Angus BULLETIN Distributed by the Angus Society of Australia
Research Breeding Values for coat type PLUS · Most widely used sires in last two years · Strong demand for quality Angus weaners · Northern Focus in Angus Education Centre
Autumn 2020
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Out & About
A: Malcolm Cash, Dollar Angus Bulls, with client Michael Moran and his niece Gretta Gleeson during the Naracoorte Weaner Sales SA, 9/01/20. Mr Moran sold 51 Angus steers making $3.12/kg for a pen of 26, 352kg and $3.18/kg for 25, 306kg. Image: Stock Journal, B: Dee & Becca George at the 2020 Angus Youth National Roundup dinner. Image: Emily H Photography, C: Diana Wood, Angus Australia and Helen Alexander, DSK Angus, Coonabarabran at the 2020 Beef Spectacular Awards dinner. Image: The Land, D: With the winner and runner-up tickets after the prize draw for the Farm Weekly win 10 Angus heifers competition, were WA Angus chairman Liz Sudlow (left), Megan McCallum, Old Bambun Grazing, AFGRI Equipment Australia marketing and small ag manager Jacques Coetzee, Irene Neville, Old Bambun Grazing, and Farm Weekly livestock manager Jodie Rintoul. Image: Farm Weekly, E: Angus Australia President, Brad Gilmour, and Matt Reynolds, Angus Australia Breed Development Officer, during the Stock & Land Beef Week. Image: Stock & Land, F: Angus Australia’s Angus Youth Development Officer, Candice Liddle, Communications Officer, Cheyne Twist & Marketing Officer - Sale Catalogues, Sam Hamilton at the Angus Youth National Roundup In Toowoomba Qld. Image: Emily H Photography G: Best presented pen of steers at the Blue Ribbon Angus Weaner Sale Wodonga VIC 2/01/20, with Liz Pearson Commercial Supply Chain Manager, Angus Australia, vendor Stephen Clarke, Deepdale Tallarook Partnership. The pen of 29 Angus steers averaged 388 kilograms and sold at $1190. Photo: Mark Griggs, The Land.
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18 contents
Autumn 2020 | Volume 39
1
Out & About
27 Generating Registration Certificates Using Angus.Tech
2 Contents 5
President’s Report
6
2019 – The year in review
8
Most Widely Used Sires in Last Two Years
10 Eating Quality, Carcase, Feedlot & Overall Performance 11
Beef Spectacular Angus Champions
28 Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services 30 Important considerations when submitting tail hair samples 30 Time is running out to Genotype your females with Angus uLD 31 Neogen and Angus Australia enter ground-breaking partnership
12 Canberra Champions 13 John Young awarded Honorary Life Membership
33 Research Breeding Values for Coat Type Launched by Angus Australia
14 Around the Weaner Sales
36 Modifications to Calving Ease EBVs
15 Strong demand for quality Angus weaners
36 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Analysis Dates 2020
16 Around the Beef Weeks 17 A move to Angus helps boost market options at Roseneath 18 Gingin Goddesses for versatility 21 Around the Female Sales 23 Shift in breeding focus helps meet grass-fed specs with Angus 24 NVDs – Accepted Breed Descriptions
26 Introducing Angus ONLINE 26 Have You Downloaded the Latest Version of the Angus App?
37 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Have You Updated Your Marketing Materials? 37 New TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Reports
38 ASBP Cohort 11 –Sire Nominations OPEN 39 ASBP Cohort 7 – Sire Wrap-Up
42 Changing the way, we talk about breeding values
44 Member Services Matters
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
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 Sadler-Small Printer: printcentre.net.au.
TACE Angus.Tech ASBP Breed Development Commerical Supply Chain General Genomics Northern Development Member Services
55 46 Additional DNA requirements for Animal Registration when parents are born after January 1st, 2018
World Angus Forum Youth
66 Behind the Beef – A look at the people behind the Angus Youth program
47 Changes to Membership Invoicing 48 Recording of Base Animals 49 Review of Breeding Registers 49 Recording Red Angus Animals with Angus Australia
68 One step closer to World Angus Forum 2021
69 Angus Australia Staff Directory
50 Northern Focus in Angus Education Centre
51 Where are they now? 52 Meet the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program participants 55 A couple of weeks in New Zealand: A word from Chloe Gould 58 Angus Youth turn up from far and wide for Roundup 2020 59 Major Award Winners 60 Thankyou to our sponsors 61 Billi Marshall named the 2020 Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship recipient 62 Recognition to those helping drive Angus Youth 62 Give a hand to Roundup 2021 63 A quick catch up with Monique in the USA 64 Interview with Mark Vayro, Risk Specialist for Achmea, Australia’s specialist farm insurer
Advertisers Indexes 4 ABS IFC Achmea IBC Beefgen 50 Breeder Genetics 48 Knowla Livestock 32 Neogen BC Outwest Angus 45 Sprys Shorthorns and Angus 38 Sugarloaf Angus 13 Vetoquinol
ABS Powerful Autumn Lineup
Millah Murrah Paratrooper P15PV
29AN2123
$160,000 Australian record priced Angus sire. Superb carcass shape, thickness and muscle in a 6-frame score package. Structural, phenotypic and pedigree excellence with a strong, balanced EBV set.
Baldridge Command C036
29AN1972
In COMMAND and in DEMAND right throughout Australia. Awesome phenotype, tremendous body and thickness. Combines great structure with huge EMA and BW-Growth EBVs.
G A R Inertia
29AN2077
Wide based, powerfully constructed sire that combines unprecedented marbling with an excellent muscle pattern. Superb style, shape and muscle with excellent head carriage and super docile nature. Expect huge performance from Inertia’s big EMA and IMF figures.
Sitz Stellar 726D
29AN2025
Sydgen Enhance
237AN2869
The ultimate cow-maker- outstanding maternal pedigree and design. Well rounded EBVs, featuring top 1% foot score EPDs. Super thick topped, impressive muscle and deep sided.
One of Australia’s most sought after Seedstock sires. Combines huge EBV performance with a slick, sound phenotypic package. Long bodied, deep sided and extremely docile across multiple US inspections.
GB Fireball 672
29AN2099
Huge performance EBV set including top 1% EMA, IMF and indexes in a slick phenotypic package. Unique curve bender with tight sheath, good length, depth and bone.
ABS AUSTRALIA BEEF
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Bill Cornell 0428 293 498 bill.cornell@genusplc.com Fletch Kelly 0419 383 341 fletch.kelly@genusplc.com Kim Sultana 0438 418 113 kim.sultana@genusplc.com
1800 ABS BULL www.absglobal.com/au
President’s Report
Brad Gilmour, President and Board Chairperson A big welcome to all members, here we go, 2020 is off and running. Hopefully we are beginning to see a change of fortunes in some areas, with long awaited moisture arriving. What a different mindset a green paddock can make. For those yet to receive any rain, remember, big droughts usually break big as well, so your share might be on its way. To all members and friends impacted by recent fires, I know firsthand how devastating this can be and wish you well in your recovery. I’m sure like me you will have underestimated the enormity of the task ahead, so be willing to accept all offers of help, no matter how small, from friends and perfect strangers.
Toowoomba Roundup
January saw the Angus Youth Roundup in full swing at Toowoomba, Queensland. With rain most days, we had a great undercover venue at the showgrounds. This year saw a few changes to the program, with a decided commercial focus on replacement heifer selection, and on Angus and Angus influenced steer selection to meet feedlot specification for both short and long fed. Participants also had a trip to NH Foods very modern processing plant at Oakey, where the management were very generous and open with their plant tour, fielding a range of questions on jobs and technologies and the use of data captured throughout the chain and boning room, not only of carcase performance and differing values, but also the output from different work stations along the chain. This was the first time many of the Angus Youth participants had visited an operating processing facility, and it gave them a great insight into the final destination of their beef breeding programs. It also enlightened them as to the myriad of jobs available, from livestock buying to IT departments, all of which are crucial for a modern profitable business. With more than 130 participants and a fundraising event that raised $16,900, all of which goes to support future Angus Youth programs, Candice Liddle (Youth Development Officer), along with Steph Frankham (Roundup Co-ordinator) and their respective teams and helpers are to be congratulated on a most enjoyable and industry relevant 2020 Roundup.
Annual Calf Sales
Weaner sales started early in South Australia and Victoria, with many producers apprehensive about the outcomes. With so many fires around, farmers were nervous about leaving home to attend the sales. However, demand and prices for Angus cattle were strong and from mid-December to early March, the market has only gotten stronger, breaking through the 400c/kg on its way to + 500c/kg for lighter steers. Long may it continue, as I know we can all use the upturn to bolster diminishing cash reserves or take the development of our property or cattle herd to the next level. The whole community benefits from these improved returns. Image: Emily H Photography
Angus Australia President, Brad Gilmour and CEO Peter Parnell at the 2020 Angus Youth National Roundup.
Beef Week
Early February saw Beef Week in Southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia get into full swing. It’s always a great time to visit participating Angus studs, not only to view the latest genetics, but to shortlist some bulls before the stud sales commence. It also presents an opportunity to view the cow herds behind many of the sires on offer, in a more relaxed atmosphere than the rush of sale day.
Bull Sales
With most autumn bull sales in WA, SA and Victoria now completed, the focus moves to the North and East of the mainland and Tasmania. Sale results and clearances have been very strong, generally equalling or better than 2019. Many studs have recorded a new high selling price, showing we continue to see the value of investing in elite genetics from proven female lines. In the south demand for heifer bulls has been red hot with many of the young females out of the drought areas now grown out and ready for joining. Time will tell whether these will be retained as breeders or put back on the market. Buyers are chasing bulls that are sound, with high accuracy data, to go out and do the job under many different climatic conditions and management styles. So to everyone, good luck with your purchases, the beauty of being an Angus producer is that there are plenty of bulls to choose from with a wide range of types to suit all needs.
Into the Future
The 2021 World Angus Forum will take place in April and May next year – which will be here before we know it. The event will be a great opportunity to come and enjoy the company of like-minded enthusiasts from all over the world. You’ll see some wonderful cattle properties from the cool climate of the Monaro to the tropics of Rockhampton plus a great line-up of thought provoking speakers, enabling us to be ‘Leaders in Global Beef Innovation’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We at Angus Australia have already enacted a plan to protect all staff in the work place as much as possible and ensure the day to day demands of members are still fulfilled. Please be patient as this could get a lot worse before it gets better. Don’t think we are immune because we live in the country, and take particular care of the elderly.
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
|5
2019 – The year in review Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
Sadly, the continued severe drought conditions across much of Australia, followed by devastating bushfires created serious challenges for many members during 2019. Understandably, these difficult circumstances resulted in reduced volume of registration and recording transactions by members. Nevertheless, Angus Australia continued to implement its long-term programs to progress R&D, software development and technology adoption to ensure that members have the best available information and systems available into the future. Some of the highlights for the year are summarized below.
Governance
Following the AGM in May 2019 the Angus Australia Board consisted of six state-elected Directors, including Mr Brad Gilmour (Vic, President), Mr Perry Gunner (SA), Mrs Erica Halliday (NSW), Mr Brett Piraner (Qld), Mr Jock Hughes (Tas), and Mr Andrew Kuss (WA); and, three national elected Directors including Mr Sam White (NSW, Vice-President), Dr Laurie Denholm (NSW), and Mr Hamish McFarlane (Vic). Two Directors retired from the Board in 2019, being Mrs Libby Creek (SA, 8 years service including President during 2017-18), and Mr Jim Wedge (Qld, 2 years service). The Board conducted meetings in March, May, July, September, and November. Various Board Committees met numerous times during the year by teleconference. Each State Committee met on a quarterly basis. In addition, various consultative committees met during the year to provide valuable input to the Board, including the Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program Consultative Committee, the Angus Youth Consultative Committee, the Northern Development Consultative Committee and the World Angus Forum Organising Committee. The efforts and generous investment of time from members participating in these various Committees is gratefully acknowledged.
Finance
The Angus Society of Australia Ltd and its controlled entities including the Angus Foundation, Roundup, State Committees and Angus Australasia Pty Ltd (formerly Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd) achieved a surplus in 2019 of $306,885.
Membership
At the end of 2019, Angus Australia had a total of 4,041 members, including 1,065 Full Members, 20 Honorary Life Members, 378 Junior Members and 2,578 Commercial Members. Overall membership was slightly higher than 2018 (+2.5%). During 2019 there were 15 members recognized with 50 years continuous membership including P R Grieve (NSW); Pine Creek (NSW); I D & M E Mills (Vic); D H & F A Macleay (WA); J C Maling (Vic); Old Murroa Partnership (Vic); W J Atkin (QLD); Goonamurrah Pastoral Co (NSW); J Parfett (NSW); S W Davidson (SA); Franc Farming Pty Ltd (Vic); A J & B R Moyle & N B Moyle 6
(Vic); Brooks Rural (WA); Eastern Plains Pastoral Co NSW); and, Clea Pastoral Co Pty Ltd (NSW); and, 29 members were recognised for their 25 years continuous membership.
Registrations
A total of 119,041 “Active” females were enrolled on the female inventory during 2019, representing a 5% decline on the previous year. A total of 69,831 calves were registered during 2019 (10% fewer than 2018) including 44,092 in the Herd Book Register (HBR), 20,312 in the Angus Performance Register (APR), 3,655 in the Angus Commercial Register (ACR) and 1,764 in the Multi Breed Register (MBR).
Breed Development
A large amount of performance data was added to the Angus Australia database in 2019, including 54,666 animals with birth weight records, 36,587 with 400-day weight records, 28,850 with ultrasound carcase records, 14,311 with scrotal size records, 9,676 with mature cow weight records, 21,089 with docility scores and 7,395 with structural scores. Overall, there was a decline of approx. 10% in the amount of performance data submitted in 2019 compared to the previous year, reflecting the drought induced reduction in animal numbers and performance recording activity. DNA testing of animals to obtain genomic profiles increased significantly during 2019, with 26,166 new profiles added to the genotype database, contributing to an overall total of 76,421 genotypes included in the mid-December 2019 Trans-Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. Trends in average Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) showed continued increase in genetic potential for growth performance (e.g. 200-Day Wt, 400-Day Wt) and Mature Cow Wt, whilst average Birth Wt EBVs were maintained at similar levels to the 1990s. Mature Cow Wt EBVs have continued to increase in proportion to trends in average 200-Day Wt and 400-Day Wt EBVs. The trends in EBVs for growth traits were accompanied by positive trends in Carcase Weight EBVs, Eye Muscle Area (EMA) EBVs and Intra-Muscular Fat (IMF%) EBVs. Angus breeders have also continued to achieve genetic improvement in female fertility and calving ease, with continued negative (desirable) trends in EBVs for Days to Calving and positive trends in Calving Ease EBVs. Resulting from Angus Australia’s collaborative research initiatives with CSIRO and the University of New England, Research Breeding Values were developed and published for ImmuneDEX (immune competence and resilience), Mature Cow Height and Body Composition, and Coat Type. Desirable trends in EBVs for economically important traits resulted in continued positive trends in average selection index values. The increase in Angus Breeding Index Value among 2018 born calves compared to the previous year
Image: Angus Australia CEO, Peter Parnell, presenting the ribbon for Calf Female Champion at the 2019 Incitec Pivot Royal Melbourne Angus Feature Show to Yamba Lawsoinia P140 and owner Stuart Hobbs, Hobbs Livestock. Image: Emily H Photography.
drop was +$4.60 (+4.1%), with an average increase of +$3.62 (+3.4%) per annum over the past 5 years.
Education and Extension
During 2019 the partnership project with the MLA Donor Company to increase technology adoption across the Angus genetic improvement pipeline proceeded with numerous activities and developments. The project engaged face to face with 807 individuals across 35 events during 2019. Web based extension activities proved extremely valuable, directly engaging with over 1,000 participants and indirectly with over 5,000 individuals. Web based education resources were accessed by 33,217 unique page viewers and resources fed into a communication network which reported 29.8% growth and an across platform network of 25,524 subscribers and followers.
Strategic Projects
The Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) progressed on schedule during 2019. All data collection on progeny of the sires included in cohorts 1 to 7 is completed, including comprehensive evaluation of progeny performance for calving, growth, feed efficiency, feedlot gain, carcase yield, meat quality daughter fertility, structure and immune competence. Data collection of Cohort 8 progeny continued as planned during 2019, and recording of Cohort 9 calving data was completed (506 calves). Cohort 10 joining included 2,134 cows joined to 33 bulls across 5 herds. The 10 ASBP cohorts completed, or in progress, have included a total of 354 bulls. Accumulated data collected on progeny of these bulls has been incorporated into fortnightly Trans-Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation to update the EBVs and accuracies of all animals.
Marketing, Communications
A total of 186 auction sales were reported to Angus Australia in 2019, with 8,141 Angus bulls sold for an average of $6,197. A record price for an Angus bull of $160,000 was paid for Millah Murrah Paratrooper P15 at the Millah Murrah Angus Bull Sale in September 2019. Angus eNews was distributed to over 6,800 email addresses each week; and, 4 issues of the Angus Bulletin were circulated to members. A total of 45 press releases were issued to various media outlets during the year. The Angus Australia website received an average of 37,400 page views per month. Interest in Angus Australia’s social media platforms continued to increase with over 13,800 followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at the end of 2019. During 2019, Angus breeders had outstanding success in interbreed competitions at Royal Shows across Australia. The various interbreed successes at Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide shows were documented throughout the year on the Angus Australia website and social media channels.
Numerous scholarships, awards and bursaries were awarded during the year to assist youth members with study and for travel costs to attend industry events. International scholarships were awarded to Monique Estrada (University of Illinois Scholarship) and Chloe Gould (New Zealand Exchange). The inaugural GenAngus Future Leaders Workshop, sponsored by Achmea Australia, was conducted at Sydney in February 2019 involving 11 young enthusiastic industry leaders. The Angus Youth electronic newsletter “The Herd” was distributed monthly across the Angus Youth membership network.
Export certification
During 2019 there was continued strong demand from China and Kazakhstan for Angus heifers to be used for breeding, with 45,081 export certificates issued for animals included in 23 shipments.
Information Systems
Angus Australia’s angus.tech software development project progressed further during 2019 with further enhancements to Angus DATABASE SEARCH tools and implementation of a comprehensive module for submission and management of DNA test requests.
Commercial Supply Chain
During 2019, Angus Australia’s Commercial Supply Chain program conducted Angus Brand Verification of eight Black Angus brands across four processors and four feed yards, totalling 129,297 animals through this program. Angus Australia has continued it’s verification of the supply of Angus product for the McDonalds Angus burger range across 13 processors throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Summary
Despite the extremely challenging production environment for many of our members, 2019 was still a positive year for Angus Australia, with numerous projects progressed for the long-term benefit of members. The important contributions of our members, Board, State Committees, various Consultative Committees, staff, and numerous R&D and commercial partners during the year are gratefully acknowledged.
Angus Youth
In January 2019 another successful Angus Youth Roundup was conducted in Armidale, NSW with 160 participants. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Most Widely Used Sires in Last Two Years Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
1. LD Capitalist 316 has the most progeny born in the last two years, followed by Baldridge Beast Mode B074 and EF Complement 8088. These bulls have a combined total of 4,374 progeny born during this period. 2. Of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years, 15 have been bred in Australia, while 5 are imported sires from the United States. Of the 15 bulls bred in Australia, 7 are sons of imported sires from either the United States or New Zealand. 3. The average Angus Breeding Index of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is +147, which is placed in the highest 6% percentile band (when compared to 2018 drop calves). None of the 20 most widely used bulls have an Angus Breeding Index that is below breed average.
A
4. Across individual traits, the average EBVs of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is as follows: Trait
Sire Average
Breed Average
Calving Ease Direct
+6.6
+2.0
Calving Ease Daughters
+6.9
+2.4
Gestation Length
-6.1
-4.4
Birth Weight
+3.5
+4.3
200 Day Growth
+55
+48
400 Day Weight
+99
+86
600 Day Weight
+128
+112
Mature Cow Weight
+111
+98
Milk
+19
+17
Scrotal Size
+2.4
+1.9
Days to Calving
-6.5
-4.7
Carcase Weight
+73
+64
Eye Muscle Area
+6.8
+5.8
Rib Fat
+0.9
-0.1
Rump Fat
+0.3
-0.4
Retail Beef Yield
-0.2
+0.6
IMF
+3.0
+2.0
NFI-F
+0.34
+0.18
Docility
+9
+5
Front Feet Angle
+0
+1
Front Feet Claw Set
-1
+1
Rear Feet Angle
+3
+0
Rear Leg Hind View
-2.3
-0.3
Rear Leg Side View
-1.3
-0.3
B
C
D
Look for these sires and more Angus Database Search – www.angusaustralia.com.au https://angus.tech/enquiry/animal
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A: LD Capitalist 316SV, B: Baldridge Beast Mode B074PV, C: EF Complement 8088PV, D: Te Mania Emperor E343PV
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
|9
2097
1221
4591
7730
982
870
1072
927
1239
6022
HBR
767
1103
3263
865
666
676
698
700
703
Breed Average EBVs
76
111
SV
27
ESSLEMONT LOTTO L3 PV
HBR
HBR
225
LANDFALL KEYSTONE K132 PV
HBR
84
AYRVALE BARTEL E7 PV
HBR
78
WWEL3
HIOG18 WWEJ8
780
MILLAH MURRAH LOCH UP L133
HBR
39
780
825
CLUNIE RANGE LEGEND L348 PV
HBR
50
SV
2194
RENNYLEA KODAK K522 SV
HBR
104
KAROO KNOCKOUT K176
HBR
27
982
1022
1208
1218
PATHFINDER GENESIS G357 PV
HBR
325
G A R PROPHET
USA13009379 USA15129456
1948
LAWSONS MOMENTOUS M518
HBR
188
TE MANIA EMPEROR E343 PV
HBR
85
EF COMPLEMENT 8088 PV
HBR
143
Prog 2Yr.
BALDRIDGE BEAST MODE B074
HBR
Prog
USA16295688
NORE11 TFAH807
TFAK132
VTMB219 BVVB32
HIOE7
USA17091363 NMMH49
NMML133
NZE14647008839 AHWJ81
NBHL348
NORE11 NORF810
NORK522
NZE14647008839 NENH213
NENK176
VTMB1 SMPD245
SMPG357
USA17354145 VLYH229
VLYM518
VTMB1 VTMZ74
VTME343
USA14686137 USA15452880
USA16198796
USA16295688 USA17149410
USA17960722
USA16752262 USA14407230
Num Herd
Statistics
LD CAPITALIST 316 SV
Reg.
Sire Dam
USA17666102
Name
Ident
BW
Birth GL
200
400
600 MCW Milk SS
Growth DC
Fert CW
P8
Carcase EMA Rib
+2.0
+2.4
-4.4
+4.3
+48
+86
+112
+98
+17
+1.9
-4.7
+64
+5.8
-0.1
-0.4
-3.9 -3.2 -5.6 +4.1 +58 +106 +135 +118 +25 +3.6 -9.5 +85 +10.5 -0.4 -0.3 86% 72% 99% 98% 98% 98% 98% 89% 81% 97% 57% 91% 92% 92% 90% 86 90 29 45 6 4 8 15 3 3 1 3 3 57 45
+3.6 +2.8 -1.1 +3.5 +66 +108 +133 +90 +27 +0.8 -7.2 +72 +6.1 +0.3 +0.5 96% 87% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 79% 97% 95% 96% 96% 42 50 93 31 1 3 9 66 2 91 9 21 43 33 22
+10.5 +9.0 -8.2 +1.6 +53 +105 +142 +141 +17 +0.7 -7.8 +95 +6.3 +1.5 -1.4 87% 71% 99% 98% 97% 97% 97% 90% 81% 96% 60% 82% 85% 85% 84% 4 4 5 5 19 4 4 2 41 93 5 1 39 8 77
+12.4 +12.0 -5.2 +1.7 +49 +87 +112 +68 +27 +2.3 -9.3 +70 +7.8 -1.2 +0.2 98% 93% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 89% 98% 97% 98% 98% 1 1 35 6 42 47 51 94 1 29 1 28 17 82 30
+7.1 +5.9 -6.2 +5.1 +60 +102 +133 +108 +23 +2.1 -5.7 +78 +2.4 -1.1 -2.2 81% 68% 99% 98% 98% 98% 97% 87% 82% 97% 54% 91% 91% 92% 89% 18 21 21 70 3 7 9 29 7 38 30 8 95 80 91
-1.8 +8.4 -8.3 +6.3 +60 +103 +136 +153 +4 +3.3 -7.3 +75 +2.9 +3.4 -0.3 82% 65% 99% 98% 97% 97% 96% 85% 75% 96% 58% 88% 89% 89% 87% 77 6 5 90 4 6 7 1 99 5 8 13 92 1 45
+12.1 +10.1 -6.5 +1.5 +48 +90 +119 +117 +14 +4.6 -9.3 +66 +3.8 +2.6 +1.7 78% 67% 99% 98% 97% 97% 96% 85% 74% 96% 62% 90% 90% 91% 89% 2 2 17 4 52 37 33 16 73 1 1 42 83 2 6
+3.8 +7.2 -7.9 +5.2 +51 +91 +119 +144 +6 +3.6 -5.9 +58 +8.2 +2.6 +1.2 77% 60% 98% 98% 97% 96% 96% 84% 71% 96% 56% 84% 86% 87% 85% 40 12 7 72 32 31 34 2 99 3 26 75 13 2 11
+3.2 +5.1 -7.7 +6.7 +62 +110 +146 +151 +24 +4.0 -5.1 +95 +11.2 +1.3 +0.1 91% 75% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 95% 95% 98% 73% 93% 92% 93% 92% 45 27 8 94 2 2 2 1 4 2 42 1 2 11 33
+4.4 +2.2 -5.8 +3.9 +45 +86 +116 +99 +24 +2.2 -2.3 +57 +12.4 -0.3 -1.3 77% 57% 98% 98% 95% 90% 90% 81% 69% 77% 47% 76% 68% 70% 69% 36 55 26 40 69 50 40 47 4 33 89 80 1 54 75
+4.7 +6.5 -6.7 +5.1 +51 +95 +127 +125 +11 +1.9 -6.1 +69 +4.3 +2.1 +0.0 98% 94% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 91% 98% 97% 98% 98% 34 16 15 70 30 20 17 9 92 48 23 32 76 4 36
+8.4 +11.6 -5.5 +2.7 +53 +98 +129 +101 +22 +1.0 -5.0 +75 +8.6 +0.9 +1.6 97% 87% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 98% 97% 99% 75% 95% 95% 95% 95% 11 1 30 16 20 14 13 43 12 87 44 13 10 17 6
+8.5 +3.6 -3.8 +3.3 +71 +123 +153 +123 +21 +2.2 -5.1 +79 +6.9 -0.5 -1.0 78% 59% 99% 98% 97% 96% 91% 84% 78% 93% 52% 84% 85% 86% 82% 11 42 60 26 1 1 1 10 12 33 42 7 29 61 67
+12.6 +7.8 -4.1 +1.9 +53 +95 +119 +88 +15 +1.4 -2.0 +73 +8.4 +0.7 +0.3 86% 59% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 87% 80% 98% 52% 86% 89% 88% 85% 1 9 55 7 20 20 32 70 60 73 91 17 12 22 27
Dtrs
Calv-Ease Dir
+0.6
+2.0
+0.18
+4.3 +0.35 89% 90% 85% 20 1 73
+1.2
+4.1 +0.29 94% 95% 89% 97 2 65
-1.1
+2.8 +0.43 80% 83% 69% 87 18 82
-0.4
+3.0 +0.57 97% 97% 94% 42 14 92
+0.7
+1.8 -0.43 88% 89% 84% 75 51 2
+0.0
+3.1 +0.23 86% 87% 80% 98 12 57
-1.2
+4.0 +0.87 88% 88% 83% 93 2 99
-0.7
+1.9 +0.25 80% 84% 66% 57 47 60
+0.4
+1.4 +0.73
89% 91% 84% 6 69 98
+1.9
+4.4 +0.75
67% 65% 56% 52 1 98
+0.5
+2.5 +0.16
97% 97% 95% 91 26 47
-0.6
+1.9 +0.59
93% 94% 88% 82 47 93
-0.2
+2.3 -0.02
+2.1 +0.31
80% 83% 66% 42 32 24
+0.7
+0.1
82% 87% 67% 71 39 68
+5
+1
-7
+1
-27
-5
97% 93% 93% 51 80 98
+5
+23
-26
98% 96% 96% 41 2 68
+8
-27
-4
96% 60% 48% 11 98 97
+20
+12
+10
99% 96% 97% 95 15 66
-12
-13
+20
97% 88% 89% 9 89 26
+22
+6
+15
94% 86% 86% 29 38 5
+12
+4
-25
93% 89% 89% 87 47 13
-7
-17
-6
-
-
95% 65% 74% 6 92 96
+24
-13
-
-
-3
97% 89% 91% 14 88 71
+18
91% 20
+15
+6
-13
99% 98% 98% 55 36 64
+4
-16
+12
-18
99% 95% 96% 35 91 83
+10
+5
+16
FC
92% 40% 39% 34 40 21
+10
-15
FA
97% 78% 78% 97 6 89
RBY IMF NFI-F Doc
Feed Tmp
March 2020 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Estimated Breeding Values Estimated Breeding Values
Angus Australia – Sires With Most Progeny in the Last Two Years
Angus Australia - 50 Sires with the Most Progeny in the Last Two Years
+0
89% 67
-2
93% 8
+10
45% 62
-1
94% 83
-7
81% 23
+6
79% 12
+9
83% 24
+5
60% 1
+23
86% 88
-9
-
-
97% 62
-1
92% 99
-23
31% 19
+6
+20
68% 1
RA
-0.3
77% 32
+0.7
85% 10
+2.0
-
-
86% 99
-23.9
57% 99
-10.5
58% 68
-0.7
72% 25
+1.0
47% 2
+3.9
70% 1
+5.8
-
-
92% 10
+2.0
76% 99
-7.9
-
-
-1.0
46% 72
RH
Structural
-0.3
83% 90
-1.3
89% 89
-1.2
34% 71
-0.3
91% 47
+0.1
72% 99
-6.5
74% 35
+0.2
77% 71
-0.3
55% 35
+0.2
79% 99
-3.4
-
-
95% 65
-0.2
88% 16
+0.3
-
-
-0.6
63% 81
DOM GRN GRS
Selection Index
15
48
20
1
5
1
8
23
4
25
15
18
17
5
16
3
9
2
25
25
22
4
1
3
34
9
25
25
37
27
1
3
2
4
2
2
2
3
2
+118
1
+111
1
+124
1
+115
1
$173 $141 $212 $151
2
$155 $135 $176 $143
1
$159 $131 $185 $146
2
$157 $136 $176 $145
31
$128 $119 $135 $124
16
$137 $116 $162 $125
1
$160 $131 $192 $142
22
$133 $119 $144 $126
4
$151 $133 $162 $146
9
$143 $122 $172 $129
16
$137 $119 $154 $128
10
$142 $127 $146 $140
1
$159 $145 $172 $153
35
$126 $123 $127 $127
ABI
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Page:
RS
February 27, 2020
Date:
Eating Quality, Carcase, Feedlot & Overall Performance Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Angus breed celebrated a dominant performance at the 11th Beef Spectacular awards night in Wagga NSW, cementing the breeds’ place as the top performer for commercial performance.
View full results
Awards were presented for eating quality (a first for the most recent competition), feedlot performance, carcase, brand suitability and overall performance, with Angus entries claiming top spot in all five categories In a year that has been difficult across all facets of the beef industry, 45 vendors put up 87 teams and 435 head of cattle to compete in this event. Coming out on top in 2020 was a team of five Angus steers exhibited by James and Georgie Knight from RG Allen & Sons, Mortlake Victoria claiming the grand champion pen. Their winning team were scored 834.5 points out of a possible 1000. The same team also claimed equal champions in feedlot performance, with a full 350 points, champion Teys Certified Premium Black Angus, ninth in the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Index ranking and a gold medal in the new eating quality section. This is the second overall win for a team of Angus steers from RG Allen & Sons in the Beef Spectacular Competition since first entering the competition 4 years ago. Mr Knight continues to enter the trial because it has become an important benchmarking process for their business, ‘It’s about benchmarking a representative sample of what goes to the feedlot annually from our herd.’
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Last years winners, Tait Pastoral company, placed equal 3rd overall and were equal Riverine Premium Beef Champion Pens, as well as second and third highest MSA Rankings and gold medals for eating quality. Tait Pastoral was also awarded Champion Carcase team. Reserve Champion for carcase performance was a team of Angus cross steers from S & J Priestly. Barfold Beef’s pen of Angus steers were awarded Reserve Champion Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Champion Pen. First time entrants, Hufton pastoral Co received the highest MSA ranking and a gold medal for eating quality.
A selection of the steers and an Eye Muscle Area from the Grand Champion Pen of 5 steers entered by RG Allen & Sons
Beef Spectacular Angus Champions
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A: Reserve champion in the carcase section went to the Angus cross pen from Shane and Jenny Priestly, Gregadoo, B: Jasmine Green, Teys Australia with Tim, Charles and Mal Hufton, Hufton Pastoral Co, won the highest MSA index of the competition to win the Eating Qaulity awards. Pictured with Tom Maguire, Teys Australia., C: Stuart and Isabel Tait, Tait Pastoral Company, Champion carcase performance, equal Riverine Premium Beef Champion Pen & equal 3rd place overall with their two teams of Angus steers, 2nd & 3rd in the Eating quality. Pictured with Teys Australia General Manager Feedlots Grant Garey, D: Stephen Palmer, Kyeamba Downs Partnership, received 4th in the eating quality awards, E: James & Georgie Knight, RG Allen & Sons, overall Grand Champion pen of steers, equal Champion for Feedlot Performance, Champion Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Champion Pen & 9th in eating quality, F: Barfold Beef won Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Reserve Champion Pen & 7th place overall. Matt Shea, Barfold Beef, is pictured with Scott Hannaford of Coopers Animal Health Images: The Land
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Canberra Champions
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B
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D A: Interbreed Bull - PC Not Negotiable N142, Pine Creek Angus, B: Interbreed Female - PC Miss J260 Conversion M205, Pine Creek Angus, C: Senior & Grand Champion Angus Bull - PC Not Negotiable N142, Pine Creek Angus D: Interbreed Breeders Group Pine Creek Angus, E: Senior & Grand Champion Female & Supreme Exhibit - PC Miss J260 Conversion M205, Pine Creek Angus
E 12
Images: Emily H Photography
For the full results visit www.angusaustralia.com.au
WA State Chairperson Mark Hattingh, Lesley Young, John Young and Angus Australia President Brad Gilmour at the presentation. Photo Farm Weekly
John Young awarded Honorary Life Membership Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Western Australian John Young was recently awarded an Honorary Life Membership for his dedication to the Angus breed and Angus Australia for over 50 years. Mr Young established Strathay Angus stud, Narrogin, with his father Jack in approximately 1966 after immigrating from Perthshire, Scotland in the early 1960s. Strathay Angus stud was recognised for quality breeding and was named most successful exhibitor at Perth Royal Show several times in the 1980s and 1990s. Mr Young was President of Angus Australia from 20072008 and assisted in the development of Certified Australian Angus Beef, export standards and updating the Angus Australia Constitution. Mr Young has been an active member of the WA State Committee since the 1970s, acting as president from 19851986 and served as a member of the Angus board in intermittently from the 1980s to the late 2000s. In 2005 Mr Young acted as Vice-President of Angus Australia and was chairperson of the Export Marketing Steering Committee. Most recently Mr Young was on the organising committee for the 2019 WA Centenary Celebration and was a driving
force behind the event, being responsible for ensuring cattle for the event and contributing to speaker suggestions. Since the dispersal of the Strathay Stud Mr Young has maintained his involvement with the Angus breed through his enthusiasm and continuous contribution to the WA State Committee, as well as assisting his granddaughter in running Angus cattle. When speaking to Farm Weekly, Angus Australia President Brad Gilmour said the following about Mr Young’s involvement in the Angus breed. “At a State level he has been on the WA Angus committee since the 1970s and performed the role as committee chairperson in 1985 and 1986,” Mr Gilmour said. “When it comes to Angus Australia, he was on the federal committee for a total of 20 years through the 1980s and then again from 1998 to 2011. This is an incredible achievement given the distance from WA to Armidale, New South Wales.”
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The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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A
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Around the Weaner Sales A: Knockdon Park manager Paul McFarlane, with Nicki Lewis, and a pen of Angus steers, 323kg that sold for 510c/kg or $1,651 at the Ray White Weaner Sale, Tenterfield NSW 27/02/20. Image: The Land, B: Ben Grubb and his father Beau Grubb sold Angus steers, 261kg for $1340 and Angus heifers for $1010, Elders Powranna Weaner Sale Tas 12/03/20. Image Beef Central, C: Rob Muller, Buckland Valley, offered 100 Angus steers which hit $1670, and 99 Angus heifers that topped at $1410, pictured with neighbour, Peter Eggleston at the Myrtleford Annual Weaner Sale VIC 6/03/20. Image: Stock & land, D: Robin and Mack Stagg sold their top pen of 28 Angus steers, 337kg, for $1360 or 403c/kg while 22 Angus steers, 241kg made 550c/kg. Pictured, Robin and Mack Stagg and son Stuart Stagg. Bairnsdale Weaner Calf Sale 17/03/2020. Image Stock & Land, E: Bob & Jo Crawford sold Angus steers, 124kg for 669c/kg or $829 and Angus heifers 119kg for 613c/kg or $729 AuctionsPlus 21/02/20. Image AuctionsPlus, F: Don Russell, Warwick Park, with his champion pen of 329kg Angus steers, which made 434c/kg to return $1428. Stanthorpe Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale, Qld 19/03/20. Image: Queensland Country Life
Strong demand for quality Angus weaners Kylie Nicholls, The Land
A focus on quiet, early-maturing and productive Angus cattle is paying dividends for Michael and Sue Spagnolo, Boxhill Pastoral Company, Yea, whose calves are in demand from local buyers. The Spagnolo’s took over the 600-hectare property in the state’s north-east about 12 years ago from Sue’s father Dougal Drysdale, a well-known cattle breeder in the area. They currently run a self-replacing herd of 300 Angus breeders. Mr Spagnolo uses a combination of visual assessment and estimated breeding values to select his bulls with a focus on structure, frame size and growth. “Our cow size is large, with mature cow weights averaging 750 kilograms, we buy for structure and getting that growth into them early, so 200 and 400-day weight is very important,” he said. “Docility is also paramount, they have to be nice and quiet or they won’t stay.” The cows are joined in late April to start calving from February 1 onwards, although the heifers are joined 10 days earlier to give them a better chance to get in calf. Conception rates generally average about 93 per cent. “We started pregnancy testing our heifers four years ago and now test the entire herd which has been a great management tool to improve fertility. “It has also allowed us to cull any older cows earlier while they are still in good condition. “In the past couple of years we have got more than $2000 over the hooks for our older cows which makes them a pretty important part of our income.” Mr Spagnolo takes a practical approach to raising his cattle, with no special management of cows in the lead-up to joining and calving. Hay is purchased for supplementary feeding through the summer if required. Until recently, all the calves were sold straight off their mothers in the Elders blue ribbon weaner sale in Yea, but due to pressure from buyers and feedlots, a weaning program has been introduced. “We were never going to do it until there was a reasonable dollar value to it but now the value is there and we have found it easier to manage the cows after the sale,” Mr Spagnolo said.
The calves are now yard-weaned for about a week in late November, before being moved out to a small paddock close to the house to get them used to people, dogs and motorbikes. The steers and any heifers not being retained in the herd are marketed through the annual weaner sales in January with the Spagnolo’s cattle often topping the market. “We aim for an average liveweight of 420-430kg for our top pen, but anything more than 370-380kg we are happy with.”
At the Elders’ 33rd annual Blue Ribbon Sale at Yea, Friday January 10th 2020, Boxhill Pastoral Company sold 132 Angus steers. The Spagnolo’s had the sale’s top price with a pen of 20 Angus steers 406kg making 346c/kg. All 132 steers sold for an average of 332c/kg. The Spagnolos also sold 39 Angus heifers, which sold to $970 a head, or 289c/kg, to average 279c/kg. The prices paid were more than 20c/kg up on Boxhill Pastoral cattle last year, despite cattle an estimated 20kg down on last year’s weights.
Michael and Sue Spagnolo, Boxhill Pastoral Company, regularly top the Yea weaner sales with their quality drafts of Angus steers and heifers.
Keep warm this winter with Angus Merchandise
Shop online at www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Around the Beef Weeks A: Tim Woodham, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Peter Collins, Merridale Angus, and Pat Joyce and Cindy Smith, Kelly Angus, at the Merridale Stock & Land Beef Week open day, B: Manager Luke Buchanan and stud principal Anne Marie Barrow at the Merlewood Stock & Land Beef Week open day, C: Darren Koopman, Emma and Jake Phillips and Jessie Thomson with Zoetis’ Mary Chirgwin, at the Bottlesford Angus Stock Journal Beef Week Open Day, D: ANZ agribusiness assistant manager Kushan Cowper, ANZ agribusiness manager Ron Sutcliffe, Elders Dublin/Yorke Peninsula livestock manager Matt Ward, and stud principals Brett and Jenny Graham at the Broomfield Angus, Stock Journal beef Week Open Day, E: Colin Flanagan and Pat Ebert at the Prime Angus Stock & land Beef Week open day, F: Richard Willing, Alex Furler and Janet Furler, with Pathfinder’s Elle Moyle and her father Nick at the Pathfinder Angus Stock Journal Beef Week Open Day 16
Images: Stock & Land and Stock Journal
A move to Angus helps boost market options at Roseneath Kylie Nicholls, The Land
Making the change to breeding pure Angus cattle has increased market opportunities and in turn, profits, for Rendelsham, South Australia producers, Nick and Karen Ellis. The couple, along with their young children, Maeva, Hugo, Dulcie and Sylvie, and Nick’s parents Les and Yvonne, have been using Angus genetics for the past five years, and continue to be impressed with the breed’s performance. “Moving to Angus has been a game-changer for us, every marketing door has been opened since we’ve gone that way and it doesn’t look like it is going to stop.” From the original herd of 60 cows and 20 heifers, the Ellis family have gradually built up their numbers. They currently run 400 breeders on their 1200-hectare property, Roseneath, in the state’s South East. “When we sold the first draft of black steers the tops weighed 420 to 430 kilograms at only 8-9 months of age which surprised us as we did wonder if the weaning weights of the pure Angus would be as good as our crossbred calves,” he said. “We consistently average about 340-360kg at weaning over the entire mob. “These results have certainly confirmed we made the right decision to continue with Angus.” The family also runs 1600 first-cross ewes and 400 Merinos for wool production and produces about 600 bales of silage and 1200-1500 bales of pasture hay annually. The cows are joined on April 20 for 12 weeks to start calving in early February. Bulls are sourced with a focus on maternal traits such as calving ease and fertility as well as carcase quality, including intramuscular fat and eye muscle area. Growth rates including 200- and 400-day weight are also important. “All the bulls are low birthweight too, I’ve hardly pulled a calf in the past five years. “I want to make sure the bulls will fit our herd’s style, I’m looking for a medium to large frame, good body depth and plenty of fat cover. “One of the biggest benefits of changing to black Angus is that we have saleable cattle year-round, whether it’s cull cows through the winter time, or weaners, they are always in good nick.” The herd and any young cattle are supplementary fed about three times a week during summer and autumn, with Mr Ellis preferring to use silage in the drier months and feed hay as winter roughage. About 80ha of broad beans are also grown, providing valuable stubble grazing for lambs and weaner cattle during summer. “We aim to have all our cows and ewes in forward condition during mating which usually coincides with an early break when the feed starts to take off, so all the stock join up really well.”
Since making the change to a pure Angus herd, Nick Ellis and his family, Roseneath, Rendelsham, are enjoying the range of new marketing opportunities which have opened up for their cattle operation.
The cows are pregnancy scanned, achieving an average conception rate of more than 90 per cent which Mr Ellis is pleased with. The calves are yard weaned on hay for 7-8 days in November and educated extensively through the yards. They are then drafted into their sexes with the heifers moving onto better quality pasture paddocks to be grown out. Normally the steer portion is sold privately within 2-3 weeks of weaning. The Ellis family has an established base of repeat buyers who purchase their quality steers each year to grow them out to bullocks. This year, they have decided to keep the steers and grow them out to be sold in August, at 18 months of age, directly to JBS or Teys. “By then they should be pushing 550-600kg liveweight,” Mr Ellis said. “I would like to work towards retaining more steers and growing them out to hopefully access the premium export market.” For the first time also, last season’s drop of heifers is being sold through Elders International’s live export order to be used in Chinese breeding programs. “It is a lucrative market when it is available and nearly every heifer we weaned fell within the market specifications. “We’ve got our breeding numbers up to a level where I felt we could have a year off and take advantage of this market.” While the Ellis family were building their herd numbers, 80pc of the heifers were retained with older cows culled more heavily. Heifer selection is based on frame size, depth of body and structural soundness.
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Commercial Supply Chain
Gingin Goddesses for versatility Jodie Rintoul, Farm Weekly
With more than 50 years of Angus breeding infused into their herd, the cattle bred at the Neville family’s Old Bambun Grazing property at Gingin, WA certainly stand out from the pack.
A
But it’s not only the history behind the cattle which makes them special, it is also the focus on the herd’s breeding and management programs by the Neville family that have delivered the results. Steve and Irene Neville along with daughter Megan and son-in-law Leigh McCallum are passionate about breeding a quality Angus product to ensure the long term viability of their family farming operation and it is why their Angus herd is one of the picks in the State’s north. The Neville family’s passion for the Angus breed and the cattle industry is evident and it’s a passion that has been passed down through generations. Mr Neville’s love and involvement in the cattle industry began in the 1950s as a youngster on the family’s dairy farm west of Wanneroo road at Wanneroo, which was run by his father and nanna. Mr Neville alongside his father and brothers rode horses tending to the herd that ran from Wanneroo road to Burn’s Beach. After the dairy herd was dispersed Mr Neville continued his involvement in the cattle industry running a feedlot and herd on a 40 hectare property at Mariginiup, while also working at the Midland saleyards and running a stock carrying business. But his real start in the cattle industry occurred in 1984 when he purchased his first block of 40 hectares and leased another 162ha at Gingin and the rest they say is history, with the operation expanding from there. When Mr Neville purchased this land he met local cattle farmer Matty Dewar, who was well-known to many as a knowledgeable stockman. “I knew of Matty and had had a bit to do with him, but when I bought my first property in Gingin he came and made himself known to me and he offered his guidance and advice,” Mr Neville said. “He was the perfect mentor for me and guided us in our selection of beef cattle for the property and in return I was 18
able to help him out with work he could no longer manage on his own.” This long standing friendship saw Mr Dewar bequeath part of his land and Angus herd to Mr Neville when he passed away in 1997 and to this day he still doesn’t know how he ended up with such an extraordinary gift. Mr Neville said Mr Dewar had been running an Angus breeding herd for more than 50 years and so to be gifted 400 breeders from his herd was a very good start for their operation. “That gift really provided us with a good foundation herd with proven genetics to start breeding from,” Mr Neville said. “Our herd has developed into what it is today from those original cows.” Today the family runs an Angus breeding herd of 650 cows and 80 replacement heifers plus 180 calves which are run through to yearlings on just over 1400 hectares – and they won’t be fluctuating from Angus. In Mr Neville’s own words “the Angus breed is unbeatable” and that is why they have stuck with it for more than two decades. “When I was running the feedlot and a small herd at Wanneroo, I always liked the breed but I couldn’t afford to buy them, they were always that bit dearer, there was always something in my head way back then they were the breed to have,” Mr Neville said. “It’s no different now, there is always demand from buyers for Angus cattle.” Over the years the family has occasionally introduced other breeds over a small percentage of their breeding herd as a bit of a trial but in the end they kept coming back to their beloved blacks as they like their uniform colour and market versatility. Mr Neville said it was the market versatility of the breed which really sets it apart.
A: The Neville Family are currently running an Angus breeding herd of 650 cows and 80 replacement heifers. The family believes it’s the market versatility of the breed which really sets it apart, B: Can example of the type of Angus heifers being bred by the Neville Family on their GinGin property, C: Farm Weekly Livestock Manager, Jodie Rintoul, Steve & Irene Neville, WA Angus Chairman, Mark Hattingh and AFGRI Equipment Australia Marketing & Small Ag Manager, Jacques Coetzee, with some of the Angus heifers that were part of the Farm Weekly’s
B
the Angus breed is unbeatable
“
“
“You can sell them as weaners or yearlings and to a range of buyers including lotfeeders, abattoirs or live export and receive a premium price,” he said. “You’re not locked into one option when it comes to selling them.” While the market versatility is the biggest trait the Neville family likes about the breed there are also a number of others including their maternal virtues, do-ability and large genetic pool. “They handle our conditions extremely well irrespective of the season and always produce a good calf for sale,” Mr Neville said. “There is also such a big genetic pool to choose from within the breed, so you don’t need to go to another breed if you want to add something different to your herd. “They really are just a standout breed.” Since daughter Megan and son-in-law Leigh moved back to the property with their children Caleb, Annabelle and Lucas in 2013, the family has been gradually building the herd up to its current number. “It has been a pretty full on period not only on the cattle side of things but also in terms of pasture and property improvements.” While the size of the breeding herd may have fluctuated over the years the type of female they want to breed, the bloodlines they use and their breeding program hasn’t. When it comes to buying bulls they are more than happy to pay good money for bulls that suit their needs as they want to produce quality cattle. Mr Neville said in terms of selecting bulls they look at both their physical attributes and figures.
“We want bulls that are structurally correct with very good feet, a nice head and a good temperament,” Mr Neville said. On the figures side they look for bulls with good calving ease, a mid-range birthweight, high 200 and 400-day weights, a mature cow weight less than 100, a high eye muscle area and a high Angus Breeding index. Along with buying in new bulls each season, the Nevilles also retain 80 to 90 heifers for their breeding herd as replacements. When it comes to selecting their replacement heifers they want deep, stretchy heifers with good volume, excellent feet and a good feminine head but most importantly, like the bulls, they must be quiet and have an excellent temperament. Mr Neville said their aim was to breed a good deep cow which was very feminine and had good mothering ability. In terms of their breeding program, joining starts in the first week of June so the calves start dropping in early March. The cows are joined at a rate of one bull to 40-45 cows for a three month period and heifers are joined for just six weeks in small mobs of about 30 head with one bull used per mob. Mr Neville said in comparison to other operations in the Gingin area their calving is earlier than most. “Our aim is to get the calves down before it gets too wet, as we have a lot of flat land that can go under water,” Mr Neville said. “While this earlier calving gives the calves more time to get up and going when it’s dry, it does mean we have to do a fair bit more supplementary feeding.” Maintaining the fertility of the herd is also a must for the Nevilles and as a result anything not in calf at pregnancy testing is culled.
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Commercial Supply Chain The Nevilles pregnancy test their heifers in early October while the cows are tested in January after weaning. When it comes to marketing their calves, for a long time the Nevilles targeted the yearling beef market but now they sell their calves as both weaners and yearlings. “We used to keep everything through to yearlings and up until 2010 we had never sold a weaner off the property but a run of dry seasons forced our hand,” Mr Neville said. “That dry period really made us look at how we marketed our calves. “We now sell our best calves as weaners and then grow the rest out to yearlings. “By doing it this way it allows us to run more breeders on the property despite the tougher seasons.” As a result of this marketing strategy the operation has already sold calves from this year’s drop. It sold 80 heifers in October to a China breeding heifer order and 100 steers averaging 311kg liveweight in November which went to a feedlot for a live export order, while another line of more than 50 steers was sold in January at about 350-360kg liveweight. Mr Neville said their aim was to basically sell half their calves straight off their mothers. “Anything that doesn’t make the weights or is younger is weaned in December and we take them through to yearlings and sell them the next spring to abattoirs at about 18 months,” he said. In terms of the weaning program in December, the Nevilles yard wean them for eight to 10 days and then run the calves in small mobs around the yards until they settle down. They are then run in larger steer and heifer mobs. In 2019 they carried 220 head through to yearlings and sold them in September. Health treatments and ensuring there is always plenty of feed on hand are also important parts of the management program on the property. In terms of health treatments all the replacement heifers prior to their first joining receive Ultravac 7in1, Vibrovax and Pestigard and then from there on annually they get 7in1 and Pestigard prior to joining, while the bulls are annually treated with 7in1, Vibrovax and Pestigard. When it comes to the feed side of the equation they also have good hay and pasture management programs in place, because with their early calving extra supplementary feeding is required. The natural pasture base on the property is a mix of Kikuyu and clover and this has been subject to a focus of pasture improvement.
Another change which has been made in recent years to their farming program has been the type of hay they cut. The family used to cut pasture hay but with the drying climate they noticed the amount they were cutting was dropping off and about seven years ago they ended up running short. When this occurred it made them explore other options and now they cut about 600 bales of oaten hay annually.
C Gingin Goddesses up for grabs The Neville Family were invited to supply the Angus heifers for the 2019/2020s Farm Weekly- WA Angus Breeders WIN 10 Angus Heifers and AFGRI Equipment John Deere ride-on-mower competition. The competition’s overall prize pool is valued at $25,400 (inc GST) and for the first time there will be two chances to win. The first lucky winner drawn will take-home 10 of the Neville family’s 2019-drop purebred, unjoined Angus heifers affectionately known as the ‘Gingin Goddesses’, valued at $15,400 (inc GST), plus thanks to Farm Weekly and AFGRI Equipment, a John Deere E140 Select Series, ride-on-mower valued at $5000 (inc GST), delivering a prize totalling $20,400 (inc GST). The major prize of 10 unmated 2019 drop Angus heifers and an AFGRI Equipment, a John Deere E140 Select Series, ride-on-mower, was won by Dale Gowland, Midland WA and theminor prize a matching ride on John Deer mower, was won by Peter Hill, Laverton WA.
Advertise in the Winter 2020 Angus Bulletin Bookings Close 25 May 2020 - Available online from approximately 22 June 2020 www.angusaustralia.com.au 20
A
B
C E
D F
Around the Female Sales A: Michael Garvey, topped the Wodonga Annual Feature Female Sale, 17/01/20 with a pen of 11 Angus second-calvers and calves selling for $2500 a unit. Image The Land, B: Jeremy Weston with daughter Ellie, bought the top price heifers, purchasing a pen of 13 Angus from Nampara Pastoral Company at the Naracoorte annual feature female sale SA, 16/01/20, C: AW & WJ Ryan sold the top priced PTIC Heifers with 9 Angus heifers making $2,075, Manjimup Special Female Sale, WA 6/01/20. Pictured are Glen Ryan and Brad McDonnell, D: HW Griffiths & Co sold 3 pens of mated Angus heifers for a sale top of $2,200 Elders Boyanup Beef Female Sale, WA 17/01/20 Chris Jones, Cody Anderson, Howard & Helen Griffiths and Alex Roberts. Image Farm Weekly, E: Wollen Partnership sold 41 PTIC Angus heifers for $2,350 per head. AuctionsPlus 6/03/20. Image AuctionsPlus, F: Sid Maher, Golden Grove, topped the Ballarat Feature Female Sale VIC, 7/02/20 with a pen of 44 PTIC Angus heifers selling for $2,700.Pictured is Joe Maher, with The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020 | 21 Evelyn, and Maria Perry. Image: Stock & Land
Angus Youth
Promoting the Angus brands that protect the Angus breed
22
Shift in breeding focus helps meet grass-fed specs with Angus Kylie Nicholls The Land
A shift in production focus has allowed central Victorian Angus breeder Amy Rush to access the premium grass-fed finishing market, a move she hopes will pay off in the long-term.
“We have changed more in the past 12 months than we have in the last five years,” Ms Rush said. “The farm size has increased by one-third and we have almost doubled our breeder numbers. “I have also gained accreditation through the Greenham Never Ever beef program which gives us another option and good market premiums, even for our older cows.” Trading as the Rush Bros, Ms Rush manages the Malmsburybased operation for her family, which currently comprises 350 hectares of owned and leased property, running 230 Angus breeders and 50 replacement heifers. “We have always run Angus, I loved them even before they were popular and when the market premiums and brand recognition is so well renowned, why would we change,” she said. “We are building a sound breeding herd that can regularly turnoff weaners to market specifications and continue to move forward, even in tougher conditions. “I’m after good, moderate cattle which are honest, rewarding and have the temperament to match.” Ms Rush uses a combination of visual appraisal and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for her sire selection. “Our purchase checklist varies a bit from sale to sale but the two most important attributes for me would be the temperament, as I am doing most of the cattle work on my own, and conformation, including feet and legs,” she said. “Then I look at their EBVs, some years I am after a bull that is more maternally weighted and other times I have a heavier focus on carcase traits.” Ms Rush has also invested in top female genetics to speed the rate of genetic gain, to breed quality replacement heifers. “I look for a quiet, structurally sound heifer with good natural thickness and weight for age.” The breeding program was further expanded last year with the purchase of joined Angus heifers from northern NSW which calved down in July and August. A split calving is carried out to better manage pasture demands, cash flow and seasonal variation and risk.
“In the past I have calved all the heifers down in autumn only but now run both a spring and autumn heifer calving mob, transitioning younger stock back into each of the cow mobs,” Ms Rush said. “All the cows are naturally mated for eight weeks although I am planning on tightening this joining period even further.” The autumn calving mob is joined in June to start calving in March, while the spring calvers start in August. Nutrition is a key management focus at joining and calving, particularly with the heifers. “I think the quickest way to blow out your herd fertility is to not look after the nutrition and body scores at those key times, so joining is a critical time for us to keep them on a rising plane of nutrition,” she said. “Sometimes this can be quite a challenge when it falls during our winter and summer months.” Ms Rush has made a big shift to sowing more land to grazing crops, having great success with ryecorn for winter and a blend of millet and brassica summer crops. “These crops aren’t just reserved for the young stock, but also cow and calf units, the more I can put in front of them to graze, with less supplementary feeding, the better they do,” she said. “I like the autumn calving cows to be in condition score 3-3.5 at calving because they have to carry that right through winter.” The farm produces about 1000 bales of hay and silage which is used when there is a feed gap. Ms Rush has also brought in barley header tailings, fed in hay rings with molasses poured over, to assist in maintaining gut fill during the winter months. The cows and heifers are pregnancy tested and depending on their age and the season, the empties will either be sold or rejoined. The calves are weaned at six months of age, spending about one week in the yard with feed and handled extensively, before being transitioned into larger paddocks with better quality pastures. The weaners are weighed regularly to monitor their progress. In the past, the weaners were finished on-farm, using a small grain ration, and sold directly to the abattoirs at about 12-13 months of age. But with a bigger focus on the breeding herd, the weaners are now targeted for a 350 kilogram liveweight turnoff, with most going to grass-fed finisher operations and the balance to feedlots. “We are now also fully grass-fed, which was initially driven by high grain prices and is supported by the premiums available.”
Malmsbury beef producer Amy Rush has made some big changes to her Angus operation in the past 12 months, allowing her to regularly turnoff weaners to meet the grass-fed market specifications.
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Commercial Supply Chain
NVDs – Accepted Breed Descriptions Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager
The National Vendor Declaration (NVD) is a key control point for the verification of any black Angus programs by Angus Australia. For cattle to be eligible and meet market requirements of beef supplied into any Verified Black Angus Beef program, their breed description and physical attributes must comply with all requirements of the Black Angus Cattle Assessment Guidelines.
BLACK ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES NVD Breed Description options Angus x Angus · AA x AA
Compliance with all below standards required Straight black and representing Angus phenotype Small amount of white underline (underline defined as no white visible from the front of the animal) No white legs and feet · No horns Scurs are acceptable, however they must not be fixed to the skull No bos indicus or dairy characteristics such as loose sheath, bos indicus ears or hump
Angus x Angus AA x AA
Example of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description
These brands are included in the Verified Black Angus Beef program and more information can be found on the Angus Australia website.
24
The National Vendor Declaration (NVD) is a key control point for the verification of any Angus programs by Angus Australia. For cattle to be eligible and meet market requirements of beef supplied into the McDonalds Angus burger range, their breed description and physical attributes must be compliant with all requirements of the Angus Cattle Assessment Guidelines.
ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES NVD Breed Description options Angus x Angus · AA x AA Angus x Angus cross Angus x Angus X · AA x AX
Compliance with all below standards required Representing Angus phenotype Approx. 90% black or red hide Small amount of white underline (underline defined as no white visible from the front of the animal) Whole or broken white face No white legs and feet · No horns Scurs are acceptable, however they must not be fixed to the skull No bos indicus or dairy characteristics such as loose sheath, bos indicus ears or hump Contain a minimum of 75% Angus breed content
Angus x Angus AA x AA Angus x Angus cross Angus x Angus X AA x AX
Angus x Angus x AA ExampleAA of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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angus.tech
Introducing Angus ONLINE
Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager Angus Australia is pleased to announce the availability of Angus ONLINE.
Angus ONLINE enables Angus Australia members to interact directly with Angus Australia’s breed registry database and complete many of the tasks that are currently undertaken by Angus Australia’s Member Services team. Using Angus ONLINE, Angus Australia members can now request and manage their DNA testing with Angus Australia, while in time, Angus ONLINE will enable members to register their animals, record animal performance information, request DNA tests, create online sale catalogues, and modify their membership details, plus much more. Angus ONLINE enables members to complete tasks from the comfort of their home in real time, rather than having to send information for processing by the Member Services team.
The development of Angus ONLINE follows the implementation of Angus Database Search and Angus SELECT, and is the next stage of Angus Australia’s software development initiative. Referred to as Angus.Tech, this software development initiative involves transitioning the software that is utilised to manage Angus Australia’s extensive pedigree, performance and genomic database, from generic software available from 3rd party service providers, to in-house software that is specifically tailored to the needs of Angus Australia and our members.
Head to www.angusaustralia.com.au to visit angus.tech
Have You Downloaded the Latest Version of the Angus App? Angus Australia members who utilise the Angus app are encouraged to ensure that they have the latest version of the app installed on their device, which was released in January. Users of an Apple device (iPhone, iPad) should go to the App Store and install the latest update, which is Angus app version 5.3.6. Users of an Android device will need to uninstall and re-install the new app (through a search for The Angus Society of Australia). The Angus app is a cross-platform mobile application for iOS and Android devices, developed by Angus Australia, to support the Angus.Tech suite of software. The Angus app allows users to instantly access detailed information about registered Angus animals, or members of Angus Australia, drawing on information from the Angus Australia database. 26
The simplistic design of the Angus app ensures Angus breeders are able to quickly bring up information using their mobile device. Users can search for individual animals, with either their animal ID or animal name, and view information such as basic details, pedigree, EBV information, the EBV chart, as well as photos of the animal. Users can also access currently listed sale or semen catalogues, enabling Angus breeders to view information regarding the registered Angus animals that are either currently available for sale or have semen available for purchase, and identify those animals that are most aligned with their breeding goals and objectives.
Generating Registration Certificates Using Angus.Tech Angus Australia members wishing to generate registration certificates for their animals can now do so using either Angus Database Search or Angus SELECT. After signing in as a registered user, registration certificates can be created by completing 3 easy steps. Step 1: Conduct a search that returns the animal, or group of animals. Step 2: From the search results page, click on the “Go to Report Centre” button at the top of the page. Step 3: Once in the report centre, select the “Registration Certificate (PDF)” option. Completion of these 3 steps will generate a pdf file with the registration certificate/s, which can then be saved or printed as per requirements.
Importantly, the report centre can be accessed from either the Angus Database Search or Angus SELECT, providing members with a quick and simple way to generate registration certificates for all sale lots for provision to their customers on sale day.
For assistance when generating registration certificates, contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au
Angus App ; Member Search ; Animal Search ; Sale Catalogues + Much more www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 27
Genomics
Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
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
Add Core Genetic Test Panel1
$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, RG, Myostatin (NT821) and Homozygous Poll 3 TSU samples only
Angus HeiferSELECTTM
$51.45
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
ANGUS
for Northern Australia 28
Angus Australia – DNA Services – Neogen Australasia
Genomic Tests
Genetic Conditions
Angus GS
$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
Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)
$25.85
Add Coat Colour (RG)
$11.00
Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)
$25.85
Add BVDV (PI)
$9.90
Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)
$25.85
Osteopetrosis (OS)
$25.85
TM
1 2
Includes AM, CA, DD & NH Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, RG, Myostatin (NT821 only), and Homozygous Poll
$40.45
Genetic Traits Coat Colour (RG)
$25.85
Angus HeiferSELECTTM
$40.45
Myostatin (6 variants) 5
$25.85
Add BVDV (PI)
$9.90
Homozygous Poll
$25.85
Angus uLD 3 3
TSU samples only
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.
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
$27.50
1
Incorrect Hair Collector Kit Surcharge 1 2
$2.20
2
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
Are you looking for information about utilising Angus genetics in the Northern parts of Australia? For information resources, case studies, support materials and much more regarding the use of Angus genetics in the northern most areas of Australia, check in with the Northern Focus location now!
· Improved fertility
· Hybrid vigour
· Polledness
· Market flexibility
· All round balance The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 29
Genomics
Important considerations when submitting tail hair samples DNA samples can be submitted in a number of different forms when utilising Angus Australia’s DNA services, with tail hair, semen and tissue samples all accepted. Angus Australia members are reminded of a number of important considerations when requesting DNA services using tail hairs.
Use of Correct Hair Collector Kits
All DNA samples should be provided to the Angus Australia office in an appropriate hair collector kit and be accompanied by a DNA Services Order form. When requesting DNA services via Neogen Australasia, tail hairs should be provided in the generic, non-lab specific Angus Australia hair collector kits. When requesting DNA services via Zoetis, tail hairs should be provided in either the generic, non-lab specific Angus Australia hair collector kits, or the Zoetis specific hair collector kits. The Angus Australia non-lab specific hair collector kits can be purchased from the online shop on the Angus Australia website (https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/
shop/) in packs of 10 or 100 for a price of $1.20 per collector (incl GST). A sample processing surcharge of $2.20 will be applied for any tail hair samples that are not provided in the correct hair collector kit.
Introduction of Surcharge for Hair Collectors When Testing Via Neogen
A surcharge of $3.30 now applies for all DNA services provided by Neogen from tail hair samples. The introduction of this surcharge is consistent with the surcharge currently being charged to other Neogen customers, and reflects the additional costs of processing hair samples in the DNA laboratory by comparison to tissue samples submitted using Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs). Members wishing to avoid the surcharge are encouraged to consider the use of TSUs, or alternatively, DNA services using hair samples can be provided by Zoetis without a surcharge being incurred. The surcharge has been applied to DNA orders requested from January 1st, 2020 onwards. Further information detailing the considerations when collecting DNA samples is available from the Angus Australis website, or by contacting staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600. Left: Angus Australia or Zoetis collector kit
Time is running out to Genotype your females with Angus uLD Angus Australia members are reminded genomic testing with the Angus uLD product will only be available until April 30th. Developed in collaboration with Neogen Australasia, Angus uLD is an ultra-low density, low cost genomic product that has been designed for Angus seedstock producers who may have commenced genotyping either all, or a subset of their current calves, but who have not genotyped their cow herd. Angus uLD enables those producers to undertake a one-off genotyping of their mature breeding herd so that they can obtain maximum benefit from genomic technology, both now and into the future. Angus uLD uses an ultra-low density DNA test to assess the genetic makeup of mature Angus females at approximately 15,000 locations across the animal’s genome (known as SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms) to obtain a genomic profile for the animal. 30
The resultant genomic profile can be used for parentage verification of the female and her progeny, plus to add valuable information to the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for not only the female, but also her relatives. Angus uLD is not suitable for genotyping Angus seedstock sires or calves, which should be genotyped with the higher density Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products. Angus uLD can be ordered exclusively from Angus Australia for a cost of $40.45 (inc GST). For further information about the Angus uLD product, click here. Advice and assistance is also available from staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600, or Neogen Australasia on (07) 3736 2134.
Neogen and Angus Australia enter ground-breaking partnership Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Neogen Australasia and Angus Australia have entered a ground-breaking partnership to support the utilisation of genomic, or DNA-based technology, within the Angus breed in Australia. Under the partnership, Neogen has made a significant commitment to the ongoing support of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program through the provision of genotyping services and sponsorship. The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program is a major initiative of Angus Australia, with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and a range of industry partners, that is focussed on building a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database of Australian Angus animals for genomic technology validation, research and development. Neogen’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Ms Sarah Buttsworth, highlighted Neogen’s commitment to provide Angus Australia members with modern, affordable DNA testing services. “This commitment continues the long-term productive relationship Neogen has held with Angus Australia for many years and has delivered innovations like the Angus GS product, which is a genomic product built specifically for the Angus breed and available exclusively in Australia via Angus Australia,” Ms Buttsworth said. “The program of activities under our new agreement will ensure that Australian Angus breeders can extract maximum value from their investment in genomic technology, which in turn will further accelerate the considerable genetic improvement that is already being achieved within the Angus breed.” The Angus breed is leading the utilisation of genomic technologies in the Australian beef industry, with the Angus seedstock industry collectively investing over A$2 million in genomic testing during 2019. “The value that Angus breeders extract from this investment in genomic technology is dependent on the existence of
a large, well-recorded population of Angus animals with both genomic and performance information collected in Australian production systems,” Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager Andrew Byrne said. The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program is currently in its eleventh year of operation and has produced approximately 9,000 progeny from over 400 sires. “All progeny in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program are genotyped, and have comprehensive performance information collected from conception through to slaughter in the case of male progeny, and from conception to the weaning of their first calf in the case of female progeny,” Mr Byrne said. In addition to routine traits such as weight and carcase performance, progeny are now assessed for an increasing number of new or novel traits, such as immune competence, heat tolerance and feed efficiency. The partnership with Neogen will greatly assist Angus Australia, in collaboration with their industry partners, to conduct the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program on a longterm sustainable basis, ensuring Australian Angus breeders can continue to obtain maximum benefit from genomic technology into the future.
Neogen’s Sales and Marketing Manager Sarah Buttsworth and Angus Australia’s Breed Development and Extension Manager Andrew Byrne
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 31
Breed Development
only Angus. Angus. only Angus.
lly for Angus cattle.
The first DNAbyprofile created specifically ng for Angus cattle. Created Angus Genetics, the profile for Angus cattle. Angus GS™power is the and newaccuracy standard in genetic tability and deliver more than any testing for Angus cattle. Created by Angus Genetics, the profile is purely it will GS haveatbetter predictability and deliver more power and accuracy than any at greater value. LearnAngus more DNA. aboutSoAngus the Angus genomic enhanced EBV, and at greater value. Learn more about Angus GS at the Angus alia.com.au/ toprevious see howgeneration to order the test in Australia. Genetics website: angus.org/agi. Visit angusaustralia.com.au/ to see how to order the test in Australia.
For Angus. by angus.
ANGUS Genetics Australasia
nomics,
32
For more information to improve your herd with genomics, contact Genomics Territory Manager (NSW): Hannah Bourke Neogen Australasia 0447 299 096 HBourke@neogen.com
You can also contact our Territory Manager for Vic & Tas: Rodney Parker 0427 167 148 RParker@neogen.com
Research Breeding Values for Coat Type Launched by Angus Australia Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer
Angus Australia has announced the availability of Research Breeding Values for Coat Type. Identified as a trait of importance, particularly for the adaptability of Angus genetics in hotter, more tropical environments, coat type refers to an animal’s hair length, fibre diameter and handle. While research is required to confirm the relationship between coat type and traits associated with the profitability and productivity of Angus animals in Australian production systems, anecdotally, animals with shorter, sleeker coats are commonly considered to have better heat tolerance and tick resistance, and a lower dag burden in feedlot environments. The development of Coat Type Research Breeding Values has resulted from the analysis of coat scores for over 6000 animals as part of a collaborative partnership between Angus Australia and the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England (UNE). The Coat Type (CT) RBVs provide estimates of genetic differences between animals in coat type, and are expressed in score units. Lower Coat Type RBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with a shorter, slicker coat. For example, a sire with a CT RBV of -0.30 would be expected to produce progeny that have, on average, 0.25 of a score shorter, slicker hair than a sire with a CT RBV of +0.20, all other things being equal. Research Breeding Values (RBVs) have initially been published for sires entered in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program that have a Coat Type RBV with greater than 70% accuracy, and are available for download from the Research menu on the Angus Australia website. A subset of RBVs are provided on page 34 and 35 of this publication. Angus Australia members wishing to assist with this research are encouraged to collect coat scores on their animals. Coat scores are collected using a 1 – 7 score system, with a score of 1 indicating a sleek coat and a score of 7 indicating a very hairy coat.
Due to the impact of seasonal conditions on the coat of an animal, it is important that animals are scored during late spring/early summer when some animals have shed their winter coat, while others have not. The animals will need to be between 300 and 750 days of age at the time of measurement. Measurements can also be repeated during autumn if members wish to collect a score that is independent of coat shedding, before animals have started growing their winter coat. Further details on the collection guidelines for coat score can be found on the Angus Australia website, or by contacting Angus Australia’s Breed Development Officer, Matt Reynolds on (02) 6773 4626 or matthew.reynolds@ angusaustralia.com.au. Collecting Coat Scores Coat scores assess the coat of young animals examining hair length, fibre diameter and handle, and are measured as a visual score. Coat scores do not need to be collected by an accredited scorer.
Recording coat score data
Coat scores are collected on a 1-7 scale based on the visual appearance of the animal. Half scores can be used to identify animals who exhibit a coat score which is intermediate to the scores listed. All animals should be scored by the same scorer on the same day. If the scorers are changed, appropriate management groups will need to be assigned to capture variation in scorers.
When should coat scores be collected
Coat scores should be recorded when animals are between 300 and 750 days of age. Due to the impact of seasonal conditions on the coat of an animal, it is important that animals are scored during late spring/early summer when some animals have shed their winter coat, while others have not. For spring calving herds, animals would normally be scored as yearlings, often in association with their 400 day weight measurement. For autumn calving herds, animals would normally be scored at ~18-20 months of age,
Score Coat Type 1
Extremely short
often in association with their 600 day weight measurement. Measurements can also be repeated during autumn if members wish to collect a score that is independent of coat shedding, before animals have started growing their winter coat.
It
is important that there is some variation in the scores that are collected. Scoring all the animals in a group with the same coat score does not identify any differences in coat type between animals, and consequently does not provide any useful information.
Management
group information should be recorded for any animals or group of animals that have been treated differently or exposed to significant non-genetic influences prior to scoring that may affect their coat score.
It
is important to try and score as many animals within each contemporary group as possible. Collection of coat scores for only a selection of animals (e.g. only collecting scores for sale bulls rather than the entire bull drop) may result in data biases.
Coat scores should be recorded for
all animals in a mob on the same day. Coat scores for animals that have been collected on different days will not be directly compared.
Description Hairs extememly short and closely applied to the skin. Found in some Bos indicus, tropically adapted Bos taurus and in some of their crossbreds.
2
Very short
Coat sleek, hairs short and coarse, lying flat, just able to by lifted by the thumb.
3
Fairly short
General apperance smooth-coated. Hairs easily lifted, usually fairly coarse.
4
Fairly long
Coat not completely smooth, somewhat rough, patches of hairs being curved outwards, or whole coat showing sufficient length to be ruffled.
5
Long
Hairs distinctly long and lying loosely; predominately coarse.
6
Hairy
Hairs erect, giving fur-like apperance. Fingers are partly buried in the coat. Fine hairs of under-coat give soft handle.
7
Very Hairy
The more extreme expression of 6, with greater length and “body”, and heavy cover extending to neck and rump.
Right: Collection guidelines for coat scores are available from the Angus Education Centre
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 33
TACE
Research Breeding Values for Coat Type Coat Type Id
Name
NZE12922011238
TOTARANUI 238
BSCF73
WAITARA PIO FEDERAL F73
NORG255
RBV
Acc
Prog
5
-0.45
80%
3
-0.44
83%
RENNYLEA G255
4
-0.39
82%
NORF857
RENNYLEA AMBASSADOR F857
3
-0.36
NHZF1023
HAZELDEAN F1023
3
-0.36
WJMJ27
ARDCAIRNIE J27
6
-0.33
NMMH250
MILLAH MURRAH HERCULES H250
5
-0.31
79%
26
+110
-7.9
NORH708
RENNYLEA H708
5
-0.30
86%
40
+164
-8.7
NBHF526
CLUNIE RANGE FIRST CLASS F526
3
-0.29
83%
35
+124
-5.8
VLYG1730
LAWSONS GENERAL G1730
3
-0.28
80%
28
+55
-32.2
NGMH605
BOOROOMOOKA HYPERNO H605
5
-0.28
80%
26
+102
-13.9
ECMK173
BANNABY RESERVE K173
7
-0.26
78%
25
+123
+4.2
HKFJ87
PARINGA ABSOLUTE J87
5
-0.26
78%
25
+130
+5.3
QBVA020
GLENISA AXLE A020
3
-0.25
79%
27
+77
-0.1
NORF266
RENNYLEA F266
3
-0.24
83%
33
+95
+8.4
NMMG18
MILLAH MURRAH HIGHLANDER G18
3
-0.24
78%
25
+113
-0.1
NBBG105
BALD BLAIR DAVID G105
4
-0.23
80%
32
+131
-2.6
NAQH255
ARDROSSAN HONOUR H255
6
-0.22
81%
28
+121
-0.4
NMMJ137
MILLAH MURRAH JACKPOT J137
5
-0.22
78%
25
+121
-9.9
DGJG10
ALLOURA GET CRACKING G10
4
-0.20
81%
32
+155
+9.7
WWEL3
ESSLEMONT LOTTO L3
7
-0.19
79%
26
+173
-3.9
NORF340
RENNYLEA BLACK GOLD F340
3
-0.19
81%
26
+101
+7.5
NORK522
RENNYLEA KODAK K522
7
-0.17
81%
29
+160
+12.1
NJWF189
MILWILLAH ELSOM F189
3
-0.17
82%
29
+120
+1.1
WLHG40
CHERYLTON RITO LEGACY 3R9 G40
3
-0.17
78%
25
+39
-16.2
NZE21095009E38
NGAPUTAHI E38
3
-0.16
80%
31
+87
-1.3
NZE19507012H41
STORTH OAKS H41
5
-0.16
80%
25
+143
+6.1
NORK163
RENNYLEA K163
6
-0.15
81%
28
+147
+7.3
NZE16932011553
TE MANIA 11 553
5
-0.13
81%
28
+111
+0.0
VRBJ297
RIDDELLVUE JUSTICE J297
5
-0.11
78%
25
+112
-0.7
NHZF493
HAZELDEAN F493
3
-0.10
80%
27
+166
-6.1
EDUJ41
DENHOLM GLEN G10 BARTEL J41
6
-0.08
86%
45
+134
+10.2
USA16873429
EXAR CONCISE 1304B
3
-0.08
80%
28
+100
-7.1
BHRH744
DUNOON HIGHPOINT H744
6
-0.05
81%
28
+122
-6.2
CSWJ26
MURDEDUKE JAMBOREE J26
6
-0.05
80%
27
+137
-1.6
NZE18681012006
FOSSIL CREEK HERO H006
5
-0.05
78%
25
+85
-13.9
EUDF0066
GILMANDYKE FOREMAN F0066
3
-0.02
80%
28
+125
-1.6
HBUJ301
ANVIL J301
5
+0.00
79%
26
+102
-1.6
AMQJ64
BROOKLANA TM EMPEROR J64
6
+0.00
79%
25
+146
-1.5
NURG20
MURRAY EL GRANDO G20
3
+0.03
80%
25
+165
-10.8
QRFJ347
RAFF HINGAIA J347
6
+0.06
78%
25
+106
-2.7
VICG43
IRELANDS GALAXY G43
5
+0.14
82%
33
+66
-6.9
NZE17691009E297
TURIHAUA REX E297
3
+0.15
78%
26
+56
+5.6
TJTH33
ANTU EMULATION NEXT H33
5
+0.16
81%
26
+80
+5.3
VONG272
BANQUET GARRETT G272
4
+0.17
78%
26
+109
-0.7
NMMK35
MILLAH MURRAH KINGDOM K35
6
+0.21
79%
28
+97
-15.2
NZE10752011M14
TE WHANGA M14
4
+0.21
78%
26
+79
-0.2
NZEB11
WAITAWHETA B11
3
+0.22
80%
29
+50
+7.8
SJVG10
GLENTANNER KODIAK G10
3
+0.41
80%
30
+59
-6.6
34
Cohort
ABI
CED
25
+95
-8.3
37
+140
+5.1
31
+128
-10.1
80%
27
+149
-7.0
80%
26
+130
+6.9
79%
26
+144
+8.8
March 2020 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation EBVs 200
400
600
MCW
Milk
SS
CWt
EMA
Rib
+46
+80
+103
+97
+9
+1.3
+61
+7.0
-1.0
+56
+105
+136
+88
+26
+2.5
+85
+5.0
-0.9
+51
+97
+134
+125
+22
+1.0
+94
+6.8
+0.6
+45
+91
+117
+113
+15
+1.5
+82
+2.0
+38
+73
+90
+83
+14
+3.5
+66
+7.4
+58
+104
+143
+133
+12
+0.7
+99
+3.7
Rump
RBY
IMF
-2.7
-0.8
+3.9
-0.6
+0.9
+1.5
-3.7
-0.7
+5.3
+1.1
+0.8
-0.8
+5.0
+3.5
+0.0
-2.8
+5.9
+1.6
+0.1
-0.6
+1.8
+41
+78
+106
+88
+14
+2.7
+59
+1.6
-1.4
-0.6
-0.2
+2.7
+50
+104
+132
+113
+14
+2.9
+75
+10.3
-2.9
-4.8
+2.1
+5.6
+64
+115
+153
+107
+19
+1.2
+95
+3.5
-0.5
-0.9
+0.6
+0.8
+55
+93
+114
+112
+14
+2.0
+76
+12.1
-3.2
-5.0
+4.4
+0.1
+53
+93
+124
+123
+15
+1.9
+67
+6.9
+0.1
+0.3
+1.7
+0.9
+53
+82
+113
+119
+10
+1.2
+70
+8.9
+0.5
-2.1
+1.6
+2.1
+50
+82
+91
+99
+3
+2.4
+65
+7.7
+1.4
+0.0
+1.9
+2.4
+39
+70
+94
+65
+13
+2.0
+56
+1.5
+1.3
+0.7
-1.0
+0.8
+41
+73
+100
+45
+28
+1.0
+50
+7.8
-1.1
-1.5
-0.2
+2.2
+48
+90
+114
+93
+23
+4.4
+73
+8.2
-3.2
-1.3
+3.0
+0.5
+45
+75
+100
+103
+2
+1.7
+25
+9.2
-1.8
+0.1
+1.7
+3.3
+45
+77
+103
+94
+10
+2.1
+61
+6.0
+1.6
+0.1
+0.8
+2.6
+54
+97
+135
+123
+25
+2.4
+75
+7.8
-1.9
-0.5
+1.7
+0.8
+44
+80
+89
+77
+10
-0.1
+54
+14.0
+0.7
+0.2
+0.0
+4.9
+58
+106
+135
+118
+25
+3.6
+85
+10.5
-0.4
-0.3
+1.2
+4.3
+36
+71
+85
+64
+4
+0.6
+34
+4.4
-2.0
-0.3
-1.2
+3.2
+48
+90
+119
+117
+14
+4.6
+66
+3.8
+2.6
+1.7
-0.7
+4.0
+49
+93
+128
+119
+24
+2.2
+91
+8.1
-1.6
-4.5
+2.3
+1.0
+33
+52
+62
+53
+5
-0.1
+28
+7.4
+1.7
+4.5
+0.5
+0.0
+49
+81
+97
+90
+8
+2.0
+57
+1.7
-2.1
-2.7
-0.4
+2.6
+47
+89
+117
+108
+17
+4.3
+53
+7.6
+1.6
+1.8
+1.5
+1.0
+42
+78
+104
+63
+10
+0.3
+63
+17.6
-2.1
-1.5
+2.9
+2.5
+37
+67
+87
+82
+12
+0.9
+54
+10.5
+0.3
-1.1
+1.3
+2.8
+55
+92
+124
+91
+19
+1.7
+75
+4.1
-1.3
-2.7
+1.1
+1.0
+56
+95
+124
+99
+22
+3.3
+61
+11.3
-0.7
+0.1
+2.0
+3.7
+42
+81
+100
+60
+24
+2.7
+40
+8.4
-2.2
+0.9
+1.4
+1.7
+50
+82
+102
+82
+16
+2.4
+63
+13.2
-3.1
-7.1
+3.4
+3.4
+57
+96
+132
+131
+17
+3.3
+86
+5.0
-1.8
-1.3
+1.7
+1.4
+55
+99
+135
+145
+10
+3.9
+82
+4.1
-1.7
-1.4
+0.5
+3.3
+44
+70
+82
+31
+10
+1.8
+47
+8.1
+2.2
+4.9
-0.2
+0.8
+56
+107
+156
+157
+25
+1.7
+77
+2.7
-3.3
-4.5
+1.5
+2.0
+45
+77
+104
+91
+16
+0.9
+51
-0.4
-1.0
-1.0
+0.7
+0.9
+66
+123
+172
+179
+12
+2.7
+99
+4.2
-0.3
-0.6
+1.4
+0.5
+66
+110
+154
+144
+12
+4.1
+94
+12.0
-4.4
-5.0
+4.1
+3.0
+49
+92
+129
+129
+19
+1.5
+84
+14.3
-0.4
-2.3
+2.9
-0.3
+41
+72
+97
+93
+10
+1.3
+51
+5.5
-0.2
-1.5
+1.1
-0.1
+29
+53
+76
+80
+13
+1.0
+22
+1.2
+1.8
+1.3
+0.3
-0.5
+37
+69
+85
+80
+12
+0.6
+45
+1.4
+2.7
+4.0
-1.0
-0.1
+50
+96
+139
+132
+19
+4.6
+58
+2.5
-2.0
-2.4
+0.0
+2.4
+56
+100
+141
+147
+10
+1.0
+64
+7.8
-0.6
-0.1
+0.9
-0.3
+48
+75
+108
+93
+14
+1.5
+65
+1.6
+1.3
+5.2
-1.2
-1.1
+22
+55
+67
+40
+15
+0.9
+21
-3.9
+2.5
+1.3
-1.8
+0.1
+43
+73
+95
+102
+10
+1.3
+49
-3.0
-0.9
-1.2
-1.3
+0.5
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 35
TACE
Modifications to Calving Ease EBVs Some considerable modifications were implemented into the software that is used to calculate Calving Ease Direct and Calving Ease Daughters EBVs within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation in December 2019. The modifications were part of an upgrade to the calving ease analysis software so that it is largely consistent with the software that is used to calculate the EBVs for other traits. For the technically minded, this included implementation of a new EBV SOLVER program, improved modelling of genetic groups, a revised procedure for handling calving difficulty scores, and a revised procedure for handling of genomic information. Importantly, the new Calving Ease EBVs now provide a better estimate of each animal’s breeding value.
TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Analysis Dates 2020 The submission deadlines for inclusion of performance data in TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation analyses for the remainder of 2020 are as follows.
Angus Australia members participating in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation are encouraged to make sure that all of their registration details, DNA and performance data is submitted well ahead of the submission deadlines to guarantee that updated EBVs are available when they are needed. 36
The modifications that have been implemented have resulted in a considerable increase in the standard deviation, or spread of Calving Ease EBVs. This is illustrated by an increase in the 1% percentile band for the Calving Ease Direct EBV increasing from +5.0 to +12.2. Similarly, the 99% percentile band for the Calving Ease Direct EBV has decreased from -7.6 to -13.1. Below: Figure 1 - Modifications to the calculation of Calving Ease EBVs have resulted in a considerable increase in the spread of EBVs.
Analysis
Submission Deadline
Results Available (Indicative)
Mid April
April 1
April 18
May
April 15
April 30
Mid May
May 1
May 19
June
May 15
May 31
Mid June
June 1
June 16
July
June 15
June 30
Mid July
July 1
July 17
August
July 15
July 31
Mid August
August 1
August 18
September
August 15
August 31
Mid September September 1
September 18
October
September 15
September 30
Mid October
October 1
October 16
November
October 15
October 31
Mid November
November 1
November 16
December
November 12
November 30
Mid December
November 25
December 11
January
December 9
December 24
Table 1 – 2020 Submission Deadlines for TACE
TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Have You Updated Your Marketing Materials? As announced in December, the title of the genetic evaluation conducted by Angus Australia and Angus New Zealand is now referred to as the “TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation”, rather than “Angus BREEDPLAN”. It is important to note that the change in title does not reflect any change to the analytical software. The EBVs that are published will still be calculated using BREEDPLAN analytical software. With the change in title, members are reminded to update any marketing materials that may have referred to Angus BREEDPLAN.
Websites/Advertisements
Any reference to “Angus BREEDPLAN” should now be replaced with “TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation” or “TACE”, and the previous “Angus BREEDPLAN” logo should be replaced with the new TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation logo.
A copy of the new logo can be downloaded from the Angus Australia website.
Sale Catalogues
All introductory notes should be updated to reflect the change in analysis title and logo. Example explanatory notes can be downloaded from the Angus Australia website.
Presentation of EBVs
It is important that the correct analysis title is used when presenting EBVs. For example, February 2020 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. An example presentation of EBVs in a sale catalogue utilising the new title and logo is presented below:
New TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Reports Angus Australia members participating in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) are now provided with a range of new reports at the completion of each bi-monthly analysis. The reports are specific to each Angus Australia member, and are made available for download from the members area on the Angus Australia website. Three new reports are provided including a Herd EBV Report, Exclusions Report and Genetic Benchmarking Report.
the member’s ownership, across all years. This file can be imported into generic spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, or compatible herd recording software programs like Sapien, Stockbook or HerdMASTER.
Herd EBV Report – available as a pdf document, this report contains the EBVs for sires, dams and calves in the member’s herd. Exclusions Report – available as a pdf document, this report contains a summary of any performance and genomic information from the member’s herd that has been excluded from the genetic evaluation. Genetic Benchmarking Report – available as a pdf document, this report provides information enabling the member to evaluate and benchmark the genetic improvements in their seedstock breeding enterprise against other Angus seedstock enterprises within Australia. Hard copies of the reports are available upon request from the Member Services team. In addition to the new reports, members are also provided with a csv file containing the EBVs for all animals that have been bred in the member’s herd, or are currently in
Pictured above: Herd EBV Report, Exclusions Report and Genetic Benchmarking Report The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 37
Sire Benchmarking
ASBP Cohort 11 –Sire Nominations OPEN Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
It’s time to nominate sires for the next round of the Angus Sire Benchmarking program (ASBP) to produce the Cohort 11 progeny.
The joining program will commence in September 2020, and is expected to involve over 2,000 Angus cows across five co-operator herds. The benefits of bulls entering the ASBP include: • Close genetic linkage to the Angus Australia genomics reference population ensures research outcomes will be highly relevance to your herd. • Be involved in world leading research in areas such as genomics tools, eating quality image technology and testing for immune competence. • Receive high accuracy EBVs, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed intake, abattoir carcase data and female reproduction. • Receive progeny average values and sire rankings from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA Index and MSA Marble Score. • Involvement in Australia’s largest and longest running beef cattle progeny test program including large contemporary groups. Approximately 40 bulls will be selected for the 2020 joining program with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 cows
by fixed time AI. The bull selection criteria will be based on genetic diversity, breeding values, selection indexes and their relationship to sires already used in the ASBP. Preference will also be given to early nominations. For further details on the ASBP and to nominate bulls for Cohort 11 visit the Angus Australia website www. angusaustralia.com.au For all questions in relation to the nomination process or the ASBP in general please contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
Time to nominate your next
Super Sire
SUGARLOAF ANGUS
ANNUAL BULL SALE · SAT 1ST AUGUST 1PM
60 registered, performance recorded, heavy made easy doing bulls Jim Tickle - 0439 518 113 or AH: 02 4992 1980 · On property, Sugarloaf Creek, Dungog NSW · www.sugarloafangus.com.au
38
ASBP Cohort 7 – Sire Wrap-Up Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The collection and analysis of the full suite of performance data from Cohort 7 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has been completed. This most recently included abattoir carcase grading outcomes for the steer progeny, and fertility information for the heifer progeny. Cohort 7 included 1,326 progeny from 36 Angus sires nominated for the ASBP. Of the sires, 32 are Australian bred, while 3 are from the US and 1 from New Zealand. Some progeny from Australian bred back-up sires (to the AI program) are also included as part of the related retail beef yield phenotyping project. A summary of the phenotypes and genotypes (i.e. genomic profiles) collected and analysed in Cohort 7 in TACE and/or ASBP progeny performance reports are reported in Table 1. The full analysis results are available from the Sire Benchmarking section on the Angus Australia website by way of updated Progeny Performance reports This report, available for each ASBP Cohort, includes BREEDPLAN EBVs, progeny averages and sire rankings. Alternatively, you are also able to access, search and sort through the data available on the ASBP sires via the ASBP online catalogue (https://angus.tech/catalogue/asbp) or ASBPSELECT online facility (https://angus.tech/enquiry/animal/asbp) A summary of the top performing sires from Cohort 7 are listed in Table 2. This table lists the top 10 sires for the Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a range of progeny average values from birth to slaughter based on their progeny within the ASBP. For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www. angusaustralia.com.au). Additionally, the recently released ImmuneDEX Research Breeding Value (RBV) and Coat type RBV for the top 10 Cohort 7 sires for are listed in Table 3 and Table 4 respectively. For further information on each RBV please refer to the Research section on the Angus Australia website. The ASBP is a major initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir.
The objectives of the ASBP are:
1. Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, immune competence, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction. 2. Generate data for the validation & refinement of TACE. 3. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype reference population of Australian Angus for genetic evaluation, research and development. To meet the project objectives Angus Australia aims to join an average of 40 sires a year to approximately 2,000
Angus cows to achieve a minimum of 25 progeny (50:50 steers and heifers) per sire using the fixed time AI program supported by Vetoquinol and using the Cue-Mate devices. The Angus cows are located across several commercial focussed co-operator herds spanning Northern to Southern New South Wales and Victoria. The Angus sires that enter the ASBP are nominated by Angus Australia or New Zealand Angus members. A list of all bulls that have entered the ASBP can be viewed in the catalogues listing page on the Angus Australia website. Their progeny are comprehensively performance recorded for calving ease, growth, temperament, heifer reproduction, structure, feed efficiency, abattoir carcase and beef quality attributes. For all ASBP related questions contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
Table 1 – Summary of data (phenotypes and genotypes) collected and analysed on progeny of ASBP Cohort 7 Sires Trait
#
Comment
Genotypes – Sire
36
Average 59,494 SNPs
Genotypes - Progeny
1326
Average 48,761 SNPs
Calving Difficulty Score
1320
Birth Weight
1321
Gestation Length
1321
200 Day Weight
1270
Immune Competence
951
Docility Score
1268
400 Day Weight
918
600 Day Weight
866
Ultrasound EMA, IMF, Rib and Rump fat
1034
Feet and Leg Structure (x5)
1030
Coat Score
805
Pregnancy Test and Days to Calving
382
Heifers Only
Feed Intake
615
Steers Only
Direct Carcase Weight
616
Steers Only
Direct Carcase EMA
602
Steers Only
Laboratory measured IMF
602
Steers Only
Direct Carcase Rib Fat
602
Steers Only
Direct Carcase Rump Fat
616
Steers Only
Direct Retail Beef Yield
340
Steers Only
MSA Ossification
616
Steers Only
MSA Marbling Score
616
Steers Only
MSA Index
612
Steers Only
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 39
40
146
+133
Birth Wt (kg) Sire
33.7
36.3
36.9
NKLL76
USA17328461
NORK522
USA16295688
NGMK270
HYEJ7
NZE19507013J7
ASRK7
NORK522
QBGH221
NHZJ140
USA17328461
AMQK57
NFWL039
HCAK72
WWEL3
5
6
7
8
9
10
Rank Sire
NGXL8
4
Av. (34 Cohort 7 Sires
SMPK22
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Av. (34 Cohort 6 Sires)
278.6 278.6
HBUK267
NFWL039
279.3
278.6
278.4
278.3
277.9
277.8
277.5
277.3
277.3
277.3
277.1
GL (days)
426.1
436.4
437.7
438
440.6
441.1
443.7
444
445
445.3
AMQK57
WWEL3
NBHL348
NGCL154
NGXL8
NXOK41
SMPK22
HYEJ7
ELYH1
NWPL4
ELYH1
NBHK330
HCAK72
AMQK57
HYEJ7
NZE19507013J7
USA15719841
WDCK314
HIOL21
447.8
USA16295688
ASRK7
NZE19507013J7
ECMK173
USA15719841
HBUK267
AMQK57
HIOL21
NGMK270
NMML133
HYEJ7
Sire
QBGH221
ECMK173
ECMK63
SRKK306
NFWL039
NBHK330
NXOK41
WWEL3
USA15719841
HIOL21
Carcase Wt Sire (kg)
227.5
230.9
230.9
231
231.4
232
232.9
233
233.1
233.7
239.3
243.7
HIOL21
NMML133
ELYH1
KILK18
ASRK7
WDCK314
NWPL4
AMQK57
HYEJ7
NZE19507013J7
Sire
579.7
585.5
586.2
587.0
590.0
590.9
593.0
598.2
601.5
612.9
614.4
(kg)
600 day wt
(kg)
200 day wt
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.7
9.8
9.8
10.2
10.3
10.7
10.9
8.5
USA17328461
HBUK267
NORK522
NKLL76
WWEL3
NORK835
ASRK7
QBGH221
SRKK306
USA16295688
(%)
Carcase IMF
89.4
91.1
91.1
91.2
92.1
92.2
92.2
92.3
92.7
93.1
95.5
2
Carcase EMA Sire (cm )
NGXL8
WDCK314
NBHK330
HIOL21
USA16295688
HBUK267
NURL20
USA17328461
WWEL3
NGMK270
Sire
NURL20
HYEJ7
NKLL76
QBGH221
HIOL21
WWEL3
USA16295688
USA15719841
ASRK7
SRKK306
Sire
308
307
307
305
305
304
303
299
298
294
293
DTC ^ (days)
466.7
488.7
490.6
493.9
520.5
523.1
523.3
528.3
528.4
539.5
548.4
NORK178
HYEJ7
HBUK267
ASRK7
USA17328461
QBGH221
NFWL039
HCAK72
NORK835
ELYH1
KILK18
Sire
QBGH221
ASRK7
USA16295688
NBHL348
HYEJ7
AMQK57
WWEL3
ECMK173
SRKK306
USA15719841
MSA Marbling Sire Score
-3.36
-3.8
-3.6
-3.6
-3.6
-3.7
-3.7
-3.7
-3.7
-3.8
-4.3
-4.5
NFI-f (kg/day)
64.3
64.7
64.7
64.8
64.8
64.8
64.8
65.0
65.1
65.4
65.9
MSA Index
*Angus Breeding Index - March 2020 TACE analysis. ^ sires with a minimum of 3 daughters in ASBP with days to calving data For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au)
36.2
36.0
35.9
35.7
35.6
35.3
35.0
34.6
148
152
154
157
158
160
163
163
NBHK330
2
NWPL4
180
WWEL3
1
Sire
ABI* ($)
Rank Sire
Table 2. Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) – Cohort 7 Top 10 Performing Sires
Sire Benchmarking
Table 3 – ImmuneDEX RBVs for Top 10 (i.e. Higher Immune Competence) Cohort 7 ASBP Sires ID
Name
ImmuneDEX RBV
Acc
WDCK314 NFWL039
COONAMBLE KEVIN K314
+50
88%
GLENAVON REVENUE L039
+49
85%
HBUK267
ANVIL KOKODA K267
+44
92%
SMPK22
PATHFINDER KOMPLETE K22
+42
93%
ECMK63
BANNABY REALITY K63
+39
90%
DKKK15
HARDHAT GM GRASS KING Y21 K15
+38
90%
USA17328461
G A R SURE FIRE
+38
92%
NHZJ140
HAZELDEAN JAIPUR J140
+37
91%
HIOL21
AYRVALE LEGACY L21
+36
85%
Average*
+31
A
B
Average for ImmuneDEX is based on the average ImmuneDEX value for 3,223 animals in the analysis. These being ASBP progeny measured for immune competence and their sires. *
Table 4 – Coat Type RBVs for Top 10 (i.e. Shorter, Slicker Coat) Cohort 7 ASBP Sires ID
Name
Coat Type RBV
Acc
NBHK330
CLUNIE RANGE KALUHA K330
-0.38
77%
NHZJ140
HAZELDEAN JAIPUR J140
-0.35
74%
SRKK306
BOWMONT KING K306
-0.33
76%
NWPL4
WATTLETOP LOCK L4
-0.31
72%
HYEJ7
CHELTENHAM PARK BERKLEY J7
-0.30
75%
USA17328461
G A R SURE FIRE
-0.27
74%
ECMK173
BANNABY RESERVE K173
-0.26
78%
QBGH221
GLENOCH HINMAN H221
-0.25
76%
NZE19507013J7
STORTH OAKS JACK J7
-0.23
78%
Average*
-0.13
Average for Coat RBV is based on 180 ASBP Sires in the analysis. RBVs are only reported for sires with a minimum of 70% accuracy. *
C
D
Images - A: Pathfinder Komplete K22 SV, B: Clunie Range Kaluha K330 PV, C: Anvil Kokoda K267 PV, D: Bowmont King K306 Pv
information tools strategies
Education Centre
The Angus Education Centre is your one stop shop for learning activities and development opportunities
Learn more about Breeding & Genetics with Education modules covering: Selecting Bulls Understanding EBVs and Selection Indexes Angus.Tech Modules Collection Guidelines for TACE Collection Guidelines for Angus Research www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 41
Breed Development
Changing the way, we talk about breeding values Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer
Do we need to change the way we talk about EBVs? It is a beautiful day in western Victoria and the discussion around a group of sale bulls turns to EBVs. The conversation has progressed, as most do, with an initial back and forth on the physical and pedigree merit of the bulls in the group and has arrived at the examination of their EBVs. In particular, the docility EBV in this instance. A story was recanted of being charged by a bull at a sale (who was ultimately removed from the sale), that had an ‘extremely’ good docility EBV. The story then goes to challenge the merit of EBVs as a result of the claim and its inability to state what is clearly a ‘restless’ bull. The inclusion of EBVs in the discussion around a potential sire is great to hear, but sadly misinterprets what the EBVs describe about the bull. Misinterpretation of breeding values is a major issue for the industry and is ultimately holding back many producers from improving their rates of genetic gain. EBVs are the most powerful breeding tool available to cattle producers but they need to be understood correctly and used to their strength.
EBVs belong to the progeny
Any discussion which tries to relate a bull’s EBVs to his own physical appearance or performance is fundamentally flawed. In essence, you are using the temperature gauge to tell how fast the car is going. This is because whilst EBVs are specific to a particular animal, what the EBVs are describing is the type of offspring the animal will produce.
EBVs describe the average of a parent’s progeny
A moderate birth weight EBV sire is bred to a moderate birth weight EBV cow, and a bull calf is born. This bull calf is born at a heavier weight than was expected. The immediate response, many producers have, is that the EBV must be wrong, because the bull calf was the progeny of two parents with a moderate birth weight EBV. This is a common and incorrect interpretation. The truth however is that progeny inherit a different mix of genes from each of their parents at each mating, and you will still get the bell curve of progeny performance. In the example, while the sire and cow will on average produce progeny with a moderate birth weight, in this instance, the mix of genes inherited by the bull calf resulted in a heavier birth weight. For this reason, the progeny of a sire and cow, such as ET calves from a particular flush, do not all have the same EBVs.
Understanding the scale and the trait is paramount
Another common mistake when interpreting EBVs is not understanding what the trait is describing in the performance of the progeny. Once we understand the trait and what it describes, whether that be improvements in the trait within the progeny or improvement in the number of acceptable progeny, we can utilise the EBV within our selection effectively. 42
Take care when setting EBV thresholds
The use of set thresholds when making breeding decisions is an important component of utilising EBVs within a breeding program, however if the thresholds are too tight they can impact the potential gains of the program. More often than not, if the threshold is too tight it can restrict genetic gain through limiting potential animals that will overall deliver greater genetic gain for traits within the breeding objective. Restricting genetic gain might sound counter intuitive because what you are doing is putting clear objectives in place on the key traits we want to improve, which is important in making genetic progress.
Understand what the EBV means in real terms
If I set a threshold of +4.0kg for birth weight and won’t use bulls with EBVs above this, then we will get a set of bulls that reflect this and any other EBV cut offs put in place. What if a bull is presented that out performs the bulls we have identified across the other traits that we have in our breeding objective, but has a birth weight of +6.0 kg? No deal, right? ………. hmmm. Examining the scale, we see that the difference in birth weight EBV between the bull (+6.0) and our threshold (+4.0) is 2.0kg. As the cows in our herd to which the bulls will be joined is a constant, only half of this difference will be observed in the progeny, being 1.0kg. Therefore, we are potentially compromising greater rates of genetic gain in other areas as a result of, in this example, a 1kg difference in average birth weight. Whilst this may be significant in some circumstances, it is important that we take a dynamic look at the breeding and selection decisions we make.
EBVs are a prediction
The other limitation in setting tight thresholds around breeding values is that breeding values are a prediction, and like all predictions, may move as more information becomes available. Whilst things like genomics can reduce the potential movement of an EBV, the EBVs will still move
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logo & branding design graphic design services to members website maintenance as progeny performance information comes in either on calves, relatives or animals that share genes in common, in the case of genomically tested animals. If the threshold is too tight there is the potential that the ‘normal’ movement in EBVs results in the EBV moving outside the threshold, which again can expose you to potentially replacing an animal for minimal improvement in genetic merit of the progeny. A breeding decision is about selecting the best suited animal, based on all the potential options available with the most informed information. EBVs allow animals to be compared and utilising this strength within our breeding program is where we can benefit from the most powerful tool for cattle breeders.
What we say about EBVs
To support the industry in improving their rates of genetic gain with EBVs it is important to consider the following when talking about EBVs; • Don’t relate the EBVs of a bull to his physical performance, that’s not what they are describing • EBVs are predicting the differences in average performance of the progeny, and all bulls will produce a bell curve of performance across their calves. • EBVs are an accurate prediction of differences in progeny performance, something that has been proven in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program • Think in the scale of the trait when making breeding and selection decisions For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au
get branded complete sale catalogue design flyers & advertisements digital marketing graphics
design@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4600
www.angusaustralia.com.au
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Member Services
Member Services Matters Scott Wright, Member Services Manager
The Angus Australia Member Services staff are responsible for enabling Members to conduct all transactions with Angus Australia in a manner that is as streamlined and as efficient as possible.
A Rain in QLD and NSW
“How good is the rain?” The change for northern NSW and QLD in such a short space of time has been amazing. We are all hopeful that this is a long-term change in the weather system. Conversations have gone from despair to elation. The improvement in the cattle market is a great indicator of the confidence that has returned to the industry. And while we collectively breathe a sigh of relief, we all fully understand that many of our colleagues in southern and central NSW are still looking for a substantial break.
South Australia
In February I had the privilege of visiting South Australia for the first time and travelling around the to those Angus Australia members who held stud open days during the Stock Journal Beef Week. which were open during the Stock Journal Beef Week. Thanks to everyone who made me very welcome, it was great to forge new relationships and to hear feedback on a range of issues that affect the Society. It was really quite incredible to see so many high-quality bulls put up for sale in such a short period of time. It’s one thing for one or two members to present a great line of bulls but it is a testimony to the members when you see it across so many herds from small through to large members presenting very fine cattle to the commercial industry. My visit was topped off with a very constructive morning with Brad Lucas, the State Committee Chairman who has some great ideas for the State Committee going forward.
Membership changes
Very recently there has been quite a significant change to the way membership fees are charged. The annual membership fee invoiced to Full and Commercial members has been aligned to a single membership fee. Under the new structure, you will be charged a Base Membership of $110.00 and then members are will be charged for any additional whichever services they require. The alterations in the way fees are structured has become necessary as Angus Australia becomes involves in a more extensive range of services It became necessary as Angus Australia becomes involved in a wider range of services. I just need to say from the outset that for previous Full Members your fees should not increase at all, in fact on your 44
account if you may notice a small decrease. The changes are simply a change in the structure of the way fees are charged. For example, a Full Member in the past will have been charged a Full Membership of $220.00 and a Breedplan Fee of $195.00. Your total will have been $415.00. Under the new structure, you will be charged a Base Membership of $110.00, an Animal registration Service Fee of $110.00 and a TACE Fee of $165.00 which will be a total of $385.00. It’s a small saving if you enrol in TACE of $30.00. If you have previously been a Commercial Member, you will notice a small increase in membership cost from $88.00 to $110.00, however it will give you access to a greater range of services. You will find the outline of membership changes at: https:// www.angusaustralia.com.au/changes-tomembershipinvoicing/ Essentially, we have gone to a system where members are charged a Base Membership Fee and then Fees for any additional whichever services they require. It became necessary as Angus Australia becomes involved in a wider range of services.
Red Angus Register (RAR)
We still register Red Angus….and are very much open for business! Recently we removed the Red Angus Register because of the very low numbers of animals recorded on the RAR. The vast majority of Angus animals that are red in colour were being recorded on other Breeding Registers, and specifically the HBR, APR or ACR. Illustrating the low usage, less than 100 animals were being recorded on the RAR each year. It was deemed that maintenance of a specific Red Angus Register was no longer relevant, with the registration of Red Angus animals being more appropriately accommodated on the other Breeding Registers maintained by Angus Australia. To accommodate the removal of these Breeding Registers, all animals recorded on the RAR have been transferred to either the Herd Book Register (where eligible) or the Angus Performance Register.
A: Brad, Kaylene and Allan Lucas, Kate Fairlie at the Glentanner Angus Stock Journal Beef Week Open Day. Image: Stock Journal
&
A N G US
56 YEARS OF BREEDING BULL SALE Tuesday 21st April, 2020 Interfaced with Export heifers
I always like to highlight the value to Angus Australia Members of the live export trade. One of the real bright spots for Angus Breeders in 2019 was the sale of export heifers. Member Services Staff work with Exporters daily and all indications are that 2020 will again be a very strong year for sales of export heifers, particularly to China with a number of shipments already planned. Angus Australia provides the verification service to exporters seeking to supply these markets. A couple of tips if you are selling angus heifers for live export: 1. Ensure well before your sale that you are a current financial member of Angus Australia; and 2. If you are a commercial member purchasing bulls, please ensure that the vendor whom you have purchased animals from requests that the Bulls be transferred into your ownership on the Angus Australia Database. Please request those bulls to be transferred into your ownership on the Angus Australia database. Angus heifers that are exported need to be verified to their sire, so it is important when buying bulls that you request that those bulls be transferred into your ownership. Please ask the vendor to make that request, it will make the verification process much easier.
On property sale “Ardlui” Wagga Wagga, NSW Commencing at 1pm
Includes 2 Top Stud Sires
SPRYS-W INTENSITY P606 LOT 21 Out of Wattletop Barunah E295, equal top price female at Wattletop Dispersal, $38,000
Contact
If you have an issue regarding anything affecting your membership, registrations, Performance Recording, DNA or any other Member Services matter please call and speak to one of our Member Service Officers or myself. If you have any particularly difficult matters or grievances please don’t hesitate to contact me directly, either by email of phone 02 6773 4636.
Would you like any aspect of Member Services covered in more detail in future bulletins? Please email scott.wright@angustralia.com.au.
SPRYS-W ULTIMATE P552 LOT 22
LYNDEN & GERALD SPRY
www.sprys.com.au glspry@sprys.com.au | 02 6928 5526 | 0428 651 481 The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
| 45
Member Services
Additional DNA requirements for Animal Registration when parents are born after January 1st, 2018 Angus Australia members are reminded of the additional DNA requirements when registering calves with Angus Australia when the sire and/or dam is born after 1/1/2018. 1. If the sire of the animal being registered is born after 1/1/2018, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the sire with > 5000 SNPs (i.e. the sire must have been genotyped with HD50K for Angus or Angus GS, or the predecessors of these products). 2. If the sire of the animal being registered is born after 1/1/2018, and the animal being registered was bred by artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET), the sire must also be tested for the 8 genetic conditions monitored by Angus Australia. 3. If the animal being registered was bred by ET, and the donor dam is born after 1/1/2018, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the donor dam with > 5000 SNPs (i.e. the donor dam must have been genotyped with HD50K for Angus or Angus GS, or the predecessors of these products). A full list of the DNA requirements when registering calves with Angus Australia in the Herd Book Register (HBR), Angus Performance Register (APR), Angus Commercial Register (ACR) or Multibreed Register (MBR) is provided below.
New Registrations
• If the sire of the animal being registered is born after 1/1/2004, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the sire • If the sire of the animal being registered is born after 1/1/2018, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the sire with > 5000 SNPs (i.e. the sire must have been genotyped with HD50K for Angus or Angus GS, or the predecessors of these products). • If the animal being registered was bred by artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET), and the sire of the animal being registered is born after 1/1/2018, the sire must be tested for the 8 genetic conditions monitored by Angus Australia.
• If the animal being registered was bred by ET, and the donor dam is born after 1/1/2004, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the donor dam. • If the animal being registered was bred by ET, and the donor dam is born after 1/1/2018, a DNA profile must be recorded with Angus Australia for the donor dam with > 5000 SNPs (i.e. the donor dam must have been genotyped with HD50K for Angus or Angus GS, or the predecessors of these products). • If either the sire or dam of the animal being registered was under 11 months of age at the time of conception, the animal must be DNA sire verified. • The application to record a “Base” male must be accompanied by DNA sire verification (APR, ACR and MBR only).
Modifications to Existing Registrations
• The sire of an animal can only be amended if the animal is DNA sire verified to the new sire. • The dam of an animal can only be amended if the animal is DNA parent verified to both its sire and new dam. • The sex of an animal that is more than 24 months of age can only be amended if the animal is DNA sire verified.
Registration of Animals Recorded with Other Breed Associations
• An application for registration of an animal recorded with another breed association must be accompanied by either a DNA parentage profile from an Angus Australia approved laboratory, or a DNA sample for testing at an Angus Australia approved laboratory. To further discuss the DNA requirements when registering calves with Angus Australia, please contact staff at Angus Australia.
Use AngusSELECT to find Angus animals and tap into the unlimited potential of Angus genetics 46
Changes to Membership Invoicing While the registration of seedstock animals remains a core activity, recent years has seen a considerable increase in the range of member services being provided by Angus Australia to commercial Angus breed producers.
For example, pedigree certification for export animals, and genetic evaluation for straight-bred Angus commercial heifers. Reflecting the changing nature of services being offered by Angus Australia, there has been a change to the manner in which annual memberships are invoiced for the 2020 calendar year. 1. The annual membership fee invoiced to Full and Commercial members has been aligned to a single membership fee of $110 (inc GST). 2. A series of service fees have been introduced and will be invoiced based on the Angus Australia services utilised by each respective member. The service fees include: • Animal Registration Service Fee - $110 (inc GST) • Genetic Evaluation Service Fee - $165 (inc GST) 3. The annual membership fee invoiced for Junior members has been aligned to a single membership fee of $27.50 (inc GST) Members will now be required to be Full or Junior members of Angus Australia before being eligible to receive any services from Angus Australia. In light of this, and the associated alignment of fees for Full and Commercial membership, all existing Commercial members have been invoiced for Full Membership in 2020.
What does this mean for Full members?
The main impact of the changes for Full members will be to the items that are listed on their membership.
For example, full members who register animals and participate in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation were invoiced a fee in 2019 of $220 for annual membership, and a fee of $195 for participation in Angus BREEDPLAN. Total fee = $415 These members have been invoiced in 2020 a fee of $110 for annual membership, a service fee of $110 for animal registration and a service fee of $165 for genetic evaluation. Total fee = $385.
What does this mean for Commercial members?
Commercial members who were invoiced an annual membership fee of $88 in 2019, have been invoiced an annual membership fee of $110 in 2020 for full membership. Any members who wish to utilise Angus HeiferSELECT will then be required to pay the genetic evaluation service fee of $165.
Voluntary Angus Foundation Levy As in previous years, a voluntary levy of $33 (inc GST) has been invoiced in association with annual membership fees as a voluntary contribution to the Angus Foundation. The Angus Foundation supports many of the youth development, education and research programs conducted by Angus Australia. The Angus Foundation levy is voluntary. Members not wishing to pay the levy should contact staff at Angus Australia so that this fee can be credited to their account, or subtract this fee when paying their annual membership invoice.
• 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 - Autumn 2020
| 47
Member Services
Recording of Base Animals Angus Australia’s registration system facilitates the recording of “base” animals on the Angus Performance Register (APR), Angus Commercial Register (ACR) and Multi-breed Register (MBR). a sire and dam who are recorded in the HBR or another Angus Australia approved register. Following a review by Angus Australia’s Board, members are advised of some changes to the arrangements when recording base animals. 1. Requirement for DNA sire verification While previously the identification of the sire was required for the recording of base males, it will now be a requirement that the application to record a base male must be accompanied by DNA sire verification. Base animals refer to animals where one or both parents are either not known, or not recorded with Angus Australia. Base males can only be recorded if they are sired by a bull that is recorded with Angus Australia in the HBR, APR or MBR. Performance information is not accepted for inclusion in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation for base males recorded in the APR or MBR. Base animals cannot be recorded on the Herd book Register (HBR), where animals are required to be the progeny of
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2. Introduction of Genomic Testing Surcharge A surcharge of $25 (ex GST) will now be applied when base animals are tested with either the HD50K for Angus or Angus GS genomic products. This surcharge is designed to support the ability to utilise genomics data on such animals in genetic evaluation. To further discuss the changes to the recording of base animals, please contact Angus Australia’s Member Services Manager, Scott Wright on (02) 6773 4636 or scott.wright@ angusaustralia.com.au.
Review of Breeding Registers Angus Australia maintains a number of breeding registers for the genetic advancement of Angus and Angus influenced cattle. These registers have evolved over time and include the Herd Book Register (HBR), Red Angus Register (RAR), Angus Performance Register (APR), Multi-Breed Register (MBR), Angus Commercial Register (ACR), Progeny Test Register (PTR) and Export Breeder Register (EBR). With a view to simplifying the Breeding Registers that are maintained, Angus Australia’s Board have recently concluded a review of each Breeding Register. Resulting from this review, members are advised that the Progeny Test Register and Red Angus Register will no longer be maintained, effective immediately. 1. Angus Progeny Test Register The PTR was historically provided for the recording of performance data from structured progeny test programs endorsed by the Society, however animals in progeny test programs are now routinely recorded on other Breeding Registers, and specifically the APR and ACR. No animals had been recorded on this Breeding Register since 2010 and hence it was deemed that the Progeny Test Register was no longer required. 2. Red Angus Register The Red Angus Register (RAR) was provided for the registration of animals that are red in colour, or known to be carriers of the red gene. Usage of the RAR was however very low, with the vast majority of Angus animals that are red in colour being recorded on other Breeding Registers, and specifically the HBR, APR or ACR. Illustrating the low usage, less than 100 animals were being recorded on the RAR each year.
It was deemed that maintenance of a specific Red Angus Register was no longer relevant, with the registration of Red Angus animals being more appropriately accommodated on the other Breeding Registers maintained by Angus Australia. To accommodate the removal of these Breeding Registers, all animals recorded on the RAR have been transferred to either the Herd Book Register (where eligible) or the Angus Performance Register. No changes were necessary for animals recorded on the PTR.
To further discuss the removal of the RAR or PTR, please contact Angus Australia’s Member Services Manager, Scott Wright on (02) 6773 4636 or scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au.
Recording Red Angus Animals with Angus Australia With the recent removal of the Red Angus Register as one of the breeding registers maintained by Angus Australia, members are reminded that Angus Australia’s registration system facilitates the recording of Red Angus animals on the Angus Herd Book Register and Angus Performance Register. The Angus Herd Book Register (HBR) is provided for the registration of straight-bred black or red Angus animals that are the progeny of a sire and a dam each of which are also recorded in the HBR or in some other register approved for the purpose by the Society. The Angus Performance Register (APR) is provided for the registration of straight-bred black or red Angus animals not eligible for recording in the HBR. Straight-bred refers to animals of 7/8th Angus content or greater. Red Angus animals recorded on the HBR or APR have the same registration status, and access to all the same Angus Australia services as Black Angus animals. To further discuss the options to record Red Angus animals, please contact Angus Australia’s Member Services team on (02) 6773 4600.
Advantages of Recording Red Angus with Angus Australia • Animals are recorded in Angus Australia’s internationally recognised pedigree and performance database for Australian Angus seedstock animals • Animals are benchmarked against other Angus animals in Australia and New Zealand through participation in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, including calculation of EBVs for 24 traits • Animals can be DNA tested with world leading genomic technology available exclusively to Angus Australia members, such as the Angus uLD, Angus GS and HD50K for Angus products • Animals can be marketed through Angus SELECT, the largest one-stop shop for Angus seedstock genetics in Australia The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Northern Focus
Northern Focus in Angus Education Centre The Angus Education Centre includes a new module with a specific Northern Australia focus. It can be accessed via the Angus Australia website (https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/education/) Christian Duff, Angus Australia’s Strategic Projects Manager explains “Angus is a temperate beef breed known for genetics that provides are a range of advantages to beef breeding programs including fertility, beef quality, market demand and polledness. “These features offer many benefits to northern Australia beef breeding programs, particularly through crossbreeding systems. There are however some important considerations for the successful use and ongoing management of Angus and Angus influenced cattle in these regions.” For this reason, the new Angus Education Centre module has been developed and aims to provide an understanding of the considerations for: • Commercial and seedstock breeders in northern Australia utilising Angus and Angus influenced genetics, and • Seedstock breeders in southern Australia sending Angus genetics (e.g. bulls) to the north, “A highlight of the module is an interactive map that outlines region-specific consideration, such as incidence of ticks, buffalo fly, 3-day sickness, as well as climatic and grazing land management characteristics,” Christian adds.
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“Producers that are interested in using Angus or Angus influenced genetic in Northern Australia, or looking to send Angus bulls to Northern region are encouraged to utilise this resource” The Angus Education Centre is an initiative by Angus Australia to provide members and the wider beef industry access to information about strategies and tools to enhance the value and profitability of their cattle throughout the beef supply chain. For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au
The Interactive Map in the Northern Focus Module of the Angus Education Centre.
Where are they now? Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Featured in this edition of “Where are they Now” is Rebecca Rundell.
Rebecca Rundell What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities? In January 1996, I was given the opportunity to attend the Angus Youth Roundup in Hamilton, Victoria. I attended the 3-day event and borrowed a heifer ‘Banquet Wiven Q44’ kindly supplied by Banquet Angus. After the Roundup, this heifer I borrowed at the Roundup, we then purchased and this was the beginning of our family Angus Stud, Shadwell Park Angus. What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)? in 2002 I attended the Angus Youth Roundup in Bathurst NSW and was fortunate to be awarded the Trans-Tasman New Zealand Exchange. This award gave me the chance to travel both North and South Islands of New Zealand to research the beef industry for 6 weeks. This was an excellent opportunity provided by Angus Youth to learn about the Australasian beef industry, Angus cattle, attend various bull sales and work on several host farms while travelling. The scholarship allowed me to meet a lot of Angus breeders during a short period of time, then in return we hosted the follow up Australian Exchange winners. 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? One of the most important areas of Angus Youth involvement has been the links to industry experts who have assisted young people how to critically assess and justify cattle for structural characteristics and choose cattle for various markets, regions, breeding programs, also understanding carcass quality and suitability. I have found cattle assessment an essential skill in breeding cattle- Angus Youth involvement has created the environment to help participants gain knowledge needed in all aspects of cattle breeding. From mock bull auctions, setting breeding objectives, interpretation of EBVs, through to managing and marketing the animals produced. What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had? In 2000, my role as an Angus Ambassador allowed us to working closely with staff from ‘The Angus Society of Australia’ to promote the Angus Youth and the Angus Breed. Events included Leadership clinics, Angus Nationals (Wodonga), Angus Feature Royal Shows, planning of regional events to promote youth, and working with committee in preparation for the next big Roundup! This involved a lot of teamwork, planning and communication as the Roundup committee was based in several different
states across Australia (we had regular phone hook ups as there was no social media!) During many years of involvement with Angus Youth, and receiving the Trans Tasman Scholarship, there have been a lot of kilometres travelled… various letters of applications/ resumes written, interviews conducted, and judges, people and host families met and thanked along the way, Angus Youth provides many opportunities. How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now? In 2015, I purchased quality foundation breeding cows from Shadwell Park Angus to establish Shady Park Angus. Located in Southwest Victoria, Shady Park Angus cattle run alongside commercial lamb production on property at Branxholme, 25 km south of Hamilton. An annual breeding program is conducted mid-year using Artificial Insemination (AI), with autumn calving cows producing calves suitable for either preparation as herd replacing females, or quality study bulls for local producers. Performance recording on individual animals is an advantage for Shady Park Angus, as it assists in comparison and choosing cattle with characteristics suited for a particular breeding program, client or market. Particular traits are selected to produce progeny suited for the commercial buyer in our local area. After attending the 100 years of Angus Conference in Albury last year, it was special to meet again with the people who were contributing to Angus Youth back in 1996 and are still supporting today. I wish to thank Angus Australia for providing the opportunities, my supportive family and people within the beef/agricultural industry who have assisted in our development. Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program? Angus Youth is very supportive of young people coming into or currently involved in the beef industry. The program provides many practical skills, encouragement and connections with industry experts who are often lifelong contacts. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Angus Youth
Meet the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program participants Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Angus Australia and their partner, farm insurer Achmea Australia, are pleased to announce that ten young members of the beef industry have recently been selected for the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program. Following the success of the inaugural GenAngus Future Leaders Program in in 2019, the 2020 program will head further south, taking place in Melbourne, VIC. Each participant will attend a three-day intensive workshop, followed by a twelve-month leadership journey with the assistance of professionals in the industry. The GenAngus Program has been designed to support members of Angus Australia, aged 18-40 to either start their own beef business or grow their current business, and further develop their skills to propel them into future beef industry leaders. The 2020 workshop will be host to the following presentations: • Mindset, presented by Julian Prosser of Slight Edge Consulting • Risk and Liability, with Allan Deacon of Achmea, Australia’s specialist farm insurer and partner of Angus Australia • Business Writing with Australian Online Courses • Improving your Herd Genetics with Matt Reynolds of Angus Australia • Finance Fundamentals and Beef Benchmarking presented by John Francis of Holmes and Sacket • Marketing & Branding with Diana Wood of Angus Australia • Finding Your Places in the Market with Alastair Rayner of Rayner Ag • Succession Planning, with Isobel Knight of Proagtive Angus Australia Youth Development Officer Candice Liddle looks forward to working with those selected. “We have an excellent group of participants for the 2020 program, whom as young members of the beef industry are dedicated to using this opportunity to further progress their personal and professional development within the industry in order to benefit their beef businesses,” said Mrs Liddle. “Each participant comes from a different stage and background within their careers, and I look forward to working to facilitate a program that provides great opportunity in the development of young future leaders in the beef industry.”
Katie Fisher 52
Rebecca Rundell
Achmea CEO Emma Thomas congratulates the ten young beef industry leaders on their successful nomination for the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program. “This unique 12-month leadership program articulates Achmea’s international history of excellence and knowledge sharing, spanning two centuries. We are thrilled to continue to work with Angus Australia and support a program that will shape the beef industry for years to come,” Emma said. “It has been a catastrophic summer for our agricultural communities, many of which have also had to deal with the harsh effects of the prolonged drought. Initiatives such as the GenAngus Program are important in supporting the long-term resilience of our sector.” “The GenAngus program is about strengthening the beef sector and boosting the opportunities for the next generation of leaders, their families and communities right across Australia.” Lori Vamvas, Achmea Regional Manager for Southern Australia said the applications were of a very high calibre and the interest in the 2020 GenAngus program has been ‘remarkable’. “Achmea looks forward to working with the successful 2020 GenAngus applicants to help fast-track their careers in the sector,” Lori said. “We wish the participants a rewarding and enjoyable experience.”
Meet the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program participants Katie Fisher
Katie Fisher of Wallarobba, NSW, was brought up on an Angus commercial and stud operation, showing cattle from a young age. She has recently started her own small Angus herd, working to grow the business whilst working full time for a local stock and station agency. The ultimate goal for her business venture is to continue the growth of her stud through the purchase of quality Angus females in order to eventually breed and sell Angus bulls.
Sam Finlayson
Lachlan Woods
Brodie Collins
“I have had a passion for the industry from a very young age and I hope I can continue my involvement in this great industry for the rest of my life. I hope to be able to expand my business to a point that it is financially viable to become my full-time employment.” Through her involvement in the GenAngus Future Leadership Program, Ms Fisher looks to further develop her personal skills in order to support her future endeavours for her business. “I would love the opportunity to be a part of this program as I believe it will be an imperative part of growing my business and reaching my business goals. I would love the opportunity to network with like-minded people and be able to learn from many experienced people”.
role which requires him to work alongside directors and Chinese clients. Whilst working, Mr Finlayson also studies a Bachelor of Business and International Languages at the University of New England. Mr Finlayson looks forward to his time as part of the program. “As an employee of our family business, the opportunity to attend the GenAngus Future Leaders program will allow me the gain further knowledge and experience in how to take the next step for Three Creek Beef in expanding further into Asian markets,” said Mr Finlayson. “I also believe that networking with other likeminded individuals and business professionals will be an invaluable opportunity for further development.”
Rebecca Rundell
Lachlan Woods
Rebecca Rundell of Branxholme, VIC, currently manages a small cattle stud, Shady Park Angus, with the breeding objective of breeding and marketing quality but affordable Angus cattle with ‘performance genetics for commercial producers. Through her involvement in the GenAngus Program Ms Rundell will look to use what she learns during the program to assist in her future plans of further forward plan her business through improvement of risk management due to seasonal variation, integrating software and accounting systems into her operations and further marketing her business. “I want to gain further direction for small business management and implement new skills to apply to my current business to ensure long term sustainability.”
Samuel Finlayson
Samuel Finlayson was brought up on a cattle property based near Armidale, NSW, where his family developed Verified Black Angus Beef brand ‘Three Creek Beef’. Mr Finlayson is currently employed by ‘Three Creek Beef’ in the business’s international trading and finance sectors, a
Brenton Sessions
Alkira Riley
Lachlan Woods, Estella, NSW, currently studies Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University. With a background in farming, Mr Woods’ family own and operate an Angus cow herd and Black Suffolk ewe flock near Bylong, NSW, with Mr Woods assisting his father with the management of the commercial breeding herd, with the aim to utilise Angus genetics and improve pasture management to drive beef yield per hectare. Mr Woods is currently working towards a plan to continuing the genomic development of his family business to add value to their finished products into various premium beef markets both domestic and internationally, whilst also developing the marketing and branding of their products. Mr Woods believes GenAngus will assist in his development within the industry. “I believe that the aims of the GenAngus Program are in tune with my personal development goals of improving my understand of business benchmarking, fundamental financials, and marketing/branding of my beef business,” said Mr Woods.
Ellenor Nixon
Damian Thomson
Hugh McKay The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Brodie Collins
Brodie Collins, Tennyson, VIC, currently works on farm for his family Angus Stud, Merridale Angus, whilst beginning the development of his own beef business. Mr Collins looks to develop his business into a solid stud business with quality clientele with repeat buyers. Mr Collins looks to use the GenAngus Program to develop his understanding of administrative processes for beef businesses. “There are numerous opportunities in the industry to make money and promote a company but at the moment I don’t know how to do that properly or understand the best way to do it,” said Mr Collins. “I want to a part of the program because I want to learn how to inflict change to the industry in particular to my own herd.”
Brenton Sessions
Brenton Sessions, Balmutton, VIC, is currently selfemployed, having developed a 100 head Angus stud whilst also running a genetics business, marketing semen and embryos. Within the next five years Mr Sessions looks further both his genetics company and his stud, integrating his Angus herd into the model herd for his genetics company. Whilst he has had long running involvement in the beef industry through the development of his businesses, Mr Sessions looks to utilise the networking opportunities through the GenAngus Program to assist in further developing himself within the industry. “I feel the opportunity to network with likeminded people is always beneficial and no doubt there will be plenty to learn along the way.”
Alkira Riley
Alkira Riley, Koonwarra, VIC currently works as a Trainee Stock Agent, and recently began her own Angus stud with HBR cattle, utilising embryo transfer. She looks to further develop herself and her business in the coming years, to eventually migrate to selling high quality bulls and building her cow herd. Miss Riley looks to utilise the GenAngus Future Leaders Program to development her understanding of developing an effective business plan and budget. “I want to set up a successful beef enterprise and I want to learn as much as possible to do so. I have never set up or run my own business before, so I am lacking skills and knowledge in the areas this program teaches.”
Participants during the marketing session at the 2019 GenAngus Future Leaders program 54
Ellenor Nixon
Ellenor Nixon of Merriwa, NSW, currently studying a Grad Cert in Agriculture at the University of New England, having already completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science. She currently runs a small breeding herd alongside her family herd, whilst also being assistant manager of the family agricultural enterprise, whilst working full time in a role in Sydney. In the future Ms Nixon would like to work towards continuing to upgrade and expand her agricultural and business skills whilst progressing to a full-time managing partner of her family’s breeding enterprise. Ms Nixon would like to utilise the program to further progress her business skills in goal setting, marketing, risk management and benchmarking. “The GenAngus Program presents a unique opportunity to gain, upgrade and enhance a wide range of skills which can be deployed through various avenues of industry involvement.”
Damien Thomson
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 Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Through his increased involvement in his family operation, Mr Thomson would like to further develop his skills in branding, marketing, communication as well as general skills essential to business management. “The GenAngus Workshop will give me opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that I will directly take to family Angus stud to improve business and set it up for the next future steps,” said Mr Thomson. It will also give me the unique opportunity to network and discuss ideas with speakers and other participants.”
Hugh McKay
Hugh McKay, Yea, VIC, currently manages a 500 head commercial operation, whilst also establishing his own enterprise, through operating a small-scale business of trading cattle. Over the next five years Mr McKay plans to have a commercial beef breeding enterprise, with a focus on utilising genetics to drive business decisions. Mr McKay looks to further develop his skills in risk management, financial budgeting and benchmarking to assist in making sound business decisions. “As I take on further responsibility, I have identified several areas that I believe I could improve to further myself and improve my role as a producer within the industry.” “Being part of the GenAngus Program would provide me an amazing opportunity to develop essential business skills and share my ideas with likeminded people,” Mr McKay.
Keep up to date with all things Angus Youth by visiting: https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/angusyouth/
A couple of weeks in New Zealand: A word from Chloe Gould Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
2019 New England Travel Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship recipient, Chloe Gould headed across the ditch in early December to make a start to her scholarship experience.
“Over the 3650km I travelled whilst over there, I had multiple key learning experiences that I gained throughout my trip which varied from environmental, to the entire supply chain,” Miss Gould said. “New Zealand has major emphasis on environmental, sustainability and welfare aspects and heavily focus on these as a key marketing factors for international markets; providing a ‘clean and green’ image.” Kicking off her experience with a more classic tourist approach with a visit to the Waitomo caves and the Natural Bridge, Miss Gould really began her agricultural tour with a stop in at Storth Oaks Angus in the Otorohanga area to visit with Tim and Kelly Brittain. Storth Oaks Angus is a closed herd of 300 Stud Females, placing major emphasis on biosecurity. To maintain this level of biosecurity they have utilised fixed Artificial Insemination to breed all females. Through his role as chairperson of AngusPure, a 100% Angus beef brand, Mr Brittain was also forthcoming with insight for Miss Gould into the New Zealand supply chain and processing sector.
“The stud side of the Glencorran operation is quite an interesting business model. Richard Rowe from Merchiston Angus decides on the mating sires for the females each year, minimizing the pressure and stress on Mike and Kate,” said Miss Gould.
in the one mob. These bull calves are than grown and sold at the Merchistons Bull Sale during June as 2-year olds. The heifer calves remain at ‘Glencorran’ to be grown out. The bottom 20% of heifers (selected on phenotype) are sold directly to the processors. The remainder of the heifers are transported to ‘Merchiston’ to be AI’d as yearlings.” Miss Gould also took in the different terrain of Glencorran, and the environmental factors that influence the productivity of pastures, and their ways to manage pests. “It was great to see different type of country and how this influences their management practices, and gain insight to their satellite herd.” Following this, Miss Gould made the trek to the South Island and made a visit to Paul Hickman and family at Taimate Angus at Ward. It was here that she was witness to a mixed business model of cattle, sheep and vineyard. Taimate Angus run approximately 200 stud females with emphasis on commercially oriented, docile cattle. “It is a credit to the Hickman family to have the ability to catalogue such a high percentage of bulls, given that they would be calving down approx. 100 bull calves each year. This is heavily reflected in their cow herd and the consistency that is present throughout all females.” Miss Gould took much away from this visit, including a further understanding of how local producers utilise the conditions of the country to most benefit them.
“Additionally, all bull calves go back to Merchiston at weaning and join the rest of Merchiston Angus’ bull calves
“When approaching Taimate, the country looked vastly dry in comparison to the north. However, after getting out
“We spoke a lot about the supply chain, and it gives me great pleasure to keep in touch and up to date with the progress of Storth Oaks movement and also AngusPure.” “To Tim and Kelly, I would like to express my gratitude and to thank you for allowing me to gain further insight and knowledge about the Storth Oaks operation and also the beef industry in New Zealand as a whole,” said Miss Gould. Following on, Miss Gould travelled to Rangiwahia through Rotorua and Taupo to make a visit to Mike and Kate GeeTaylor at Glencorran. The Taylor’s have a commercial operation of 2000 sheep and 140 commercial cows on 1500 acres. Additional to this they also run a 90 head stud female satellite herd for Merchiston Angus.
The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Angus Youth
View Chloe’s Facebook Page
and about, there was an abundance of bulk quality feed available and you could clearly see this in the condition of the cows.” “One thing I found intriguing was that even with such an overload of feed available coming into summer (generally New Zealand’s dryer months) that there is a concern that the feed won’t last. This was due to the soil type being so porous and how quickly moisture drains away.” “One way to utilise the abundance of feed is to put cattle on agistment or to buy some feeder cattle that can be quickly turned over if it gets too dry.” Miss Gould’s next stop was at Muller Station with Steve and Mary Satterthwaite. Muller is just shy of 100,000 acres making it one of the largest properties in New Zealand, with approximately 1100 cows mated during summer with future plans to increase numbers to 1400-1500 breeding females. Muller Station has a base herd of Angus cows are mated to Angus and Charolais bulls, with the addition in previous years utilising Gelbvieh bulls within the herd to increase hybrid vigor in their progeny. “I would like to extend my gratitude out to the Satterthwaite family for hosting and providing insight to your operation. It is always great experience to see how genetics are performing in a commercial environment. The country and cattle in this part of the world was stunning!” Miss Gould continued her travels to the bottom of the Awatere Valley to make a stop at Grampiens Angus, owned and operated by Jono and Sarah Reed. The Reed’s run 400 females, 250 stud and PRAC females, and 150 commercial cows within their operation, on quite rugged terrain. “Both AI and sire bulls are used within the stud. Interestingly, a number of the sire bulls are used in conjunction with another Angus stud in the Awatere Valley prior to arriving back at Grampians,” said Miss Gould. 56
“By doing this bulls are covering a large number of cows in a very short period of time, so sire fertility is paramount.” Miss Gould then continued on to visit Tim Wilding and his sons, Will and Sam at Te Mania Angus. Te Mania is situated on approximately 4400 acres of freehold and also leasehold land backing onto the ocean just south of Conway Flat, running 800 registered females as well as replacement females. 200 select heifers being retained and the balance being sold commercially. Selection is primarily based on phenotype with EBV’s taken into account. “I would like to extend my gratitude out to the Wilding family for their hospitality and hosting me,” said Miss Gould. “It was great to get the opportunity to have look around their operation and talk about their future plans and direction.” Rounding out her experience, Miss Gould travelled to Silverstream Charolais and Herefords, family owned and operated by Brent and Anna Fisher. Silverstream Charolais run approximately 250 stud females on around 2650 acres, with an emphasis on phenotypically correct cattle, with bulls that can go into a commercial environment and produce calves with high growth rate and softness to finish. “With highly productive flats and good management practices, the family is successfully able to turn over a significant amount of steers,” said Miss Gould. “Interestingly, these steers are typical sourced in a ‘buy back’ program, where the Fisher family purchases steers from commercial clients whom utilise their genetics.” Miss Gould said the following regarding the visit to Silverstream Charolais. “It was a great opportunity to not only inspect their genetics on offer, but to have discussions around the commercial side of your operation.” In summation of her experience when speaking to the Queensland Country Life, Miss Gould said the following.
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Without a doubt, the knowledge and connections that I have been able to gain in New Zealand on my exchange has proven to be highly beneficial
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operation, which you wouldn’t generally receive if you were to travel to New Zealand on your own accord. Everyone that I approached throughout my travels, both stud and commercial, where so open to hosting and providing insight to their operation. I would like to sincerely thank all of the New Zealand breeders for their hospitality and kindness during my exchange. I would also like to sincerely thank Angus Youth Australia and the New England Travel Centre for the experience and opportunity.
“I think in terms of the supply chain itself, it is quite different but the Angus breed and the breeding objectives are quite similar,” she said. “In New Zealand they don’t have an overarching body like AusMeat and it gave me an appreciation for the system that Australia has. “On the other hand, there were some very good on-farm practices in terms of the environment that I think Australia could learn from. “They are starting to drill down in that area, so they have that clean, green image that’s so important.” Wrapping up her experience, Miss Gould explains her biggest take homes from her experience. “Without a doubt, the knowledge and connections that I have been able to gain in New Zealand on my exchange has proven to be highly beneficial. This an experience I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to gain, had I not gone for the scholarship.” Miss Gould encourages others to apply for the scholarship to further establish their professional development. “The scholarship provides the opportunity to connect with enterprises and companies to gain insight into their B: Chloe Gould and Steph Frankham
B I would highly encourage other youth members that would like to pursue a career in the agricultural industry to take opportunities, like this scholarship to extend yourself and gain more knowledge. The connections and networking opportunity you’ll receive through scholarships like the Trans-Tasman Scholarship, are some of the most important constituents you’ll gain in life – take the opportunity to build relationships and connections while you’re young!” For a full recap of Chloe Gould’s exchange to New Zealand, you can visit her Facebook page to read up about her experiences The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Angus Youth
Angus Youth turn up from far and wide for Roundup 2020 Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
The Angus Youth Roundup headed to Queensland in 2020, taking place in Toowoomba, from Thursday January 16 to Sunday January 19. The event saw more than 130 participants and 150 cattle from all the states and territories take part, despite unfavourable weather conditions taking hold around the country. Roundup 2020 saw a different approach to the program, this year turning a focus to Northern production systems to celebrate the event returning to Queensland for the first time in 6 years. New additions to the program included meat judging and commercial livestock junior judging, joining the tried and true Roundup classics.
The Special Dinner Dance took place Saturday January 18 and saw more than 200 people come together for an evening of fundraising. The live and silent auctions raised over $16,900 to go towards the ongoing development of Angus Youth programs. This amazing total is thanks to the generous bidders and under bidders on the evening, digging deep in support of the Angus Youth program. The event was terrifically coordinated by the excellent Roundup Committee, under the guidance of Coordinator Steph Frankham.
2020 Angus Youth Roundup Results Pee Wee
Junior
Sub - Intermediate Intermediate
Seniors
Champion
Darcy Graham
Matthia Rudder
Isabel Glasser
Monique Gapes
John Deleforce
Reserve Champion
Georgie Hill
Jack Iddles
Noah Iddles
Casey Halliday
Billi Marshall
3rd
Ben Scheiwe
Lottie Volker
Samuel Graham
Chloe Plowman
Chloe Gould
4th
Imogen Scanlon
Johnny Fish
Lily Kemph
Zoe Cargill
Georgia Laurie
5th
Aiden Rudder
Riley Scott
Meg Kealey
Amelie Martin
Kaiti McGregor
Encouragement Award
Vanessa Thompson
Brooke Iseppi
Gorgie Plowman
Lachlan West
Chloe Kemph
Encouragement Award
Lily Nott
Thomas Duddy
Matilda Salter
Herdsperson
Lilli Stewart
Kell Co Commercial Cattle Assessment Junior Judging Champion
Kelly Fish
Robert Flint
Chloe Keevers
Amelie Martin
Claudia Humphries
Reserve Champion
Vanessa Thompson
Dominic Crotty
Aiden Schelberg
Zoe Cargill
Harry Turnham
3rd
Lily Nott
Lottie Volker
Mackenzie Koch
Will Harborne
Kaiti McGregor
4th
Alister Gapes
Thomas Duddy
Samuel Graham
Lachlan West
Angus McGregor
5th
Darcy Graham
Riley Scott
Nicholas Erwin
Tyler Martindale
Jack Laurie
6th
Myles Wellman
Highly Commended
Georgie Hill
Isaac Day
Highly Commended
Georgia Scanlon
Meg Kealey
Josh Halliday
Sophie Halliday
Champion
James Tout
Ava Dobbin
Zoe Rudder
Byron Brunner
Georgia Laurie
Reserve Champion
Alister Gapes
Max Strong
Ella O'Neill
Chloe Plowman
Billi Marshall
3rd
Aiden Rudder
Brooke Iseppi
Joel Megalconomos
Charlie Salter
Harry Turnham
4th
Gemma Sullivan
Ryan Knee
Noah Iddles
Emily Shannon
John Deleforce
5th
Georgia Scanlon
Jack Iddles
William Dobbin
Monique Gapes
Kaiti McGregor
Mort & Co Meat Judging
Highly Commended
Angus McGregor
Highly Commended
Tamika Schultz
Paraders Champion
Imogen Scanlon
Brooke Iseppi
Matilda Salter
Chloe Plowman
Chloe Gould
Reserve Champion
Alister Gapes
Charlie Spina
Meg Kealey
Charlie Salter
Mikaela Ross
The Cattle Shop Fitting Competition Champion
Bowenfels Angus
Reserve Champion
Bulliac Angus
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Major Award Winners
A
B
C
D
E
F
H
J
G
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A: Best Maintained Stall – Bowenfels Angus, B: Best Presented Animal – Sophie Halliday, C: Candice Liddle, Angus Australia and John Deleforce, Angus Australia Business Marketing Award Recipient, D: Carol Grylls and Abby Nowland, Matthew George Citizenship Award recipient, E: Champion Junior Judge Claudia Humphries with Marshall Arnold, Kell Co Livestock Agents and committee member Ben Emery, F: Carol Grylls and Chloe Plowman, EJ Angus Encouragement Award Recipient, G: Grand Champion Parader Matilda Salter, H: Champion Team – VIC State Committee, I: Kim Groner with Grand Champion Herdsperson John Deleforce, J: Marshall Arnold, Kell Co Livestock Agents, presenting the Grand Champion Junior Judge Georgia Laurie, K: Sarah Iddles, Lachlan West, Merridale Most Aspiring Breeder Award recipient and Noah Iddles, L: Supreme Champion Exhibit, Champion Junior Heifer & Reserve Champion Bred and Owned GK RED 1B PLATINUM RUBA P26 exhibited by Brooke Iseppi. Images: Emily H Photography
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Angus Youth
Knowla Livestock Core Logo
Alternative Logos - Reversed / B + W
Corporate Font - TRADE GOTHIC
Corporate Colour Swatch
BERTHOLD AKZIDENZ GROTESK (BOLD) ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890 !@#$%^&*() BERTHOLD AKZIDENZ GROTESK (CONDENSED) ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890 !@#$%^&*() HUMANIST 521 (BOLD)
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890 !@#$%^&*()
HUMANIST (LIGHT)
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890 !@#$%^&*()
Colour 1 © Pantone 1797C
C 0 M 100 Y 99 K 4
R G B
Colour 2 © Pantone Cool Gray 9C
220 0 27
C 0 M 1 Y 0 K 51
R G B
154 154 157
EJ Angus J&C Angus Quarterway Angus
Goondoola Red Angus Ruby Canning
Blue Tongue Leather Craft
Ben Hill
Marg Will Mardi O’Brien
Bronwyn Halliday
Angus Youth National Roundup
Thankyou to our sponsors 60
www.angusaustralia.com.au/angusyouth
Billi Marshall, winner of the 2020 Trans-Tasman Exchange with Peter Parnell, Angus Australia’s CEO. Image: Emily H Photography
Billi Marshall named the 2020 Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship recipient Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Western Australian Angus Youth member Billi Marshall was recently awarded the 2020 Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship at Roundup 2020. Miss Marshall was the lone WA participant in the event, and travelled over 3,000 kilometres from home in Dongara in the Wheatbelt region to take part in the her first Roundup. Miss Marshall was sponsored by the WA State Committee to attend Roundup. Sponsored by New England Travel and the Angus Australia Foundation, the Trans-Tasman Exchange scholarship is provided annually to an Angus Australia member aged between 18 and 30 years of age attending Roundup. The recipient of the Trans-Tasman Exchange will embark on a trip around New Zealand, visiting Angus studs, commercial operations, feedlots and attend field days and sales. The exchange will involve moving throughout the country experiencing the New Zealand beef industry and the strength of the Angus breed globally. Miss Marshall was chosen from a competitive field of young beef producers who applied for the scholarship, and her
enthusiasm for the beef industry was a leading drive for her selection as recipient. “I almost didn’t apply for it because didn’t think I fit the bill. I don’t own Angus cattle of my own, but I do work in the industry as I am a breeding technician for a cattle vet and constantly dealing all different clients of all different breeds, so at the last minute I decided to throw an application in and it turned out really well.” Miss Marshall looks forward to her trip, hoping to get the most out her time abroad in terms of further developing her professional career through the opportunity provided. “There are definitely a few things on my list I want to get to. Some bull sales would be awesome to go and see over there, I really want to get into the sire selection and also the repro sires, so really getting into the repro side of the things over there, reproduction centres and stud breeders over there.”
Angus Youth Roundup 2020 Group. Photo: Emily H Photography The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Angus Youth
Recognition to those helping drive Angus Youth Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Cornell Shield:
The Cornell Shield is named in memory of David and Kathleen Cornell, whose tireless work was pivotal to the establishment of Angus Youth Program. Each year the Cornell Shield is presented to the Roundup Coordinator, with the 2020 award presented to Stephanie Frankham during the Special Dinner Dance at the Toowoomba Roundup. Ms Frankham has been involved with the Angus Youth program for a number of years, and has immersed herself in all facets of the program. She has attended a number of Roundups not only as a competitor, but also as a Roundup Committee member prior to taking up the coordinator position. In 2018 Ms Frankham was the recipient of the Trans-Tasman Exchange scholarship. Angus Australia Youth Development Officer Candice Liddle commended Miss Frankham for the new program she had put together.
The 2019 Stewart Award was awarded to Hannah Powe, due to her ongoing contributions to the Angus Youth Program over a number of years. Miss Powe is an active member of the Angus Youth Consultative Committee and Roundup Committee and has been a competitor in a number of Angus Youth National Roundups. She was awarded the Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship in 2016 and the University of Illinois Scholarship in 2018. Angus Australia Youth Development Officer Candice Liddle was excited to present this year’s award to Miss Powe. “It was great to see the award go to Hannah, as her dedication to the youth program has been very selfless,” said Mrs Liddle. “Hannah has been part of the youth program for many years and it is great to see her stay in the industry and give back in so many ways to her fellow industry counterparts.”
“Steph put together an amazing program that was commercially focused which had taken a huge effort to pull together. I am sure all who attended the Roundup can appreciate,” Mrs Liddle said. Roundup Committee member Eliza Borchardt, whom made the presentation of the Cornell Shield to Miss Frankham said, “Steph’s efforts putting together Roundup when living in the Northern Territory have been massive, we can all agree that what she has put together with the help from her committee was outstanding.”.
Stewart Award:
The Stewart Award is presented each year to a person whom has contributed to the Angus Youth Program. The award is named after Bruce and Pat Stewart of Dunlop Park Angus, Tasmania, who contributed selflessly to the program over many years.
A: Eliza Borchardt with Stephanie Frankham, B: Angus Australia’s Youth Development Officer Candice Liddle and Hannah Powe.
Give a hand to Roundup 2021 Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
The Angus Youth National Roundup will return to the south in 2021, with the event set to take place in Wodonga, Victoria, during the month of January. The Angus Youth Roundup is a leading event four-day event for young beef enthusiasts aged 8-25, whether they be a novice or experienced competitor. We are now calling for volunteers for the 2021 Roundup committee, as well as a dedicated and enthusiastic Angus Youth member to take on the role of co-ordinator for the event. So, if you are based in Southern NSW or Northern VIC and have a passion for Roundup and the Angus Youth Program, throw your hat in the ring! Without the support and effort of the Roundup committee, the event would not be possible! 62
Contact Candice Liddle, Angus Australia Events and Youth Development Officer, for further information regarding the 2021 Angus Youth National Roundup via email: youth@ angusaustralia.com.au or phone: (02) 6773 4622. Images: Emily H Photography
A quick catch up with Monique in the USA Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Winner of the 2019 National Judging Competition and University of Illinois Scholarship recipient Monique Estrada kicked off her scholarship experience in January, starting off a semester abroad in the midwest of the United States. Making the trek from Australia to the state of Illinois, Miss Estrada has already become immersed amongst the university culture in her first few months at the U of I (University of Illinois). “I have been undertaking university courses in animal science, meat science, reproduction, meat animal evaluation and livestock judging, meanwhile experiencing the true American university experience by attending U of I social and sporting events,” said Miss Estrada. Not only has Miss Estrada tried her hand at the American college lifestyle, she has also covered many miles as part of the intercollegiate judging team, travelling not only around Illinois but also neighbouring states as part of the team. Further to her existing beef cattle judging skills, Miss Estrada has had to work to develop an understanding of how to judge other livestock species. “As part of the scholarship I have been fortunate to secure a position on the livestock judging team and also the meat animal evaluation judging team,” she said. “Through being on these teams we have travelled to numerous beef cattle, sheep and pig production operations on and off campus to learn about all things livestock.” “We have competed in numerous competitions across the US so far in states including South Dakota, Indiana, Iowa and of course here in Illinois. I have been taught to judge not only live cattle, sheep and pigs but also to judge the carcasses of these livestock species in the coolers from both a market and breeding standpoint.” In terms of her personal and professional development, Miss Estrada believes she has made significant growth across her skill sets, as well as gaining plenty of worldly experiences during her time at U of I. “The opportunity of winning the 2019 National Judging competition and as a result, receiving the University of Illinois Scholarship, has provided me with a much stronger insight into the international beef and agricultural industries.” “Throughout my time so far in the USA I have experienced countless memories and invaluable skills that will remain with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
Miss Estrada also encourages aspiring livestock judges to apply for the University of Illinois scholarship opportunity in the future. “As I am nearing the halfway point of my time here at the University of Illinois, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in the Angus Australia Foundation, Angus Youth and Angus Australia for this incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity.” “I truly could not recommend this opportunity any more highly to anyone interested in learning with a passion and love for livestock judging.” To read up about Miss Estrada’s time at the University of Illinois make sure you check out her Facebook Blog where she provides frequent updates regarding the various experiences and opportunities she has been afforded during her time in the States.
About Monique:
Monique’s involvement in the industry started 9 years ago with at her local high school. Monique has come from a non-farming background in Sydney. Moving to the Hunter Region in New South Wales has opened doors for Monique to pursue her passion in the beef industry where she has been heavily involved in youth shows and programs. She has established her own business Target Livestock and Marketing with the aim to assist members of the beef industry to you achieve business goals through marketing opportunities & services.
View the blog
Support the Angus Foundation Scholarships like the opportunity to attend the University of Illinois would not be possible without the support of the Angus Foundation, which provides a mechanism for members and other beef industry stakeholders to support youth development, education and research programs conducted by Angus Australia. The 2020 membership invoices sent out to members included a voluntary Foundation levy, which goes towards
the Angus Australia Foundation, in order to continue its support for youth, education and research activities, the Angus Foundation requires ongoing funding. In addition, we would also appreciate direct financial support from members and other interested individuals and organisations. Fore more information about how you can donate visit www.angusaustralia.com.au
Image: Emma Taylor, Hannah Rogers, Monique Estrada & Cheyenne Carr attending a college basketball game
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Advertorial
Interview with Mark Vayro, Risk Specialist for Achmea, Australia’s specialist farm insurer Passionate about keeping farmers farming in the Toowoomba, Lockyer and Southern Downs regions in Queensland, Achmea Risk Specialist Mark Vayro was among the thousands of volunteer firefighters who put themselves on the front line of the fires this summer, risking their own lives to protect their communities. We sat down with Mark to hear first-hand about his experience on the ground as a volunteer firefighter. With over 26 years’ experience as a dedicated firefighter, Mark was part of the largest ever deployment from Queensland to assist crews in other states. He has had two five-day deployments; the first deployment was near Tathra (NSW) in January and the second in Canberra (ACT) in February. As a crew leader, his responsibility was to keep his team and truck safe. In this interview, Mark reflects on one of Australia’s most devastating bushfire seasons. People are both mentally and physically exhausted, he says, and these are challenges that many people will face in the months and years ahead. While fighting fires has been part of his life for nearly three decades, he says his wife is ‘the real superhero’.
A long bushfire season
“A lot of people impacted by the fires are emotionally stressed and physically exhausted. It is going to take a long time for everyone to recover, including those who have been at the forefront of the fires. We have not seen devastation on a scale like this, it really has been a long fire season. As a firefighter, I know what it is like when you go to a house fire. I always say, ‘the eyes are the gateway to the soul’, and there is nothing more confronting than talking with someone who has lost everything and just looking into their eyes – it is full of emptiness. Being on the front-line, watching the destruction and seeing the impact on people is quite confronting. I have been part of the fire service for many years and yes, it is a job but each one of those stories leaves a little battle scar. I have been part of Strike Team Tango and Alpha Delta and as crew leader my responsibility was the safety of my truck and team. During my second deployment in early February, we were hosted by the Royal Military College at Duntroon and I could not speak more highly of the Australian Defence Force. They truly extended as much privileges as they could while serving us breakfast, lunch, snack packs and dinners. The hardest thing going on deployment is you are sleeping on stretcher beds in a room full of people with beds spaced less than one metre apart – everyone is constantly tossing and turning to get comfortable. I am quite tall for these stretcher beds, so my feet overhang and my ankles get quite sore. You have people snoring and if you need to get up at night to go to the toilet, it is about a 35-metre walk past everyone. After waking up at 5.30am, we would travel to the staging area about 15-20 minutes away. We would have breakfast with all the other crews, including personnel from other 64
agencies and contractors to go through our brief together and get clarity on the tasks for the day.”
Conserving energy while fighting fires
“The area that our strike team was deployed to in early February was Corin Forest Mountain Resort. It is a very hilly area, so I continually had to go up and down a steep hill with this very heavy hose. It really is hard work and high impact. Firefighting is strenuous on the body. Your heartrate just seems to be constantly elevated, which is not surprising when you add in the complications of heat and emotional stress, especially when you watch assets burn right in front of you. You are constantly in the heat and smoke yet somehow you must try to conserve some energy because you don’t know what else could be just around the corner. Strangely you do get used to the smoke and the smell of fire. It is around you all the time. But it is like working in a heater, the ambient air temperature is extremely high. There is no doubt about it – it is dangerous.”
“One of the biggest risks I see is complacency”
“In my 26 years of fighting fires, I can honestly say that the duration of this fire season has been so much longer than what we usually see, and they are also starting earlier. Normally you have a fire season of two or at worst three months, not starting in winter and going through to summer. It is great to see all this rain, particularly to help break this prolonged drought. Unfortunately – when you look at the glass half empty – we are only several months away from the next fire season. Fires will always be a part of our landscape. Floods will always be part of our landscape. Great fires are broken by great floods, and then great floods are broken by great drought. It is a vicious cycle.
Complacency between those two cycles is a real risk to our communities. What tends to happen is that people leave it until the last moment to prepare, or when it is too late, when it is already here. It was the same with the floods which we had in 2011 and 2013, and now they are here again. Because the fires and their behaviour have been so unpredictable and unprecedented, preparation is of paramount importance. As firefighters, in our minds, we had pictured a lot of this already. We saw the behaviour of some of the fires earlier in the season, we saw the ramifications of it continuing to dry up and the wind picking up. But the hardest is that it is one thing to visualise these fires as a picture in your mind, and another to have something like this happen right in front of you and being not able to do what you think you can do, because it is simply too dangerous. There is only so much you can do when the fires are out of control.”
‘My wife is the real superhero, not me’
“The bushfire season also has been a tough time for my family. My daughter had a medical emergency the first time
I was on deployment fighting the fires near Bega in NSW. She was admitted to hospital after she suffered an allergic reaction on farm. She was in hospital for quite a while. My poor wife didn’t have her husband and couldn’t contact me because of the poor mobile service. Everything I do, I can’t do it without that one key supporter: my wife. Yes, I might be the person that goes that fights the fires, but each and every person sitting behind me, particularly my wife and kids, is out there fighting the fire with me. And farm works never stops. When I wasn’t home, and the cows were playing up – we had cows going missing – my wife and the kids all had to try and sort those issues out. With school back on, trying to work part-time, manage kids – all that extra burden goes on to the family. When I was out fighting fires, there was a lot of extra work to do for them as well. When you go on deployment, you try and get as much done as possible before you go. And then when you come back you play catch up, so you don’t really get to rest at all.
“My wife is the real superhero, not me.”
Media queries
Ilse van de Meent, Achmea Australia 0405 207 979 ilse.vandemeent@achmea.com.au
About Achmea
Achmea is the holding company for a group of insurance brands including Achmea Australia. With more than 13 million clients and 14,000 employees worldwide, Achmea is active in its home country the Netherlands and five other countries including Australia.
For more information, visit:
The Achmea Group: www.achmea.nl Achmea Australia: www.achmea.com.au Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. | ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984.
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Angus Youth
Behind the Beef – A look at the people behind the Angus Youth program Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Angus Youth is the junior activities division of Angus Australia and it is currently one of the largest and most active breed youth groups in the country.
A Founded in 1977, Angus Youth offers many opportunities to its members through extensive education and scholarship programs. As a member driven organisation Angus Youth is led by the Angus Youth Development and Education Officer with assistance from a consultative committee who are enthusiastic about the future of the breed and wider beef industry. Members of Angus Youth are involved in a number of events throughout the year both hosted by Angus Australia and outside of the organisation. Angus Australia’s Communications Officer, Cheyne Twist, recently had the opportunity to catch up with past and present Angus Youth members to chat with them about what it is that makes being a part of the Angus Youth program an important part of their beef industry development. The 2020 Roundup was held in Toowoomba from January 16th to 19th, with more than 130 participants coming together from all states to take part. The Angus Youth National Roundup is a pivotal event for Angus Youth and Angus Australia, kicking off the event calendar in January of each year. For over 25 years, Angus Youth Roundup has hosted members aged 8-25 for a 4-day camp, ranging from experienced to novice competitors. Roundup aims to assist in the personal and professional development of young members of the Australian beef industry through educational and practical learning opportunities. Roundup provides an excellent opportunity for young, likeminded beef cattle enthusiasts to come together to take part in an event relevant to their interests within the industry. Whilst many Roundup participants are return attendees with a long association with the program, each year there is a wedge of entrants who were attending Roundup for the first time. 66
B Sub-Intermediate competitor Emma Gray, Armidale NSW, said the following about her first time attending a Roundup event. “Roundup has been an eye opener for me because it’s so different to other camps that I have been to,” said Miss Gray. When asked about her future within the beef industry and how the skills and experience at Roundup can benefit her going forth, Miss Gray said, “The skills that we learn at Roundup do help us with life situations that we can learn to deal with.” “It’s even some of the people you go to talk to, especially at the moment with the drought, how they are coping with it all, it’s all ways in which we can approve in the future and make things better for we grow up and everyone else grows up.” A pivotal facet of the Angus Youth Program and the developmental events it provides each year are the connections and relationships with likeminded young people and older mentors that the program provides. Many of those involved in the Angus Youth program over its 43-year history have gone on to build their own highly successful careers across the whole beef industry, from forging their own Angus studs, to the more corporate area of promoting the Australian beef industry to the wider masses. For Annie Scott (nee Reen),“The Angus Youth Program is a great program for children and young adults,”. “It’s a program that helps them learn from Pee-Wee stages right through to seniors. It involves scholarships and Roundups and is a great way a getting to know people within the beef industry.” With this in mind, at each event that Angus Youth hosts there are a number of volunteer members of the beef industry whom are all former members of the program itself, providing their insight and understanding of the industry to the youth coming up.
A: Emma Gray at the 2020 Angus Youth Roundup, B: Annie Scott with participant Charlie Spina at the 2020 Angus Youth Roundup, C: Georgia Laurie & Roundup buddy Kelly Fish, D: Myles Wellman attending the 2019 Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course.
Listen to podcast
C
D In addition to this, the structure of Roundup allows for those still involved in the program to already be assisting the younger generations, with the more experienced competitors being buddy mentors to the younger and more novice competitors. Returning participant and senior competitor Georgia Laurie, Moppy, NSW, encouraged people to attend Roundup whilst reflecting on her years as part of the Angus Youth program. “Definitely I think it’s the connections you make and the people that you meet that are fantastic, especially coming as a little kid. “You get given a buddy, I still remember my first buddy and my first Roundup and I thinks it’s a great thing because I think kids learn so much better from kids because we were all once in their shoes, we know how it feels as it’s a bit daunting to go out into the ring.” Another important part of the Angus Youth program are the various scholarships and awards that are awarded to participants, including, the Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship. Angus Australia, with support from the Angus Australia Foundation and numerous other sponsors, offer a Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries program which 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. Fellow return competitor Myles Wellman said the following in regards to his third year as part of the Angus Youth Program and the opportunities he has been afforded through the program. “I just love the people you meet and the opportunities you get from it. I actually won a scholarship through the program to go to down to Tocal (Beef Cattle Assessment Course) down at Patterson, so it’s the opportunities I’ve got from it you can’t get anywhere else.” Mr Wellman also gave insight into the best parts of his Roundup experience each year. “Definitely meeting people is my favourite part, the socialising and you get all these connections you wouldn’t have otherwise and all these friends that I have made.” For a full wrap up of the 2020 Angus Youth National Roundup, head over to Apple Podcasts or Whooshka Podcasts to listen to the brand new Behind the Beef Podcast. Behind the Beef gives a behind the scenes look across all facets of Angus beef cattle in Australia. Episode one covers the Angus Youth Program and the recent Angus Youth National Roundup!
Behind the Beef The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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World Angus Forum
One step closer to World Angus Forum 2021 Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer
Angus Australia looks forward to the disembarkment of Angus enthusiasts from near and far for the 2021 World Angus Forum. To be hosted for a couple of weeks, the World Angus Forum will take place from April 19th to April 30th, 2021.
What’s in store
The World Angus Forum (WAF), returning to Australia for the first time in 23 years, will see an informative and entertaining program which will give delegates insight into the latest developments and advancements within the Angus breed from not only Australia, but also the wider international Angus community. Furthermore, the event will give a look into the intricacies of the Australian beef industry, and the practices of Australia beef producers. The preliminary program has now been released for the pre tour, technical forum and post tour of the event, which will see those attending take in a large portion of the eastern seaboard. Starting at the quintessential Sydney, delegates will take in the central west of New South Wales and Australia’s capital, before travelling through to Gladstone in amazing northern Queensland, taking in great scenery and even better Angus cattle. As part of the celebration, each Angus Association from around the world is invited to nominate teams of four to participate in the World Angus Forum Youth Competition, which is run in conjunction with the pre tour and forum portion of the event. The Youth Competition provides an excellent opportunity for young members of the Angus community to come together on the world stage take part in not only a competitive but also educational experience which includes public speaking, cattle assessment, cattle preparation and handling, a young farmers challenge, team topic presentations and team building activities.
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Furthermore, as part of the program, an Elite International online embryo sale will take place to raise money to benefit the Angus Youth of the world. Money raised from this prestigious international auction will assist young breeders attend and participate in the following World Angus Forum.
Ways you can be involved
Angus Australia calls for not only members but the wider beef industry to get involved in WAF through way of a number of sponsorship opportunities available. Partners of WAF 2021 will achieve unprecedented levels of exposure to all with an interest in Angus cattle and Angus beef products. Valuable networking and advertising opportunities, plus premium positioning within the Forum Exhibition are just a few of the opportunities that are available. • Over 500 cattle breeders and professionals expected to attend • Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South America and Asia are major marketing targets along with other Angus producing countries • Topical presentations focusing on innovation and the changing face of the global consumer • 13-day event including a 6-Day Pre – Forum Tour visits, 2-Day International Conference in Canberra followed by a 5-Day Post-Forum Tour heading North finishing at Beef Australia 2021 For further information on how to be involved in WAF 2021, please contact sponsorship@arinex.com.au
The World Angus Forum Preliminary Program Pre-Tour Monday 19th April: 4.30pm – 7.30pm Sydney Harbour Cruise. Overnight Sydney. Tuesday 20th April: Visit the scenic Blue Mountains en route to Bathurst NSW for a herd visit and good old fashioned country hospitality. Overnight Bathurst. Wednesday 21st April: Herd visits around Bathurst. Overnight Bathurst. Thursday 22nd April: Dairy and Organic Vegetable farm tours near Cowra, Angus Youth Competition day in Bathurst and cattle displays. Overnight Bathurst. Friday 23rd April: Herd visits at Cowra and Young, en route to Canberra, finishing off with a winery dinner. Overnight Canberra. Saturday 24th April: Herd visit near Jugiong and experience an Aussie pub, back to Canberra before a Welcome to Canberra Cocktail Party. Overnight Canberra. Sunday 25th April: Anzac Day – start the day with the dawn service and a day to discover what Australia’s capital city has to offer. World Angus Secretariat meeting. Overnight Canberra. Monday 26th April: Herd visit near Cooma. Welcome Function. Overnight Canberra.
Technical Forum Tuesday 27th April: World Angus Forum Day 1 – Leaders in Global Beef Innovation. Overnight Canberra. Wednesday 28th April: World Angus Forum Day 2 – Leaders in Global Beef Innovation. Gala Dinner. Overnight Canberra.
Post Tour Thursday 29th April: Fly from Canberra to Toowoomba. Lunch at one of the oldest and largest woolsheds in Australia. Herd visit. Overnight Dalby. Friday 30th April: Herd visit near Dalby, experience Australia’s sport, campdrafting, cattle displays, Roma Saleyards. Overnight Roma. Saturday 1st May: Herd visits. Overnight Roma. Sunday 2nd May: Herd visit and Australiana en route to Emerald though the Arcadia Valley, Swarmfarm visit. Overnight Emerald. Monday 3rd May: Herd visit en route to Gracemere saleyards. Final dinner in Gladstone. Overnight Gladstone. WAF website
Tuesday 4th May: Safe onward travel or head to Rockhampton to experience Beef Australia 2021. For further information or enquires for the WAF 2021, visit the World Angus Forum website.
Peter Parnell
Ron Bower
Chief Executive Officer M: 0428 918 632 P: 02 6773 4605 E: peter@angusaustralia.com.au
Human Resource Manager
Human Resources
Chief Executive Officer
Staff Directory
P: 02 6773 4607 E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au
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Staff Directory David Cameron
Joy Howe
Administration Manager/ Financial Controller
Accounts Officer
Finance & Administration
P: 02 6773 4624 E: david.cameron@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4612 E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au
Carole Johns
Sue Webeck
Accounts Officer
Accounts Officer
P: 02 6773 4627 E: carole.johns@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4606 E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au
Amanda Wolfe Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4600 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au
Strategic Projects
Commercial Supply Chain
Liz Pearson
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Commercial Supply Chain Manager P: 02 6773 4608 M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
Christian Duff
Nick Butcher
Strategic Projects Manager
Project Officer, ASBP
P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au
Staff Directory Christopher de Crespigny Information Systems Manager
Michael Ainsworth Computer Programmer
P: 02 6773 4619 E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4610 E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au
Dale Curtis
Gerard Hammond
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
E: dale.curtis@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4600 E: gerard.hammond@angusaustralia. com.au
Marketing, Communications & Youth
Software Development
Chris Nimmo Computer Programmer E: chris.nimmo@angusaustralia.com.au
Diana Wood
Robyn Brazier
Marketing & Communications Manager
Marketing Assistant
P: 02 6773 4601 M: 0411 242 001 E: diana@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4609 E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
Samantha Hamilton
Candice Liddle
Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues
Events & Youth Development Officer
P: 02 6773 4613 E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4622 M: 0437 873 220 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au
Kate Reynolds
Cheyne Twist
Graphics & Multimedia Officer
Communications Officer
P: 02 6773 4600 E: design@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4635 M: 0408 799 279 E: communications @angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2020
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Member Services
Breed Development & Extension
Staff Directory Andrew Byrne
Matthew Reynolds
Breed Development & Extension Manager
Breed Development Officer
P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4626 M: 0433 532 453 E: matthew.reynolds@angusaustralia. com.au
Scott Wright
Nicky Carey
Member Services Manager
Senior Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4614 E: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4616 E: nicky.carey@angusaustralia.com.au
Adam Allingham
Josh Gunther
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4602 E: adam.allingham@angusaustralia. com.au
P: 02 6773 4611 E: josh.gunther@angusaustralia.com.au
Robyn Kelly
Tammy McLeod
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4615 E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4604 E: tammy.mcleod@angusaustralia.com.au
Henry Newell-Hutton
Heather Rocks
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4614 E: henry.newell-hutton@angusaustralia. com.au
P: 02 6773 4621 E: heather.rocks@angusaustralia.com.au
Sarah Scott
Lou Wood
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4611 E: sarah.scott@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4617 E: office@angusuaustralia.com.au
Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02726773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au
THE RISING STAR
LD Grazer 7090 'The most impressive Payweight son in the breed' - Tyler Musgrave
Basin Payweight 1682 x Sitz Upward 307R
THE NEXT GENERATION ANGUS SIRE FROM BEEFGEN Grazer was the 2019 high selling lot from the renowned Luddington herd and selected by Musgrave Angus as the next generation to their program. Â Grazer offers Breeders a desirable combination of moderate birth, high growth, extra thickness, huge body capacity, easy fleshing with a bold outlook. Grazer calves are now on the ground with reports from Musgrave Angus 'Our first Grazer calves came easy out of first calf heifers. They are growing well and thick across the top with a sharp look.' We selected Grazer as a genuine herd building sire made for Australian conditions!
Grazer carries a desirable outcross pedigree for many Australian herds. His sire, Basin Payweight 1682, has been a standout throughout the USA stamping his calves with rare carcass qualities and extra kilograms. Payweight daughters are now in production and commanding great attention. Grazer captures all the sought after attributes of the Payweight line but adds extra power, impeccable feet & the influence of elite maternal sire - Sitz Upward 307R.
Breeders searching for a powerful breeding option, backed by one of the most desirable pedigrees in the Angus business should consider adding Grazer 7090 to their breeding program. Order your Grazer semen today.
BEEFGEN.COM.AU
INFO@BEEFGEN.COM.AU +61 412 425 949
BRED FOR COMMERCIAL CONDITIONS WITH PERFORMANCE
The Cattleman’s Choice
Outwest Angus
Sons in the sale by VAR Discovery 2240
36 BULLS FEATURING SONS OF:
VAR Discovery 2240 LD Capitalist 316 JMB Traction 292 Connealy Capitalist 028 Baldridge Bronc Deer Valley Patriot
Ewen & Marg McLeish Ph: 02 6824 2044 Mob: 0428 242 044 E: outwestangus@bigpond.com Facebook: Outwest Angus
8th ON PROPERTY SALE
Thursday 28th May 2020 ‘Wombalano’ Coonamble NSW
Matt Prentice: 0437 036 691 Ricky Looten: 0429 047 544 Brian Kennedy: 0427 844 047 Paul Jameson: 0428 667 998 Lincoln McKinlay: 0419 239 963