schaff, “If I had to start the SAV program all over again that is the one cow that I would choose to start it with.” SAV Madame Pride 3145’s dam, SAV Madame Pride 1171, has been used in the Killain Angus embryo program and produced the Junior and Grand Champion Angus Bull Killain Fort Worth M17 at the 2017 Melbourne Royal Show.

SAV Anthem is incredibly docile and presents authentic Angus breed character with masculinity, muscle, capacity and soundness. He earned a 205-day weight of 1058 lbs (480kgs), and boasts EPDs from weaning DAM: SAV MADAME PRIDE 3145 and yearling weight in the breed’s top 1%.

All welcome to our Open Day

NORTHERN BEEF WEEK ON WEDNESDAY 22ND JUNE, 2022.

‘KILLAIN’ 13553 NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY - TAMWORTH NSW 2340 RICHARD: 0408 471 603

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RDUDDY@BIGPOND.COM

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WWW.KILLAINANGUS.COM.AU

BULL SALE

THURSDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2022 130 Registered Angus bulls sell

www.millahmurrah.com

FEMALE SALE

THURSDAY 20TH APRIL 2023 200 Registered Angus breeders sell

Bathurst NSW Ross & Dimity Thompson

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0439 179 269

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info@millahmurrah.com