ANGUS bulletin Summer 2017
Gubbins of Coolana Australia’s Biggest Ever Angus Dispersal One of Australia’s Elite Angus Herds 4 Sales in 4 Days 1500 females & 140 bulls • 28th February XSimm Female Dispersal • 1st March Coolana Autumn Bull Sale • 2nd & 3rd March Coolana Female Dispersal
• In the end .........we only regret the chances we didn’t take! For full details check our website
www.coolana.com Catalogues sent on request Email your full details
Contact: Mark & Anna 0428 593 913 Max 0439 593 913 Email info@coolana.com Agents: Hayden Lanyon 0419 961 008 Ross Milne 0408 057 558 Email ross.milne@elders.com.au
SSCOL0241116
Complete Dispersal
15 Contents Summer 2017
| volume 26
38
10 2 From the President 3 From the CEO 5 A strong year for Angus Live Export
6 Top Ten's of the 2016 Angus Bull Sales 7 $61,989,662 worth of Angus Bulls sold at auction in 2016 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
26 Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN 27 New calf catching units aid birth weight collection 28 Harnessing greater benefit from Genomics 30 Collecting DNA samples 33 Feed efficiency in focus
9 Around the saleyards
35 Around the Shows
10 Angus - The female choice
36 Semex Kansas State University Scholarship awarded to South Australian
12 Angus National Conference heads to Ballarat 14 Industry welcomes Commercial Initiative 15 From little things, big things grow
Editor: Diana Wood
16 ASBP Field Day proves informative
Layout: Ebonie Sadler-Small
17 ASBP Cohort 6 calving completed
Printer: APN Print, Warwick QLD
18 ASBP Cohort 4 performance collection completed
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.
44
19 ASBP Cohort 7 AI program completed 20 The Right Royal Treatment 22 Member Services Report 23 Member services 2016 statistics 24 From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk 25 Angus BREEDPLAN moves to fortnightly analyses
37 Reflections from the U of I 38 The all round New Zealand adventure 40 BeefEx inspires the next generation 42 Striking the social balance at LIVEX 43 Ready to roll for Roundup 44 A life-long passion 46 Big changes with 'Get up and Go' 47 Staff Directory
from the president Libby Creek, Angus Australia President
There has been much discussion in the industry during 2016 about MLA's views on consolidation of the control and access to industry data and information, and the use of the terms such as 'single source of truth'. In response to these views it is worth reflecting on the value that breed societies such as The Angus Society of Australia (Angus Australia) deliver to the industry. The key objective of Angus Australia is to increase profitability for it's members by delivering innovative programs which enhance and promote the value of Angus. A major component of Angus Australia’s role is the maintenance of a comprehensive database of pedigree, performance and DNA records of Angus and Angusinfluenced cattle, and the inclusion of this data in worldclass genetic evaluation to enable members and their clients to make better breeding decisions. This is supported by significant investment in breed development, research and extension specifically focussed on providing objective data to Angus breeders, so they are able to utilise this information to increase profitability. Angus Australia through its subsidiary company Certified Angus Group (CAG), also verifies and certifies Angus beef products, ensuring product claimed to be quality Angus beef is actually Angus. Our breed society collaborates and advocates with many stakeholders to validate, communicate and market the competitive advantage of Angus on behalf of its
members. Being the largest breed society in Australia, with an exceptional team of staff lead by CEO, Dr Peter Parnell, Angus Australia has grown to become a highly respected organisation which is known for its progressive and innovative research. As such, Angus Australia is approached regularly to work with research groups to study the genetic basis of traits having an impact on economic profit drivers. The Angus Sire Benchmarking Project, a jointly funded research project with the MLA and various industry partners, is an excellent example of the productive and valuable research planned and managed by Angus Australia to gather objective data over a whole range of measurable traits. This includes validating Angus BREEDPLAN, an important measurement tool which in our breed now has over 2 million animals recorded. It is worth reflecting on how far the Angus breed has progressed in recent decades. From a relatively low number of Angus cattle in the 1970's & 80's, the Angus breed now dominates the temperate Australian beef industry with well over 50% of all seed stock registrations being Angus. This year Angus Australia reached a milestone, eclipsing 100,000 registered breeding females in members' herds on the recorded breed inventory. From my personal experience, in the 1970's when my family held their first on property Angus bull auction, there were only three Angus studs selling in South Australia in February each year. In 2016 in SA there are now thirteen Angus bull sales offering close to 800 bulls, while nationally Angus bull sales accounted for nearly 40% (8,405) of all bulls sold.
Angus Australia Board of Directors out the front of the Armidale office;
L-R: Tony Seymour, Dean Fredericksen, Sam White, Brett Piraner, Libby Creek, Lindsay Wolrige, Michael Gadd, Brad Gilmour, Perry Gunner, Laurie Denholm Absent: Samantha Dobson
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
You can't help but wonder where the Angus breed would be sitting relative to other breeds today had the vision of pioneer Angus producers not been to establish the Angus Society of Australia back in 1919. Since that time generations of Angus breeders have built a dynamic and powerful breed society which has been led through the decades by visionary Boards and CEO's, whose aim was to empower the members with the knowledge they needed to produce exceptional beef. Here we are today, enjoying the premiums our breed demands across the market place. Angus beef has become a brand familiar in every household. I believe we are very fortunate to know we have a breed society dedicated to ensuring the Angus breed continues to hold this position.
Committee to achieve more regular and formal liaison with technical and commercial partners at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit and ABRI involved in delivery of genetic evaluation enhancements. Ongoing programs in Marketing, Communications and Youth (led by Diana Wood); Membership Services (led by Lee-Anne Turner); Breed Development & Extension (led by Andrew Byrne); Strategic Projects (led by Christian Duff); Information Systems (led by Christopher de Crespigny); and Administration Support (led by Ron Bower) have all been enhanced during 2016 with additional resources applied as necessary. In addition, during 2016 we have commenced a new Commercial Development program (led by Liz Pearson) to strengthen Angus Australia’s direct links with the commercial beef value chain.
I wish to acknowledge the dedicated contributions of staff to Angus Australia during 2016 and welcome all new members of our talented team. On behalf of members, I also thank the generous contributions of Directors on the Angus Australia Board and participants of State Committees and Regional Groups across the Angus network. Best Libby Creek President – Angus Australia wishes to all for the New Year. I look forward to another great year for Angus in 2017.
May you all have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas enjoyed with your family.
Angus Australia Board Meeting The Angus Australia Board met in Armidale on Friday 25th November 2016. Items addressed at the Board meeting included the following:
Libby creek, president
FROM THE CEO
Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer 2016 has been another very progressive year for Angus Australia. All key performance indicators have been surpassed, with record numbers of members, animal registrations, performance recording, exports, and bull sale averages. Genetic trends in all major profit traits recorded by members continue to increase at industry leading rates. Widespread adoption of genomic testing by members has enhanced rates of genetic improvement and positioned the Angus breed ideally to benefit from planned developments in genomics technology in coming years. During 2016, we have seen successful transfer of performance data input from ABRI across to Angus Australia, with increased levels of service to members enrolled in Angus BREEDPLAN including regular fortnightly analyses. We have also increased the level of member consultation, with the establishment of the Angus Breedplan Consultative Committee and Angus Youth Consultative Committee. We have continued the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program Consultative Committee with some new members. We have also established an Angus Breedplan Technical
- Approval of the Board election schedule for 2017, including one state-elected Director from each of the states of Vic, Qld and SA, and one national-elected Director, to commence following the AGM scheduled for Thursday 18th May 2017. Nominations for these board positions will open on 1st March 2017. Following the close of nominations on 29th March 2017 a preferential voting system will be employed where members will be requested to provide a preference to as many candidates as they wish, and in the case where their first choice for a Nationally-elected Director position is elected to a State-elected Director position, their subsequent preferred candidate will be considered for the Nationally-elected Director position. - The Board confirmed plans to conduct the 2017 National Conference and AGM in Ballarat, Vic on 18 19th May 2017. - The Board reviewed the Regulations around the movement of animals from the Multi-Breed Register (MBR) to the Angus Performance Register (APR), as follows: (i) Regulation 9.1 be amended to “The Angus Performance Register (APR) is provided for the registration of straight-bred Angus not eligible for recording in the HBR or RAR. Straight-bred refers to animals of 7/8th Angus content or greater”. (ii) Inclusion of Regulation 10.4 as “Eligible MBR registered animals with at least 7/8 Angus content can be registered in the APR on application”.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 3
- The Board approved an official delegation of 5 people to represent Angus Australia at the World Angus Forum in Scotland in June, 2017, with a major focus on promoting the 2021 World Angus Forum in Australia. This delegation will include the President, Vice President, CEO, Marketing Communications and Youth Manager, and the Chairman of the 2021 World Angus Forum Organising Committee. Also, a team of 4 Angus Youth members to be supported by Angus Australia to participate in the World Angus Forum Youth Competition. - The Board considered proposals on behalf of several capital cities to host the 2021 World Angus Forum, with the final decision to be announced soon. - Expressions of interest will be called from the membership during December for individuals interested in participating in the 2021 World Angus Forum Organising Committee. - Commencing in 2017, all Full and Commercial Members be invoiced for a voluntary Angus Foundation levy for an amount of $33 (incl. GST) to be used to fund awards, scholarships and bursaries associated with the Angus Youth program. Members who wish to opt out of paying this levy can deduct this amount when paying their account and a credit will be subsequently issued.
Autumn 2017 Bull SAle Preview 30 JAnuAry 2017
- The Board approved the Angus Australia Budget and Operational Plans for 2017, with no change to Membership Enrolment fees or Herd Inventory fees. - Angus BREEDPLAN enrolment fees will be increased to $195 per year (incl. GST) in 2017, to contribute to the cost of fortnightly BREEDPLAN analyses conducted throughout the year. - The Board reviewed the payments made to State Committees and deferred any decision to amend these payments until a review of the roles and associated costs of State Committees was completed during 2017. The Chairman of each State Committee will be invited to participate in this review. - Angus Australia Board meetings in 2017 are scheduled for: 15th March (teleconf), 19th May (Ballarat), 3-4th August (Melbourne), 27th September (teleconf), and 1st December (Armidale). - The 2017 Regulations and Fee schedule will be available on the Angus Australia website from the 3rd January, 2017.
Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
teAm te mAniA Online COmmerCiAl FemAle SAle 1 mArCh 2017 On PrOPerty Bull SAle 1 mArCh 2017 Hamish McFarlane 0427 641 606 Tom Gubbins 0429 952 197
peter parnell, Ceo PAge 4
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
www.temania.com.au
A Strong Year for Angus Live Export Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
2016 proved another strong year for the demand for Angus breeding animals for live export with 38,700 head exported for the China market. Additionally for 2016: • All breeding China market.
animals
were
exported
to
the
• Angus heifers accounted for 99.9% of the exports with the balance being Angus bulls. • Approximately 15% of the heifers exported were classed Category 1 (i.e. 3 generations of pedigree on the sire and dam side) and 85% category 2 (by known registered Angus sires with 3 generations of pedigree). • Five Australian licenced Export organisations facilitated the sourcing and export of the Angus breeding animals. The export numbers are based on the Angus cattle pedigree certified via the internationally recognised Angus Society of Australia pedigree database. For further information on Angus Export, please refer to the Export section of the Angus Australia website (www. angusaustralia.com.au) To support the Live Export industry, Angus Australia recently attended and sponsored the LIVEXforum which was held in Canberra on the 26th and 27th October 2016. The full-day LIVEXforum provided insights into the state
Angus Australia CEO, Dr Peter Parnell, pictured with the winning bidder of Angus Australia’s package at the LIVEXforum Charity Auction, Simon Jackson, Stockair, Brisbane.
of the trade, public perception, latest research in animal welfare, Australia’s global leadership and the impact of growing competition. As part of this event, a charity auction was held as part of the Gala Dinner in aid of Lily Mackett and Royal Far West. Angus Australia provided a black Angus hide package for the auction. The winning bidder for $3000 was Simon Jackson, Stockair, Brisbane. The auction raised a total of $43,500 Below: 2016 proved another strong year for Angus Heifer Export to China
45,000 40,000
China
35,000
Russia, Kazakhstan
30,000
# 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 2007
2008
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
CR119473AA
0
PAge 5
top tens of the 2016 angus bull sales $85,000 1 7 $41,000 $35,000 $70,000 2 8 3 $54,000 9 $34,000 10$30,000 4 $52,000 $30,000 $50,000 5 $30,000 $44,000 6 Millah Murrah Loch Up L133
MILLAH MURRAH
Pathfinder Genral K7
to Ascot Angus, Warwick QLD and ABS Australia
PATHFINDER
Ascot Lion Heart L305
ASCOT
Irelands Lewisham L6
to Ben Nevis Angus Walcha NSW & Trio Angus Cassilis NSW
IRELANDS
Millah Murrah Lakeside L69
Millah Murrah
to Boonaroo Angus, Casterton VIC
ANVIL
J & C Kingpin K18
to Jarobee Angus, Beechworth VIC
ELDERS RAS
to Keringa Angus, Lameroo SA
PEAKES
to Bruce Graham, Indian Creek Angus, Tumut NSW
Bulls sold 8,405 Top price $85,000 Average $7,375
Total 725 Top $26,500 Av. $7,122
b
Total 561 Top $52,000 Av. $6,576
Total 1,595 Top $34,000 Av. $8,217
A - top 10 priced bulls sold in 2016 b - State bull sale totals c - Top 10 averages for Angus bulls sold at auction 2016 PAge 6
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
to Mountain Valley Angus, Coolatai NSW
Karoo D62 Docklands K194
Texas Kelvin Klein K542
TEXAS
to Trent O'Donnel, Kempsey, NSW
Peakes Gabba K556
Irelands Kirribilli K113
IRELANDS
to Richard Hicks, Cootamundra NSW
a
Anvil Kansas K324
to Kamilaroi Angus, Merriwa NSW
Granite Ridge Kaiser K26
GRANITE RIDGE
to Rossrich Angus, Gerogery NSW
KAROO
Total 1,067 Top $70,000 Av. $7,113
Total 4,140 Top $85,000 Av. $7,848 Total 317 Top $24,000 Av. $6,118
to Coolana Angus, Mortlake VIC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Millah Murrah Angus Sold 109 | Avg. $16,349
ascot Angus
Sold 53 | Avg. $12,604
coonamble Angus
Sold 62 | Avg. $11,371
clunie range Angus
Sold 117 | Avg. $11,038
koojan hills Angus
Sold 52 | Avg. $10,788
elders ras sydney show Sold 11 | Avg. $10,772
rennylea angus
Sold 137 | Avg. $10,751
bongongo angus
Sold 82 | Avg. $10,744
peakes angus
Sold 63 | Avg. $10,412
knowla angus
Sold 49 | Avg. $9,939
c
*Sale results are sourced from newspaper reports, social media reports and from breeders themselves. Angus Australia takes no responsibility if the information is incorrect.
$61,989,662 worth of Angus bulls sold at auction in 2016 Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
In this record breaking year for the cattle industry, a whopping $61,989,662 worth of Angus bulls has been cleared at auction in 2016. 8,405 bulls achieved an average of $7,375 across 158 sales. On the back of good rainfall, a favourable seasonal outlook and reinvigorated restocker demand in the commercial sector, bull sales across the country have reflected the positivity throughout the entire industry, as producers look to invest in top shelf Angus genetics.
HOW THE STATES FARED: NEW SOUTH WALES NSW led the charge with 73 sales clearing 4,140 bulls for an average of $7,848. The top price of $85,000 for a bull sold in NSW was paid for Millah Murrah Loch Up L133, a son of Thomas Up River 1614, offered by Millah Murrah Angus and purchased by Ascot Angus, Warwick QLD and ABS Australia. The Millah Murrah sale also achieved the top average price for NSW at the time breaking the record average price for all breeds sold at auction when the sale received a 100% clearance of 109 bulls to average an astonishing $16,348.
QUEENSLAND In QLD 21 sales cleared 1,186 bulls for an average of $7,323. $70,000 was the top price paid for a bull in QLD. This honour went to Ascot Lion Heart L305, an 18 month old son of Ascot Hallmark offered by the Ascot Angus Stud. The bull was purchased in partnership by Ben Nevis Angus, Walcha NSW and Trio Angus, Cassilis NSW. Ascot Angus also set a record $12,604 for a QLD sale average for the Angus breed. The widespread rain around the country had its biggest impact on bull sales in QLD with six sales eclipsing their 2015 average prices by $3,000 or greater. Ascot increased their average by $5,124 or 67.4%; Bulliac Angus increased their average by $4,638 or 97.7% to achieve $8,800; Sandon Glenoch Angus increased their average by $3,653 or 73.7% to achieve $8,460; Lawsons Angus increased their average by $3,218 or 70.8% to achieve $8,460 and Burenda Angus increased their average by $3,188 or 70.3%, to achieve $7,725 at their Clermont Sale and by $3,014 or 48.7% to achieve $9,205 at their Roma bull sale.
Another five sales achieved the remarkable results when they averaged over $10,000. The Elders RAS Sydney Show Sale cleared 11 bulls for an average of $10,772; Peakes Angus, 63 bulls for $10,412; Clunie Range Angus, 117 bulls for $11,038, Rennylea Angus Spring Bull Sale, 137 bulls for $10,751 and Bongongo Angus 82 bulls for $10,744. Booroomooka Angus also experienced a record breaking sale as they cleared all 220 bulls offered at their on property bull sale to average $9,426 and gross $2.07 million.
Ascot Lion Heart L305 SOUTH AUSTRALIA SA sold 561 bulls, from 9 sales, to average $6,576. Top price bull honours went to Granite Ridge Kaiser K26, who became the new ruler of the Angus breed in SA, selling for a magical $52,000 at the stud’s ninth annual on-property sale, at Avenue Range. The successful buyers were Jarobee Angus, Beechworth, VIC. The March 2014-drop smashed the SA Angus record of $23,000 set in 2002 by a Pathfinder sire, and also set a new all-breeds on-property record for the state. The previous record was $46,000 for a Simmental bull, Woonallee Goldrush, sold in 2014.
Millah Murrah Loch Up L133
Pathfinder Angus also rewrote the record books with the highest average ever achieved in the state, when they received total clearance of 119 bulls for an incredible $8,284 average, a massive leap of nearly $2,200 or an increase of 36.1%, on 2015.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 7
TASMANIA Bull sales in Tasmania recognised an average of $6,118, for 317 bulls sold at 8 sales. Connorville Station, Cressy, bought the state’s sale topper, Landfall Aberdeen K477, a September 2014 drop bull, sired by Aberdeen 759 USA. Making $24,000, the sire was offered by Landfall Angus at their Spring Bull Sale.
‘Coinciding with the escalation of the value of commercial cattle, the record sale prices for high quality seedstock across all breeds is very positive for the beef industry’, said Dr Parnell.
The Landfall Angus Spring Bull sale also provided the top average price for bulls in Tasmania, with the 90 bulls offered averaging $7,355, a 42.8% or $2,205 increase on the 2015 result.
VICTORIA 1,151 bulls were sold in Victoria across 30 sales to average $5,981. The state’s high of $34,000 was achieved by Anvil Kansas K324, when he was knocked down for $34,000 to Shane and Jodie Foster, Boonaroo Angus, Corndale (via Casterton). The August 2014-drop, sired by Mohnen South Dakota 402, was offered at the Anvil Angus Autumn Bull Sale. The Banquet Angus Autumn bull sale provided the top average in Victoria of $8,868, a total clearance of their 91 bulls offered. Anvil Angus was also a big mover in the average between years, with their $7,355 average at the spring sale, $2,841 or 62.9% up on 2015. The Pathfinder Victorian Sale achieved a $2,179 or 36.8% difference in average.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA In Western Australia, 18 sales cleared 725 bulls, to average $7,122. Top price in Western Australia was $26,500, paid for Prices hit a high of $26,500 in Western Australia during the Coonamble Angus sale, for Coonamble K159, to set what is believed to be a new State auction record for the Angus breed. Sired by Coonamble Elevator E11 the top price bull was purchased by Gatti Bros, Albany. Coonamble Angus also broke the record for the highest sale average ever achieved at a sale in WA, breaking the $10,788 record set at the Koojan Hills a few days prior. A total clearance of 62 bulls averaged $11,370. This result was up $3,103 or 37.5% on the 2015 result. Koojan Hills improved on their 2015 average by $3,103 or 42.4%. Little Meadows Angus saw an increase in average from 2015 of $2,199 or 47.1%.
Outstanding result all round In summing up the record year for bull sales, Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer of Angus Australia has highlighted that confidence in the beef industry is an at all time all high.
PAge 8
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Karoo Docklands K194 ‘In the Angus breed we have consistently seen record sale clearances and average prices achieved for breeders of well recorded registered bulls. This is a positive reward for those breeders who have invested in the long-term genetic improvement of their seedstock for performance traits valued in the bee value chain – such as growth, marbling and yield,’ he said. “Even though average bulls prices were are higher in 2016 compared with the previous year (up 22%), these bulls offered greater average performance potential to the herds they are being used in due to the world leading annual rates of genetic improvement being achieved by breeders of registered Angus bulls across Australia”. “It is certainly pleasing to see the very high correlation between average prices received by different Angus bull breeding businesses and the average genetic merit of these herds, as indicated by the Estimated Breeding Value and Angus Breeding Index values of these herds”, he said. ‘Breeding cattle is a long-term business, and it is great to see many commercial producers taking advantage of the high prices received for their stock re-invest some of this added income into upgrading the genetic potential of their herd by buying better bulls which will have a lasting impact on the future performance and profitability of their herds’, Dr Parnell said. A full copy of the 2016 Angus Bull Sale Statistics can be found by visting https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ marketing/sale-statistics/bull-sale-statistics/
Texas Kelvin K542
around the saleyards
Glen & Alison Ranford, Backline P/L, Fish Creek, sold this pen of 14 Angus steers at Leongatha for $1670, 30/09/16
Ian and Louise Johnson sold 60 EU accredited Angus steers, 282kg for $4.84/kg or $1,365 during their circuit weaner sale at Amherst, Wittalocka and Molville SA, 18/11/16
Bill Duffy with Simon Rafferty, Landmark, Tamworth, with the top price Angus cross cows and calves, $2,300 at Tamworth NSW 28/10/16. Image courtesy of Michelle Mawhinney
Tom Boyle, Landmark, with Jeff and Steven Scott, Scott's Angus, Glen Elgin, Henty, NSW. Their draft of 193 13-14 month-old Angus steers, averaged $1513. Wodonga 3/11/16
Tim Price and Andrew Lock with the run of 132 Nurrungah Cattle Co steers, 7-9 months, which sold to $4.32/kg and averaged $4.01/kg. Naracoorte 27/10/16
The Lilyvale Grazing crew, Pinjarra WA, at Boyanup 29/11/16 sold 79 Angus steers from $1,241-$1,284 or 368c/kg-412c/kg. Pictured is Rob Hicks and Graeme, Ray & Geoff Keilman and Landmark agent Chris Waddingham
Images: Fairfax Media
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 9
20 Angus PTIC heifers were sold to a top of $2,700 in February
Angus - the female choice Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Visit any saleyards around the country or log on to AuctionsPlus every Friday morning and you will see Angus females repeatedly topping the market, whether it be unjoined heifers, PTIC heifers, first calvers or proven breeders. Angus females have become the go to for the commercial cattleman looking to improve their herd and given the results progeny of Angus females receive, it is no surprise that restockers are competing heavily against each other, week in week out to source the best Angus genetics for their herd. The phenomenal results come as no surprise with Angus females known for their superior fertility, maternal performance, calving ease and overall marketability. Traits that are all sought after for the astute cattle man or woman looking to use Angus females in their pure bred commercial Angus operations, in a European crossbred proram, to cross with other British breeds, the F1 Wagyu program, for a Bos Indicus cross and or even as a popular cross with dairy cattle. With the cattle herd at record lows, and the breaking of the drought in many areas across the country, restockers are providing hot competition at commercial sales.
Ian Seidel, ‘Buckingbong’, Narrandera. $3,060 for 30 Angus PTIC heifers 20-22 months, Wodonga 20/10/16.
The heifers due to calve in autumn next year were sold to John Ingham from Yea, VIC, who overall bought 104 of Ian Seidels’ breeders on offer to change his herd from crossbred cattle to pure Angus. The Seidel’s also received $2,740, the second highest price for 13 PTIC three year old cows. The record for PTIC commercial Angus heifers had been broken earlier in the year when an impressive offering of 150 heifers were sold on behalf of Margaret and Robbie Patterson, Drysdale Partnership, Mortlake preceding the Banquet Angus bull sale in February. The heifers were snapped up by eager commercial producers to a top of $2,700 and averaged $2411.67.
And in a year when records have tumbled in the seedstock industry, commercial cattle have not been left behind, with $2,000 and beyond becoming a regular achievement.
The top pen of 20 heifers averaging 665kg live weight, and due to calve from mid-March 2016 were purchased by Killain Angus, Tamworth NSW.
Wodonda on the 20th of October, left onlookers stunned when EC Seidel and Co, “Buckingbong”, Narrandera, NSW sold 30 20-22 month Angus heifers PTIC for a record breaking $3,060.
More recently at Sale, VIC on December 2nd, a pen of Angus heifers with calves at-foot, and the mothers depastured to a an Angus bull, sold to spirited bidding for $2,700. They were purchased for Michael Brown, Sale.
PAge 10
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
In Tamworth, NSW on November 25th Cows and calves sold to $2725 for Angus cows and calves, offered by Carter and Osborne, "Wahrongah", Manilla NSW.
68 top priced 2yr old Angus heifers with calves at foot from Camperdown VIC, made $3,200 on AuctionsPlus, 18th November. Photo courtesy of AuctionsPlus
On the AuctionsPlus front, prices for Angus females continue to push through the roof. December 2nd’s auction, saw 11 Angus cows and calves, 3-3.5 years old make $3,100. Offered by Galbro, Waubra VIC, the cows were PTIC to Angus bulls. On the 18th of November, Gilmour Pastoral Co sold 403 Angus females to a top of $3,200, an average of $2,632, to gross over $1 million. Ben Redfern a livestock agent with Ray White Emms Mooney, Molong NSW has said that this an unprecedented time for the cattle market. ‘Quality cattle are making the big bucks. You need $2,500 to $3,000 to be able to buy good young Angus cows with calves’, he said. Ben said that overall the cattle market is still tracking along at a fairly hot pace and people are still buying, despite the record prices. ‘Supply is still low and there is good demand for quality cattle’, he said.
At Goulburn NSW on the 10/11/16, John, Angus and Andy Campbell, Taralga, sold their top pen of 21 PTIC two year cows with calves, for $2,750.
MORE WEIGHT MORE MUSCLE
300 BULLS 130 PTIC COWS
M
NARACOORTE THURSDAY 16TH Feb, 11am PENSHURST WEDNESDAY 22nd Feb, 11am
BARCALDINE FRIDAY 24th Feb, 10am
PATHFINDER Nick & Sara Moyle 0417802218 www.moylepathfinder.com
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 11
Angus national conference heads to Ballarat Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Venue Angus Australia is excited to announce that in 2017 the Angus National Conference will be heading to the Mecure Hotel in Ballarat VIC, on the 18th and 19th of May. The Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre is an upscale hotel and conference venue, set amongst three hectares of beautifully manicured gardens, complete with its own ornamental lake. Conveniently located just 75 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Mercure Ballarat is situated opposite the multi-award winning Sovereign Hill, with close proximity to the historic centre of Ballarat.
Ben Thomas
The PROGRAM The program boasts an impressive line-up of high-level speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds. Sessions will cover topics in the areas of communication across the beef supply chain, genetic technologies, commercial supply chain, market technologies, technology in agriculture.
Dan Moser
Sessions will run across two days at a relaxed pace, with ample time allowed for refreshments and socialising between sessions. Various trade stands will also run throughout the conference with many opportunities for networking and interaction with other producers and industry service providers. A gala dinner event will be held on Thursday the 18th of May and will incorporate entertainment and a fundraising auction for the Angus Foundation.
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS We are very excited by the line-up of speakers that we have planned for our members, and will list just a few here to whet your appetite and give you a taste of what to expect.
PAge 12
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Tom Maguire
DAN MOSER, AGI - Development in genetic improvement technologies in American Angus Dr. Dan Moser is the President of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), and Director of Performance Programs for the American Angus Association, headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri. Dan was raised on a small seedstock cattle operation in northeast Kansas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Beef Cattle Genetics from the University of Georgia. For twenty years, as a faculty member at the University of Georgia, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas State University, he taught courses in animal management, genetics and animal breeding, conducted applied research, advised undergraduate and graduate students, and coordinated university seedstock cattle herds. In his current role, he oversees genetic evaluation programs, genomic testing services, business activities and member education efforts for AGI and the Angus association. He has served the beef industry in a variety of leadership roles, and is currently a director of Beef Improvement Federation. BEN THOMAS, MLA - Beef Market Forecast Ben Thomas is the Market Information Manager at MLA, where he has been employed since 2012. Ben’s responsibilities include writing the quarterly beef and lamb industry projections, along with regular market analysis. Prior to working for MLA Ben completed a cadetship with Twynam Agricultural Group and spent two years working on a Canadian cattle farm. He has the qualifications of a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England. TOM MACGUIRE, TEYS AUSTRALIA - Improving communication across the supply chain Tom Maguire is currently General Manager- Corporate Services with Teys Australia, a 50/50 joint venture between the Teys family and Cargill. Teys Australia is a substantial part of Australia's beef industry, operating six beef processing plants, three cattle feedlots as well as other businesses in the value chain located across Australia's eastern seaboard. Tom has been involved in the Australian meat industry since 1997. Tom holds post graduate qualifications in Economics, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management. He has also completed a Master in Business Administration from the University of Queensland. OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: - Brad Hine, CSRIO, – Immune competence
- Drewe Ferguson, CSIRO – Remote sensing/eCollars
- Susan Bibby, Specialised Breeders Australia – How genetic technology is used in the poultry industry
- Ramesh Segaran, University of Adelaide – Use of drones in agriculture
- Berry Reynolds, Mort & Co – The value of relationships and supply partnerships
- Troy Setter, Consolidated Pastoral Company – Future of Angus genetics in Northern Australian beef production
- Jon Condon, Beef Central – Digital disruption and the social media evolution - Ben Simpson, OGA Marketing – Marketing Angus in the digital age
More information on the conference will be available from www.angusaustralia.com.au as it becomes available
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 13
Industry welcomes commercial initiative
Liz Pearson, Commercial Development Manager The launch of Angus Australia’s Commercial Development program has been received by the beef industry with enthusiasm and strong support. The concept that the development of this program will be shaped by the requirements and desires of the marketplace and the commercial supply chain has been endorsed by industry favourably. This inclusion has promoted engagement, positive action and support from the beef industry and enthusiasm to work with Angus Australia for the benefit of its members and the wider value chain. Throughout the first three months of this program, an extensive database of beef value chain participants has been made aware of Angus Australia’s intent for greater engagement.
Liz Pearson, Commercial Development Manager 2. Can Angus Australia facilitate initiatives that develop and promote stronger partnerships and alliances between the beef value chain and Angus Australia members? 3. What strategies does Angus Australia have in place that will continue to improve the performance of Angus?
The initial phase has largely focused on lotfeeders, processors and agency networks with over 30 face to face industry meetings, including the industry body representatives ALPA (Australia Livestock & Property Agents) and ALFA (Australian Lot Feeder Association), BeefEx 2016 Conference, large agency networks, Australia’s three largest meat processing companies as well as feedlot operations that represent approximately 65% of cattle currently on feed.
4. Could Angus Australia build partnerships with major industry influencers for the benefit of its members?
Thus far, four key aspects have been identified that industry believe Angus Australia should invest resources to address. These include:
To discuss the Commercial Development program further please contact:
1. What strategies are Angus Australia implementing to better protect the Angus brand? Specifically, what assurances can be given that cattle being sold as Angus, are actually Angus?
PAge 14
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
In 2017 this program will continue to investigate what the marketplace wants from Angus Australia and our members. As we shift into phase two of this program we will look to collaborate with the beef value chain to promote better integration from the paddock, right through to the plate of our consumers as well as deliver initiatives that promote and reward quality Angus cattle.
LIZ PEARSON
Commercial Development Manager liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
| 02 6773 4608
From little things, big things grow
Liz Pearson, Commercial Development Manager
Mort & Co toowoomba, QLD feedlots: Grassdale, Dalby QLD Pinegrove, Millmerran QLD Gunnee, Delungra NSW Annual turnover: 200 000 head branded product: The Phoenix Range From humble beginnings of feeding a few thousand cattle in various custom feedyards, to one of the largest lotfeeding companies in Australia, Mort & Co will celebrate 20 years of business in 2017. Established in 1997, the growth of Mort & Co.’s footprint in the beef industry has been no accident. Founder and Managing Director, Charlie Mort’s vision has always been clear, to become a major stakeholder in the lotfeeding industry in Australia. Currently Australia’s largest family owned lotfeeder, Mort & Co boasts a well-established, vertically integrated beef business encompassing livestock procurement, transport, lotfeeding, beef processing, marketing and sales.
feeder cattle and the producer having peace of mind and greater flexibility to offload stock during difficult seasonal periods. Mort & Co not only feeds cattle, but have furthered their footprint in the beef industry by introducing their own branded beef range, Phoenix Beef in late 2015. The Phoenix range consists of five branded products, including Green Oaks, Darling Point, Sir Thomas, Grandchester and The Phoenix. The Angus breed fits snuggly into all five Mort & Co brands, however the Grandchester and the Phoenix brands are perfect for the Angus breed’s highly sort after attributes. The Grandchester specifications are minimum 150 day grainfed, EU accredited, HGP free and a marble score 2+, whereas The Phoenix brand is a 400 day grainfed product utilising high end Angus cross genetics with other breeds. Both the Grandchester and The Phoenix products deliver an exclusive 5 star eating experience. Mort & Co are committed to working closely with producers, both striving for mutually beneficial outcomes with enhanced genetic gains of improved feedlot performance and superior carcase merit. The real winner from all of this is the consumer, the delivery of a consistent eating experience, leaving them wanting more.
Mort & Co own and run three feedlots across the eastern states of Australia located at Dalby QLD, Millmerran QLD and Delungra NSW, with a turnover of approximately 200 000 head annually. Their flagship feedlot, Grassdale, south of Dalby in southern Queensland, has recently expanded to cater for 55 000 head at full capacity.
berry reynolds
Being able to purchase all types and breeds of cattle is a key factor for Mort & Co to maintain full occupancy at its three feedyards. The company constantly strives to deliver a premium product every time by focusing on developing strong and mutually beneficial alliances with Australia's leading beef producers and processors. These partnerships facilitate the delivery of carcase feedback, for which both the producer and Mort & Co reap the benefits. The producer gains access to information tools that assist with the selection of superior sires which in turn delivers a superior feeder steer to the feedlot for Mort & Co. Another advantage of vertical alliances is Mort & Co.’s ability to background for producers. This provides a win/ win for both parties, with Mort & Co securing supply of
To get in touch with Mort & Co to discover the value of a partnership with one of Australia’s leading lotfeeders, please contact Berry Reynolds, Private Client Manager berry.reynolds@mortco.com.au 0418 928 222
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 15
ASBP Field Day Proves Informative Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
Angus Australia held an informative Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) field day at Tullimba Research Feedlot, Kingstown NSW on Wednesday 23rd November 2016. The day was attended by over 40 Angus enthusiasts who heard the latest outcomes from Angus Australia’s major R&D initiative. To view a message from Ross Thompson (Chairman ASBP Consultative Committee) scan the QR Code above A major highlight was a session presented by Ashleigh Horne (Angus BREEDPLAN Project Officer) which demonstrated the great potential to achieve genetic improvement in Angus breeding programs by capitalising on the genetic variation that exists between Angus animals. Another highlight was the viewing of over 400 ASBP Cohort 5 Angus steers, identified to sire, which are currently undertaking feed intake testing.
The ASBP is a major R&D initiative of Angus Australia with support from MLA and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir. The objectives of the ASBP are: Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction. Generate data for the validation & refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development. For further information www.angusaustralia.com.au
on
the
ASBP
visit
Top Image: Over 400 Cohort 5 Angus Steers on Display at Tullimba Feedlot, Kingstown, NSW.
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PAge 16
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
22/11/2016 6:30 pm
ASBP Cohort 6 Calving Completed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The calving of Cohort 6, including 1,332 calves, has been completed across the six co-operator herds. The calves are now recorded on the Angus Australia database with their calving traits of birth weight, calving difficulty score and AI date for gestation length calculation. The calving performance data was included in the midDecember BREEDPLAN analysis. Updated Progeny Performance reports, including sire progeny average values, will be available following the January 2017 BREEDPLAN analysis. A catalogue listing of the 41 Cohort 6 sires is available on the Angus Australia website. Weaning and associated data collection (i.e. weight, docility score and DNA) of the Cohort 6 calves is scheduled to start early in the New Year.
CHRISTIAN DUFF For all ASBP related questions
Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager christian@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4620
ASBP Cohort 6 Calves at “Springmount, Black Mountain sired by Coffin Creek Joker J202
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 17
The carcase data collection and analysis for the Cohort 4 steers has been completed
ASBP Cohort 4 Performance Collection Completed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
As background, the ASBP steers entered the University of New England’s Tullimba Research feedlot at around 450kg average liveweight with most steers being in the 400kg to 500 kg range. They were on feed for approximately 100 days at Tullimba undergoing Net Feed Intake testing, before being relocated to Rangers Valley Feedlot, Glen Innes for an additional 170 days to complete a total feeding period of 270 days.
# Carcases
50 40 30 20 10 >500
481-500
461-480
441-460
421-440
401-420
381-400
361-380
341-360
321-340
300-320
<300
0
Carcase Wt Range (Kg) Figure 1 – ASBP Cohort 4 Steer Progeny Carcase Weight Range
CHRISTIAN DUFF For all ASBP related questions
Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager christian@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4620
PAge 18
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
MSA I
m)
%
P8 F at ( m
sing Dres
60
cas e Wt
Live
Wt (
70
Car
kg)
(kg)
80
nde x
Overall, 283 steers have been processed for ASBP Cohort 4 coming from 3 ASBP co-operator herds. A summary of the carcase performance statistics for the Cohort 4 steers is tabled below: Fat (mm ) MSA (Sco Ossific re) atio n MSA (Sco Marbl re) ing AUS MEA (Sco T Ma re) rbl ing EMA (cm 2)
Results from the preliminary performance data analysis are available in the latest BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes. An EBV listing of the Cohort 4 sires is available from the Angus Australia website through the interactive online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. Updated Progeny Performance reports for Cohort 4, including sire progeny average values, will be available following the January 2017 BREEDPLAN analysis. This will allow the inclusion of any valid information that has been
excluded from the December 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis as being “outlier” records.
Rib
The collection of the full suite of performance data for the Cohort 4 progeny of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has recently been completed. This includes abattoir carcase grading outcomes for steers and fertility information for Cohort heifers which were bred from 21 sires.
Av.
776
20
19
148
521
3.23
89.1
65.1
Max
934 528.3 60.6% 42
39
200
860
6
119
68.7
Min
546 283.5 51.8%
6
110
280
1
67
61.6
440 56.6%
9
While it is important that the steer carcases perform and grade well on average, for the purposes of the ASBP research the variation in traits, to pick up sire genetic differences, is also vital. For example, while the carcases averaged 440kg, they ranged from 283.5kg to 528.38kg, a range of 244 kg (Figure 1). Additionally, the natural joining outcomes on 216 Cohort 4 yearling mated heifers (i.e. siblings of the steers) have also been collated and analysed to produce updated Days to Calving EBVs for the Cohort 4 sires. This involves measuring the days from the heifer’s first exposure to natural joining (i.e. bull in date) until the day the heifer calved. If a heifer was exposed and does not conceive or calve then a penalty record is applied.
1,850 Cows were Joined in Cohort 7 of the ASBP
ASBP Cohort 7 AI Program Completed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The fixed-time AI joining program to produce the Cohort 7 calves of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has been completed. Overall, this Cohort involves 34 new Angus sires Angus sires joined to 1,840 females (including 279 yearling heifers) across 6 co-operator herds. The fixed-time AI program utilised the Cue-Mate® and PregnecolTM products from Vetoquinol, along with valued technical advice and support. Each sire received an average of 54 joinings spread
NDE
evenly across each of the 6 co-operator herds. Based on a conservatively estimated 55% conception rate from one round of AI, the sires will have 30 progeny on average or approximately 1,018 calves overall for the project. A catalogue listing of the 41 Cohort 7 sires is available on the Angus Australia website. Pregnancy testing is scheduled to start early in the new year to determine the success of the fixed time AI program.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 19
The right Royal treatment Jamie-Lee Oldfield, The Weekly Times
Princess Royal Station Burra, South Australia
“We are using a lot more money than we ever have, because prices are so high, but providing there is still the demand on the other side you keep doing it.”
Property:
14 properties , 5000sq km of station country and 40,500 ha of farming land
Enterprise:
Breeding, grazing and cropping
Livestock:
Lot feeds 22,000 cattle annually, most are sold to premium European markets FOURTEEN properties, including 5000 sq km of station country and 40,500ha of farming land, make up Princess Royal. When you drive around the operation based at Burra in South Australia, and Simon Rowe says he has trouble sitting still, it is easy to believe him. It is a mix of breeding, grazing and cropping, with a feedlot, vineyard and live export holding facility thrown in for good measure. They also trade a significant number of cattle and prime lambs, transport all their own stock, and run an artificial breeding facility. Simon said this allowed them to “control their own destiny” every step of the way. There are 1800 Angus breeding cows on the southern farming lots, plus a large fluctuating herd on the northern station properties, and 22,000 cattle are lot fed annually. Simon said this means current price trends in the beef market were both positive and negative.
PAge 20
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
“It is a double-edged sword — one side of me is saying we are paying too much, the other side of me saying it is fantastic to get the price,” he said.
"
Why Angus?
"
That is quite simple. Because they are easy to sell EURO STAR
THE European Union accredited Angus breeding herds, one at Princess Royal Station, Burra, and one at Wertaloona Station, in the northern Flinders Ranges, were based on the now dispersed Willalooka herd. Other cattle are also run at Wertaloona.
But it is black faces that line the rails at the feedlot.
“Why Angus? That is quite simple. Because they are easy to sell,” Simon said. “You go to what the market wants.” Bulls are now sourced from a stud in Victoria. “You have got to put the breeding in to get the breeding out,” he said. “We take the pick out of the heifers we breed and the rest go through the feedlot. “We grow them out to 420kg before putting them on grain, and then monitor their performance. “If the culls are doing well you would assume the tops would be doing better.” The current Princess Royal was born in 2000, from what was T&R Pastoral, but Simon said it wasn’t until 2003 things kicked off in earnest. Princess Royal now has about 50 employees, including Simon’s son, Jack, a livestock buyer, and daughters Katherine, head of human resources, and Rebecca, who is finishing her university degree and joining the team.
Simon Rowe and daughter Katherine run Princess Royal Station at Burra in South Australia
“If our wheat goes hard it will more than likely get sold and we will buy feed grain back,” Simon said. “It’s the same with barley, if it starts to go malting, we will probably trade that and buy feed grain back because it is cheaper.” Princess Royal also produces about 14,000 tonnes each of silage and hay, all of which is used within the operation. The feedlot has operated since 2011, and there is currently an application to triple the size by 2022. Cattle enter the feedlot at 340-500kg, and most of them are European Union accredited. On average, cattle are fed for the EU market for 115 days, to reach a turn off weight of about 700kg.
Simon said technology had been the biggest changed within the o peration since starting out, particularly when it came to the lotfeeding side of things.
CATTLE CLASS WITH 85 per cent of costs on cropping and 85 per cent of profits on livestock, Princess Royal started out breeding cattle and moved into trading because the demand was there.
The feedlot’s biggest client is Teys at Naracoorte. Princess Royal has a strong presence on Facebook and Twitter, sharing information and photos on its day-to-day operation. “The whole idea (of using social media) started because the livestock industry, specifically feedlots or any intensive farming, has a low profile,” Simon said. “There is more bad written about it than good. I thought why not tell some good bits of what is happening, and why we are doing it.”
When it comes to cropping, they produce about 40 per cent of their stock feed needs on farm, with quality gauging if the grain is sold on.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017 | www.performancefeeds.com.au
PAge 21
MEMBERS SERVICES REPORT Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
Recent Angus Australia Regulation Change
Male fates
MULTI BREED REGISTER.
Each year Angus Australia sends members an Autumn and or Spring Female inventory list. These lists allow members to remove any two year old plus females that are currently active in your herd by using the appropriate dispersal code.
(i) Regulation
9.1
(amendment)
“The Angus Performance Register (APR) is provided for the registration of straight-bred Angus not eligible for recording in the HBR or RAR. Straight-bred refers to animals of 7/8th Angus content or greater”. (ii) Regulation 10.4 (included) “Eligible MBR registered animals with at least 7/8 Angus content can be registered in the APR on application”.
Animal Transfers Members are encouraged to update Angus Australia with all animal ownership changes. It is as easy as an email to regos@angusaustralia.com.au, with the animals ident, the transfer date and the new owners details. This ensures that the Angus Australia animal data base and website is current and up to date. Transfer applications forms are also available for download by visting https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ registrations/resources/forms/
Angus Australia Parent Verification. Angus Australia introduced DNA testing and paternity verification in 2002, as a way to increase the accuracy and quality of pedigree information for animals registered in the various Angus Australia animal registers. • It is a requirement for the registration of all HBR, RAR, APR or MBR calves that their sire has a DNA profile recorded with the Society. • If an animal is registered as HBR, RAR, APR and born after 31/12/2002, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. If an animal is registered as MBR and born after 31/12/2014, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. •
Parent Verification is also required if members request an application to change either the sire or dam of an animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR that is more than 12 months of age
• Changes the sex of a male registered animal to female that has previously recorded a scrotal circumference on the animal. •
The Society may conduct parentage verification of any animal registered or submitted for registration in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR. When required, samples must be provided on request for the conduct of parentage verification on an animal deemed necessary by the Society.
PAge 22
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Members are encouraged to also clean up the male side of your herds, by using the same philosophy. Using the same dispersal codes you can go online and submit your male disposals exactly the same way you submit your female disposals.
Online Disposals 1. Open your Internet browser www.angusaustralia.com.au
and
head
to
2. Click the ‘Member Login’ option from the Menu along the top of the page. 3. Enter your Herd ID and Password in the boxes provided and click ‘Sign On’. If you do not have login details yet, contact the Member Services Team (02) 6773 4600 or regos@angusaustralia.com.au 4. Click ‘Online Transactions’ located on the right hand side of the top menu bar. 5. From this screen, click on ‘Create a New Batch’. All of your batches will also be listed here should you wish to double check previous submissions. 6. Select ‘Manually add records’ as the Batch Mode and ‘Dam Disposals’ as the Batch Type. Once you have checked these two options click ‘Create’. 7. Now you have started your batch, click ‘Add’ underneath the dam listing table. 8. Enter the ident of the MALE you would like to fate in the ‘Dam ID’ column. Select a reason for fating the MALE from the ‘Fate’ column. In the ‘Fate Date’ column record the date the MALE was fated off. 9. When you have entered all the details, click ‘Go’ located at the bottom of the entry. Repeat this process for each dam you fate off. 10. Once you have finished entering your dams to be taken off the inventory, click ‘View Batch Summary and Submission Screen’ 11. Check the submission details and click ‘Submit this batch to Angus’ if they are all correct. The batch willnot submit to Angus if there are any records with errors If you do get an error, double check the information and then contact Member Services Team for assistance. 12. Once you have sent your batch, the status will change to ‘Submitted’. A full detailed description is available by visiting www. angusaustralia.com.au
Member Service Stats Figures are based on 1st January 2016 to 30th November 2016
The Member Services Team registered
Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
FEMALE: 38,787
74,004 animals
MALE: 31,570
Sale Catalogue We produced 193 sale catalogues with a total of 9,629 lots.
STEERS: 3,647
HBR Registrations:
APR Registrations:
ACR Registrations:
Female:
21,396
Female:
12,070
Female:
Males:
20,999
Males:
9,322
Males:
Steers:
624
Steers:
952
Steers:
RAR Registrations:
MBR Registrations:
Female:
52
Female:
1,603
Males:
36
Males:
1,030
Steers:
7
Steers:
195
DNA 18,098 DNA samples were submitted
A total of for testing.
Please see below for a brief break-up
AM:
1,516
Pestivirus:
CA:
1,722
Mannossidosis: 66
4,699
GGPLD:
1,474
Storage:
1,942
HD 50K:
45
DNA Parentage testing SEQ & SNP:
5,651
Female:
1,971
Males:
183
Steers:
32
We have processed a total of
17,178 transfers.
Full: 1,078 | Commercial: 2,248 Junior: 419 | Life: 25
Total Members 2015: 3,606 Full: 1,037 | Commercial: 2,106 Junior: 439 | Life: 24
Genomic Test i50K:
base Registrations:
Figures consist of APR,ACR & MBR Base registrations: Female:
transfers:
884
DD: 6,696 Coat: 368 1,544
1,837
Total Members 2016: 3,770
DNA Genetic testing
NH:
1,695
New Members 2015: 473 | 2016: 447 New
Microsatellites: 407
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; summer 2017
PAge 23
From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
As the year winds down, Angus Australia is excited to be nearing the first anniversary of taking responsibility for processing all Angus BREEDPLAN performance data inhouse. As with any new beginning, the changes this year brought with it were both challenging and rewarding as we tried to replicate the previous service provided by ABRI. The transition process has been as smooth as possible, which was enabled through the great support and collaboration of staff at both Angus Australia and ABRI. Moving forward, it is Angus Australia’s intention to improve the genetic evaluation services that are provided to members. As such if you have any feedback or suggested improvements you would like us to know about, please feel free to email them through to breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN It is essential that all information submitted to Angus Australia for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN has been collected in accordance with the collection guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN. An electronic copy of the collection guidelines is available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website, or alternatively a hard copy can be mailed upon request by contacting Ashleigh Horne on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au.
Enhancements in December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis A number of enhancements were implemented into the December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. The enhancements were part of the ongoing improvement to the calculation of EBVs for Angus animals in Australia, and included: • Inclusion of structural soundness EBVs into the routine Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation • Inclusion of additional temporal genetic groups for Australian, New Zealand and North American animals • Revised protocol for the collection of net feed intake measurements • Inclusion of updated overseas animals
EPD
information
for
• Inclusion of additional abattoir carcase data
Fortnightly Angus BREEDPLAN analyses The Angus BREEDPLAN analyses have been conducted on a fortnightly basis since the start of September 2016 and this is set to continue with Angus Australia conducting routine fortnightly BREEDPLAN analyses on an ongoing basis from the beginning of 2017 onwards. The increased frequency of analyses will provide members with increased flexibility and improve the ability to access updated EBVs on animals. To cover the cost of the associated increase in ABRI costs of fortnightly analyses, the annual BREEDPLAN enrolment fee will increase from $165 (inc GST) to $195 (inc GST).
PAge 24
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
ashleigh horne, project officer, angus breedplan 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis Schedule (January – March) Submission Analysis Results Available (Indicative) Deadline
February Mid-February March Mid-March April
January 15th February 1st February 15th March 1st March 15th
January 31st February 17th February 28th March 17th March 31st
Note: The dates for the availability of results are indicative only. They are provided to assist with planning but should not be considered as guaranteed dates.
Performance Data Processing Statistics The table below provides a snapshot of some of the performance information that is regularly submitted to Angus Australia. This data was added to the Angus Australia database between the 01/01/2016 and the 30/11/2016.
TRAIT
NO. PROCESSED
Calving Difficulty Score Birth Weight 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weigh Mature Cow Weight Ultrasound Scan Data* Scrotal Circumference Docility Scores Structural Scores Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Net Feed Intake – Post Weaning
54218 60484 47744 37890 24343 13976 27311 13668 17608 4031 412 62
*Ultrasound scan data includes records for eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and intra-muscular fat.
Contact Details for Angus BREEDPLAN Please remember that the contact details for Angus BREEDPLAN are: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 Ph: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6773 3095 E: breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
Angus BREEDPLAN Moves to Fortnightly Analyses Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Angus breeders have led the Australian beef industry with the adoption of BREEDPLAN technology and this is set to continue in 2017 with Angus Australia becoming the first breed association in Australia to routinely conduct BREEDPLAN analyses on a fortnightly basis. The move is part of Angus Australia’s commitment to provide world leading genetic evaluation services to the Angus breeders in Australia, and will result in considerably reduced turn-around time between the submission of performance data and the availability of updated EBVs. The submission deadlines for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN analyses during 2017 are outlined in Table 1.
Table 1 – 2017 Submission Deadlines for Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis
Selling feeder cattle? Pre-vaccinate and
Stand out
from the crowd bovilis mh+ibr ®
Submission Deadline Results Available (Indicative)
February
January 15
January 31
Mid February
February 1
February 17
March
February 15
February 28
Mid March
March 1
March 17
April
March 15
March 31
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 17
December
November 13
November 30
Mid December
November 24
December 11
January
December 8
December 22
To cover the associated increase in ABRI costs of fortnightly analyses, the annual BREEDPLAN enrolment fee will increase from $165 (inc GST) to $195 (inc GST). All other fees and charge for Angus BREEDPLAN will remain unchanged.
To find out don’t m more about iss o u t pre-vaccination Pre-vac on cin call your local PreMiu ation MS thi Coopers contact season s on 1800 885 576 ® Coopers is a registered trademark of Intervet Inc. Bovilis is a registered trademark of Intervet International B.V. Intervet Australia Pty Ltd (known as MSD Animal Health). ABN: 79008467034.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 25
Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
As part of the ongoing maintenance and improvement to the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, a number of enhancements were implemented in the December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.
resulted in improvements to the manner in which starting EBV values are assigned for animals born in Australia, New Zealand and North America after 1/1/2000, and whose sire or dam do not have EBVs.
In most cases, the enhancements did not have any significant effect on the EBV ranking of animals.
Revised Protocol for the Collection of Net Feed Intake Measurements
Calculation of Structural Soundness EBVs The Structural Soundness EBVs that are calculated for Front Feet Angle, Front Feet Claw Set, Rear Feet Angle, Rear Leg Hind View and Rear Leg Side View are no longer considered “Trial” EBVs, but are now considered as standard EBVs within the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. Resulting from this change: • Structural Soundness EBVs are now calculated as part of each routine Angus BREEDPLAN analyses • Structural Soundness EBVs are included in the EBV reference tables (i.e. breed average EBVs, percentile bands) that are displayed on the Angus Australia website • Front Feet Angle, Front Feet Claw Set & Rear Feet Angle EBVs are now reported as whole numbers, rather than to 1 decimal place •
Software development is underway to publish the Structural Soundness EBVs in the Angus BREEDPLAN herd reports, on the Angus Australia EBV Search facility, and in the EBV files available from the membe login area on the Angus Australia website
Further information regarding Structural Soundness EBVs, and the structural soundness score information that is used to calculate them is available from the Angus Australia website.
Inclusion of Additional Temporal Genetic Groups Additional genetic groups were included for animals born in Australia, New Zealand and North America, whereby animals born in each respective country after 1/1/2000 are now split into two genetic groups, one including animals born between 1/1/2000 – 31/12/2010, and one including animals born after 1/1/2011. Previously, all animals born in each respective country after 1/1/2000 were included in the one group. Note: Genetic groups are used to assign a starting EBV value to animals whose sire and dams do not have EBVs. For example, imported sires or base animals. Different genetic groups are formed based on the animal’s year of birth, country of origin and breed, and ensure that animals are assigned a starting EBV value that is reflective of the origin of their genetics and the expectation of these genetics, as determined by similar animals in the analysis. The introduction of the additional genetic groups has
PAge 26
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
The protocols for the collection of net feed intake measurements for inclusion in the calculation of NFI-P and NFI-F EBVs were updated to reflect the current feed efficiency equipment that is available. The revised protocol are available in the “Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN” publication on the Angus Australia website.
Updated EPD Information for Overseas Animals A revised set of EPDs was included in the December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis for imported American and Canadian Black and Red Angus animals.
Inclusion of Additional Abattoir Carcase Data A significant amount of new abattoir carcase data was included in the December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. This new data included: •
Carcase weight, eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and MSA marble score information recorded on Cohort 4 steers in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP)
• Boned out, retail beef yield data from steers in the NSW DPI muscling herd at Glen Innes Ag Research & Advisory Station The inclusion of this data resulted in changes to the EBVs of animals in the ASBP and NSW DPI muscling herd, and their relatives.
Further Information To further discuss any of the enhancements that were implemented in the December 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis, please contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or via email andrew@angusaustralia.com.
New Calf Catching Units Aid Birth Weight Collection Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
While not suitable for all operations, a number of new calf catching units are now being marketed commercially in Australia that assist with the catching and processing of calves shortly after birth. The units, mounted to either a vehicle, quad bike or side-by-side, offer greater ease for catching calves and increased protection from mothers while tagging and weighing calves. Two units being sold commercially in Australia are described below. There are also a number of other home-engineered units in operation within individual enterprises. LARIAT CALF HARVESTER
Important Tips When Collecting Birth Weight Information for Angus BREEDPLAN • Weights of calves taken shortly following birth contribute valuable information to Birth Weight EBVs, Calving Ease EBVs, and selection index values. There are over 50,000 birth weights collected on Angus calves in Australia annually. • Birth weight should be collected within 24 hours of birth, and no greater than 48 hours after birth. •
It is important that birth weights are collected using appropriate weighing scales. Do not visually estimate or guess birth weight, or use chest, girth or coronet band tapes.
•
Birth weights should be recorded for the whole calf drop. Collecting “occasional” measurements, or only collecting birth weights for a subset of calves is of no value and can be misleading.
• Recording birth weight particularly important. •
for
dead
calves
is
A birth management group should be recorded if there are different treatment of females prior to calving that may affect birth weight. For example, where one group of cows has had different feed availability prior to calving.
• Take due care of protective mothers when collecting birth weights.
LARIAT Calf Harvester
Safety Zone Calf Catcher
Marketed by LARIAT Engineering in Narooma, the CalfHarvester consists of a cage mounted to a farm ute or four wheel drive vehicle.
Marketed in Australia by CRT, the Safety Zone Calf Catcher consists of a cage mounted to a quad bike or side-by-side.
In operation, the cage is lowered to the side of the vehicle by the use of remote controlled, electric actuators from within the cab, and the gate opened. The vehicle is then manoeuvred to catch the calf, and once inside the cage, the gate is closed, and the vehicle and calf slowly stopped. The calf can then be processed within a secure area, without the concern of a protective mother.
Similar in operation to the LARIAT Calf Harvester, the quad bike or side-by-side is manoeuvred so that the calf is caught within the cage, and the gate closed, following which the calf can be processed in a secure area. The Safety Zone Calf Catcher features a calf holder/carrier within the cage that restrains the calf and assists with calf handling.
Further information regarding Harvester, including a video, www.lariatengineering.com.au.
LARIAT CALF HARVESTER
the LARIAT Calf is available from
Further information regarding the Safety Zone Calf Catcher, including a video, is available from www.safetyzonecalfcatchers.com.
SAFETY ZONE CALF CATCHER
SAFETY ZONE CALF CATCHER
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 27
Harnessing Greater Benefit from Genomics Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Genomics, the term given to describe a range of DNA based technologies concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes, is a science receiving much interest around the world among breeders of all livestock species.
at the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU), the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), and the New Zealand Angus Association, to implement a new approach for incorporating genomic information into the calculation of EBVs within Angus BREEDPLAN.
In April 2011, the first set of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) were calculated within the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation that included genomic information.
Known as “single step”, the new analytical model simultaneously utilises genomic, pedigree and performance information, placing appropriate emphasis on all available sources of information, to generate the best possible prediction of an animal’s breeding value.
This heralded a new era for the genetic evaluation of Angus animals in Australia and New Zealand, with genomic predictions now analysed in the routine Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation for over 20,000 animals, from five different genomic products, and for up to 14 different traits.
New Analytical Software (“Single-step”)
Although the inclusion of genomic information in Angus BREEDPLAN has become mainstream, it is an evolving science. Researchers in Australia, and around the world, are continually looking for better and more efficient ways to utilise the genomic information in genetic evaluation.
Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs
A different way of handling genomics
“Blending”
The current procedure for the incorporation of genomic information into Angus BREEDPLAN uses a two-step process.
Pedigree & performance data
Step 1 involves using the genomic data for an animal to generate a genomic prediction of the animal’s breeding value. This is often referred to as a Molecular Breeding Value (MBV) or Molecular Value Prediction (MVP).
Benefits of new analytical model
Step 2 combines the animal’s genomic prediction with its traditional EBV, calculated from pedigree and performance information, to generate an EBV with additional accuracy. This process of combining the genomic prediction and traditional EBV is referred to as “blending”.
With a traditional pedigree based approach, the relationships between animals within Angus BREEDPLAN are determined by pedigree alone. For example, pedigree would predict that the genetic relationship between full siblings (i.e. animals with the same sire and dam) is 0.5, meaning full siblings are predicted to have 50% of genes in common when calculating traditional pedigree-based breeding values.
Current Analytical Software (“Multi-step”) REFERENCE
Understanding the way that DNA is inherited, it is known that there will in fact be variation between these relationships, and the true genetic relationship between full siblings is likely to range between 0.4 – 0.6.
VALIDATION
Similarly, pedigree may predict that two animals are unrelated, but in reality, the animals may share common genes, and have a genetic relationship greater than 0.
Genomic Predictions “Blending”
Pedigree & performance data
Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs
Traditional EBVs
While the two-step analytical model represented the most sophisticated approach available at the time, different methodologies that use genomics in a more effective and appropriate manner have since been developed. Angus Australia is now working collaboratively with staff
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
The main benefit of the new analytical approach is how genetic relationships between animals are determined.
The new single step approach improves the precision in which EBVs are calculated by better quantifying genetic relationships, using both genomic (where available) and pedigree information to determine the genetic relationships between animals.
Other benefits In addition to better determining the genetic relationship between animals, the single step analytical approach has a number of additional benefits, including: • Any errors in the pedigree of animals will be
overcome (providing information available).
the
animal
has
genomic
•
Genomic information will contribute to not only the EBVs of the animal that has been genotyped, but will also contribute to the EBVs for the animal’s relatives (e.g. parents, progeny).
•
Genomic information will contribute to all EBVs that are calculated within the main multi-trait analysis within Angus BREEDPLAN, rather than being limited to use in the calculation of only 14 traits. This will include all EBVs except Calving Ease Direct, Calving Ease Daughters, Docility, and the five Structural Soundness EBVs. Further work is required to utilise the single-step approach for these non-linear traits.
• The need to regularly re-calibrate the prediction equations that are used to calculate genomic predictions is removed, with genomic effects being updated each time an Angus BREEDPLAN analysis is conducted. •
Genomic information will be given different (and more appropriate) emphasis when calculating the EBVs for each animal, based on each individual animal’s genetic relationship to the reference population (being animal’s with both genomic and performance information).
The net result is that the new analytical approach will more optimally utilise genomic information, and will provide Angus breeders in Australia and New Zealand with EBVs that are the best possible estimate of an animal’s breeding value.
When will the new analytical model be implemented? While the development of the single step analytical software has largely been completed, considerable further work is now required by AGBU, ABRI, Angus Australia and Angus New Zealand to test this software, resolve any issues that arise, and implement the software into the routine, commercially available Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. More specifically, considerable work is required to: • test the single step software utilising Angus specific pedigree, performance and genomic data, and resolve any issues that arise; • incorporate the single step software into the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation software infrastructure for routine analyses; and, •
modify the systems and database software utilised by Angus Australia, the New Zealand Angus Association, ABRI and the DNA laboratories to accommodate the storage and routine incorporation of the genomic information required by the single step software.
While the implementation of the single step software remains a high priority for AGBU, ABRI, Angus Australia and Angus New Zealand, it is envisaged that it will be approximately 12 months before it is implemented into the routine, commercially available Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation.
The most likely implementation of the new analytical software is in association with the next annual implementation of enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN, being the December 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. In the meantime, it is possible that the single step software may be implemented in the genetic evaluations that that are conducted for some other breeds. By comparison to the genetic evaluations for other breeds, there are a number of additional considerations that need to be resolved in Angus BREEDPLAN, including: •
the technical complexity of the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis (in particular, the merging of genomic data from multiple breed societies, importation of overseas EPDs, and large number of EBVs calculated);
• the large number of Angus animals in Australia and New Zealand with genomic data available; • the availability of genomic data from multiple DNA service providers (e.g. Zoetis, GeneSeek); and, • the high frequency at which Angus BREEDPLAN analyses are conducted, coupled with potentially longer analysis run time of a single step genetic evaluation.
How much will EBVs change? It is still too early to predict how much EBVs will change with the implementation of the single step software, but some change in EBVs would be expected, particularly for animals that have genomic information available. Likewise, it is also expected that the accuracy values published with EBVs for animals, particularly for those animals with genomic information, will change.
Other changes Other than changes to EBVs and EBV accuracy values for some animals, there will be little noticeable change with the implementation of single step software. The manner in which DNA samples are collected, submitted to Angus Australia, and handled at the DNA laboratory will be the same, and the cost of DNA tests will remain unchanged. The implementation of single step analysis will mean that genomic predictions are no longer produced, and so it is envisaged that Molecular Value Predictions (MVPs) will no longer be provided when conducting genomic testing using the Zoetis i50K or HD50K products.
Take home messages The development of a new single step approach for utilising genomic information within Angus BREEDPLAN will more optimally utilise genomic information in the calculation of EBVs for Angus animals in Australia and New Zealand. While the new software will result in improvements to the calculation of EBVs, the current two-step analytical software continues to provide reliable breeding values on Angus animals. Angus Australia members should not have any hesitation in utilising genomics as a component of their seedstock breeding program.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
PAge 29
Collecting DNA Samples
Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager Collecting DNA samples is becoming a routine management practice within an Angus seedstock beef enterprise, with Angus producers using DNA information for parentage verification, management of recessive genetic conditions, and to add accuracy to Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs for important production traits. DNA samples can be collected in a number of different forms, with hair, semen and tissue samples all accepted for testing with Angus Australia.
Hair Samples Hair is the most common form of sample used when submitting DNA to Angus Australia, and is Angus Australia’s preferred sample type. Hair samples should be collected from the switch of the tail, by selecting 40 hairs (approximately the size of a thick pencil) that are dry and free of any foreign matter (e.g. manure, dirt), and pulling the hairs “up and away” from the tail switch. Pliers can be used if a better grip is necessary. It is important to note that the DNA is not contained in the hair shaft itself, but rather in the follicle or root bulb. It is vital that the root bulb is present in the hair sample as this is the part of the sample from which the DNA will be extracted. Once the hair sample has been collected, it must be placed in a DNA collection kit. DNA collection kits are available on request from Angus Australia, with a different collector kit subject to whether the required DNA testing will be conducted by Zoetis Animal Genetics, or the Animal Genetics Laboratory at the University of Queensland.
•
Ensure the DNA sample collected is dry and free from any foreign matter (dirt, faeces and plant material). If necessary, the hair can be brushed prior to collection to remove the foreign matter.
•
When collecting hair samples, place the hair sample in the collection kit, align hair follicles, and securely place the animal ident sticker over the hair shafts (University of Queensland) / remove the paper backing and lower the front of the collection kit over the hair shafts (Zoetis). Trim off excess hair to the edge of the collection kit.
•
Take care during the collection process to prevent cross-contamination of samples. If necessary, wash hands between the collection of each hair sample to ensure that hands are clean.
•
Ensure that the Angus Australia DNA Test Request form is completed and submit a signed copy of the member test agreement, if you haven’t previously completed one.
• Place samples and completed paperwork in a sturdy postage bag or box. Consider sending samples by registered mail. • Ensure that at least 40 hairs are supplied so that sufficient hair is supplied to enable future DNA tests to be conducted for the animal.
Collection of hair on extremely young animals can be problematic as the hair follicles are small and still developing. It is recommended that animals are at least 60 days of age (2 months) before hair samples are collected. Hair has several advantages over other types of DNA samples including a lower cost of sample collection and easier long term storage of samples at room temperature. One strategy becoming increasingly common amongst Angus Australia members is the collection of hair samples on all calves at marking/weaning, whereby the hair sample of each animal is placed in an individual envelope and stored in a cool, dry place (e.g. shoe box, filing cabinet) for use when DNA testing is required.
Handy Tips When Collecting Hair Samples •
Check the identification of the animal and record the full Angus Australia ident on the front of the collection card (Zoetis), or on the sticker provided (University of Queensland).
• Pull a minimum of 40 hair follicles from the switch (i.e. thick brush) of the animal’s tail making sure the roots are still attached.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Semen Samples Semen samples are commonly used when DNA testing AI sires, imported sires, or old sires for which no other type of DNA sample is available. When submitting semen samples, it is best to remove the straw from the liquid nitrogen and allow it to gently thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not store straws at room temperature for long periods of time before submitting the sample as it may mould.
Thawed semen straws need to be carefully protected when mailing to prevent damage from mail sorters and rough handling. A good strategy is to place the semen straw into the shaft of a ball point pen. That is, take the ball point pen, remove the ink tube, insert the semen straw, and replace the cap of the pen. Alternatively, semen straws can be placed in a slot between two ridges of cardboard. The protected semen straw can then be placed in a sturdy postage bag or box.
$8.80 (University of Queensland) or $5.50 (Zoetis Animal Genetics) per sample when using TSUs to cover the cost of DNA extraction and storage.
One limitation of semen is the inability to store any sample surplus to the initial DNA testing requirements for future DNA testing of the animal. Consequently, in addition to the DNA testing, semen samples also require DNA to be extracted and stored at the DNA laboratory. There is a surcharge of $13.20 per sample to cover DNA extraction and storage costs (University of Queensland). There is no surcharge when testing with Zoetis Animal Genetics.
Tissue Samples Tissue samples not collected using a tissue sampling unit are only used in situations where it is not possible to collect any other form of DNA sample. Most commonly, this is when calves are born dead. When collecting tissue samples, part of the ear or tail should be removed, and then frozen until it is ready to be sent to Angus Australia. It is important to try and preserve the sample as much as possible during postage. Frozen tissue samples should be placed in a plastic bag, attached to a cool pack, and then mailed in a suitable package, such as a small styrofoam esky.
Tissue Samples (TSU) More recently, some members have commenced using tissue sampling units (TSU), such as those marketed by Allflex, to collect DNA samples. TSUs involve the use of specialized equipment that takes an ear notch, places it in a collection tube that contains preservative, and seals the collection tube. When using TSUs, it is important to carefully follow the directions that are provided to ensure the samples are correctly collected. Samples may be stored at room temperature, in the fridge or in the freezer until they are ready to send, before mailing them in a sturdy postage bag or box. Keep the samples out of direct sunlight before mailing as UV rays will denature the DNA. TSUs are often integrated with ear tags, with the collection tube having a bar code that corresponds to the NLIS and management tag, which helps to prevent human error and sample mix-ups. There are additional costs of using TSUs, including the cost of the collection equipment, and the cost of extracting and storing DNA at the laboratory. Similar to semen samples, it is not currently possible to store any sample surplus to the initial DNA testing requirements for future DNA testing of the animal, and so there is a surcharge of
As with semen and TSUs, it is not possible to store the surplus tissue sample for future DNA testing of the animal, and so DNA needs to be extracted and stored at the laboratory. There is a surcharge of $13.20 per sample when using tissue samples (University of Queensland). There is no surcharge when testing with Zoetis Animal Genetics.
Other Sample Types There are a number of other types of DNA samples that can be collected from animals, such as blood tubes, blood cards and nasal swabs. These sample types are not currently accepted by Angus Australia and should not be used.
ANDREW BYRNE
Breed Development & Extension Manager andrew@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4618
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; summer 2017
PAge 31
by Angus Australia Angus Australia will now be offering a full suite of graphic design services to members, from complete sale catalogue production, through to flyers and newspaper advertisements
7
Bringing your
Reasons to breed angus
home
When purchasing a bull, care and handling after the sale can be as important as the purchase itself. Looking after your bull well during the Initial stages of his working life may ensure longevity and success within your breeding herd. and g the most widespread Angus are rapidly becomin beef breed in the world. • Discuss Purchase with the carrier, resting procedures after temperate for long Temperament trips, expected delivery keenly sought is an important characteristic time, truck condition and when selecting ility which quiet handling. a bull. Selecting a bull that profitab maygreater be flighty the or aggressive n is duefortoyou will expansio life difficult Thismake • Give reasons ear the tag and brand numbers to each are timesome he isofhandled. the carrier and Here Note which bulls continually make sure you have the carrier’s using Angus. push to the centre of a mob, be achieved phone number. canaround, Angus. • run or are unreasonably ia are choosing If buying bulls from interstate, Australnervous, aggressive or organise any necessary excited. why beef producers in
logo design
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rather than the and Both domestic temperament shown in the targeting the high ring. cattle. Feedlots premium for Angus prefer Angus and Korean markets quality Japanese ability. Several growth and marbling Angus When transporting your new because of their bull insurance against loss feed almost exclusively in transit, accidental loss of feedlots in Australia use, or infertility, is sometimes Japanese B3 market. provided by vendors. Where cattle for the long-fed it is not, it is worth considering. s purchase tips: After by re-stocker demand high are also in Angus weaners • When purchasing, ask a wide range which health treatments programs, targeting he has received. for pasture finishing to heavy grass-fed domestic steers • Treat and handle him quietly of markets from at all times - no dogs, no buzzers. Talk to him and export bullocks. give him time and room to make up his mind. • With more than one bull from different origins, you must be able to separate them on the truck. • Make sure that the truck tremendous market floor is covered to prevent known for their bulls from slipping. Sand, Angus are well sawdust or a floor grid grow to heavy market will have the ability to also prevent bulls from being damaged by versatility. They over fat. Theydown going in transit. without becoming weights quickly weights, if desired. • If you can arrange it, put to finish at lighter a few quiet cows or steers have the ability on high muscling the truck with the bull. Let carcase quality, them down into a yard with the bulls for a while Angus have excellent providing maximum before loading and after maturity patterns unloading. and moderate
Delivery
2 Marke t Versatility
market versatility.
02 6773 4609 | design@angusaustralia.com.au | www.angusaustralia.com.au
PAge 32
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Arrival
When the bull or bulls arrive home, unload them at the yards into a group of house cows, steers or herd cows. Never jump them from the back of a truck directly into a paddock—it may be the last time you see them. Bulls from different origins should be put into separate yards with other cattle for company. Provide hay and water, then leave them alone until the next morning . The next day, bulls should receive routine health treatments. If they have not been treated before, all bulls should be vaccinated with: • 5-in-1 vaccine;
• vibriosis vaccine;
R Market Demand R Market Versatility R R R
• leptospirosis vaccine (if in areas like the Hunter where leptospirosis exists); Profitability Carcase • three-day sickness vaccine (if in areas where this sickness can cause problems).
Finishing ability Give particular attention to preventing new bulls bringing www.angusaustralia.com.au vibriosis
• Unload and reload during the trip as little as possible If necessary, rest with Treat bulls kindly your impatiencewater and feed. or nervousness is easily transmitted to an animal unfamiliar to you and unsure of his environment.
AND 3 Superior Fertility Maternal Ability quickly in calf If you use a puberty early, go
FOR more information, please contact ebonie sadler-small
health tests before leaving and requirements must be met beforework out if any other cattle can come into another State.
When buying bulls from far away, you may often have to fit in with other delivery arrangements to reduce cost. You should make it clear how you want your bulls handled.
Angus
purchase
into a herd. Vibriosis, a sexually transmitted disease, causes infertility and abortions and is most commonly introduced to a clean herd by an infected bull. These bulls show no signs of the illness. Vaccinated bulls are free from vibriosis, so vaccinating bulls against the disease should be a routine practice. Vaccination involves two injections, 4–6 weeks apart, at the time of introduction, and then a booster shot every year. Complete the vaccinations 4 weeks before joining.
‘Meating’ more of your markets
professional carrier:
reach Angus Angus females to a late age. • Make sure the carrier knows which breed regularly bulls can be even and continue to mixed together. high fertility for maintaining have a reputation . Angus cows seasonal conditions ability. under difficult good milking mothers with are excellent easy care cattle. They are easy calving,
#A N G U S P R E M I U M
sale catalogues advertising brochures & flyers
At the sale, note any changes of temperament by individual bulls. Some bulls that are quiet in the yard or paddock may not like the pressure and noise of the auction and become excited. Others that were excited beforehand get
much worse in the sale ring d and can really perform. Use a yard 1 Market Deman currently pay the or paddock behaviour as a guide, export markets
delivery after purchase tips arrival mating new young bulls managing older herd bull quality mating l ability duringMeat northern australia superior fertility & materna pool market versatility large documented gene ance Market demand best all round perform hardiness & efficiency
Feed efficiency in focus - Family improves livestock handling Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
While not registered, the family has cattle breeding records for four generations or more. Bulls are chosen on structure, heavy muscling, positive for fat and a frame that is both deep bodied and moderate.
Harris Farms Dumbalk North, vic Property: 885ha Enterprise: Breeding & backgrounding Livestock: 500 Angus breeders ENTHUSIASM and striving to improve efficiency drive South Gippsland farmers Shane and Claire Harris. The couple run Harris Farms across 2186 acres (885 hectares) of owned and leased land that is within an hour’s drive radius. Their main commodity is Angus cattle. This year, they are running about 500 breeders. Due to the failed spring and very dry summer, the couple culled the herd heavily and were not able to keep on as many breeders. In better years, their herd including closer to 600 breeders. Shane, who is the fourth generation farmer at Dumbalk North, has been living his passion for breeding Angus for 15 years. The Harris Farms breeding program uses carefully selected bulls. The cattle are single sire joined in mobs of one bull to about 50 females for nine weeks. Shane and Claire also artificially inseminate some cattle each year. Shane said they handpick the AI bulls and generally chose older bulls that are proven including for longevity and sound structure.
“We are very particular on calving ease in the herd, anything that has to pulled in culled so out of 100 heifers, we might have to pull two or three,” Claire, a former DEPI livestock extension officer, said. They have tended to background their steers before selling them direct to a feedlot, but last year lighter weight steers for an overseas order. The Harris family has also sold heifers to China for four years. The couple said it was important to be flexible about marketing livestock, to seize good opportunities and be responsive to the season, such as the extreme dry of the past season. “Older people said the 1967-68 drought was bad, but last summer was worse,” Shane said. They said a very poor spring, uncharacteristic of South Gippsland, exacerbated the dry summer. The family also runs sheep for prime lamb production and have 100 Southdown ewes from which they sell rams under the stud Patrian each year. “The business is driven on feed efficiency so we chose moderate (framed) stock that can be run in higher stocking rates and keep condition in poorer times,” Claire said. They also have an on-farm feed pad in which they supplementary feed out pellets to give them more flexibility in when they sell stock.
The breed of cattle and are chosen for their feed efficiency, which allows Claire and Shane Harris to run in higher stocking rates.
Angus Bulletin 2017 Claire— andsummer Shane Harris with somePAge of their33 dogs and 18 month-old Angus bulls on a wet late winter day
PAge 34
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; summer 2017
around the shows Hobart Show 2016
Junior & Grand Champion Bull PLATINUM ANGUS LUMBERJACK L74, exhibited by Daryl Heazlewood
Perth Show 2016
Junior & Grand Champion Angus Bull TULLIBARDINE LAST CALL L10, exhibited by A G & J C Murray. Photo courtesy Farm Weekly
TLHK73, Grand Champion Angus Bull at the Launceston Royal 2016. Pictured above at the Scottsdale Show 2016
Junior & Grand Champion Angus Female & Champion Interbreed Female & Supreme Interbreed Exhibit Platinum Angus Tibbie L68, exhibited by Daryl Heazlewood
Little Meadows Merriment D80, exhibited by Little Meadows Angus, Senior & Grand Champion Angus Female & All Breeds Supreme Senior Champion Beef Female. Photo courtesy Farm Weekly
Launceston Show 2016
Junior & Grand Champion Angus Female & Supreme Interbreed Exhibit PLATINUM ANGUS 7229-TIBBIE L68, exhibited by Daryl Heazlewood
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; summer 2017
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Semex Kansas State University Scholarship Awarded to South Australian Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Mardi O’Brien from Kyancutta in South Australia has been awarded the 2016 Semex Angus Youth Kansas State University Scholarship. Sponsored by Semex Pty Ltd and Angus Australia, the Kansas State Scholarship provides a young beef cattle enthusiast with the chance to spend a semester studying at the prestigious Kansas State University in the United States of America each year. It was the opportunity to explore a career path further that inspired Miss O’Brien to apply for the Semex Kansas State University Scholarship. ‘To be able to network with some of the best minds in the beef industry, was an opportunity to good to refuse’, said Miss O’Brien. ‘I have a love of travel and being able to combine this with some time at one of the best agricultural universities in the world will be amazing’, she said Miss O’Brien has a lot of respect for the personnel in and around Kansas State University and credits them for a lot of inspiration she has to remain in the beef industry. ‘I can’t wait to gain knowledge from the likes of Dr John Riley and Bruce Young, they are great mentors, that have been there and done a lot within the industry,’ she said.
‘Agriculture is a huge passion of mine and I want to be able to encourage as many people to get involved in agriculture and the beef industry as possible’, says Miss O’Brien. Angus Australia Youth Development and Education Officer Haylee Herriot said international tertiary educational experiences, such as that provided by the Semex Kansas State Scholarship, are a fantastic way to get an insight into international beef industry research and development, the applications of this technology and ways in which these ideas can be implemented back in Australia. ‘Studying at such a highly regarded international agricultural institution such as Kansas State is a fantastic opportunity for Australia’s young beef cattle enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the latest beef production technologies and their potential application to the wider Australian beef industry as a whole,’ said Ms Herriot ‘This scholarship represents an amazing opportunity for Miss O’Brien, with beef cattle a key focus of study and research at Kansas State University. With the university’s own seed stock and commercial herd, feedlot, feed mill, brilliant teaching facilities and staff, the university offers an exceptional learning environment’.
Miss O’Brien hails from Kyancutta, a small wheat belt town on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It was here that she grew up with a passion for the feedlot industry, following involvement in her family’s small feedlot operation where they feed predominately Angus cattle. Studying Rural Science at the University of New England, Armidale NSW, Miss O’Brien spends her holidays working at the Rangers Valley Feedlot at Glen Innes NSW. Miss O’Brien has a strong interest in intensive feeding and the handling and stress management of cattle in feedlot situations and also has an interest in nutrition and meat science, all topics she looks forward to exploring further at K-State. Miss O’Brien is thrilled to have been named the 2016 Semex Kansas State University Scholarship winner and is grateful that awards such as this are available to the youth in agriculture. ‘It is a huge honour to be involved with Angus Australia and I am so appreciative to them and Semex Genetics for providing such an amazing opportunity to young beef breeders’, says Miss O’Brien. Miss O’Brien hopes that by sharing her experiences from winning the Semex Kansas State University Scholarship with other young beef enthusiasts that it will encourage them to remain involved in the industry.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Mardi O’Brien
Reflections from the U of I Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
As the 2015 recipient of Angus Australia’s University of Illinois Scholarship, Ellen Simpson from Braidwood, NSW, was awarded the chance to travel to the USA and attend the University of Illinois. The University of Illinois is in the city of Champaign-Urbana, about two hours south of Chicago. It is predominantly corn and soybean growing country and as such, cattle are all finished on grain. ‘I lived in a Sorority House and attended classes alongside 40,000 other students. Classes included advanced genetics, ruminant reproduction and nutrition and meat science,’ said Ellen. ‘And in addition to may classes I was spending 18 hours per week training for the judging teams. The University of Illinois has an excellent reputation as an accomplished judging team, and I was enormously lucky to join a talented group of students’. Ellen travelled over 7,000km for the judging compeititons, which saw her visit the states of South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana and Texas. Keeping up with the tradition of success by the judging team, the University Of Illinois won the High Point Score Overall, when Purdue University in Indiana hosted the All East Competition. ‘I was thrilled to place individually too, and in a field of 200 I placed 6th in sheep judging, 7th in cattle and 9th overall’, said Ellen. The National Meat Animal Evaluation Contest which was the final competition of the semester was hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska. This event involved a marathon four-day competition assessing the culmination of a semesters learning. ‘Of the nineteen teams competing, we were thrilled to place fourth overall. In addition to cattle, I (very quickly!)
learnt to judge pigs, sheep and goats and the carcasses of each species’ said Ellen. While in Texas the judging team went to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and spent a week visiting cattle studs. The experience that Ellen received out of attending the University of Illinois was all encompassing. While recipients of this award are usually very well versed in cattle assessment, the University of Illinois experience provides them with the knowledge to assess other species as well and also includes instruction on how to assess animals live and as carcasses. ‘Competitions are far more thorough and comprehensive than those here in Australia, covering breeding animal evaluation, livestock judging and carcass ranking, pricing and grading’, she said. From the subjects Ellen studied she received a great all round education. ‘I learnt more than I thought possible about livestock assessment, meat judging and the beef industry on a global level’, she said. ‘It was an enormous privilege to spend six months abroad representing Australia and our beef industry’ said Ellen. ‘Thank you to Angus Australia for the opportunity to take part in such an enriching and incredible program – the skills, friendships and experiences I made will stay with me indefinitely’.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
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The all round New Zealand adventure Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
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An enthusiasm for agriculture and the beef industry and striving to experience everything New Zealand has to offer, drove Hannah Powe to ensure she saw as much of the country as possible and visited a wide range of production systems.
After winning the 2016 Trans-Tasman Exchange scholarship at the Angus Youth National Roundup, Hannah Powe, a young cattle breeder from Cargo NSW, was determined she was going to get her hands dirty and learn as much as she possibly could during the trip. ‘I was so excited about the adventures to come! Leading up to the exchange I was wanting to have a hands on, practical experience at every place I visited whilst looking at their genetics and youth programs… and trying not too freeze along the way’, said Hannah. Awarded to an Angus Youth member, 18-25 each year, the Trans Tasman exchange provides the winner with the ultimate opportunity to embark on a trip around New Zealand, visiting Angus studs, commercial operations, feedlots and attend field days and sales and any other operation that appeals to them. Hannah was determined to pack in as much as possible while across the ditch and experience multiple production systems in multiple regions. Hannah’s tour started off in the North Island travelling from Hains Herefords, Angus and Romneys to Turihaua in the Gisbourne area on the east coast. ‘Having said I wanted a hands on experience of New Zealand, I definitely was given that straight up. I helped muster, draft and shear sheep as well as process mixed aged cows for calving and calves that were fresh on the ground from first calf heifers. I experienced some beautiful lush country, with views of mountains and a beach front that anyone would love to have their property on’, said Hannah.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
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From Turihaua, Hannah headed south to Waiterenui in the Hawkes Bay area. Due to the drier and tougher conditions to the previous locations visited, Hannah was exposed to more intensive production systems in this region. Hannah also spent some time with the Dalziell’s of Atahaua where she experienced a typical wet New Zealand winter, before moving onto Merchiston. After some more sheep work and inspection of ‘some beautiful breeding cows’, a visit was made to the Performance Beef Breeders Association (PBBA), a business very similar to the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) in Australia. While there, Hannah met Issy Hobbs a representative from Young Farmers who works with Teen Ag school groups to bring agricultural activities and opportunities into high schools, a topic very close to Hannah’s heart. ‘Because I am currently studying my Masters of Teaching and have a severe passion for working with the younger agricultural generation, I found this so fun and insightful’ she said. ‘Hearing what the students want and what could be up and coming events for them made me think about what we could introduce into the school systems or youth programs in Australia’.
Hannah’s trip then moved on to the Kiestrup family’s Kay Jay Angus, where the hands on experience continued, with mustering, calf tagging and clipping off brands. The Kiestrup’s also took Hannah to the Taraua Breeding Centre. From there it was onto the ferry and across The Sounds to the South Island, where surprisingly warmer weather was waiting, with the snow-capped mountains near the Hickman family and friends of Taimate Angus. ‘It still amazed me everyday that you could be so close to the sea but also so close to snow’, she said of this experience. Te Mania was the next stop on her whirlwind tour where Hannah spent her time, shifting breaks, tagging calves and other chores, as well as helping with the blooding of over 600 head for BVD testing before their yearling sales. ‘The time at Te Mania was amazing to be involved in as I like a high paced, challenging working environment. I also got to meet the team at Xcell Breeding Services who were who were kind enough to tell me all about what they were doing and why’, she said. Following Te Mania Hannah headed to the Grampians where Jono, Sarah and Hank showed her around a much colder place with a different type of cattle to what she had previously seen. With Jono and Sarah involved in the youth area of New Zealand Angus, Hannah had ample opportunity to talk to them about their youth program and what they see for their juniors moving into the future. The final days of Hannah’s trip were spent with her ‘personal trip planner and lovely friend’, Marie Timperley of Timperlea Angus. ‘By this time it was wonderful to see a familiar face and someone I can recap on my adventure with. We tagged calves, ate amazing food, I climbed a ridiculously huge mountain mustering sheep and discussed a lot of cows and genetics which was very enjoyable’, she said.
‘My experiences in New Zealand were not only picturesque and full of cattle but also very rewarding. I enjoy analysing different systems and finding out why they do what they do and how different things work for them’ she said. ‘I found it so interesting that even though the country is small in comparison to Australia, there is so much diversity in their landscapes, rainfall and climate conditions and the overall type of cattle they were producing’. Coming from a stud stock background, Hannah enjoyed learning about the New Zealand beef industry. ‘The commercial focus of the NZ systems was really evident with most people saying they did not show or rarely did’ she said. Hannah is very grateful to those that made it possible for her to receive the Trans Tasman Scholarship and also to those that hosted her during her trip. ‘Every family I had the opportunity to meet with were so welcoming and open in showing me their cattle systems and the place they call home’, said Hannah.
‘We also took the opportunity to discuss the Angus youth programs in our countries and got excited about the 2017 World Angus Forum because of course we are both die hard competitors’.
‘Being able to create a network of friends in another country is so invaluable and I truly cherish everybody’s hospitality and kindness. I am lucky to have experiences I will carry through life and look forward to returning soon’.
With a passion to learn and take on board how different systems are operated, Hannah found the Trans Tasman experiences extremely fulfilling.
‘I would like to sincerely thank Angus Youth Australia as well as NZ Generation Angus and breeders for this amazing opportunity, it has been something I will always remember’, she said. With a high regard for the experiences she had in New Zealand, Hannah believes that this scholarship is a must for any Angus Youth member. ‘I encourage any younger member of the agricultural world that is interested in travelling or seeing another country’s industry to apply for opportunities such as the Trans-Tasman Exchange’, she said ‘Whether from a commercial or stud stock background, the experiences and friends you get out of these opportunities will stay with you for life’.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
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BeefEx inspires the next generation Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The BeefEx Conference was held on the 24th and 25th of October, with members of the feedlotting industry traveling from all over the country to attend, and joining these industry professionals were two Angus Youth members, Kari Moffat from Wunghnu, VIC and Josh Dawson from Dunkeld, VIC. Both Kari and Josh were awarded the Angus Foundation’s BeefEx Scholarships earlier in the year, giving them the opportunity to attend this bi-annual event. With the line-up of speakers, a mix of international and domestic professionals, ranging from marketing analysts to CEO’s of large feedlotting companies, Kari and Josh were exposed to a wide range of topics to whet their appetite for the beef industry. Along with the presentation side of the event, the twoday conference also hosted a number of social events, providing great networking opportunities for Kari and Josh.
Kari Moffat With the conference’s focus surrounded on discussions on Australia’s beef position in a global market and its social licence, questions were asked around what industry could be doing to combat the divide between urban and rural perspectives on where food comes from. The mix of international speakers provided great insight into Australia’s competition and existing markets, such as South America, North America, South East Asia and South Africa.
Kari also made the most of the information that was available by visiting the trade stands which provided a great opportunity to network and see what new technologies are available.
‘Discussions around Australia’s place in the international market were of great interest to me, with countries such as Brazil continuously mentioned as Australia’s biggest competitor in the grassfed market’, said Kari.
‘I have come away from the conference with optimism and enthusiasm for the industry and thank Angus Australia for this great opportunity,’ she said.
Attendees were also privy to the mind of, Mike Thoren CEO of JBS Five Rivers, who discussed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the American beef industry, showing many similarities to those Australia is currently facing. ‘One weakness that did surprise me was that the USA does not have any form of identification system for cattle, which demonstrated how advanced Australia is in animal traceability’, said Kari. Meat and Livestock Australia’s Marketing Information Manager, Ben Thomas, brought the key messages form the conference together, with an overview and projection of what the future holds for the Australian beef industry. In summing up her experience, it was the global aspect of the conference that impressed Kari the most. ‘Overall the conference was a great opportunity to learn more about the feedlotting sector, as well as where Australia’s beef industry sits on a global scale’, said Kari.
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Josh Dawson ‘From the very first moment when Mick Keogh discussed the complexities of social licensing of the agricultural sector, I knew the two days would not be what I was expecting,’ said Josh of his first impression of the BeefEx Conference. Josh saw the main focus of the conference as being not so much around the production and management of grain fed animals, but around the threats and opportunities the Australian feedlot industry is currently facing, and can expect to face in the near future. The conference highlighted that within the Australian feedlotting industry today, skilled and cheap labour is one of the hardest things to get when compared to the major beef importers and exporters. ‘The mining boom has taken away a lot of the labour force that used to be on the land, but learning to adopt more technology to increase the accuracy and productivity of
kari moffat
josh dawson
operations has proven to be a success in keeping up and maintaining profitability’, said Josh of how operations are overcoming this issue.
‘In his example, the extra cost of implementing a tractability system increases his profitability which is something Australians take for granted.
‘There was also a large amount spoken about the quality and consistency of Australian grain fed beef being sold domestically and internationally, that is a true testament to the cattle being produced and the direction genetics are heading in the future.’ said Josh.
External factors affecting the Australia beef industry were also a major talking point during the conference, with the global beef herd numbers highlighted and how little impact the Australian herd has on world supply.
Another factor that was shown to be a great asset in the Australian feedlot industry is the implementation of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for traceability of health issues and more importantly to easily identify profitable animals. ‘Easily identifying animals through their NLIS number allows farmers and feed lotters to see how the animals perform once they are hanging up, and future management decisions can be made from analyzing the information’, said Josh. The importance of a traceability system such as this, was highlighted by Willum Westmar of Charlmar Beef, South Africa. In their feeding operation of around 18,000 head of cattle, they have come to rely on this type of technology. ‘The main reason behind this is so he can see what animals are the most consistent and profitable animals, even though there isn’t a national scheme making traceability mandatory’, said Josh.
Embryos from the Best Cows at Kansas Angus
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‘It was noted that if Australia is to capitalize on the increasing demand of beef from China, then production has to lift’, said Josh. ‘With the Australian herd under 1% of the total beef herd, our supply fluctuations do not affect the overall demand for beef, however, with Brazil and the USA now being allowed to export beef to China we could lose some of our current market share’, Josh expanded. ‘Although there may be some market share lost, the high end consumers that Australian meat is targeting will likely not be affected and with China’s middle class population increasing by 299 million in the next 10 years there is going to be much more demand for quality beef’. ‘It was interesting hearing that the forecasts of the increasing demand will only truly be capitalized on if Australia increases its production of beef, which will come down to how well our stock feed and water resources are utilized and converted’, said Josh. Josh came away from the event with his passion for the beef industry well and truly alive. ‘For a young person in the agricultural industry BeefEx 2016 was an amazing experience, having the opportunity to listen to speakers discussing all aspects of the future of feedlotting in Australia and the ability to meet feedlot workers, owners, stock feed and nutrition representatives to discuss ideas further was something I grasped with both hands’, said Josh. ‘The contacts made within the industry will hopefully influence my future in the beef industry, and this would not have been possible without the assistance of the Angus Australia Foundation’, he said. ‘This is a wonderful event and I would like to thank the Angus Australia Foundation for allowing me to participate in the Beef Ex 2016,’ said Josh.
Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
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Striking the social balance at LIVEX Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Sam Hunter, a Livestock Manager with Landmark in Yass NSW, was recently awarded the inaugural Angus Australia Foundation LIVEXforum Scholarship, and travelled to Canberra at the end of October to attend the event. The LIVEXforum, which encompasses all facets of live export, included industry professionals from the cattle, sheep and goat sectors, who were all there to discuss their trade. ‘The forum’s theme, ‘Striking the social balance: Regulation, Accountability and Profitability’, could not have been more fitting in today’s current market place’, said Sam. Sam was impressed with the wide range of industry professionals at the event and found the topics discussed were very interesting and refreshing. ‘LIVEX Forum was an informative two days that provided me with the opportunity to engage in the “hot topics” surrounding the Live Export Industry’, said Sam. ‘Whilst I was obviously most interested in what was happening in the cattle sector of live export, I still found it very interesting and insightful to hear from our neighbours in the goat industry about their wins and the challenges they have faced’, he added. One of the big messages Sam took home from LIVEX was that the demand for Angus heifers will only increase. ‘China is still leading the charge, taking as many heifers as we can supply. This will put further pressure on seedstock and commercial producers as the battle to sell or retain heifers as future breeders only intensifies’, said Sam. Sam also found the panel discussions one of the most informative parts of the event as they provided attendees with the opportunity to hear the views and insights of a number of industry professionals. ‘The regulations and protocols that exporters face to export cattle are overwhelming and complex to say the least. To meet regulation and compliance, exporters face fees of $160/head to send cattle to Indonesia, a large cost for the company and after learning more about the process and cost it is clear to see why live export from the top end is an industry that runs on a tight profit margin’, said Sam. On a global red meat market level, Sam found it sobering to hear how the Indian Buffalo trade has already impacted
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Angus Australia LIVEX forum scholarship winner, Sam Hunter is pictured at the Angus Australia trade stand at LIVEXforum 2016 with Nikita Corby from Gunn Agri Partners and Angus Australia CEO Dr Peter Parnell
the Australian beef consumption in Malaysia. ‘A Malaysian importer told the forum of the severe price differentials between Buffalo meat and Australian Beef and how much more accessible this product has become to the local consumers’, said Sam. ‘The Indian Buffalo meat can be sourced at around $5/ kg compared to a steady $22/kg for Australian Beef; an alarming difference since the local consumers can not differentiate between the two products and the consumers are often eating buffalo when they think they are purchasing Australian beef,’ Sam added. After hearing this, the fact that Australian exporters and Australian Beef professionals are working hard and are coherent in achieving the best for our country’s beef industry and are willing to work with producers to achieve these outcomes, to ensure the best outcome for Australian beef, was pleasing to Sam. Sam also believes that further developments into the potentially lucrative China meat market will be the shining light for Australian producers in the coming months and years; but does note that once again this is a complex market that will take a large amount of effort to ensure investment in time and funds in to the correct avenues. Sam was extremely pleased to see the Angus breed at the absolute forefront of the industry when it came to the exportation of British-bred cattle. ‘No other breed has matched Angus and the opportunities that Angus Australia has created for its member base; continued investment into genetics and management programs by commercial and seedstock members, will facilitate this market dominance,’ said Sam. The experience of attending LIVEX was an informative one for Sam and he has taken home a number of key messages that he will be able to use within his job. ‘Thank you to Angus Australia and Angus Youth for the opportunity to attend a world class event that provided many opportunities to increase my knowledge of the live export industry, but more importantly provided me with the chance to discuss industry challenges with likeminded professionals that further round-out my network base,’ said Sam.
Ready to roll for Roundup
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Mt Gambier is set to host the Teys Australia Angus Youth National Roundup, with 115 young beef cattle enthusiasts from across Australia set to roll into town on January 12 - 15, for an action packed four days, full of fun, learning, competition and the forging of lifelong friendships.
Ardcairnie Angus
Roundup coordinator Kate Fairlie is excited about SA hosting the roundup for the first time in the event’s 35-year history. “We have got a lot of breeders here who have supported us through the years and travelled many kilometres, so it is good to have it in our state for the first time,” she said. “It also gives kids who have never been before a taste of it so they can go back to the roundup year after year like I did.” A huge number of scholarships and awards will be on offer including the Trans Tasman Exchange awarded to an Angus Australia member aged between 18 and 25 years of age. There will also be a special dinner and auction on the Saturday night for entrants, families of participants and sponsors. Auction items include embryo packages, a clipping chute, a moo call device, paintings and many more exciting items. Ms Fairlie says the roundup is for anyone passionate about the the beef industry, particularly those looking for a career in agriculture. “If you want to go forward in the industry, there will be sponsors and other key people you can build networks with and if you have never been to an event like this, it is a great starter because it is educational too,” she said.
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A life-long passion
On purchase the females were pregnancy tested in calf to Angus sires and from there some great calves were bred.
Trinity Edwards, The Farm weekly
“The majority of those females have now gone except 10 head which didn’t run back with the bulls this season and are soon to be culled,” Steve said.
RIMROCK BOYUP BROOK, WA
“They have been exceptional breeders with the last of them being 12 to 13 years of age.” With 160 head now of Angus, Red Angus and Shorthorn, females on the property Steve intends to increase his numbers to 200 head in the next couple of years and is keen to have a virtually purebred Angus herd.
Property: ‘Rimrock’ Enterprise: Breeding quality beef cattle Livestock: 150 AngusX Black
“The maternal traits of the Shorthorn cross and Angus breed far outweigh those of a European bred animal,” he said. “The marketability of the Angus breed is currently better than anything else and they make wonderful mothers.”
When it comes to breeding quality beef cattle Boyup Brook producer Steve Jackson has a way, despite having started with a mixed herd of British bred females.
When it comes to sourcing sires Steve has been sourcing Angus genetics from the same stud for the past eight years.
Having grown up on the original conditional purchase property his father ran in 1960, Steve left the family farm for a few short years, but with the love of livestock in his genes, he didn’t venture too far away from the agricultural sector.
“I have always got good results from their bulls and we have a great relationship and assistance always given if something is wrong."
After a sabbatical in the timber industry and share farming, he returned to the 365 hectare Rimrock Grazing property in 1996. A spontaneous trip to the Boyanup saleyards in 2007 led to the purchase of a line of Hereford and HerefordSanta Gertrudis cross females that cured the cravings of beginning his own beef-breeding herd.
“I have always liked the physical attributes, outlook and conformation of the cattle but my biggest emphasis is put on the maternal values of the sires.” From the middle of June for approximately a 10- week period the bulls are joined to the females, which means early April through to May calving is in full swing.
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In February 2008 numbers steadily increased with the addition of 80 Shorthorn and Shorthorn-Angus cross third to fourth calvers.
Steve said his son Hague is interested in the cattle, and despite working off farm in the construction industry, returns home to help during the busier times of the year. “I keep a close eye on my cattle therefore I always know their productivity,” Steve said.
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The marketability of the Angus breed is currently better than anything else and they make wonderful mothers.
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
Boyup Brook producer Steve Jackson, Rimrock Grazing, runs a productive mixed beef operation but over the next few years intends to increase his numbers and breed a virtually purebred Angus herd
“Last mating season the bulls were joined a bit earlier than normal as I like the majority of the herd calving at the beginning of April, so I can get the calves off sooner if the season is tight.” Like many producers Steve said he had never experienced a season as great as this one and most probably won’t see another one like it in his life-time. “It has been phenomenal with 30 inches of rain recorded here,” he said. “Although I did think I was doomed when I received six inches and all my top soil and feed was washed away in January.” In a typical season Steve selects 25 heifers from his top females as replacements however with the earlier rains he panicked and sold 35 youngsters, including some of his replacements to China.
predominantly gravel-on-loam property. Over the past three years Steve has privately sold his heavier weaner calves straight off their mothers at eight months of age to Kevin Armstrong, who has bought them on behalf of Tammin lot feeder Ivan Rogers. “This year’s top calves will average 400 kilograms liveweight while the remaining will be weaned in December and January and sold at the Manjimup saleyards through my agent Neil Foale, Primaries,” Steve said. “My weaners made firm money last year and I look forward to the returns this coming season.” “I run a very basic operation but with the diversity of Angus genetics and the positive outlook of the beef industry, I look forward to the next few years ahead,” Steve said.
“I have ended up with only 16 heifer replacements this year instead of my usual 20 to 25 head,” he said. “I also sold 12 rising two-year-olds in calf at the Manjimup breeders sale back in February and they made $1600 a head. “It was a pleasing price for the youngsters.” All the heifers constantly calve down as two-year-olds as Steve believes they are more productive and have better longevity compared to three-year-olds. The younger breeders are rotationally grazed with dams and a natural soak being the main water source in the
A productive Rimrock Grazing two-year-old Angus female with an impressive weaner steer at foot
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Angus Bulletin — summer 2017
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Big changes with ‘get up and go’ Liz Pearson, Commercial Development Manager
Bowman Cattle Company Ogmore, QLD Property: ‘Lorna Vale’ 6680 Hectares Enterprise: Breeding & finishing grassfed EU cattle Livestock: 800 Breeders
Gracemere Selling Complex. “Once we got these bulls home they acclimatised to our property very well and adapted quickly to their changing environment. We made sure that we implemented appropriate management practises for these Angus bulls, such as treating for ticks and buffalo fly on arrival to ensure they got on with the job,” Rick said. Since the infusion of Angus genetics into their herd, their conception rate has increased by approximately 40%, which in anyone’s language, is nothing short of remarkable. Continuing with their charter to improve fertility, in 2015, the Bowman’s started recording age of maturity when pregnancy scanning their Brahman heifers and used this information to refine their herd even further to identify those animals that will get in calf earlier. With their Angus infused program kicking off in 2011, Bowman Cattle Company are seeing the grand daughters of those first Angus sires hitting the ground this year and they are extremely happy with the results.
Barbara & Rick Bowman In Central Queensland’s Marlborough region, 150km north of Rockhampton, Rick and Barbara Bowman have made some big changes. Rick and Barbara, along with their son Jamie (fourth generation) and Rick’s parent, Frank and Fay, run Bowman Cattle Company, situated on Lorna Vale at Ogmore. Lorna Vale covers 16,500 acres and is home to Bowman Cattle Company’s 800 Brahman breeding herd, where they focus on breeding and fattening quality cattle for the EU market. These cattle are typically finished to 280kg dressed weight and make their way to Teys Australia at Rockhampton. The Bowman’s have however maintained flexibility within their production system that allows them to take advantage of market and seasonal fluctuations and capture as much as possible of what’s on offer, whether that be live export or the local store and fat markets.
Angus genetics have not only allowed the Bowman’s to improve the fertility of their herd, the added benefits within their program are clear. “We have seen a lower mortality rate with our Angus infused calves than our other calves. They just have more get up and go about them and will fight a bit harder to survive,” Rick said. “We have also seen a reduction in udder issues in our Angus infused females as the teat length and size has tidied up considerably,” commented Rick. The infusion of Angus genetics into Bowman Cattle Company’s Brahman herd has also improved their marketability. “Our Angus infused steers are heavier than our straight bred Brahman steers when we are looking to market them,” Rick said. “If we couple that with the market premium for black cattle, we can’t be anything but happy with the outcome of the adding Angus genetics into our breeding program”.
Five years ago, the Bowman’s decided that the low conception rate they were experiencing with their Brahman herd was not viable long term and they needed to take another track, and fast, if they wanted to be around for the long haul. “We decided that the best way to improve the fertility in our Brahman herd was to use Angus genetics,” Rick said. So, in 2011, Bowman Cattle Company purchased their first Angus sires from an Angus seedstock sale at Gracemere, where Angus seedstock producers from Northern NSW would bring their yearling bulls north for a period and acclimatise them prior to sale at the
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3yr old Brahman cow carrying this cracking first cross Angus/Brahman heifer calf
angus australia staff directory Peter Parnell
MARKETING, communications and youth
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Accountant's Assistant
P: 6773 4607 E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4612 E: anna@angusaustralia.com.au
Sue Webeck
Amanda Wolfe
Accountant's Assistant - Part time
Administration Officer
P: 02 6773 4606 E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4600 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au
Diana Wood
Robyn Brazier
Marketing & Communications Manager
Marketing Assistant - Part time
P: 02 6773 4601 E: marketingmanager@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4609 E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
Haylee Herriot
Ebonie Sadler-Small
Angus Youth Development & Education Officer P: 02 6773 4622 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au
Graphic Design & Marketing Officer P: 02 6773 4623 E: design@angusaustralia.com.au
Software development
Commercial Development Manager P: 02 6773 4608 M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
Software development
commercial development
Liz Pearson
Christopher de Crespigny Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 E: christopher @angusaustralia.com.au
Michael Ainsworth
Mark Evered
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
P: 02 6773 4610 E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4610 E: mark.evered @angusaustralia.com.au
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; summer 2017
PAge 47
Member services
breed development and extension
Strategic projects
angus australia staff directory 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
Andrew Byrne
Ashleigh Horne
Breed Development & Extension Manager
Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4603 E: ash@angusaustralia.com.au
Liz Roan Education Officer P: 02 6773 4602 M: 0448 888 410 E: education@angusaustralia.com.au
Lee-Anne Turner
Hannah Bourke
Member Services Manager
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4604 E: lee-anne@angusaustralia.com.au E: regos@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4621 E: hannah.bourke@angusuaustralia.com.au
Esther Glasgow
Samantha Hamilton
Member Services Officer - Part time
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4611 E: esther@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4613 E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au
Joy Howe
Kelso Looker
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4615 E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4614 E: kelso@angusaustralia.com.au
Lou Wood Member Services Officer - Part time P: 02 6773 4617 E: office@angusuaustralia.com.au
Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 | F:â&#x20AC;&#x201D;02 67722017 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au PAgeP:4802 6773 Angus4600 Bulletin summer Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au
ASCOT AUTUMN SALE 24 MARCH, 2017 ON-PROPERTY ‘NORTH TOOLBURRA’ WARWICK QUEENSLAND START TIME 1PM
25 ANGUS BULLS • 25 CHAROLAIS BULLS APPROXIMATELY 70 PTIC HEIFERS
CONTACT US TO JOIN OUR CATALOGUE MAILING LIST
ANNUAL BULL SALE 29 SEPTEMBER, 2017. 60 ANGUS BULLS, 50 POLLED CHAROLAIS BULLS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE DELIVERY TO MOST MAJOR CENTRES QUEENSLAND AND NSW. Contact: Jim Wedge Mob: 0419 714 652 Email: jim@ascotcattle.com.au ‘North Toolburra’ 1123 Warwick-Allora Rd Warwick, QLD Elders: Blake Munro Mob: 0428 862 469 | Landmark: Colby Ede Mob: 0417 265 980 | Say & Co: Shad Bailey Mob: 0458 322 283 Stud Stock & Blood Stock Mike Wilson Mob: 0418 960 036 | Visit our website for further information: www.ascotcattle.com.au