WA Angus News - June 2019

WA ANGUS NEWS JUNE 2019

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Postage Paid WEMBLEY WA 6913 Australia

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If undeliverable please return to - Newsletter Coordinator, WA Angus Committee, PO Box 94, Wembley, WA, 6913.

An Update from our Chairman...

With a dry summer in most areas and low rainfall for the autumn it has led to a slow start and a concerning one for pasture and crop production, hopefully the rains will have arrived throughout the WA farming area by the time you are reading our June newsletter.

A large number of bulls were presented during the 2019 bull sales season at auctions and direct off farm. Overall, breeders that I spoke to were satisfied with the prices and percentages sold.

the Vines that evening, with the Angus Australia envoy.

We would like to see as many of our Angus Breeders (Commercial and Purebred Breeders) during these celebrations of our 100-year existence of the Angus Australia association and appreciate all the hard work and achievement that has been undertaken during this period to bring the breed to where it is today - a leader in beef production!

Planning for our Centenary Celebrations are well Looking forward to seeing you all, on their way for 13th September 2019 at Gingin Mark Hattingh Bull Saleyards and Recreation Centre. The field Chairman WA Angus Committee day will start with a structural assessment in the ring and veterinary discussions on various topics, followed by a luncheon with guest speakers from Angus Australia and others.

IN THIS ISSUE‌

We are also excited by the attendance of the Angus Australia Board and Management team to the field day. The Board will be having a Board meeting the following day at The Vines.

We are also planning our Annual Forum meeting at the Vines for Saturday morning the 14th September which would allow for an informal get together on the Friday evening for all staying at

# Strathtay Trophy Winner # Farm Weekly Comp Winner # More on Methane Emissions # GenAngus Future Leaders and much more‌

A Piece of Angus Australia History...

The following article is an interesting piece about the history of the Angus Breed written by Enid Fisher, a past Secretary of the Angus Society of Australia. This article was published in the National Farmers Federation 1985 Year book and kindly sent in

by Wendy and Des Stubbs from Albion Park, NSW.

The young yearling and yearling steer is also produced and keenly sought after by meat buyers.

The Angus is renowned as a carcase breed and has been consistently successful in prime stock shows and competitions throughout Australia. It has been widely used in crossbreeding programs and is availMany thanks to Richard Buck, Secretary NSW State able in large numbers mainly from the south eastCommittee for Angus Australia for obtaining per- ern and southern areas of Australia. Good lines of mission from the National Farmers Federation to weaner and yearling heifers can be purchased withuse this article and then sharing it with the WA An- out difficulty and stud cattle of excellent quality are gus News and our readers! It is amazing to think available. how far the Angus breed in Australia has come In Australia, Angus and Angus crossed account for from 1853 to 1985 and how that influence has kept 20% of the national herd. In 1919 at a meeting of 14 the breed going from strength to strength into Angus breeders the Angus Society of Australia was 2019! formed with the objective of preserving pedigrees The Angus breed originated in Scotland from groups of pure Angus cattle, setting breed standards and of closely related cattle breeds whose existence popularising the breed throughout the country. goes back to a remote period. There are illustraAngus is the most popular breed in the beef productions of black hornless (Hummel) cattle on sculping world. It is dominant in the world’s biggest tured stones in this era. Among other traces there cattle herds in North and South America. The breed are Latin charters in the early 16th century which was introduced to North America at a time of great mentioned black Hummel oxen. expansion in their beef industry and by the midFrom the main local strains in Scotland (Angus, Ab- 20th century more than 2 million pure bred Angus erdeenshire and the Spey Valley) there slowly cattle were registered with the American herd evolved dominant and nearly related groups which book. gradually became one under the inspired breeding guidance of the great founders of the breed, Hugh Watson of Keillor, Angus and William McCombie of Tillyfour, Aberdeenshire.

The Tillyfour herd was closely associated with the early history of the Angus breed in Australia. In 1853 Captain Patrick Wood, Denistoun, Tasmania imported four Angus bulls from Tillyfour and in 1890 bulls were imported from New Zealand. In 1840 Angus cattle were imported to the Darling Downs of Queensland.

The Angus is uniformly black and naturally polled, renowned for their mothering ability and easy calving and no eye trouble. It is smaller in mature size than the average Australian cattle, although individual herds have bred towards a larger, longer Angus in recent years.

The breed is earlier maturing than the average and for this reason it is used mainly to produce ‘vealers’ or prime calves of weaning age, directly off their mothers.

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Tony Sudlow wins 2019 Strathtay Trophy!

Each year the WA Angus Society hands out its most prestigious award, the Strathtay Trophy, to a well-deserving recipient in recognition of their commitment and contribution to the Angus breed. The trophy was established by the late Jack Young, Strathtay Angus stud, Narrogin and is presented annually by the WA Angus society chairman.

“I thoroughly enjoy the Angus part of our family business and it is a big and important part of our business. Through our Angus business we’ve met so many great people which is a big part of why we enjoy what we do. It is certainly nice for the family to be recognised for the work that goes into it.”

Current chairman Mark Hattingh, Redhat stud, Wannamal, had the task of selecting the winner who had successfully promoted the Angus breed by means of exhibiting, sale or purchase of stud or commercial stock, or by setting an outstandingly high standard in their chosen field, thereby earning the respect of Angus breeders generally.

The 2019 award was handed out at the WA Angus Society’s annual general meeting to an honoured and surprised Tony Sudlow, Kapari Angus stud, Northampton.

“I am very honoured to receive this award and certainly accept it on behalf of my family, Liz and the four kids, who are all heavily involved with the stud,” Mr Sudlow said.

Pictured (l-r) - John Young, Liz Sudlow, Tony Sudlow and Mark Hattingh *From Angus e-News 13/2/19 and that article and photo provided by C. Walsh, Farm Weekly

THE WA ANGUS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT TO BE A PART OF A SPECIAL CENTENARY MAGAZINE CELEBRATING ANGUS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA!!

The magazine will be launched at the BLACK FRIDAY celebration on the 13th September 2019!

FOR A SPECIAL PRICE OF $150 FOR A FULL PAGE OR $75 FOR A HALF PAGE WE WANT AS MANY WA ANGUS STUDS, BREEDERS AND MEMBERS TO THROW THEIR SUPPORT BEHIND THE CENTENARY MAGAZINE! We want your history, your story, your photos & what the Angus breed means to you!

This is a great once off opportunity to promote your stud, to share your Angus history & to be part of a great memento celebrating WA’s contribution to the Angus breed!

ALL SUBMISSIONS AND BOOKINGS FOR SPACE FOR THE MAGAZINE WOULD NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY! If you have any queries or need help putting something together please do not hesitate to contact the WA Angus News Coordinator, Shezanne Gibbs-Hooper, on 0409 025 099 or waangusnews@yahoo.com.au WA ANGUS NEWS June 2019

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HARVEY BEEF CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO ANGUS CATTLE THROUGHOUT 2019!

As we reach the half way point of the year Angus cattle continue to be a focus for Harvey Beef and we thank you for your hard work and commitment to producing high quality Angus beef for our customers during 2019 so far.

2019 sees the centenary of Harvey Beef, a significant milestone for us and an opportunity for us to celebrate 100 years of supplying WA beef to Australia and beyond and 100 years of working with WA beef producers.

We continue to work in partnership with Coles in WA to supply Angus beef for their own brand and customer feedback is positive across the state.

Please talk to the Harvey Beef Livestock team on 08 9729 0000 or via email livestock@harveybeef.com.au to learn more about working with us.

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Farm Weekly Heifer Competition Winner!

TWO weeks after finding out she had won Farm Weekly’s latest prize giveaway valued at $38,000 Blythewood farmer Jennifer Colum was still trying to come to terms with the news.

The spritely 78-year old who recently downsized her farming enterprise, continues to run Angus cattle on her 180-acre property 10km south of Pinjarra.

feeding them some hay in the yards. “I’m so excited, thrilled with the heifers, they are absolutely gorgeous,” she said. “And it’s not just today, watching them mature and seeing their calves in the future is also very exciting.”

Ms Colum said her new heifers would be joined on May 8 to a Black Market bull that was purchased as a yearling and is goSo, winning 10 Angus heifers bred by one of the State’s leading into its third joining. She said the family loved the new ing producers of Angus in the G & B Bendotti family, Pember- Kubota utility vehicle which was getting plenty of work around ton and a $22,645 (recommended retail) Kubota RTV-X900G-A the farm and has now taken ‘pride of place’ in the carport at -AU utility vehicle, thanks to Farm Weekly, WA Angus Breedthe homestead. ers, E & MJ Rosher and Kubota Australia, was a serious windNow in its 12th year, more than 17,500 entries were received fall. in this year’s competition draw, 3000 more than last year.

“I really still can’t believe it,” a delighted Ms Colum said while at Rosher, Kenwick, to collect her utility vehicle. “I have to be honest and say I firstly entered the competition to win the heifers, but I had no idea this vehicle was going to be so big and so handy,” she said.

John Bendotti, who delivered the heifers with his wife Christine, said they were ‘absolutely stoked’ their heifers were won

by Ms Colum. “They have gone to a really worthy winner,” he said. “Jen is a lovely lady and has a passion for cattle and to be doing what she is doing at her age is unbelievable. I believe Jen was rapt in the heifers and will do the right thing by them.”

Ms Colum could barely contain her excitement when the Bendotti’s heifers casually strode off the truck before hand-

- Jennifer Colum (left) with the Angus heifers delivered by their breeders John and Christine Bendotti and the new Kubota RTV she collected from the showrooms of E & MJ Rosher.

[Thanks to Jodie Rintoul, Wendy Gould and Trevor Emery at Farm Weekly for providing the articles and photos of the Heifer Competition, it is greatly appreciated!]

The WA Angus Committee would like to acknowledge and say THANK YOU to the following studs that have committed to supporting the Farm Weekly/WA Angus Heifer Competition...

Your support is much appreciated!

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Thoughts on Methane Emissions...

Following on from Jim McGregor’s excellent article in the January edition.

thane in carbon dioxide equivalent terms is misleading due to their different atmospheric lifetimes.

In any discussion regarding greenhouse gasses, Simply put long lived pollutants like carbon dioxide cattle are usually placed high and even at the top of remain in the atmosphere for centuries whereas the list of causes of methane in the atmosphere. methane has a life of 8 – 10 years. So as long as the inflows of methane remain constant the effects on Some media and activist groups are quick to reinthe atmosphere remain roughly constant as well. force this view of cattle as the main offender. The

longer these untruths go unchallenged the more difficult it is to educate the wider public and we may even come to accept these beliefs ourselves.

Think of methane trying to fill a leaky bucket that never fills whereas carbon dioxide on the other hand keeps on filling and filling its bucket as there MLA could be seen to reinforce this view by recent- are no leaks! Add the significant carbon sequestraly announcing its desire for the Australian beef in- tion potential on livestock farms and the whole negative story of cattle polluting the atmosphere dustry to be greenhouse neutral by 2030. should become a positive story.

Of particular interest in this discussion is recent reIndividually and collectively the beef industry needs search that has thrown light on the world’s sources to get on top of these negative perceptions that are of methane and challenged the methodology used rapidly taking hold in all sections of our community, to calculate the effect on the atmosphere of this young and old. relatively short-lived gas.

- Ken MacLeay Sources: By examining the isotopes of methane, (Thanks to Ken for this contribution it is greatly scientists can now distinguish between its three appreciated!) main sources. Those coming from the burning of vegetation, the burning of fossil fuels and from microbial activity which includes livestock, ants and rice fields.

Also, satellite observations are now allowing accurate identification of the worlds regions where increases in methane are occurring.

Interestingly the results are showing that fossil fuel sources are almost twice as large as previous estimates (though they have plateaued somewhat in recent times) and while microbial sources are currently increasing, those increases are largely coming from China, India and South East Asia and are believed to be caused by microbial activity in both natural wetlands and flooded rice fields.

Effect: Currently methane is multiplied many times to account for its more harmful effect than carbon dioxide on the atmosphere. However to treat meWA ANGUS NEWS June 2019

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GenAngus a Resounding Success!

The inaugural GenAngus Future Leaders Program, proudly supported by Achmea Australia was run in Sydney in February, with 11 young beef industry enthusiasts in attendance.

The workshop focused on the theme of ‘building your beef business’, with the participants involved in presentations that were designed to challenge their business perceptions and inspire them to put into practice the outcomes from the event.

The opportunity to participate in the inaugural event was extended to: Ruby Canning – Mortlake, VIC James Campkin-Smith – Pound Creek, VIC Monique Estrada – Merriwa, NSW Eliza Borchardt – Tara, QLD Aimee Bolton – Congupna, VIC Mostyn Golding – Dardanup, WA Joshua Clift – Scone, NSW Samuel Hunter – Yass, NSW Ashley Coleman – Inverell, NSW Katherine McCallum – Balfour, New Zealand Kristen Fredricksen – Cowra, NSW

Presentations were made by: • Julian Prosser - Slight Edge Consulting, focused on building communication and mindset capabilities, with the key take away for participants to become aware of how they communicate, and the need for resilience, confidence and discipline.

• Allan Deacon - Achmea Australia, focusing on what are risks, identifying risk and what people are liable for and how to protect ourselves from financial hardship when faced with a claim.

• John Francis - Holmes and Sackett, gave two presentations. One focused on beef benchmarking, bringing analysis of performance and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the business and finance fundamentals, which looked at a number of financial reports, how they are read and the importance of being able to understand how to read the reports.

• Diana Wood - Angus Australia, spoke about branding and communications and highlighted the importance of developing consistent professional branding for a business to be easily recognisable, as well as the importance of having a formal communications plan in place to tell your story.

• Alastair Rayner - Rayner Ag, presented on finding your place in the market and the need to match your production with your land type, by identifying your land strengths and weaknesses, using data to drive innovation and setting long term goals in your business.

• Isobel Knight, Steve Mirtschin and Jess Cavanagh Proagtive, did a session on succession planning, which was targeted at making plans for keeping rural properties and rural business in families and in the hands of Australians as WA ANGUS NEWS June 2019

well as the need for effective communication between family and business partners to ensure the future of the farming business.

• A number of team building activities were also included at the end of each day designed to build on team spirit, utilise individual strengths within the team and inspire creative problem solving.

Over the next 12 months the participants will continue to be mentored by the presenters and will be required to complete follow up activities and be involved in group discussions where they will continue to develop their ideas.

A full report was included in the Angus Australia Autumn Bulletin and WA’s own Mostyn Golding, who works full time in the family business, Little Meadows Angus stud, Dardanup, WA believed the workshop as a whole was, ‘A really good foundation to create the building blocks needed for being successful in business.’ *From Angus e-News and the Angus Australia Autumn Bulletin 2019

Left to Right - Alan Deacon (Achmea Australia), Ruby Canning, Kristen Fredricksen, Aimee Bolton, Sam Hunter, Monique Estrada, Mostyn Golding, Katherine McCallum, James CampkinSmith, Ashley Coleman, Eliza Borchardt, Matthew Reynolds (Angus Australia), Candice Liddle (Angus Australia), Joshua Clift.

If you would like more information about all things ANGUS YOUTH please visit www.angusaustralia.com.au/ angusyouth Or for further information during business hours (8.30am – 5pm) please contact Candice Liddle Events and Youth Development Officer P: 02 6773 4622 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au

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Angus Australia And CSIRO Announce Beef Cattle Industry First ImmuneDEX Breeding Value

Dr Brad Hine, Research Scientist at CSIRO explained the perspective long term benefits of the ImmuneDEX research findings.

“We know if we continue breeding with a sole focus on production a consequence we will inadvertently increase Angus Australia and the CSIRO partnered over a number susceptibility to disease and associated antibiotic use.” of years to undertake research into genetic traits related “We envisage that ImmuneDEX will provide a long-term to immune competence and resilience. In a world first for the beef cattle industry, the research undertaken by strategy to help address this problem by allowing the Angus Australia and CSIRO has resulted in the develop- producer to put selection emphasis on the immune competence of animals and put that into our selection thinkment of the breeding index value, ImmuneDEX. Announced at the Angus through the Ages National Con- ing to breed animals that are both productive and have a better ability to resist disease challenges.” ference, ImmuneDEX is a genetic description of an animal’s ability to react to an immune system challenge (i.e.

The ImmuneDEX value is moderately heritable and disease). weakly negatively correlated with some production traits (eg carcase weight) while being weakly favourably Over the course of a number of years, Angus Australia correlated with stress-coping ability and temperament and CSIRO have worked in collaboration to immune competence test calves from the Angus Sire Benchmark- related traits. ing Program (ASBP), with the research co-funded by the A list has been compiled by Angus Australia of the sires Australian Lot Feeders Association via Meat and Livein the ASBP rated on their ImmuneDEX value according stock Australia. to the research undertaken on their progeny. For further information regarding ImmuneDEX, please contact AnTo develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value, immune gus Australia Strategic Projects Manager Christian Duff competence phenotypes were collected on approxiat christian@angusaustralia.com.au or on mately 3000 Angus steers and heifers at weaning and 02) 6773 4620. analysed. This information combined with genotypes (DNA Profiles) was analysed to determine genetic pard rameter estimates (heritability’s and correlations) and to *From Angus e-News 23 May 2019 produce Research Breeding Values for immune competence.

Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager, said that the work done to develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value was a successful collaborative effort between those at CSIRO and Angus Australia.

“It is has been excellent working in collaboration with CSIRO on this research,” Mr Duff said. “While there is still more research to be undertaken to further develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value and validate its potential to deliver health benefits to industry, this development is a definite stride for Angus breeders and the broader beef industry.”

Furthermore, on a subset of 900 steers from this study, disease incidence during feedlot feeding was examined. Findings showed that animals with a superior immune competence phenotype had significantly lower health related costs and mortality rates. Importantly, the genetic strategy is expected to assist in reducing the use of antibiotics, improving overall welfare and health of the animal, and maintaining consumer confidence.

While still in its early research stages, the information now available through the ImmuneDEX breeding value will assist beef producers make decisions about what the best animals are to breed from into the future with the goal of improving animal health while simultaneously improving productivity.

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B U L L S A L E S T A T S WA ANGUS NEWS June 2019

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Angus are the Feature Breed @ the 2019 Perth Royal, so mark the date on your calendar!!

WA ANGUS COMMITTEE Chairman Mark Hattingh 08 9655 7065 Vice Chairman Liz Sudlow 0427 362 025 Treasurer Ken MacLeay 08 9755 1136 Garry Cain 08 9757 4553

Kerry Cain 08 9757 4553

Bruce Campbell 08 9525 2361

Craig Davis 0428 366 052

S. Gibbs-Hooper 08 9242 8894

Tony Golding 08 9725 4334

Andrew Kuss 0428 761 240

Jim McGregor 08 9831 0401

Pam McGregor 08 9831 0401

Richard Metcalfe 08 9846 8001

Mark Muir 0427 691 001

Lew Smit 08 9833 6250

Henry Strating 0416 026 851

Tony Sudlow 0428 362 032

Harris Thompson 08 9767 1355

David Topham 08 9651 8015

Allison Wolrige 08 9755 1123

Lindsay Wolrige 08 9755 1123

The WA Angus News...

The Newsletter is a project of the WA Angus Committee sent to Society members in WA, Federal Councillors and senior staff of the society, people we know of in WA who have bought Angus cattle, stock agents & press - just over 1100 each issue!

The mailing list is continually revised and updated, so you may be receiving the WA Angus News for the first time. If you are on the mailing list and you would rather not be or if we don’t have your correct address, please advise the Newsletter & Mailing List Coordinator on the contact details below Shezanne Gibbs-Hooper Phone - 08 9242 8894 or 0409 025 099 Email - waangusnews@yahoo.com.au Post - PO Box 94, Wembley, WA 6913

John Young 08 9884 5253 Head Office - 02 6772 3011 Secretary - 08 6263 3100 PO Box 135, Claremont, WA, 6910 Locked Bag 11, Armidale, NSW, 2350

Angus Australia Director Andrew Kuss WA ANGUS NEWS June 2019

The WA Angus News is printed by A-Team Printing 81 Acton Avenue, Rivervale, WA, 6103 Ph: 08 9478 3188 11