ANGUS bulletin Winter 2017
TE MANIA ANGUS NORTHERN BULL SALE, WALGETT, NSW TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 11.30AM INTERFACED WITH AUCTIONSPLUS FREE FREIGHT TO ROMA VIA DUBBO*
www.temania.com.au Hamish McFarlane 0427 641 606 Tom Gubbins 0429 952 197 E: admin@temania.com.au Conditions apply, see website
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out and about
Pictured with Coolana senior principal, Mark Gubbins (2nd right) after the Coolana Angus female dispersal sale Chatsworth VIC are Ricky Jenkyn, Fox River Angus, Axedale, Daryl Collins, Charles L King agency, Cohuna, and Peter Collins, Merridale Angus, Tennyson
Western Australia’s Steve & Selga Beckwith, at this year's Sydney Royal Angus ring after winning The Farm Weekly's and the WA Angus 10 Angus heifers competition, which also entitled them to a trip to watch the Angus judging at Sydney (Credit: The Land)
Past Angus Australia Presidents' Derek Lotz, Peter Grieve, Mark Gubbins, Hugh Munro, Mike Gadd and Dennis Ginn, gather with current President Libby Creek for a Presidents' lunch the day before the #GrowAngus National Conference in Ballarat
Lucinda Corrigan, Dan Moser – Angus Genetics Inc, Bryan Corrigan and Andrew Byrne at Rennylea Angus, Culcairn NSW, during Dan’s trip to Australia
A 458kg purebred Angus steer, donated by the Kitchen Family’s Carenda Angus, made $2,050 for Parkinson’s WA at Wagin Woolorama. With the steer were Matt Kitchen, (left), steer competition judge, Andrew Cunningham, Elders auctioneer, Don Morgan, Flo Kitchen, Randy Baker, Parkinson’s WA, buyer Kel Patterson and John Kitchen (Credit: Farm Weekly)
Jack Laurie was awarded Champion Junior Judge at the 2017 Sydney Royal Easter Show
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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78 Contents Winter 2017 | volume 28
21
Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au
Editor: Diana Wood Layout: Ebonie Sadler-Small Printer: APN Print, Warwick QLD 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.
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
22 1 Out and About 2 Contents 5 Around the Tasmanian Sales 6 From the President 7 From the CEO 9 Around the Saleyards 10 The digital revolution is here 11 Faces of the Conference 12 'Single-step’ genetic evaluation offers powerful selection tool for USA Angus 16 Angus Australia taps into genomics’ power 17 Focus on value of relationships with buyers 17 Angus Conference ticks all the boxes 19 Protecting Angus Breeders Commercial Advantage 21 Raising the steaks among home cooks 22 Scales in favour of ongoing strong beef bottom line 24 Building producer education & trust next big challenge in move to VBM 24 Speaker Key Points 27 Harnessing digital media in the beef industry 28 Immunity could boost beef industry
42 29 Faces of the Conference 30 New development in the artificial insemination of Angus heifers 33 Over $20,000 raised for the Angus Foundation 34 2017 #GrowAngus Pre-Conference Tour exposes new ideas 36 #GrowAngus National Conference provides invaluable insight for young beef breeders 39 2018 Angus Youth National Roundup set for Wodonga NSW 40 Final days in the USA 42 Angus female records roll on 44 Angus forms cornerstone of JBS Australia 47 Angus cattle make the grade 48 Lessons from the ASBP EBVs Are No Bull 51 ASBP – Cohort 5 Structural Soundness Data Analysed 53 Net Feed Intake EBVs Available for ASBP Cohort 5 Sires 55 ASBP Cohort 8 – Time to Nominate 56 Breed Development Matters 58 From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk 60 Improving Temperament in a Beef Breeding Herd 62 Collecting Docility Scores for Angus BREEDPLAN
81 advertising index Angus Studs
IBC Ascot Angus
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64 Modifications to Parentage Verification Regulations 65 Member Service Stats 67 Angus Education Module helps navigate new Angus Database Search facility 69 Graphic Design by Angus Australia 71 NSW State Committee celebrates 15 years of the Norman Lethbridge Award 72 ‘Meating’ markets at Sydney 75 Around the Shows 77 World Angus Forum Consultative Committee 78 Angus verification provides value for Jack's Creek 81 Market versatility at Merriwa 83 Angus appeal makes cents 84 Barfold Beef Moving Forward 85 Around the Weaner Sales 87 Angus Australia Staff Directory
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
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around the tasmanian sales
Noel Clear, Bracknell sold Angus weaner steers, 317kg make to $13,90/head or $4.38kg at Powranna Tas, 16/03/17
Scott Brazendale, Bothwell and son Mitchell, sold their best presented yard of Berridale Angus heifers at $1,200 a head, Powranna 9/03/17
Anne Caccavo and husband Rocco sold Angus weaners at Powranna where the steer portion made to $1,450 a head and their heifers, $1100 on 9/03/17.
Roberts Limited Warren Johnson congratulated Nigel Campbell, Wannamadda on his Kinlock Angus draft that were judged the best presented heifers and sold for $1,300 for the pen of 323kg heifers, Powranna 20/04/17
Best sale ever for Panshanger It was by far the best sale ever for Panshanger Estate since beginning its annual production sales on AuctionsPlus some 20 years ago. 162 head of 3 year-old cows topped at $2,020, average $1982/head,125 - 4 yo cows sold to $1,860, average $1,840/head, and 12 head of 5 and 6 year-old cows that made $1,900. The Panshanger herd is farmed at Scopus near Smithton on Tasmania’s northwest coast by George Mills and family Images: Fairfax Media
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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from the president Libby Creek, Angus Australia President
I hope the winter season has started well in your region. With cattle prices holding at a pleasing level, it looks like 2017 is set to be another successful one for Angus breeders. In mid-May, a very successful Angus National Conference was held in Ballarat, Victoria. It was well supported by 200 participants including breeders, trade exhibitors and our generous sponsors. With 19 speakers, covering a range of topics, participants were able to choose areas of relevance and interest to them. A wonderful dinner was held during the Conference where a generously supported auction raised an outstanding $21,000 for the Angus Foundation. Below is a brief summary of the key points from the main speakers: We were extremely fortunate to have Dr Dan Moser, the President of Angus Genetics Inc (AGI), and Director of Performance Programs for the American Angus Association based in Missouri, USA, come to Australia to address the Conference. Dr Moser gave an insight into the high uptake of genomic testing among American Angus breeders. He explained how the road to single-step genetic evaluation methodology has been slow but necessary to ensure accuracy, taking around three years to get to the point of now implementing the method in the routine weekly genetic evaluation commencing in July 2017. He discussed how the real benefit of genomic testing is with estimating the genetic merit of young animals and predicting values on hard to measure traits. He reiterated that the performance data collected on animals will remain
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
vitally important in gathering the best set of predictions for genetic merit. To give you an idea of the uptake of genomic testing in the USA, around a third of a million animal genotypes are included in the weekly analysis conducted by AGI. The Board enjoyed meeting with Dr Moser following the Conference to discuss an exchange of ideas and opportunities between our countries. It was pleasing considering the scale of the Angus herd and membership in the USA, that Dr Moser commented on some areas where Australian Angus is more advanced than American Angus, particularly in the area of data evaluation on hard to measure traits. This validated the success and benefit of our ongoing strong commitment and focus at Angus Australia as a member based innovation company, rather than the historic notion of a Breed Society. Ben Thomas the Market Information Manager at MLA reported on the likelihood (or not) of our beef prices holding at a record high over the next twelve month period. Although we would all like to have heard him confirm this was likely, Ben predicted that due to the pressure from both increasing cattle numbers and alternate international markets, it is likely that the market, while remaining solid, will soften somewhat going forward. Tom Maguire, General Manager – Corporate Services, Teys Australia discussed the initiatives Teys is establishing to enhance the feedback and information they are providing back to producers, to enable meaningful improvements in production systems. This not only covered valuebased marketing, but also the important area of animal
Libby Creek, President & Peter Parnell, Cheif Executive Officer
health. Tom highlighted that feedback is most beneficial in a format which can be easily utilised on property by producers, to find pathways for economic improvement. Andrew Howie, from the MLA discussed the promotional angle of beef, particularly focusing on its great source of iron and highlighted some of the successful marketing campaigns designed to resonate with consumers. Finally, Adam Liaw, well recognized winning Chef on Masterchef, discussed cooking with beef and the diverse level of interest consumers have in their food and cooking. We also had speakers who covered topics including marketing in the digital age, the evolution of livestock selling systems, digital technologies in the red meat industry, Angus genetics in the North, the advancement in drone technology, best practice for animal health into the feedlot, managing assisted reproduction in herds and valuing relationships along the supply chain. A very interesting speaker was Dr Susan Bibby who has worked across the world in the area of genetic selection technologies in the poultry industry. It was fascinating to hear how their industry has been utilising genomic testing for many years, but that she too says that the most value from this data is when it is incorporated with measured performance data. It was exciting to hear so many new developments within our industry, to discuss the risks and opportunities, and to know that Angus Australia are at the forefront of the beef industry in much of this research and development. You can only feel proud to be part of an organization who has a team of enthusiastic, respected and highly professional staff led by our CEO, Dr Peter Parnell, who are well recognized for driving real progress, not only for Angus cattle, but in collaboration with other research organisations to benefit the entire beef industry. I wish to welcome our new Nationally Elected Director – Mr Jim Wedge, a successful breeder and businessman from Queensland, who we are delighted to have on the Board. He joins the following Board for 2017:
STATE ELECTED DIRECTORS
New South Wales: Dr Laurence Denholm Victoria: Mr Brad Gilmour, elected Vice President Western Australia: Mr Lindsay Wolridge Tasmania: Mrs Samantha Dobson Queensland: Mr Brett Piraner South Australia: Mrs Libby Creek - elected President Nationally Elected Directors Mr Sam White & Mr Dean Fredericksen Optionally Elected Director Mr Tony Seymour Finally, I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of retiring Directors, Mr Mike Gadd and Mr Perry Gunner.
Mike Gadd served as a Director since 2007, including terms as President (2013-2014); Vice-President (20112012); and, Chairman of the Marketing Committee (2009-2010), Breed Development Committee (2011 2012) and World Angus Forum Committee (2016). Mike also served as a Director of Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd between 2015-2016 and represented Angus Australia on the Executive of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association. In his short time as a Director of Angus Australia, Perry Gunner contributed to many aspects of the Board’s activities, including serving as Chairman of the Angus Foundation. We look forward to a productive year, and urge you to contact either myself or any of the Directors should you have ideas or thoughts which you wish to discuss.
Libby creek, president
peter parnell, Ceo
from the ceo
Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer It has been a very positive start to 2017 for the Angus breed, with continued strong market premiums for commercial Angus and strong clearances and sale averages for early Angus seedstock sales. Members who attended that #GrowAngus National Conference in Ballarat on the 18-19th May were treated with some excellent presentations by industry leading experts across a diverse range of areas of relevance to Angus breeders. Those who were unable to attend the conference can still benefit from the comprehensive coverage of many of the presentations in this issue of the Angus Bulletin and upcoming video clips of the conference sessions. The launch of the Angus Education Centre at the #GrowAngus National Conference was a landmark occasion, marking the release of the initial stage of the innovative education materials and tools being developed by Angus Australia for members and the broader beef industry. The release of the new Angus Database Search tools and the soon to be released suite of Angus SELECT tools is another exciting development, providing members and their customers unprecedented access to Angus Australia’s comprehensive database. I congratulate the talented and dedicated team at Angus Australia for these developments which will provide enormous benefits to our members. Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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continued from the ceo Board meeting conducted on 19-20th May 2017 The Angus Australia Board met in Ballarat on 19-20th May 2017, following the #GrowAngus National Conference and Annual General Meeting. The Board reviewed progress across various programs being conducted by Angus Australia and Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd. The Board approved the following Regulation changes: (i) Regulation 6.38 revised to “An application to change the sire of an animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR that is more than 12 months of age must be accompanied by a DNA sire verification” (ii) A new Regulation 6.40 be introduced: “DNA sire verification will be required for the registration of any animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR & MBR when either the sire or dam were under 12 months of age at time of conception”. (iii) Regulation 6.41 revised to “It shall be a requirement for the registration of all HBR, RAR, APR or MBR calves that their sire has a DNA profile recorded with the Society. If HBR, RAR, APR and the sire is born after 31/12/2002, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified If MBR and the sire is born after 31/12/2014, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified.”
The Board resolved that Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd (CAG Pty Ltd) and its subsidiary companies, Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd and Australian All Breeds Verification Services Pty Ltd., will governed in the future by the entire Board of Angus Australia (i.e. rather than by a separate Board). The Board endorsed the election of Mr Mark Gubbins as the inaugural Chairman of the 2021 World Angus Forum Organising Committee; and discussed items to be submitted for inclusion on the agenda of the World Angus Secretariat meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland in June 2017. The Board also met with Mr Richard Norton, MLA Managing Director regarding potential partnership funding for new R&D and Adoption programs proposed by Angus Australia. In addition, the Board met with Dr Dan Moser, President Angus Genetics Inc and Director of Performance Programs, American Angus Association(AAA), to discuss potential future collaborative projects with AAA. The next Board meeting will be conducted on the 3rd August 2017 in Armidale, including a meeting with Chairs of the State Committees (or their delegates) and the official opening of the extensions to the Angus Australia office.
AUSTREX are regularly in the market to buy Angus Heifers. Please contact your local agent for details of upcoming orders.
AUSTREX are seeking backgrounding properties in NSW on a weight gain or daily rate basis. Please contact David Reed on 0407 350 238 for further information. AUSTREX are always in the market for high ranking Angus genetics. To explore any opportunities please call Tom Slaughter on 0424 479 174.
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
around the saleyards
Ian & John Faulkner, Crawney Station, Timor, sold 210 Angus steers topping at 462c/kg and 250 Angus heifers reaching 422c/kg, Gunnedah NSW Powerhouse Sale 30/03/17
West Creek’s Mitchell, 13, John, Ryan, 11 and Terry McAnaney, Langhorne Creek, were happy with prices at the Strathalbyn store sale on 28/04/17, with their lighter steers making up to $6 a kilogram
Richard Gardiner (left), Alcoa Farmlands sold 15 Angus steers 269kg for 418c/kg or $1,113 at Boyanup WA 2/06/17. Pictured with Geoff Shipp, Elders
John Hayden, Glenthompson, sold Angus steers, 246kg, to $1,087, & Angus heifers, 216kg, to $967 a head in Hamilton VIC 18/05/17
Desnee & Molly Schlunke of Hillgrove, sold 22 Angus & Anguscross steers, 282kg $1,210 in Yass NSW 12/05/17
David & Este Collins of Fairfield Park Pastoral, sold 174 Angus steers to 1,060 - $1,135, & 127 heifers to $955 in Wodonga 4/05/17
Images: Fairfax Media
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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#growangus national conference
The digital revolution is here Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
‘The digital revolution is here and we are living it every day. It will change the way we farm.’ This was the opening line from Drewe Ferguson, from CSIRO on the use of digital technologies in the red meat industry, during his presentation to delegates at the #GrowAngus National Conference last week and highlighted a recurring theme throughout the conference as Angus breeders look to the future. Technology was highlighted as the biggest game changer in the beef industry with Angus breeders and the Angus breed at the forefront of this revolution, as more than 180 Angus breeders and industry representatives converged on Ballarat in Victoria for the 2017 #GrowAngus National Conference. Delegates from all over Australia and from the United States of America and New Zealand were treated to a program that boasted an impressive line-up of speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with technological advancements and improvements in marketing techniques taking center stage. Sessions covered topics in the areas of improving communication across the beef supply chain, the next generation of Angus genomic technologies, the evolution of livestock selling systems, marketing Angus in the digital age, digital disruption and the social media revolution and the health benefits of including beef in your diet, to name a few. In opening the session, Dr Dan Moser, President, Angus Genetics Inc, St Joseph Missouri, paid homage to Angus Australia and its position as an industry leader in the development of genetic technology. ‘I have admired the Australian Angus beef industry from afar and have been watching closely as you developed selection indexes, long before the USA had dollar values,’ said Dr Moser. Dr Moser highlighted that Angus breeders in both the USA and Australia have adopted genomic technology at a much faster rate than any other beef breed,
opening up the opportunities for seedstock breeders to make selection decisions based on the most accurate information. Garry Edwards, CEO, AAM Investment Group focused on how technology is changing the way livestock is bought and sold. ‘Within the next 12 months we are going to see at least a doubling of animals available for sale online, but also linked to physical auctions, so people sitting at home can get their information in real time and participate in sales’, said Garry. ‘This gives people huge potential to maximise their profits in Angus cattle and I hope to see breeders take advantage of the technology,’ he said. Jon Condon, Beef Central, called on livestock producers to use digital technologies, especially social media, to tell their own stories to defend farming’s social license. ‘Australia’s red meat industry has great stories to tell and any story about food was of human interest and thus suited to social media,’ he said. Renowned celebrity chef and 2010 Masterchef winner Adam Liaw, gave the final presentation of the conference noting what an attractive position the Angus beef brand is in and how marketing, along with a quality product, has helped achieve that. ‘Angus beef producers are in an incredibly good position, as home cooks are becoming focused on not only nutrition, but also quality and brand recognition. The Angus brand is well recognized for quality and taste,’ he said.
#growangus national conference Angus Australia would like to thank all the supporters of the 2017 Angus National Conference in Ballarat. Networking Opportunities
A trade show was held in conjunction with the conference giving attendees the opportunity for networking and interaction with other producers and industry service providers. On display were the latest technologies and products associated with progressive beef production.
An event such as the #GrowAngus National Conference would not be possible, withoutwww.angusaustralia.com.au the support of our sponsors. major sponsors
trade sponsors
Faces of the conference
Jill Grieve Talooby Angus Rylstone NSW, Honorary Life Member Derek Lotz and wife Kay, Gundagai NSW and Honorary Life Member Peter Grieve, Talooby Angus
Angus Australia Director Tony Seymour, Breadalbane TAS, Angus Australia Member Services Manager Lee-Anne Turner, Anna & Mark Gubbins, Coolana Angus, Chatsworth VIC and Laura Grubb, Biloela Qld
Tom Slaughter Austrex, with Richard Post, Glenavon Angus Guyra NSW
Ian Trewavis, Coopers Animal Health and Jillian Franc, Koornang Park, Stoneleigh VIC
Lachlan Ayoub, Daniel Abernethy and Jock Munro, Zoetis Sally Cudmore, AgriAlliance, Angus Australia's Marketing & Communications Manager Diana Wood and Jo Palmer, AgriAlliance
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Jon Condon, Beef Central
Single-step’ genetic evaluation offers powerful selection tool for USA Angus THE US Angus seedstock industry will embrace the next big advance in genetic selection technology in July, when it adopts single-step genetic evaluation to calculate expected progeny differences (EPDs) – the equivalent of Australian Breedplan’s EBVs. Explaining the process and what it offers at the recent Angus Australia annual conference in Ballarat was Dr Dan Moser, president of Angus Genetics Inc and director of performance programs with the American Angus Association. "It’s an incredible time to be involved in genetics and breeding Angus cattle," Dr Moser said. “We have more information at our fingertips than ever before, more tools to practically evaluate that data and a drive to continuously improve the quality of our beef product." Single-step genetic evaluation will incorporate all genotype, pedigree, performance and progeny data simultaneously to deliver ‘genetically-enhanced EPDs’, rather than requiring multiple steps, as in the current method. He said genomics was the ‘tool of choice’ right now, and the technology that seedstock breeders everywhere were most excited about. Angus breeders had adopted the technology more than other breeds in the US – doing perhaps four to five times the amount of genotyping that all the other breeds in the US were doing, combined. About one third of the annual Angus seedstock registrations in the US were now genomically tested, representing around 110,000 head, Dr Moser said. “Some of that is because as early adopters, we have more accurate predictions than most other breeds. But genomics really is a transformative technology, in that we are able to make decisions much earlier, to better understand the value in young animals, and make breeding decisions on those young animals with a higher degree of confidence,” he said. “As a result we’re providing animals to the commercial industry with a more accurate prediction, so they can be PAge 12
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more confident in their purchase and management of those animals.”
Progress in feed efficiency
Genomics also allowed seedstock producers to make predictions on traits that were difficult to characterise – issues like feed efficiency or mature cow size. “We’d love to know what a sire’s genetic merit for mature cow size in his daughters is, but under conventional means, we have to wait until his daughters reach maturity to take weights and heights, by which time the bull is past his prime. But by taking a hair or blood sample on a bull calf, and to be able to make an accurate prediction for his genetic merit for a trait like that, our breeders see real value in.” Similarly, being able to better gauge carcase traits like marbling and carcase weight through genomics was attractive to breeders. A big part of the emphasis in breeding programs in the US Angus was directed at better improving the consumer characteristics like marbling, cutability and carcase weight, Dr Moser said. “We can get some of that information through ultrasound scanning, but to be able to get that information earlier, and rank some animals that are unable to be scanned, is also very useful for genetic prediction.” For the first time in history, some genetic progress was also being made in traits like dry matter intake, and residual average daily gain as a measure of feed efficiency in cattle, he said. “Basically, in our population, Angus has either been constant or maybe even declining for that particular trait, because it is so difficult to measure. But now that we have more information, and are able to extend that into genomically-tested animals, we are seeing some genetic improvement in feed efficiency, for the first time in our history.” US Angus had had an EPD for residual average daily gain (a measure of efficiency, much like RFI) for a number of years, Dr Moser said.
Don’t abandon performance data
Despite the considerable potential it provided, genomic testing without the backup of actual performance data was really meaningless, Dr Moser warned. There was a danger that some seedstock producers might throw-away their set of scales, and expect to “simply take a blood or hair sample from a calf, and wait for the magic to happen.” “I’m afraid to tell you that that day will probably never happen,” he said. “If anything, I’d argue that the recording data becomes more important in the era of genomics, not less important.” “Now, not only are we using the data to describe the measured animal, and his or her direct relatives, but also to characterise the genomic sequence that we then extrapolate across the whole population.”
“It’s important that we continue to measure phenotypes, in every generation. If we stop collecting data today, the accuracy of predictions would not only stop increasing, but they would actually decay. The data is very important.” Dr Moser said one attribute that set beef and dairy cattle seedstock producers apart from those in chicken and pork was the free and open exchange of information and data, for everyone’s benefit. “We are better able to compete with those other proteins, because we do share that data openly. It’s a very important part of our success,” he said.
Testing deeper into herds
Dr Moser spoke about the evolution of genomic testing, and how breeders were now testing much ‘deeper’ into their herds, as the costs came down, and performance improved. “Earlier, we might have had a seedstock producer with 100 bulls for sale, who might have DNA tested the top 25 – or at least what he thought was his top 25.” “I can understand why they did that – thinking that this group of bulls had the most genetic value, and would attract the most discerning buyers. And the buyers of the bottom-end bulls might not even be able to spell the word ‘genomics’.” “But what happens is if you only test what you think is your top quarter, some will fall out. They don’t all get better when you DNA-test them. And there will be some bulls in what the breeder perceives to be that bottom quarter that are actually better than that – but they have to be DNA tested to find out.” “You have to give those bulls the chance to move up, in the offering. So the value is probably better by doing a more complete set of testing on animals, because some of the lower-ranking animals (through performance recording) have to be given the chance to show what they really are, through DNA testing.” The same applied when ranking heifers. He provided an example of a herd with Angus heifers, where based on their pedigree and EPD data, they were determined to be good in five or six traits, but perhaps deficient in one or two others. When AI sires were chosen to use over those heifers, selections were typically made to try to correct for that. “But when we did genomic testing on those heifers, some of those animals did not have the problems we thought. In those cases we need to pick a different AI sire. We also find some elite performing donor females a little earlier, using genomics,” he said.
Balanced focus
Dan Moser speaking at the #GrowAngus National Conference
Dr Moser said because genomics was ‘new and exciting’, and the seedstock breeder had spent money on DNA testing, there was a temptation to focus solely on the genomics. “Keep in mind that the EPD (or EBV in Australia) that combines all those things together is still the most accurate predictor,” he said. “There are often some animals that test really well using genomics, but whose EPD’s aren’t that good.” Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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#growangus national conference
“But if you look at an American Angus bull sale catalogue, you almost never see that value published. It wasn’t something that breeders really emphasised, or they didn’t understand it,” he said. Over time, from 2004-2014, dry matter intake had been going up in Angus cattle in the US. “That’s not surprising – more carcase weight, more marbling – you’d expect that. At the same time, residual average daily gain (feed efficiency) was pretty much flat. But in 2014, we added feed intake into the Angus terminal $ index, to try to better characterise the real economics of cattle feeding.” “Since doing that, raw intake is flat, for the first time in history – not because breeders suddenly started selecting for residual ADG, they just kept using the terminal index. But at the same time feed efficiency is improving a lot more rapidly than it ever has.” And the trend was not happening at the expense of other traits. “At the same time as intake is starting to decline, we’re still seeing increases in carcase weight and marbling – we’re making more profitable Angus cattle in that feeding phase.” The challenge now was to come up with a total index that allows US Angus breeders to do the same thing for heifer pregnancy and other traits of importance on the ranch.
#growangus national conference
continued Single-step’ genetic evaluation offers powerful selection tool for USA Angus “There’s a reason for that. It’s because of the other information – either pedigree or the animal’s own performance. Genomics is useful, but it’s not the only thing. It’s another tool to put into the equation, and the solution you get out at the other side is the most valuable selection indicator.”
Single-step testing from July
Dr Moser said the US Angus industry would transition in July to single step genomic evaluation. “We’ve been working on it for three years, and are very close to releasing it for use,” he said. “It’s something that we think is more accurate than what we have today. It has already been implemented in Holstein programs, and poultry. So we’re not really the guinea pigs – we’re kind of the last ones to make the transition,” he said. “It’s already very well proven and is having good results in other species.” Dr Moser said the advent of genomic testing shifted some of the responsibility, and the risk, in variation in cattle from the commercial breeder, back to the seedstock producer. Some commercial breeders had built in ‘artificially high’ numbers in terms of EPDs on their bull selections, in order to ‘factor in’ some of the risk in variation in progeny. “With genomic testing, maybe they don’t need to do that quite as much. Maybe they can be accepting of EPD values that are not quite as high, provided they have more confidence in the accuracy behind them,” he said. It’s not all about the males Genomic testing also changed some of the industry paradigms around ‘It’s all about the males,’ Dr Moser said. “The old thinking used to be buying the right males, and keeping the daughters of the right males, was the way to drive genetic progress. But genomic testing changes that somewhat, because now we can know more about a female than we have ever known before. We couldn’t get
the kind of accuracy required on some traits previously, but now we can.” “That, then, potentially raises the profile and the value of significant (elite performing) females within a herd, allowing more genetic progress to come from the female side.”
US watching Australian Angus closely
Despite the US Angus industry’s reputation for being a world leader in genetic improvement in beef cattle, Dr Moser said it watched very closely what Angus seedstock breeders were doing in Australia. “In many ways we have learned from you. Long before we had dollar values, Australian Angus had selection indexes; long before we had any reproductive EPDs or EBVs, like heifer pregnancy, you had days to calving information. Long before we had any data collection for foot structure or feed efficiency, Australia had that sort of information.” He said Australian Angus breeding indexes were still more advanced than those in the US. “Ours are very segmented – we have weaned calf value index ($W) and terminal grid value index ($G), but the US does not yet have a good target for somebody that wants to improve both carcase merit and reproductive traits at the same time. “Australia has that; a lot of other US breeds have that; it’s something we will be working on over the next year or so.” “But we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Angus Australia and its members, and look forward to continuing that partnership.” Dr Moser said the US Angus industry was also working towards a cow longevity EPD, as this had ‘huge economic ramifications’ for customers of Angus bulls. Hair coat shedding and foot structure were other traits of interest.
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1300 768 400 Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2016 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. www.zoetis.com.au ZL0423 02/16
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Angus Australia taps into genomics’ power Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
Angus Australia has launched new tools to increase the accuracy of genetic information about Angus cattle and increase its use. Breed Development and Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne said genomics – which in simple terms is the study of the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism – has been incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN since 2011, and the numbers of animals whose genomes were recorded each year was increasingly exponentially. He said incorporating genomic information into BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs) had been done in a multi-step process – first to use pedigrees and performance data to make EBVs; second to use genomic data to calculate genomic predictions; and then thirdly to combine this information into genomic-enhanced EBVs. He said a new procedure would combine this data in a single-step analysis. “The software for us was developed by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in Armidale, it moves from that multi-step approach to what we call a single-step approach or a single-step analysis. “If we look at the main changes, instead of having those three different steps, it now basically takes the raw genotype information and combines it with the pedigree and performance data within the one main analysis,” Mr Byrne said. Mr Byrne said the single-step analysis looks at the “actual relationship between animals at the gene level” instead of relying on “pedigree relationships” which assumed full siblings have a 50 per cent genetic relationship with one another. He said one key benefit of the single step analysis was that more appropriate emphasis was placed on pedigree, performance and genomic information when calculating an animal’s EBVs. He said Angus Australia had an “ambitious” target to roll out this change by December, and that time of year was chosen because it was decided that it would be less
Angus Australia breed development and extension manager Andrew Byrne shared some exciting new developments at the breed organisation's national conference in Ballarat
disruptive to people marketing animals that could go up or down in rankings because of the changed methodology. The second major development Mr Byrne announced was the launch of Angus HeiferSELECT – a genomic selection tool for commercial Angus females. It is available to heifers of 87.5 per cent black Angus content or greater, in programs using registered Australian Angus bulls. Based on genomic predictions coupled with Angus BREEDPLAN EBV information of known relatives, the tool provides Total Breeding Value; eight key maternal, growth and carcase traits; DNA sire identification and a star rating. Mr Byrne said more accurate selection of replacement heifers in commercial herd meant producers would retain females with higher genetic merit. He said it could help in bull selection, including to address areas of improvement, and to manage inbreeding. He said information from tested heifers could be used in marketing opportunities. The tool’s support and sales is being jointly delivered by Angus Australia and Zoetis. It is now in pilot test stage and Mr Byrne said they were aiming for a commercial release on July 1.
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
#growangus national conference
Focus on value of relationships with buyers Shan Goodwin, The Land
The combination of low grain prices and short cattle supply leading to numbers being retained by lotfeeders longer has seen the grainfed sector exert a stronger presence this year. The latest cattle on feed figures show an 8.6 per cent rise in the March quarter, with more than a million head now on feed. While the size of the jump may have surprised some, what it underlines, according to Australian Lot Feeders’ Association president Tess Herbert, is that lot feeding is not just a drought mitigation tool but an integral part of the beef supply chain. With that in mind, and the herd rebuild now well and truly underway, the need for feedlot steer producers to get their marketing ducks lined up is being talked about more and more. The value of solid relationships with cattle buyers has been a reoccurring theme at beef industry conferences. For Australia’s largest family-owned lotfeeder Mort and Co, strong interpersonal relationships with suppliers underpin mutual benefits. Mort and Co runs three feedlots at Dalby and Millmerran in Queensland and Delungra in northern NSW, with an annual turnover of around 200,000 head. The flagship feedlot, Grassdale, near Dalby, has recently expanded to cater for 52,000 head at full capacity. Speaking at the recent Angus National Conference in Ballarat, private client manager Berry Reynolds outlined how the company has taken the approach of establishing strong interpersonal relationships which deliver carcase feedback, genetic advice and market information that allows both the producer and Mort and Co to benefit. He posed the question to delegates: Do you have a transactional or interpersonal relationship with your customers? Transactional, Mr Reynolds explained, was where partners do things for each other with the expectation of reciprocation.
Mort and Co's Berry Reynolds
The best price wins on the day – where one party gets played off against the next. “There is nothing wrong with that scenario - that’s business - but at the end of the day, what we are looking to build are interpersonal relationships,” he said. This is a strong, deep and close association between two or more parties and Mr Reynolds argued it was key to long term sustainability for most of those along the beef supply chain. Mort and Co creates these type of relationships with its suppliers primarily via customer feedback and support. “We monitor performance and provide feedback directly to the producer, with the aim of helping to educate which traits are the most important for particular markets,” Mr Reynolds said. “If we can prove through feedlot performance that certain cattle are 20 cents better than the average, then let’s share that with the purpose of replicating it in future lots.” Mort and Co also has a policy of being at their suppliers’ beck and call when it comes to market information. “We are talking to processors on a daily basis, we have a feel for the market so when producers call and ask what is your gut feeling, should I sell, we are more than happy to pass on this information,” Mr Reynolds said.
Angus Conference ticks all the boxes Fairfax Media From the digital technologies emerging in the red meat industry to genomics, the value of strong relationships in the supply chain and the importance of prefeed-lot preparation, this year’s Angus National Conference covered all bases.
A key underlying theme that emerged was that Australian beef very much needed to be in the high value sector of the market and Angus was leading the way.
Headline acts including celebrity chef Adam Liaw and United States Angus genetics expert Dr Dan Moser led a high-calibre line up of speakers who kept a hectic pace throughout the event, held at Ballarat last week. More than 180 Angus breeders and beef industry representatives, some coming from a far afield as Tasmania, attended. Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Shan Goodwin, The Land
Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager speaking at the #GrowAngus National Conference
Angus Australia members are considering a herd accreditation scheme in a bid to protect their premium stamp and commercial advantage. In response to feedback from lotfeeders and processors about the need for assurance black hided animals supplied as Angus to genuinely fit the bill, Angus Australia has suggested the idea to progress the Angus brand of integrity. The breed society has launched an initiative aimed at building greater engagement through the beef supply chain and the first stage of consultation red-flagged the challenges the market has with being certain they are sourcing Angus. Commercial supply chain manager at Angus Australia Liz Pearson, who is heading up the commercial supply chain program, spoke about the issue at the Angus National Conference in Ballarat last week. The number one thing the supply chain wants from Angus, she said, was “some assurance that if a black hided animal is supplied as Angus, it actually is Angus.” “That is their biggest challenge and it’s becoming more prominent as time moves forward,” she said. “The average prices Angus bulls are bringing compared to other black hided bulls means there is incentive for replacement at a cheaper price. “That lack of certainty means there is concern from those past the farmgate that the cattle they have bought may not meet customer specs or perform as expected. The Angus herd accreditation, could potentially generate a register of herds that other sections of the supply chain could refer to, she said. While the idea is still in its initial stages, the suggestion was those accredited would be an Angus Australia member, there would be a minimum Angus breed content stipulated, the herd would need to have ownership or rights to the Angus sire and the sire would need to be verified as Angus. Annual spot herd audits would be held. Extension programs that ensure specific market requirements might then be joined to the program as it develops. The new Angus Australia commercial supply chain program aims to develop collaborations with key beef industry participants that will generate value across the supply chain, for Angus Australia members.
While the program’s initial phase has focused heavily on the feedlot and processing sectors, it will now move on to engage those across the commercial sector, agency sector and other service providers for beef production. “Time and time again the most common feedback I’ve received is the supply chain wants to work with Angus Australia and its members,” Ms Pearson said. “There is strong interest in building relationships and a lot of importance is placed on that with regards to the success of their businesses.” What does the supply chain think of the Angus breed? There is a strong perception of significant variation within Angus, which delivers a multitude of opportunities as the most versatile and acceptable breed for targeting different markets. “The attributes the supply chain feels are important for us to maintain a focus on are having a fertile breeding herd, understanding the maturity patterns of our cattle, their ability to marble and making sure animals can finish without too much drama,” she said. And there was strong feedback about the adaptability of the Angus female for northern Australia when utilised in a crossbreeding program. Along with a way to guarantee Angus is Angus, the supply chains also want to see a greater understanding by producers of market requirements, genetic improvement, efficient management, nutritional requirements, correct completion of NVDs and paperwork and the utilisation of feedback and performance data, Ms Pearson reported. What does the feedlot sector want? Large lots that fit specifications and correct pre-entry preparation - a healthy animal is a more profitable one and they will come back and buy again if they know you supply healthy and profitable animals, she said. Consistency, weight for age and marbling were also important. And the commercial producer? Market information such as specifications, prices and the know-how to secure a premium. “That desire for more information lines up with what is coming from the other end - processors clearly want producers to be seeking, and using more information,” Ms Pearson said. Producers also want assurance the seedstock industry is commercially focussed, opportunities to differentiate and a way to determine how their performance compares to that of their peers. Angus Australia is keen to hear any feedback or suggestion regarding their herd accreditation scheme and would encourage all readers to contact Liz Pearson.
LIZ PEARSON
Commercial Supply Chain Manager liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
| 02 6773 4608
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Protecting Angus Breeders Commercial Advantage
LEADERS IN ANIMAL HEALTH PRE-SALE SEROLOGY SCREENING DIAGNOSTICS FOR ABORTION & RESPIRATORY DISEASE
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Peter Parnell welcomed past Masterchef winner Adam Liaw to the #GrowAngus National Conference
Raising the steaks among home cooks
Shan Goodwin, The Land
For those producing beef in the premium space, the opportunities going forward on the domestic front won’t come from re-inventing the wheel but rather from fine tuning an already attractive product. Celebrity chef Adam Liaw’s insights into the way Australian families cook and what they are seeking provided a good deal of fodder for thought among some of the country’s leading seedstock producers at the Angus National Conference in Ballarat recently. Mr Liaw, of SBS’ television show Destination Flavour fame, former MasterChef winner and regular Fairfax columnist, gave a fascinating talk at the conference, which started with how to best cook a steak but ended up venturing deep into the psyche of the home cook. The average Australian family typically cooks just five dishes, he said. “I write 700 recipes a year so it’s the greatest validation of what I do when someone says we now cook something out of your book on a regular basis,” Mr Liaw said. “We don’t really want to change the way we prepare meals. “What we do want is for what we cook to be better. “Writing recipes is so often about trying to improve something or fixing something that is a small problem with a particular dish.” There was no argument that Australians liked cooking steaks, according to Mr Liaw. “The million dollar question for food producers is how do you make it better,” he said. “It’s a factor of value equals benefit divided by price. “It could be healthier, or more ethical, easier to cook or the big one - tastier.” In the Liaw household, an evening meal takes just 18 minutes on average. No one wants long, complicated recipes, Mr Liaw said. “If I can teach someone how to make something they already make tastier, cheaper, more simple - that’s it in my business,” he said. “As premium beef producers, those in the Angus world were in an incredible position, he believes. “People are focussed on trying to make their food tastier and healthier - anything in a premium product space is
going to do well,” Mr Liaw said. The trick was coming up with that little bit of value-add and Mr Liaw said he thought beef, and in particular Angus, was doing that well. The Angus brand was well known for quality and taste, he said. Some other words from his experience that were music to producers’ ears: “People could not be any more interested in anything in the cooking world than how to cook a steak properly.” A lot of the discussion revolves around how many times you flip it in a pan, Mr Liaw said. Here’s the answer: It really doesn’t matter. “The number of factors that go into how good your steak is that are more important than how many times you flip it could not be higher,” he said. “I can cook you a great steak flipping it once; I can cook a great steak flipping it 15 times. “But I can’t cook a great steak with a bad piece of meat to start with.” There were so many old wives tales around cooking a steak, he acknowledged. Should you oil the steak or the pan, when to salt and do you take it straight from the fridge to the heat? A few hints from Adam Liaw: The frypan is still the easiest and best way to cook a steak but have a heavy frying pan. Everything sticks to a pan when it’s not hot enough. Resting a steak after it’s cooked is the most fundamental part - it allows for that vital redistribution of juices. Exposure to air before cooking allows the nice crust which is so often desired. Scientifically-speaking, the nerds have worked out the best time to salt is more than 40mins before cooking it draws out moisture which then has time to become a brine on the outside and make the steak really juicy. However, Mr Liaw choses to salt as it goes into the pan to give a good crust. The bottom line? With steak, and beef in general, we’re on a good thing as far as home cooking in Australia goes. Let’s keep tweaking to perfection. Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Shan Goodwin, The Land
THE scales of upward and downward pressure on cattle prices still appear to be weighted in favour of the types of returns that have underpinned a record average farm income for specialist beef producers this financial year. Just-released Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences figures showing a $204,000 average income represents the highest in real terms for at least 20 years, which is as far back as the data has been collected, according to Meat and Livestock Australia’s head markets analyst Ben Thomas. Likely, they were the best ever, he said. The 2016-17 incomes were a 12 per cent rise from 2015/16, which itself was up 48pc from the previous year. Speaking at the Angus National Conference in Ballarat today, Mr Thomas said those figures sum up what has been a phenomenal couple of years for the beef industry. And he said while a correction in prices was inevitable, MLA analysis was indicating a settle point in the vicinity of 250 to 300 cents per kilogram liveweight. That sort of talk is pumping a good deal of optimism into the beef game at the moment, and a desire to invest on farm, judging from the chatter at the conference. Despite the fact graziers are looking down the barrel of a fairly dim three month rainfall outlook, they were still discussing their concerns about paying too much tax this financial year, with tongue firmly in cheek. Mr Thomas was one of the first of a high calibre line-up of speakers at the conference, which has attracted 180 delegates from around the country. So far this year the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator had averaged 100c/kg carcase weight above where it was last year - and those 2016 prices themselves were records, he said. Most of the expectations for the cattle market were playing out but while the likely trends were clear, the speed of change and market impacts less so, he said. Mr Thomas outlined a number of positives that would continue to support upward pressure on cattle prices. The big driver is the supply situation.
Meat and Livestock Australia's cattle market expert Ben Thomas speaking at the #GrowAngus National Conference
“It’s such an influential part of the equation,” he said. “The record turnoff of 2014 and 15 has had a huge impact - 10.5m head left the system in each of those years. “Our expectations are for there to be only 7.1m head killed this year. “There have only been a few times in history when the cattle slaughter has dropped that low.” Competition for that smaller pool of supply would go along way to supporting the cattle market for the duration of the year, he said. But there were other, longer term, factors also underpinning upward pressure on prices. The Brazilian meat scandal, and ensuing temporary ban on Brazilian product going into markets like China, highlighted the fortunate position Australia is in with its fantastic quality and integrity systems. Those systems ensure that regardless of where in the world Australian beef is consumed, the highest quality is ensured, Mr Thomas said. Then there is the phenomenal growth of the middle class in Asia. Estimates for 2030, have more than 3 billion people in
Highest farm cash income in 20 years 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000
Source: ABARES
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2016–17y
2013–14
2010–11
2007–08
2004–05
2001–02
1998–99
1995–96
2016–17 $
1992–93
50,000
1989–90
#growangus national conference
Scales in favour of ongoing strong beef bottom line
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Are the current cattle prices sustainable? Probably not at these levels.
Asia falling into that bracket. These are the people who have the money to transition from buying meat out of a wet market to buying product out of supermarkets where there are cold chains in place, Mr Thomas explained. That ties in with another one of those longer term trends that will continue to support the Australian cattle market - the type of beef people are buying in global markets. chilled grassfed beef exports - the premium product - are rising. On the side of the scales posing challenges is the fact the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting only a 30 per cent chance of most cattle growing regions receiving above average rain for the next three months. “If that comes to fruition, it will place downward pressure on the market,” Mr Thomas said. “However, considering how low the cattle herd, sheep flock and goat numbers are, there won’t be the same flood of livestock onto the market. There just aren’t the numbers out there to cause a significant downturn in prices.” Competitors in our international markets was another challenge. The rise in American exports as their production ramps up, Brazilian exports back in full swing and India - which Mr Thomas said was a ‘very overlooked competitor” - all added up to pressure on Australian product. “India and Brazil will put a lot of pressure on secondary cuts and the lower end of the market while the US will put pressure on our exports to higher value northern Asian markets,” Mr Thomas said. “A correction is inevitable, however we don’t think prices will go back to where they were.” The fact tariffs into three of our main markets, China, Japan and Korea, will decline for the next 15 years would act to help make Australian product more competitive, he said. And the Australian dollar is playing ball. “The dollar predictions are always wide ranging but those from the major banks for the next 12 to 18 months are for a continuance of the mid 70s range, which would prove another positive for beef producers,” Mr Thomas said.
A correction is inevitable, however, prices wont go back to where they were. 1. Record high slaughter won't be repeated 2. Recovering world beef markets 3. Continued decline in export tariffs 4. Growing middle class, particularly in Asia
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Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Building producer education and trust next big challenge in move to VBM Jon Condon, Beef Central
Building producer trust in value-based marketing systems, including elements like lean meat yield and offal value, is the next big challenge faced by processor Teys Australia as it moves along a pathway towards Value Based Marketing adoption. Speaking at the Angus Australia annual conference in Ballarat last week, Teys general manager of corporate services, Tom Maguire said carcase feedback on lean meat yield would start to filter back to producers in coming weeks, as the company continues to develop its vision to move towards VBM. Mr Maguire told the conference audience, mostly made of up of seedstock producers, that genetics would play an absolutely critical role in any industry gains in carcase yield that might unfold. Beef Central first wrote about Teys’ vision to move down the VBM path in an article published in October, 2015. Paving the way towards objective yield assessment, the first DEXA X-ray equipment installation will take place at Teys’ Lakes Creek plant near Rockhampton in Central Queensland, in a process that is due for completion by the end of July. The next installation would happen at Teys Wagga facility in NSW, Mr Maguire said. Once that is completed, the company would be in a position to very quickly prove the technology across different types of cattle and environments, and would then look at installation at other company processing sites. He said producers would shortly start to receive carcase feedback sheets with three additional columns, providing information on lean meat yield percentage, MSA index, and value-based marketing group. At first, yield information will be provided using a calculation based on an equation, but before long the objective DEXA X-ray technology will deliver that data.
Dr Susan Bibby Specialised Breeders Australia 'The application of genomics is used as an additional selection tool within the poultry industry and education is of vital importance. You must be able to get information out to the breeders on how to produce the best product'
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Mr Maguire stressed that the provision of yield performance information would not change how Teys currently pays its livestock suppliers any time soon. “There won’t be any move to changing payment systems for perhaps three years,” he said. “That’s not the purpose of this. The purpose at this point is to provide information to allow producers to better understand yield, and perhaps make changes, and only then can we start talking about changing payment systems.” “We need to talk a lot, to make sure all stakeholders understand what the feedback means, and are comfortable with it. It’s through these conversations that we can start to show what we do, to help you (producers) do what you do. If we don’t get the relevant information back to producers in a usable form, we’ve failed in our objective,” he said. “But we’ll be really excited to talk more with producers about the potential of genetics to improve performance in yield, and even potentially in areas like reducing dark cutting. Producer action can move the curve on yield, and carcase value,” he said. The ‘bell curve’ on current industry yield performance was presented in this graphic, together with a ‘tighter, higher yielding’ prediction that might happen by across the
Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol
Greg Farquharson, Bushy Park
‘Maiden heifers continue to be the select group of animals chosen for AI, as they usually represent the newest genetics in the herd.’
'Your cow herd is your biggest asset and building a 100% Angus female herd means easy care and marketing opportunities. We were inspired by the early use of performance recording in Angus and value being able to use good Angus genetics via AI'
“It sounds simple in theory, but certainly a little more difficult in practise, and its certainly not something that the industry has been doing up to now,” he said. If real change was going to be made in the industry, it was important to have ‘lots of conversations’ about what was involved with VBM, to get the process started. He presented four key reasons why a move to VBM would help the industry: • First was the typical commodity cycle, where either processor or producer was doing well, while the other was not. That model was simply not sustainable. “We need more and more money invested in our industry by all stakeholders, and more stable returns are required in order to achieve that, rather than a roller coaster,” he said. • Australian beef’s cost structures, with labour costs well above international competitors, and spiralling energy costs. Changes in gas and electricity costs, if Teys did nothing in the next 12 months, would add $10 million to the company’s energy bill, he said. “That gets absorbed, and it works out at about $8 a head.” That puts Australia at twice the cost to process grainfed cattle as North America, and twice the cost to process grassfed cattle as South America.
Dr Kev Sullivan, Bell Vet Services 'In the last 25 years there has been big improvements on feedlot preparation. By knowing the specifications required you can make strategies to reduce health risks'
“It’s no secret that our processing costs are about $300 a head, while in contrast in China, the cost is more like $120 a head,” Mr Maguire said. “We’re starting to get pushback around the world, and particularly Brazil, is producing cheaper product.” “The point in all this is that Australian beef cannot compete on price, and nor should we. Our beef belongs in different, higher-value markets, where customers are seeking particular characteristics in their beef.” “The other competitor, of course is competing proteins. Beef today has the distinction of being four times the price of chicken. What that means is our retailers are shrinking the amount of beef offers in front of consumers, and growing the amount of chicken. Beef becomes more of a special occasion item, and any special occasion item has to perform really well, and consistently.” Mr Maguire said it was a ‘real credit to leadership within the industry’ that people were getting out there and thinking about the future when faced with such challenges, and how the Australian industry can do things better – through developments like the DEXA objective carcase yield assessment technology. “If we don’t continue to make an effort to evolve, those challenges like competing proteins and cheaper overseas export competitors are going to start to catch up with us,” he said. Mr Maguire said at the centre of the VBM movement was the need to understand that every dollar producers and processors generated in their businesses ultimately came from the people consuming the product. “Our collective job, as an industry, is to aim to give them exactly what they want, every time. If we can do that, they will pay as much as they can pay for the product. Unless we can give them something for that special occasion that does fit the bill each time, we suffer.” He said the answer was really ‘pretty simple.’ “We should be able to figure out the yield of the carcase, the quality of the carcase and multiply them to deliver value. That is value-based marketing in a nutshell.” But we are nowhere near achieving that, right at the moment. What currently happens is that all mobs of
Ben Simpson, Outcross Genetics Australia' 'Branding is bringing your core beliefs to life and core beliefs plus marketing equal your brand. Angus breeders need to adapt, grow and connect to reach your audiences and know that investments in branding are not a cost to the business'
Andrew Howie – MLA 'To inspire an evolving Australian consumer to pay more for beef, we need to continue to reinforce its nutritional benefits. Beef is packed full of 13 essential nutrients including protein iron & zinc and is your best (natural) source of iron'.
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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cattle population by 2025, based on the signals coming back to industry over yield performance. In simple terms, Value-Based Marketing was really about being able to communicate the true value of each animal sold to suppliers, Mr Maguire said.
#growangus national conference
continued Building producer education and trust next big challenge in move to VBM cattle coming into the Teys business, include a ‘normal distribution’ – some good, some not so good. “What the industry currently does is pay on the average. We don’t help you sort out what’s good or bad. But the actual performance of the individual animals is dramatically different to the grid average return,” he said. Mr Maguire displayed a graph showing real value of individual animals in a mob (including yield value) ranging from about 425c/kg to 600c/kg carcase weight – a variance of 175c/kg. The trick in value-based marketing is sorting that out, and pay on an individual animal basis.” "We can put a DEXA machine in a meat plant, but it is just a black box. All stakeholders have to have confidence in the outcomes, and confidence to make management decisions to improve performance.”" “In order for that to happen, we’re first going to have to get out and talk to people – and build trust in the systems. This is not a technology problem – technologies like DEXA will help us enable some of these things, but if we don’t get out and talk with suppliers and build trust, then nothing will change.” “The only reason we want to provide you (producers) with yield feedback is to allow you to make good genetic decisions about what you do with your cattle. It’s about enabling producers to deliver an animal that does what the consumer wants, in terms of an eating outcome.” Mr Maguire said current industry calculations of lean meat yield were only about 30pc accurate, meaning they were ‘not particularly useful’ for decision-making purposes on-farm. “The move to a new equation based yield assessment will give a better indication, of where a beast sits in the population for lean meat yield, which is what’s being rolled out in feedback to some producers in coming weeks. But the next step, DEXA, is really accurate in its yield prediction, narrowing down that variation.” But Mr Maguire warned that the provision of yield feedback could not develop into a situation where producers ‘chased yield’, at the expense of quality traits.
The pork industry, in the past, had targeted yield at the expense of quality, at considerable cost through consumer ‘push-back,’ he said. Animal health feedback, by way of offal condition, will be another part of the expanded feedback cycle being launched soon by Teys. Mr Maguire said the new DEXA technology – along with whatever other technology came along that was used to objectively predict yield – would be validated by AusMeat, using CT scanning as a calibration benchmark. “Producers can be confident that no matter which DEXA machine is used, the yield assessment will be the same,” he said. “Each machine will be calibrated every day.”
Widespread uptake of VBM?
An Angus conference attendee asked Mr Maguire how long it would take for the VBM payment model to spread across the industry – assuming the trial work and DEXA technology all proved reliable. “Ultimately producers should demand this type of stuff,” he said. “That’s because all our futures - producers and processors are linked together. All processors in this country access the same cattle and the same markets that we do. But we want to force this through, because it’s the chicken industry and the pork industry that I’m most worried about.”
Dr Ramesh Segaran - Unmanned Research Aircraft Facility
Troy Setter, Consolidated Pastoral Company'
'Drones are improving agricultural research , but can also be used by livestock producers for pasture management, fence monitoring, finding your herd, accessing the inaccessible and asset monitoring'
'The key aims for the CPC cattle herd are to increase the fertility and productivity, improve carcass yield and quality, utilise hybrid vigour, produce cattle that are in demand and give CPC a competitive advantage over peers. The predictability of Angus genetics and the data behind these genetics make selection decisions easier and help us to reach our aims'
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Dr Drewe Ferguson, CSIRO 'Digital technology will transform the livestock industry just as Henry Ford's innovation of the assembly line disrupted the manufacturing industry. Disruption in livestock production will come from connectivity, sensor technologies, artificial intelligence and decision systems, information sources and automation as these forms of technology play a bigger role in our day to day lives'
Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
Jon Condon
Gary Edwards
Digital technologies are changing the way livestock producers do business. Garry Edwards, the founder and chief executive of the AAM Investment Group that operates across agriculture, commercial property and infrastructure, announced the company would launch a system in the next 12 months to put all the Regional Infrastructure Pty Limited markets online. He said online systems currently represented about three to five per cent of the livestock selling market, but by putting RIPL’s throughput of 800,000 cattle and 2.5 million sheep online, it would more than double the online availability of livestock. He said their system would be underpinned by independent assessment and the physical market, as well as the efficiencies of saleyards consolidation. “So the strategy we’re doing is to bring this technology and bring it all together to make it work for the greatest outcome for all,” Mr Edwards said. He said he expected people to continue being time poor and taking up technology, and as a result they would likely spend less time going to markets and instead would want real time reporting of results.
Jon Condon, Beef Central, called on livestock producers to use digital technologies, especially social media, to tell their own stories to defend farming’s social licence to operate and counter ‘animal welfare’ groups’ campaigns. Mr Condon said there were examples of individual videos making change, for example US ranchers Troy and Stacy Hadrick, South Dakota, made a minute-long video of Troy explaining his anger that Yellowtail Wines was giving monetary support to the Humane Society of the United States, which he said was anti-farming. He then poured the wine from a Yellowtail bottle onto the ground and urged other farmers to do the same. The video went viral and pushed Yellowtail’s owners to retract their support of the group. Mr Condon said while there were primary producers who posted on various social media accounts, he argued there’s been a loss of momentum in social media uptake. He said Australia’s red meat industry had great stories to tell and any story about food was of human interest and thus suited to social media. “As important as it is for beef producers everywhere to engage with social media, they can only do so much.” He said RSPCA Australia had 276,000 likes of its Facebook page and Animals Australia has more than 1.5 million; compared to MLA’s 16,000. “And how many already industry converts like you or I?” He said animals welfare groups were well financed and had “well-oiled social media machines”. “As thin as it might be on facts and heavy on emotions, their agenda is to try to win the argument with sheer numbers.” Mr Condon said the industry needed to do something and he suggested the collective industry could move to better resource and coordinate social media responses and campaigns. “Here’s a thought; when the current cattle transaction levy was raised from $3.50 to $5 back in 2004 – so that’s 13 years ago – the term social media had not even been invented. “There was no Facebook, no Twitter, no Google, no YouTube. “I pose the question, should the collective industry now be throwing more into the social media space given the growing public challenge it faces by these groups. “Taking a large chunk of money out of the industry’s current revenue stream to fund stronger social media would mean robbing something else. “Instead perhaps it’s time to start a conversation about raising the transaction levy a little specifically to drive a stronger and more vigorous social media presence.” He said for example an extra 30c could raise between $3 million and $5 million each year, which could go towards projects including social media campaigns.
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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#growangus national conference
Harnessing digital media in the beef industry
#growangus national conference
Immunity could boost beef industry Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
CSRIO scientist Brad Hine’s research into beef cattle’s “immune competence” and resilience could have big impacts on the Australian industry. Dr Hine is developing methods to assess immune competence, which he describes as the strength of an animal’s immune system and its ability to respond to a variety of pathogens that cause disease. He said this immune competence was an important component of resilience, or an animal’s ability to deal with challenges in production systems that could include climatic conditions, animal husbandry practices and social stressors, such as when animals are introduced to one another. Dr Hine said by understanding immune competence and its relationship with other resilience traits, the industry could improve animal health and welfare, reduce use of antibiotics and ultimately improve productivity and consumer confidence. In a large MLA/CSIRO co-funded project aimed at developing methods to assess immune competence in beef cattle, Dr Hine worked with Angus Australia to immune competence test calves from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program on co-operator herd farms, in cohorts two and three. He said this helped ensure his research was industry relevant, and there was already extensive phenotypic, hereditary and genomic information about the animals. From four cooperating commercial herds and some Angus Performance Recorded cattle at a CSIRO facility at Armidale NSW, they immune competence tested 1149 cattle at weaning, of which 859 were followed through to the feedlot. Dr Hine found cell and antibody mediated immune responses were moderately heritable, which was supported by similar findings in dairy cattle in previous research. He said people knew that focusing on production traits could see immune competence lowered – such as the
CSIRO research scientist Dr Brad Hine shared some interesting insights into immunity and its impact on production at the Angus Australia National Conference in Ballarat today
incidence of mastitis generally increasing with milk production in dairy cows. So, Dr Hine researched whether there was a production cost of animals having enhanced immune systems, particularly in feedlots. “The benefits of selecting for immune competence far outweigh the costs to productivity,” Dr Hine said. This is because although these animals might use more nutrients in immune responses, and not production, they were more likely to live and had lower disease treatment costs. He also found a very strong correlation with fat cover; that is animals with more fat had better immune responses. Angus Australia has contracted Dr Hine and team to do immune competence studies for cohort six animals. They’ve also submitted a proposal to the MLA National Livestock Genetics Consortium to do the next phase of this work, which he describes as validating these findings in higher risk environments. He said dairy was “a long way ahead” in this field of research, for example Semex is selling immunity response tested bulls – which showed some of the possibilities for the beef industry including having EBVs or genomic tests for immune competence or resilience.
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
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Faces of the conference
Dr Sophia Edwards and Adam Rowlands, Vetoquinol Natalie Winnell and Aileen Vanderfeen from Ace Laboratory Service
Kirra Bogan, Fairfax Media, Angus Australia's Project Officer BREEDPLAN, Ashleigh Horne and Graphic Design & Marketing Officer, Ebonie Sadler-Small
Ivan & Nola Frederick, Gowangardie Vic and Paul Gruigan Mount Cleves Angus, Wandong VIC
Angus Foundation Scholarship winner, Staci Jennings, Craigmore SA, Angus Youth Development and Education Officer, Haylee Herriot, Angus Youth Consultative Committee Chairperson Laura Grubb, Lachie & Phoebe Wilson, Murdeduke Angus, Winchelsea Vic and Grag Bradfield Nabowla Tas
Jo Palmer from Agri Alliance using virtual reality goggles to move cattle onto a live export ship at the LiveCorp trade stand
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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New development in the artificial insemination of Angus heifers Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol Australia
Article summarised from Proceedings of the ACV/ARV conference, Sydney 2017: Edwards, S and Chambers, M, How much progesterone do you really need? An investigation for fixed-time artificial insemination of Angus yearling heifers. The adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in registered Angus cattle is continuing to increase. The importance of AI to the beef industry, is becoming more apparent with the exponential increase in its adoption in commercial beef herds. Interestingly, approximately 25% of calves recorded from AI matings, are a result of heifer inseminations. Maiden heifers continue to be the select group of animals chosen for AI, as they usually represent the newest genetics in the herd, and are easier to manage than a cow/calf unit through the AI process.
AUCTIONS
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
As demonstrated in the previous years of the ASBP FTAI, it is typical to see lower than expected pregnancy rates in heifers compared to cows that have at least two calves. As part of the Repro360 project, Vetoquinol worked with Angus Australia to investigate a practical and cost effective means to improve AI in Angus heifers. Little research has been published in the required progesterone content in intravaginal devices used for synchronisation for fixed-time AI (FTAI). As part of the ASBP FTAI for Cohort 7 in 2016, a practical research trial was performed to determine whether a 1-Pod Cue-Mate® containing 0.78 g progesterone, was sufficient to synchronise Angus heifers for FTAI. The 1-Pod Cue-Mate® was compared to the standard Cue-Mate® device (2-Pod) that contains 1.56 g progesterone.
Figure 1 – Conception rates to FTAI and 1st and 2nd return cycles to bulls after yearling Angus heifers were treated to synchronisation ovulation for FTAI with a 1-pod Cue-Mate® (0.78 g P4) or 2-Pod Cue-Mate® (1.56 g P4).
#growangus national conference
The study was performed by an independent research organisation Invetus, which occurred in mid-spring, in northern NSW. Angus yearling heifers (n = 172), were randomly allocated across the two progesterone groups (1-Pod vs 2-Pod) according to body condition score, weight and cycling status (presence of a corpus luteum; CL). At the start of synchronisation, heifers weighed an average of 308 kg, had an average condition score of 2.6, and 32% had a CL present. All heifers received synchronisation treatments on the same days, with half the heifers receiving a 1-Pod Cue-Mate® and the other half receiving a standard 2-Pod Cue-Mate®. All heifers were AI by the same technician, and AI sires were allocated randomly across the two groups. Ten days after FTAI all heifers were exposed to bulls and were managed as an entire group. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal ultrasound 12 weeks after FTAI. The conception rates to FTAI were not different between the 1-Pod Cue-Mate® and a 2-Pod Cue-Mate® groups, 54.1% vs. 47.1%, respectively. The conception rates to the bulls on the return cycle were also similar, 25.9% vs. 18.8%, respectively. There was also no difference in the end of season pregnancy rates between the 1-Pod and 2-Pod groups, 89.4% and 83.5%, respectively (Figure 1). Between synchronisation and pregnancy diagnosis, heifers were on a rising plane of nutrition and gained on average 113 kg (1.1 kg/day). This rise in plane of nutrition was likely responsible for the good overall pregnancy rate achieved. The study demonstrated that a 1-Pod Cue-Mate® containing 0.78 g of progesterone can be used to synchronise ovulation for FTAI. The results demonstrated good fertility to FTAI and subsequent return cycles as compared to the standard 2-Pod Cue-Mate®. The results of this study not only provide a cost effective and practical means to FTAI Angus heifers, but enable us to target synchronisation treatments to specific female groups when required.
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Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 31
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
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Haylee Herriot, Youth Development & Education Officer
During the Gala Dinner held on the Thursday night of the #GrowAngus National Conference an auction was held to raise money for the Angus Australia Foundation. Eighteen wonderful donations were live auctioned by Nick Grey of Elders Ararat VIC on the evening, with 5 lots also available for silent auction. The live auction was also interfaced by AuctionsPlus this year, with 21 registered bidders and 26 registered as guests online. The auction was once again a huge success, raising in excess of $20,000 for the Angus Foundation which provides funds for the wonderful Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries scheme facilitated by Angus Youth. Sincere thanks must go to those who donated items to be auctioned on the night and also to those who bid
on these items. Without the support of individuals and businesses such as these Angus Youth would not have the ability to offer the Scholarship Awards and Bursaries scheme currently on offer.
Nick Gray from Elders kindly donated his time to conduct the Foundation Auction
Live Auction Items Lot No.
Item
Donated By
Purchaser
1
Angus Hide
Angus Australia
Garry Edwards
2
KLR Marketing CD Kit
Grahame Rees – KLR Marketing
Lachie Wilson
3
1 position at a Grazing for Profit School
RCS
Merwood Angus
4
Weekend in the Hunter Valley
Jessie Brown – New England Travel
Sarah Halleen
5
2 embryo – MC Grace Touchdown Palatine VVG G184 &
Paul Gruigan – Mount Cleves Pastoral
Perry Gunner
6
10 semen straws – Ascot Hallmark H147
Jim Wedge – Ascot Angus
Perry Gunner
7
10 semen straws – Baldridge Command C36
Bill Cornell – ABS
Landfall Angus
8
10 semen straws – KCF Bennett Southside
Bill Cornell – ABS
Perry Gunner
9
20 x semen straws – K Bar D Joe Canada 18Y
Perry Gunner – Stoney Point Angus
Pine Park Angus
10
10 x semen straws – Pathfinder Genesis SMPG357
Nick and Sara Moyle – Pathfinder
Merwood Angus
11
10 semen straws – PA Ranch House 349
Jim Conroy – Semex Australia
Taloobie Angus
12
10 semen straws – Alloura Get Cracking G10
Chris McIlroy – Agri Gene
Austrex (David Reed)
13
10 x semen straws – Texas Mount K2 (AI)
Wendy Maine – Welcome Swallow Angus, Glenoch Angus, Texas Angus
The Rock Angus
14
10 x semen straws – HPCA Intensity 7102
Genetics Australia
Alpine Angus (Chris Oswin)
15
10 x semen Straws – VAR Legend 5019
Genetics Australia
Perry Gunner
16
2 x Positions at a Low Stress Stock Handling Course
Boyd Holden – Livestock Behavious Systems
Reigonal Livestock Exchange
17
Painting
Chris Harkness
Bulliac Angus (Ben Hill)
18
Box Teys Certified Premuim Black Angus Striploin
Mark Ellison – Teys Australia
Susan Bibby + Paul Gruigan
Silent Auction Items Item
Donated By
Purchaser
Leather Handbag
Sally Schofield – Uniquely Aurelia
Dean Frederickson
Rose Gold Vermeil Moonstone Necklace
Anitra Metzler
Richard Puddicombe
Livestock Photo
Emily Hurst
A Vanderfee
The Drover Book
Sam and Kirsty White – Bald Blair
Tim Brittain
Driza-Bone Jacket
Katie Alster – Proway
Richard Post
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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#growangus national conference
Over $20,000 raised for the Angus Foundation
#GrowAngus Pre Conference tour participants visited Murdeduke Agriculture at Winchelsea Vic
2017 #GrowAngus Pre-Conference Tour exposes new ideas Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The 2017 #GrowAngus Pre-Conference Tour held on the 17th of May, preceding the #GrowAngus National Conference held in Ballarat Victoria exposed delegates to new ideas and opened them up to different management techniques and new technologies. Seventeen delegates joined the tour, hosted by Angus Youth, to visit Murdeduke Agriculture at Winchelsea and Genetics Australia at Bacchus Marsh. Whilst at Murdeduke Agriculture delegates were lucky enough to get an incredible insight into the Murdeduke pig production system, producing pork for the wellknown branded product – Otway Pork. ‘Having the ability to see a certified outdoor bred, sustainable, integrative production system was truly fascinating and an opportunity that those on the tour valued’, said Angus Australia’s Angus Youth Development and Education Officer, Haylee Herriot. Delegates also had the opportunity to learn about the stud cattle, lamb and cropping production systems in place at Murdeduke, as well as gain an insight into their individual operational structures and how they integrate into one enterprise. A selection of Angus heifers were penned and available for delegates to view whilst enjoying the morning tea that was provided by Murdeduke. On arriving at Genetics Australia, the tour heard from Nigel Semmens on the beef products and services offered by Genetics Australia, Megan Beca on the processes and challenges involved with the export of semen and Anthony Shelly on the Genetics Australia business model. Delegates then had the opportunity to view the processes involved in collecting a bull, analysing the semen and then the storage and shipping of the semen. ‘This was a unique opportunity and one that all participants on the tour appreciated,' said Haylee. Angus Youth Consultative Committee, Chairperson Laura Grubb highlighted that the pre-conference field trip was
a valuable accompaniment to the #GrowAngus National Conference and exposed delegates to new ideas and taught them about different management techniques and new technologies. ‘The field trip provided an opportunity for attendees to delve into production systems that are different to their own,' she said. ‘We were able to pull apart the different aspects of the Murdeduke Agriculture's business including their pig, lamb, cropping and angus production areas. This resulted in some interesting discussion on breeding efficiencies, marketing, risk management and the ability to marry together each area of a business for maximum opportunities’. ‘The visit to Genetics Australia not only further inspired big picture thinking on how to realise greater genetic potential, but it also provided a behind the scenes look into an industry we know little about and provided some insight into where the future of genetic technology may go,' said Laura. ‘We all do things differently and bringing together producers from a variety of production systems, business types and geographical areas promotes open discussion on techniques and innovations that can help move the industry and the angus breed forward in a positive and exciting direction’. ‘I believe that the discussions from the pre-conference field trip were further built upon at the #GrowAngus conference with presentations by industry leaders debunking and discussing such topics,' she said. Both Haylee and Laura were very grateful to Murdeduke and Genetics Australia for the wisdom they shared and the time they gave to show the tour around their facilities. ‘A sincere thanks must go to all staff at both Murdeduke and Genetics Australia for their willingness to share their knowledge and business systems with all who attended the tour, it was very much appreciated,' said Haylee.
Bottom Right: Murdeduke run 1,300 sows at their property Bottom Left: Delegates has the opportunity to be taken through the process of collecting and storing semen at Genetics Australia
Genetics Australia
Australia’s largest artificial breeding supplier
Murdeduke
Diverse mixed farming property
pre-conference tour VICtoria Murdeduke
Genetics Australia
Competition between the enterprises ensures that commercial drivers help determine Murdeduke's breeding principles.
Genetics Australia is a co-operative, owned by members who are shareholders. They are Australia’s largest artificial breeding supplier and largest bovine semen producer in Australia with an extensive domestic and international beef portfolio. Genetics Australia is committed to the profitability of Australian farmers through the development of Australian proven beef and dairy genetics from local and worldwide bloodlines. In addition to genetic improvement the co-operative offers merchandise, and bull collection.
Is a diverse mixed farming property situated near Winchelsea Victoria, owned by the Wilson Family. It is the home of the Murdeduke Angus stud which is run in conjunction with extensive prime lamb and cropping enterprises. A free range piggery, which producers the popular branded pork brand Otway Pork, can also be found at Murdeduke.
#GrowAngus Pre Conference tour participants out the front of Genetics Australia at Bacchus Marsh Vic
#growangus national conference
#GrowAngus National Conference provides invaluable insight for young beef breeders Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Joining delegates at the 2017 #GrowAngus National Conference were two young Angus Youth Members, Staci Jennings from Craigmore in South Australia and Kaiti McGregor from Bell in Queensland. Both Staci and Kaiti were awarded an Angus Foundation National Angus Conference Scholarship earlier in the year, giving them the opportunity to attend the events associated with the conference including the pre-conference tour, welcome cocktail evening, gala dinner and the conference itself. The #GrowAngus conference gave both recipients the prospect to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge in the technologies available to beef breeders and the latest developments in marketing, along with a number of other topics.
Staci Jennings Staci attended the pre-conference tour as part of the scholarship and was pleased to be able to visit Murdeduke Agriculture and learn about their mixed farming facility of Angus cattle, cropping, sheep and pork production. ‘It was incredible to experience such a diverse farming operation run by people who were genuinely interested in providing as much information as possible and were open to all kinds of questions by the producers, as well as myself who attended,' said Staci. ‘We were also given the opportunity to assess the breeding lines Murdeduke are currently utilising in their breeding programs,'she said. The tour group was presented with four groups of PTIC heifers representing four sire types they use including Australian, New Zealand and bulls from the USA . ‘It was amazing to see how different sire types have a big influence on the frame and structure of the progeny,' said Staci. The second part of the tour at Genetics Australia saw the group given a series of talks about the beef program and collection regimes at the facility and a tour of the laboratory and collection centre. ‘We were showed how semen is assessed and packaged into straws ready for shipping to clients, as well as learning how to properly have semen verified for export’, she said. For the final part of the tour, delegates were introduced to some of the new Genetics Australia bulls with semen available. ‘I think I speak for everyone who attended the tour when I say that it was an incredibly informative day that was invaluable to both young and seasoned beef producers,' said Staci. The range of speakers on offer at the conference allowed Staci to listen to experts in areas of her choosing. ‘I went to the conference keen to hear specifically about the advancements in genomic and reproductive technologies in the beef industry and I wasn’t disappointed,' she said. Staci was therefore thrilled to be able to watch and learn from Dan Moser, Andrew Byrne, Susan Bibby and Sophia Edwards, as they provided a detailed insight into the PAge 36
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
technologies available for producers to aid in breeding decisions and genetic gains. She also attended the marketing session during the conference and heard Garry Edwards, Jon Condon and Ben Simpson speak about how selling livestock has changed with the digital age and how producers can utilise social media and technology to market product successfully to the public as well as prospective buyers during bull and female sales. Along with the learning aspects of the conference, the social events provided Staci with great networking opportunities. ‘I was able to meet a range of different people from all areas of the industry from all over Australia’ she said. ‘Both the cocktail evening and the gala dinner were awesome opportunities to network with prospective employers, stud farmers and company representatives from the trade stands. I left with many more connections than when I walked in which was great,' Staci added. Staci is very appreciative to Angus Australia and Angus Youth for the opportunity to attend the conference and pre conference tour. ‘It was an invaluable experience and I hope to attend the conference regularly in the future,' she said.
Kaiti McGregor ‘Australian Angus beef has multiple values on a national and global scale, for a small country with a national herd sitting at a lowly 29.3 million, we contribute and greatly impact the beef market on a global scale’, said Kaiti McGregor of one of her take home messages from the #GrowAngus National Conference in Ballarat. And Kaiti is excited at the prospect of how Australian producers are able to meet the market criteria and the consumer demands through the use of EBV’s, feed requirements and adoption to the various environments that one has to endure in Australia. ‘We provide high end quality beef to the live and beef export market, top quality genetics and traits in the stud programs and overall above average consistency in beef processed through our feedlots,' Kaiti said. Dan Moser speaking about the genetic improvement
Staci & Kaiti at the #GrowAngus National Conference
technologies that they are currently using to improve American Angus EPD’s was another stand out for Kaiti. ‘The technologies include genomic testing, improved data collection and accuracy and increasing the amount of animals being tested,' she said. ‘One thing that I learnt from Dan’s talk was that he mentioned that Angus Australia’s database and herd record book is immaculate. The numbers recorded provide vital and relevant information that are used on a daily basis,' said Kaiti. Kaiti understood from Dan Moser’s talk that the American Angus Association can only hope to further improve their technologies to create a data base much the same as the Australian one so that numbers, scales and EBV’s can cross over and cattle from both countries can be measured and compared against each other to produce the most accurate numbers for that animal. Ben Thomas from Meat and Livestock Australia and Tom Maguire from Tey’s Australia provided Kaiti with great insights to the Australian beef market. ‘I gained a perspective on how little beef we eat compared to how much is exported, what our target market is both nationally and globally and where the meat market is heading in the sense that the national herd is slowly getting smaller and the demand for beef is increasing; producers cannot keep up with demand however, abattoir’s can't get enough work because there aren’t enough cattle around,' said Kaiti. Hailing from Queensland, Kaiti was particularly interested in the talk from Troy Setter, Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) about the future of Angus genetics in Northern beef production. ‘CPC is showcasing how the Angus breed is very versatile in areas of production as well as environmental and climate adaptability. CPC also showcases how Angus beef is meeting the market specifications for both northern and southern buyers, producers and consumers,' Kaiti noted.
The conference was a great learning tool for Kaiti where she gained more experience and knowledge about the current market and stature of the Angus breed. Kaiti said she has taken a lot away from this experience and enjoyed learning the history of selling livestock and how the sale yards have revolutionised animal health, and well-being in terms of low stress interactions with people in and around the yards. ‘I have also created new networks around the country and overall I have learnt more about the breed that I love and where the future of Australian Angus is headed,’ said Kaiti. Like Staci, Kaiti was also extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference. ‘I really enjoyed the whole conference and I would just like to thank the Angus Foundation for this opportunity as it has provided me with relevant information about the breed and where it is headed. I believe that I can use this information at home and at the World Angus Forum, that is held in Scotland this month,' she said.
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Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 37
Maximising the return on your bull investment
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
The mighty Murray River forms part of the border between News South Wales and Victoria at Albury Wodonga
2018 Angus Youth National Roundup set for Wodonga NSW Roundup Committee Angus Youth Australia is pleased to announce that the 2018 Roundup will take place in Wodonga, 11 - 14 January 2018.
If you are interested in joining the committee in order to help with the organisation of this event, please contact Murk Schoen 0427 558 023 or murk.schoen@bigpond.com
Murk and Kate Schoen from Corowa, NSW will be the Roundup coordinators for 2018.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Murk and Kate have had a long association with Angus Youth and in particular with the Roundup, both as competitors and on the committee. Both Murk and Kate have taken out major awards at previous Roundups, with Kate receiving the Trans-Tasman Award in 2017.
A quality event such as this is dependent on the generous support of numerous partners. If you are interested in supporting the event, contact Haylee Herriot on 0429 774 065 or Murk Schoen. Keep an eye out over the next few months for more information on this fantastic event!
DO YOUR COWS A FAVOUR AT THE...
35 bulls 24 commercial heifers PTIC 1 stud heifer
Saturday 12th August 2017 at 1pm
Contact Justin on 0429 950 766 Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 39
youth
Final days in the USA
Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager When you look back over everything Mardi O’Brien has packed in during her time in the United States of America, it is easy to see that she is one to watch in the future. Mardi’s final three months have seen her learn new skills, travel across the country and further her networks in the beef industry. Following Mardi’s last report she had the opportunity to learn about Artificial insemination (AI) and was asked to help out with the AI of the heifers at the K-State purebred unit. ‘I have literally had absolutely nothing to do with artificial insemination in cattle or any other species of livestock. Given my background with feedlot cattle, where the aim is to maintain pregnancy levels as close to zero as possible and commercial naturally bred sheep, where rams are set out to get the job done on their own, this class introduced me to the practical component of a side of beef production I had only ever known the theory behind,’ said Mardi. Mardi also attended the Production Animal Consultation 2017 Beef Summits Conference in Kearney Nebraska, where speakers from all over the world, including Dr Simone Holt and Kev Sullivan from Australia, spoke about ‘Providing the finishing touches’ in relation to growing fat cattle in a feedlot setting. ‘There were some truly inspiring, world-renowned veterinarians and industry people with tremendously valuable insight to many different areas of beef production specific, but not limited to, the feedlot industry. I really got a lot out of the conference that day,’ Mardi said. As her time at K-State came to an end Mardi visited western Montana up in the mountains visiting a commercial Angus cow calf herd just out of Dillon Montana, the Johnson Ranch and experienced a 'cowboy branding' at a commercial Red Angus ranch. Mardi also visited the Flitner Ranch, Shell Wyoming, who run a large commercial Angus cow calf herd and a small feedyard.
While in Montana, Mardi visited Yellowstone National Park and ticked a couple of things off her bucket list. ‘I was extremely lucky here because I got the rare opportunity to see a wild black wolf! Not very impressive if you are local and they are eating your entire calf crop but if you are a tourist like me and have hoped for it forever, I can assure you, this was pretty impressive,’ said Mardi. Following her time in Montana, Mardi visited with Wulf Cattle Co, a large Limousin and LinFlex seedstock operation. ‘I met with Robbin Metzger (Jerry Wulf's daughter) in South Dakota and through the start of the first week we toured their South Eastern, South Dakota feedyards and a few different feeding facilities in Iowa,’ said Mardi. After this Mardi made the trip down to Wulf Cattle Co's Nebraska feedyards and cow herds, where Jerry explained his breeding philosophy to her and showed Mardi some of the technology they use in their production system. ‘Jerry explained to me how they use complementary heterosis through combining the genetics from really nice commercial Angus mothers with straight Limousin bulls to produce a calf crop with brilliant terminal traits, bred to excel through their performance in the feedlot environment and produce high yielding, good quality carcasses upon harvest,’ Mardi said. Wulf Cattle Co utilises Grow-Safe feed and water troughs to measure feed conversion and RFI on selected bulls. ‘The information is used to improve genetics selected and used in their feedlots to improve performance and cutability,’ said Mardi. From Nebraska, Mardi headed to the north end of South Dakota where the Wulf family have a feedyard and ranch for growing out weaners in the Standing Rock Indian reservation. This particular feedyard ran Limflex cattle, bred out on the Wulf ranches in Nebraska and also bought back from ranchers all around the US using Wulf Limousin bulls over Angus mothers.
Mardi O’Brien (2nd from right) at Heartland Cattle Co during the Collegiate Cattleman’s Club's 2017 industry tour in Nebraska
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
‘I was very impressed with the cattle all throughout this company, I absolutely could not believe the muscle in those calves, they seriously looked like show hogs the way their butts and loin area bulged out,' Mardi said. While at the South Dakota operation Mardi had the honour of attending a meeting with Jerry and one of the Indian Chiefs out on the reservation. During this time all of the tribes in the area were gathered. ‘There were horses, kids, dogs, people, trailers just everywhere! We went inside, asked a few questions and found out they were all riding for days through all the historical places relating to the past chiefs of each tribe in the area and the first stop was the location that Sitting Bull was shot’, Mardi said. Other highlights for Mardi during her trip have included working with a graduate student in the K-State pig nursery with his research on palatability and preference between three different feed types for the number 2 ration given to young pigs; helping with the controlled burning of the K-State Purebred Unit’s pastures, a grazing management strategy that is widely implemented and utilized in the Flint hills of Kansas; a visit to the Creek Stone Farms
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PAge 41
youth
Mardi O’Brien has a bright future in the beef industry
abattoir Arkansas City, Kansas; time at Heartland Cattle Co, an interesting and unique business where they grow out replacement heifers for commercial and seed stock businesses from all over America and prepare them for their first breeding season; the Collegiate Cattleman’s Club's 2017, industry tour in Nebraska; a visit to the Nebraska Bull Service centre; a visit to the North Platte Livestock Feeders in Nebraska an 80,000 head feedlot that covers 700 acres of land; the Schramm Feedlot in Yuma Colorado; the Snowshoe Cattle Company Bull Sale, Montana, and visits with ORIgen Breeder to Breeder Genetics Services and Vermillion Angus Ranch in Montana, just to name a few of the amazing experiences Mardi had. Mardi has also spent a lot of time working on her extended family’s ranch in Colorado and fitted in many tourist activities along the way and attend her classes at K-State. ‘I have really enjoyed my time touring around the American beef industry and am grateful for the experiences this has given me,’ said Mardi. The experiences that Mardi had during her time as the recipient of the Angus Foundation Kansas State University Scholarship winner are second to none and have set her up to further develop her career in the beef industry.
Angus female records roll on Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Pictured with the $22,000 Coolana sale topping female, Coolana Tearful G216 are purchaser Damien Gommers (3rd right), Mandayen, Keith and his buying agent, Rodney Dix (2nd right), Spence Dix & Co, Keith, SA with Coolana stud manager, Martin Beltrame, Ben, Mark & Max Gubbins, Chatsworth, Vic
The sheer strength of the demand for Angus females is in clear evidence across the industry with both seedstock and commercial producers realising the gains that Angus females have to offer their herds. Following a phenomenal 2016 where Angus females broke record after record, 2017 is following in the same vein. The national herd continues to rebuild itself and the astute cattle man or woman is choosing to build their herd on the back of an Angus female with superior fertility, maternal performance, calving ease and overall marketability. Western Australia Angus females have continued their record breaking ways. On April 5th 2017, $4,100 was paid for for a pen of five Angus cows with calves offered by Gary and Julie Buller at the Monterey Ladies Day sale, Karridale WA. Purchased by Rob Italiano, Harvey WA, the cows had calves at foot by Vermont E193. Another five preg-tested-in-calf (PTIC) Angus cows also made $4,100, when purchased by P & S Barbetti, Waterloo. $3,800 was paid for a further four Angus cows PTIC by Rob Italiano, Harvey WA. Prior to this, the record for commercial Angus cows with calves was $3,400 for a pen of 11 four year old cows with calves at foot, offered at the Millah Murrah Angus commercial female sale near Bathurst New South Wales on November 3rd 2005. These cow and calf units were purchased by Malcolm McLaurin, Corrie Vale Pastoral Company, ‘Greylands’, Cowra, NSW. Earlier in the year $3,650 was paid at the Boyanup Landmark Specially Selected Breeders Sale, WA for eight PTIC Commercial Angus heifers. The heifers were offered by Mark and Peta-Jane Harris & family, Treeton Lake, Cowaramup, WA and purchased by Michael and Frances Armstrong, Northcliffe, WA. $3,100 was paid for five Angus cross cows and calves offered by D & A Campbell at Boyanup on April 24th. In Sale Vic, on May 5th $3,320 was paid for first calf Angus PAge 42
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Wattletop Barunah E295 was the equal $38,000 top price female at the Wattletop Angus stage 1 dispersal sale
heifers and $3,100 for second calf Angus cows offered by J& J Rodriguez. While Betty Roche sold 12 Angus cows and calves at the Tumut NSW saleyards on April 12th. At the Hunter Valley Angus Breeders Association Sale, NSW on May 25th, $3,650 was paid for Angus cows and calves offered by Peter Fleming. While a further $3,300 was reached for Angus cows and calves offered by Rossgole Pastoral. Hunter Valley Angus Association President Duncan Macintyre, Scone said that this year was the best sale the association has ever had. ‘The quality of females was strong the whole way through the yarding and with producers experiencing a good season across the Hunter Valley and other parts of the state, prices held strong throughout the entirety of the sale’, said Duncan. ‘Most buyers were restockers looking to source quality Angus females to include in their breeding program,’ he said. Landmark Townsend agent, Chris Dobie, Scone said there was an $1,000 improvement on the average this year. ‘The prices at the breeders sale were off the chart, which is a reflection of a good season and the high quality of the cattle,’ he said. Prices were about $500 dearer than the current female market, Mr Dobie said.
‘With the cattle market still well above where it was in previous years, producers were looking to rebuild and add to their breeding herds’, he said. ‘Producers are aware that to rebuild their herds with quality, they will have to pay higher prices’. Stud Angus females are also hot property in the cattle industry, with two well renowned Angus studs dispersing their herds and breaking records along the way to show how strong and resilient the registered Angus female market is. Wattletop Angus Stud, Guyra New South Wales, broke an Australian Angus record for average price of registered Angus females, when 260 females averaged a phenomenal $8,494 for a complete clearance of the PTIC females put up for auction in the first stage of the Guyra New South Wales stud’s dispersal. A top price of $38,000 was reached twice, with Wattletop Barunah E295 purchased by Sprys Angus and Wattletop J464, purchased by Bannaby Angus. Volume buyers included Michael Campbell from Wirrabilla at Walcha who purchased 30 cows, Roger Flower Black Mountain NSW, 21 cows and Nicholas and Karen Morgan, Glen Innes NSW, 19 cows. Vendor Jess MacDougall was ecstatic with the results and said the sale far exceeded their expectations. ‘It is a great time to be selling Angus females and it was great to be rewarded for 35 years of dedication to breeding cattle that are structurally sound and fertile with a focus on carcase quality,’ she said. ‘We have been seeing commercial cattle with high carcase merit fetching a premium in the current market and I believe long term, producers that invest in quality genetics will always demand a premium. For Australia to remain competitive in the global market we will have to focus on quality because we will struggle to compete on price due to our high cost of production’, said Jess. This average is undoubtedly a record for any registered female dispersal of any breed in Australia.
The Australian Angus record was previously held by the Coonamble Angus Stud, Bremer Bay, Western Australia, who sold 77 registered Angus females for an average of $8,039 on the 26th of October 2015. Earlier in the year at what is likely Australia’s largest ever Angus dispersal sale the Gubbins Family of Coolana Angus, Chatsworth Victoria sold 820 lots to a top of $22,000 and an average of $3,276. The top price was paid by Damian Gommers, Mandayen stud, Keith, SA for Coolana Tearful G216, while the other 819 lots were sold to successful bidders from every Australian state except WA. Showing the strength of the demand for registered Angus females, there were 23 buyers of 10 or more lots, with Perry Gunner and Peter Colliver, Stoney Point Angus, SA the biggest volume buyers, purchasing 53 lots in total. Alec Moore, Weeran Angus, Byaduk, Vic accompanied by his manager Tim purchased a total of 47 lots, plus Tim Wright purchased 12 lots on his own account. While Rowley and Tracy Bennett, Fernhill Angus, Corowa, NSW successfully bid on 46 lots.
Angus females are in hot demand. Commercial Angus females at the Monterey Angus ladies day sale made $4,100
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PAge 43
Steve Groom Livestock Manager Northern at JBS Australia Beef City Feedlot
angus forms cornerstone of JBS Australia Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager
jbs australia
property: 10,790 ha feedlots: Beef City, Purrawunda QLD – 26,500 Head Mungindi, Mungindi QLD – 12,000 Head Caroona, Quirindi NSW – 23,500 Head Prime City, Tabbita NSW – 35,000 Head Riverina Beef, Yanco NSW – 53,000 Head Dinmore QLD Beef City QLD Rockhampton QLD Townsville QLD Scone NSW PAge 44
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
processing plants: Riverina NSW Brooklyn VIC Devonport TAS Longford TAS Bordertown SA
JBS Australia is the largest cattle lotfeeder and beef processor in the country, with five feedlots (with a combined capacity of 162,000 head) and 11 red meat processing facilities across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Despite having the capacity to produce enough beef to make more than 50 million Big Mac patties per day, the company remains a genuine reflection of the Australian foundation companies from which it was founded, just on a slightly larger scale. JBS Australia as it is known today, is the result of numerous acquisitions and mergers involving the well-known companies of Australian Meat Holdings (AMH), Swift & Company, Tatiara Meat Company, Itoham/Mitsubishi, Tasman Group, Primo Smallgoods and Andrews Meat Industries since 1991. A facet that has remained at the core of the success and growth of JBS Australia, is their commitment to grainfed beef. The Angus breed plays a significant role in that success and according to Steve Groom, JBS Australia’s Livestock Manager (Northern), it will continue to do so. “We have an extensive relationship with the Angus breed that started with the development of our Tender Valley, Waratah and Prime Black brands that we were processing at Beef City (on the outskirts of Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs) for the Japanese market in the 1990’s,” Mr. Groom said. Based on one of JBS Australia’s long standing Japanese Angus programs, AMH assisted Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) and MAC (the buying arm for McDonald’s at the time) develop the MacAngus standard which is rigorously applied to all Angus beef that is supplied to McDondald’s for their burgers. Mr. Groom said the appeal for Angus was in the class leading feedlot performance, regular supply base and finished carcase attributes that enabled increased cut utilisation to garner maximum revenue from each body. “There aren’t many breeds that allow you to command a premium for even the trim,” Steve said. This extra revenue is where the price premiums for Angus feeder cattle come from.
“The success of the Angus breed is testament to the commitment of the producer base and the breed society to aim for continual genetic improvement and market the breed as a ‘brand’ throughout the supply chain,” said Steve. To support JBS Australia’s feedlots and grainfed beef programs, they buy more than 85,000 Angus cattle to induct into their feedlots every year. Each of their five feedlots rely very heavily on the support of the Angus breed due to their proven performance, and the customer and consumer demand for the high-quality beef and beef products they yield, from all over the world. “Without a doubt, the Angus breed would be one of the cornerstones of the entire JBS Australia business,” Steve said. Angus cattle also form a large supply base for JBS Australia’s southern grassfed brand, Great Southern. JBS Australia has been on a very public journey of transition in the last five years, changing its business model from a supplier of grainfed full sets (carcasses) to Japan and commodity beef processor, to a world recognised branded beef marketer. There will always be an element of buying grassfed cattle from northern Australia to support the ‘volume’ business that is still a very important part of JBS Australia’s company and the Australian industry, but nowadays they are placing an increased emphasis on developing market driven brand programs that enable them to be more competitive in the procurement of livestock. Of the Angus cattle inducted by JBS Australia each year, about one third are for long fed (200+ days) beef programs that support retail and food service channels around the world and half are for the award-winning Riverina Angus brand. The balance of the Angus feeders are fed and processed to sustain the company’s MSA brands and class-leading EU program. JBS Australia export their Angus beef all over the world, but without doubt the volume players are Japan and Korea. However, the domestic market is tremendously important to JBS Australia from a carcase utilisation perspective. They have emerging markets that are taking relatively low volumes of product but are prepared to pay significant premiums for the eating quality their brands deliver to the high-end foodservice market in places like Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. “The fact we have been able to take our Riverina Angus brand into these markets and compete well against other packers that have dominated these markets for a long time is evidence that our supply base is delivering us outstanding and consistent meat quality that the most discerning of restauranteurs are happy to rely on,” Mr Groom said. The proof has been in the pudding also, with Riverina Angus claiming numerous medal and champion awards at branded beef competitions since its launch in 2012.
After a string of gold and silver medals in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in 2013 and 2014, the brand’s crowning moments include Champion Beef of Show at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show in 2015 and taking the top prize for all MSA graded beef at the 2017 Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show earlier this year. These awards recognise the tireless efforts of countless people throughout the supply chain to get it right each and every time. “Of course, our livestock procurement, lotfeeding, processing, sales, marketing and logistics teams should be proud of these achievements, but it should go without saying that we could not have achieved these results without the exceptional efforts of our valued livestock producers across the country,” Steve said. JBS Australia’s livestock buyers across Australia maintained ‘farm gate’ relationships with cattle producers to source the most suitable livestock to fit into the company’s many brand programs. “We truly see this as a partnership. We share critical beef demand information with our suppliers to ensure they are well informed and better positioned to maximise their onfarm revenue by aligning with our branded programs. At the end of the day, if it wasn’t for the farmers, our feedlots and abattoirs would be nothing more than a large set of empty cattle yards and big sheds,” said Steve. “You can’t buy consistency out of saleyards, so our buyers spend a huge amount of time forming personal relationships with farmers throughout the prime Angus cattle producing areas and sharing information to ensure from the time producers are making decisions about the genetics and stocking rates they are 100% aligned with the end users demands,” he said. To find out more about how to align your business with the JBS Australia Angus program, contact Scott Carswell, Livestock Manager Feedlots 0428 727 202 or scott.carswell@jbssa.com.au Angus steers at Prime City Feedlot destined for the Riverina Angus program
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 45
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
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Western Plains steers with the Stanley Nut in background. John Bruce said Tasmanian grass-fed beef had customers in Japan, South Korea, Canada and the US.
Angus cattle make the grade
John Bruce with steers at Western Plains, Stanley, Tasmania, in January
Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
The Bruce family has changed to run predominantly Angus cattle on their Western Plains property at Stanley, in far north-west Tasmania. John Bruce said the decision was driven by the breed’s improved genetics, scale and performance, including in the MSA eating quality grading system. Their 625-hectare farm is fully stocked in spring at 1400 head, which includes animals that are bred and animals that are bought in and finished. They carry about 1000 head in winter as pasture growth declines. From the late 1970s, the family had South Devon cows, but as they increased the size of the property and herd, the Bruces found it difficult to get enough bulls from the smaller breed that suited their operation and were of consistent quality. And while they had a lot of success with the South Devons, including in carcase competitions, the Bruce family decided to return towards an Angus breeding herd. Mr Bruce said the breed had improved its genetics and efficiency a lot in the past 30 years. “The Angus breed has improved all facets that are reflected in the MSA index score, including intramuscular fat, eye muscle area; as well as breeding traits and growth,” he said. He said because there were more Angus studs offering more Angus bulls each year, it was possible to secure the bulls needed that suited your operation. The family’s recent bull purchases include two groups from Heath and Sam Dobson at Pine Park, Cluan, Tas.
The cattle at Western Plains are grass-fed. The pastures are rotationally grazed to ensure clean fresh pasture for all cattle every two to four days. The rotation length is determined by monitoring the leaf emergence rate of the ryegrass. There’s also 60ha of dryland and irrigated lucerne/alfalfa to supplement summer production. The cattle are supplied to Greenham Tasmania for the Cape Grim brand. Greenham Tasmania also packs the Never Ever antibiotic-free and HGP-free brand, and has encouraged Tasmanian beef producers to enter the Global Animal Partnership animal welfare program. Western Plains is accredited for both programs. Mr Bruce said they’d found how cattle are managed, particularly how they are fed, could have a bigger impact on their performance than their breed. “More specifically, MSA grading system shows that if the cattle are consistently fed good quality pasture it shows up in good marbling, lower ossification score, and fat cover which all goes towards MSA grading and thus eating quality,” he said. “Whereas if they are given poor feed for any period over autumn or winter, it can affect their MSA grading performance.”
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017 Some of the Bruce family's breeding herd. The family ran South Devon cows but have moved to having more Angus in the herd.
PAge 47
Research and development
Lessons from the ASBP - EBVs ARE NO BULL Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
EBVs of bulls entered in the ASBP have provided a reliable prediction of the performance of their progeny The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has demonstrated that there is great potential to achieve genetic improvement in Angus breeding programs by utilising selection tools, such as Angus BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Selection Indexes. A recent project undertaken by Angus Australia, with funding assistance from the MLA Donor Company, assessed the progeny performance of sires in cohorts 1 to 3 of the ASBP, to analyse how well the Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs of the sires when entered in the program aligned with the actual performance of their progeny. This project has illustrated that Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs provided a reliable prediction of how the progeny from sires in the ASBP subsequently performed, and should be used with confidence when selecting animals for use within a beef breeding program.
PROJECT DESIGN
To evaluate how well the Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs of sires in cohorts 1 – 3 of the ASBP predicted the subsequent performance of their progeny, sires were ranked for each trait from highest to lowest based on their EBV, and the average EBV of the 10 sires with the highest and lowest EBV used to calculate the predicted difference in performance between the progeny sired by bulls in the both groups. The predicted difference in performance was then compared to the actual difference in progeny performance within the ASBP to ascertain how well the EBVs predicted the breeding value of the sires in each group.
RESULTS
Calving Ease
(Birth Weight, Gestation Length) The difference between the average Birth Weight EBV of the highest and lowest 10 Birth Weight EBV sires in each cohort was on average 3.4 kg, across cohorts 1, 2 and 3. This equates to a predicted difference in the average birth weight of progeny of sires in both groups of 1.7 kg. Note: the predicted difference is only half the difference in the EBVs as the sires only contribute to half of their progeny’s genetics. When the average birth weight of the progeny from the highest and lowest 10 Birth Weight sires was measured, the actual difference in birth weight was 1.9 kg, demonstrating the EBVs were accurately predicting the breeding value of sires for birth weight. Similarly, the difference between the average Gestation Length EBV of the highest and lowest 10 Gestation Length EBV sires in each cohort was on average 5.1 days across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, predicting the progeny of the 10 sires with the lowest Gestation Length EBVs would be born, on average, 2.5 days earlier than the progeny of the 10 sires with the highest Gestation Length EBVs. When the gestation length data of progeny from both groups of sires was collated, the difference was 2.6 days, and closely aligned with the difference predicted by the sire EBVs.
Growth
(200, 400 & 600 Day Weights) The difference between the average EBV of the highest and lowest 10 EBV sires for 200 Day Growth, 400 Day Weight and 600 Day Weight EBV in each cohort was on average 15.2 kg, 25.2 kg and 36.6 kg respectively, across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, predicting a difference in the average weight of progeny of sires in both groups of 7.6 kg, 12.6 kg and 18.3 kg at 200, 400 and 600 days of age respectively. When weighed, the actual difference in the weight of progeny was 5.2 kg, 10.2 kg and 17.0 kg, and demonstrated the EBVs of the sires provided a reliable indication of their genetics for growth.
Carcase Composition
(Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Intramuscular Fat, Rib and Rump Fat) The difference between the average EBV of the highest and lowest 10 EBV sires for Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Rib Fat, Rump Fat and Intramuscular Fat EBV in each cohort was on average 21.7 kg, 5.7 cm2, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 2.0% respectively, across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, predicting a difference in the sires’ average carcase progeny performance of 10.9 kg dressed carcase weight, 2.8 cm2 eye muscle area, 1.2 mm rib fat depth, 1.5 mm rump fat depth and 1.0% intramuscular fat. When the steer progeny were slaughtered and abattoir PAge 48
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Fertility
(Days to Calving) The difference between the average Days to Calving EBV of the highest and lowest 10 Days to Calving EBV sires in each cohort was on average 4.1 days across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, predicting the heifer progeny of the 10 sires with the lowest Days to Calving EBVs would calve, on average, 2.1 days earlier than the progeny of the 10 sires with the highest Days to Calving EBVs. When the heifer progeny were calved down at 2 years of age and their calving records collated, the progeny sired by the lowest Days to Calving EBV sires calved on average, 1.0 day earlier than the progeny sired by the highest Days to Calving EBV sires.
Feed Efficiency
(Net Feed Intake – Feedlot) The difference between the Net Feed Intake (Feedlot) EBV of the highest and lowest 10 NFI-F EBV sires in each cohort was on average 0.9 kg/day across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, predicting the progeny of the lowest NFI-F sires would eat 0.5 kg less feed per day for the same weight and rate of weight gain. When the steer progeny were tested for feed intake at Tullimba Research Feedlot using Growsafe technology, the actual difference between the progeny of the high and low NFI-F EBV sire groups was 0.3 kg/day.
angus sire benchmarking project cohorts 1 - 3 highest 10 vs. lowest 10 ebv sires TRAIT
Birth Weight Gestation Length 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Carcase Weight Carcase Rib Fat Carcase Rump Fat Carcase EMA Carcase IMF Days to Calving Net Feed Intake - F
PREDICTED DIFFERENCE (EBV) IN PROGENY PERFORMANCE
1.7kg 2.5 days 7.6kg 12.6kg 18.3kg 10.9kg 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.8cm2 1.0% 2.1 days 0.5kg/day
ACTUAL DIFFERENCE IN PROGENY PERFORMANCE
1.9kg 2.6 days 5.2kg 10.2kg 17.0kg 18.2kg 1.1mm 1.3mm 2.8cm2 1.3% 1.0 days 0.3 kg/day
CONCLUSION
This project has revealed that Angus BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values provided an accurate prediction of the breeding value of sires in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. When selecting animals for use within a breeding program, the use of Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection index values, coupled with the significant genetic variation that is present within the Angus breed, provides a considerable opportunity to improve the productivity and profitability of a beef breeding enterprise. For a more in-depth version of this article, please go to the Angus Sire Benchmarking section of the Angus Australia website.
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 49
Research and development
carcase measurements collected, the actual difference in the carcase performance weight of progeny was 18.2 kg dressed carcase weight, 2.8 cm2 eye muscle area, 1.1 mm rib fat depth, 1.3 mm rump fat depth and 1.3% intramuscular fat. This demonstrates that the EBVs of sires in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 provided an accurate prediction of their carcase genetics, and can be used with confidence when selecting animals for superior carcase genetic merit.
323 PROGENY RECORDED - TOP 1% FOR ALL ANGUS INDEXES TRAIT LEADER CE-Dir, GL, 200,400,600 Day Growth & SS June 2017 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN
+4.5 +4.8 -9.5 79%
$153
+3.6
56% 98% 97% 89% 83% 83%
$133
$171
PURCHASE PRICE PAge 50
+57 +105 +137 +123
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
81%
+17
+3.0 -5.9
+82
+5.5
+0.5 +0.8 -0.2 +2.7
71%
81% 42% 75% 69% 70% 69% 63% 64%
$144
1 - 50 Straws $60 each
51-100 Straws $50 each
Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
In the mid-May 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis structural soundness scores from ASBP Cohort 5 progeny have been analysed for the first time, producing Structural Soundness EBVs for the ASBP Cohort 5 sires. This included feet and leg structural soundness scores, evaluated using the Beef Class system, on 1,195 progeny. The steer progeny were assessed following 100 days on feed, while the heifers were assessed on farm at approximately 18 months of age. A list of the “top 10” Cohort 5 sires for each Structural Soundness EBV is tabled below. You can also access, search and sort the structural EBVs via the recently launched Angus Database Search facility - https://www. angusaustralia.com.au/angus-tech/ Structural Soundness EBVs are interpreted as estimates of genetic differences between animals in desirable feet and leg structure. A higher EBV indicates that an animal will produce a higher percentage of progeny with desirable structure. There are five Structural Soundness EBVs produced being: - Front Feet Angle (FA) - Front Feet Claw Set (FC) - Rear Feet Angle (RA) - Rear Leg Hind View (RH) - Rear Leg Side View (RS) Front Feet Angle EBV Acc
Name
ID
WATTLETOP JASPER J3
NWPJ3
+24
67
MURRAY INGENUITY J94
NURJ94
+19
77
ANVIL J301
HBUJ301
+16
70
IRELANDS GALAXY G43
VICG43
+15
73
MILLAH MURRAH HERCULES H250
NMMH250
+13
70
BANQUET HUMPHRIE H467
VONH467
+12
66
MILLAH MURRAH JACKPOT J137
NMMJ137
+12
68
FOSSIL CREEK HERO H006
NZE1868 1012006
+11
68
TE MANIA ADA A149
VTMA149
+11
92
PARINGA ABSOLUTE J87
HKFJ87
+11
67
Name
ID
Rear Leg Side View EBV Acc
ASCOT HALLMARK H147
QQFH147
+0.3
49
COOLANA NEW DAY H36
VCCH36
+0.3
54
GLENOCH MEGAFORCE+92
QBGM16+92
+0.3
54
IRELANDS GALAXY G43
VICG43
+0.3
58
MUNDOO HOT STUFF H162
NWMH162
+0.3
52
MURRAY INGENUITY J94
NURJ94
+0.3
61
RENNYLEA H7
NORH7
+0.3
68
RICHMOND HILL FINALE G4
TRHG4
+0.3
50
STRATHTAY EQUATOR J28
WJYJ28
+0.3
45
WEERAN JIMMY J1
VHWJ1
+0.3
51
Breed Average
ASBP Cohort 5 Sires – Top 10 for the Structural Soundness EBVs (Mid-May Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis) Name
ID
Front Feet Claw Set EBV Acc
GLENOCH MEGAFORCE+92
QBGM16+92
+26
73
PINEBANK 64/10
NZE1199001064
+24
63
ANVIL J301
HBUJ301
+23
74
IRELANDS GALAXY G43
VICG43
+21
75
MILWILLAH ELEVATOR H194
NJWH194
+20
65
BALD BLAIR RIGHT ANSWER J94
NBBJ94
+18
78
MATAURI OUTLIER F031
NZE14647010F031
+16
78
MURDEDUKE HUSSAR H211
CSWH211
+15
76
FOSSIL CREEK HERO H006
NZE18681012006
+14
72
STORTH OAKS H41
NZE19507012H41
+14
78
-1
Breed Average
Name
ID
Rear Feet Angle EBV Acc
ASCOT HALLMARK H147
QQFH147
+17
61
TOTARANUI 238
NZE12922011238
+16
70
TE MANIA ADA A149
VTMA149
+15
86
RENNYLEA H708
NORH708
+15
67
RICHMOND HILL FINALE G4
TRHG4
+13
63
PARINGA ABSOLUTE J87
HKFJ87
+9
66
MATAURI OUTLIER F031
NZE14647010F031
+9
69
CHERYLTON RAVEN J20
WLHJ20
+8
60
MILWILLAH ELEVATOR H194
NJWH194
+6
62
RIDDELLVUE JUSTICE J297
VRBJ297
+6
71
-1
Breed Average
0
Breed Average
For further resources on interpreting the Structural Soundness EBVs visit the Angus Australia website (www. angusaustralia.com.au)
Name
ID
Rear Leg Hind View EBV Acc
ANVIL J018
HBUJ018
+4.0
48
BALD BLAIR RIGHT ANSWER J94
NBBJ94
+3.9
55
MILLAH MURRAH HERCULES H250
NMMH250
+3.5
50
FOSSIL CREEK HERO H006
NZE18681012006
+3.3
50
TIBOOBURRA IMPACT J26
VTTJ26
+3.3
47
RENNYLEA J140
NORJ140
+2.5
48
STRATHEWEN BERKLEY G34
VSNG34
+2.5
49
GLANWORTH WAIGROUP 1213
NZE1215401213
+2.3
45
STORTH OAKS H41
NZE19507012H41
+2.3
61
GLENOCH MEGAFORCE+92
QBGM16+92
+1.9
49
Breed Average
0
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 51
Research and development
ASBP – Cohort 5 Structural Soundness Data Analysed
140 Bulls Made of
TOUGH STUFF!
2017 Annual On Property Sale
FRIDAY 4th AUGUST 2017 - 12:30pm Hugh & Hazel: (02) 6729 9067 Brett & Kim: 0427 438 318
PAge 52
E: angus@clunie.com.au | www.clunie.com.au
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
A significant amount of new feed intake data was included in the mid-June 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. This is a direct result of the feed intake data being collected in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP). This new data has been collected and analysed on steer progeny of the Cohort 5 sires, resulting in Net Feed Intake EBVs, based on direct feed intake data, now being available for 189 sires in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the ASBP. The feed intake data is collected at UNE’s Tullimba feedlot, Kingstown, NSW through the GrowSafe system (Figure 1). Collectively this includes feed intake data on 2,348 steers from ASBP Cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with 585 of these records coming from the Cohort 5 bred steers. Feed intake and serial weight data are used to calculate net feed intake (NFI) values for each steer measured. NFI is a measure of residual feed intake after adjustment for differences in average body weight maintained and growth rate through the test period. Animals with a negative NFI value consume less feed than expected based on their growth rate and body weight maintained, while animals with positive NFI value consume more feed than expected for their growth performance and average body weight. Figure 2 shows the distribution of net feed intake values among the 2,348 ASBP steers tested to date. Whilst most steers had a net feed intake value close to zero (i.e. actual feed intake close to expectation) some steers consumed up to 4kg/day more than expected for their growth rate and body weight maintained, whilst other steers consumed up to 4kg/day less than expected.
be expected to produce progeny that consume less feed per day than the progeny from a bull that has a NFI-F EBV of +0.8 kg/day (when the progeny are of similar weight, are growing at a similar rate, and are in a feedlot finishing phase). Listed in figure 3 are Cohort 5 ASBP sires that have an above average Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a below average (i.e. more efficient) NFI-F EBV. Name
Angus Breeding Index ($)
NFI-F EBV NFI-F (kg/day) Acc (%)
MURDEDUKE HUSSAR H211
+161
-0.71
78
RENNYLEA J140
+138
-0.04
79
WEERAN JIMMY J1
+130
-0.23
76
RENNYLEA H7
+127
-0.66
78
COOLANA NEW DAY H36
+124
-0.23
81
MILLAH MURRAH JACKPOT J137
+123
-0.38
76
BONGONGO H171
+123
-0.02
80
RISSINGTON PROMINENT 100104
+122
-0.12
76
RIDDELLVUE JUSTICE J297
+119
-0.20
75
STRATHTAY EQUATOR J28
+111
-0.99
79
CHERYLTON RAVEN J20
+111
-0.02
73
COONAMBLE HECTOR H249
+110
-0.34
78
BOOROOMOOKA HYPERNO H605
+109
-0.52
81
Breed Average
+106
+0.09
Figure 3 – ASBP Cohort 5 sires with an above average Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and below average NFI-F EBV (mid-June 2017 BREEDPLAN analysis)
The latest NFI EBVs for all sires in the ASBP are available from the Angus Australia website through the newly launched Angus Database search facility - www. angusaustralia.com.au/angus-tech. Progeny average values and rankings for NFI are also listed in updated ASBP Progeny Performance Reports. For further information please contact:
CHRISTIAN DUFF
Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager christian@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4620 Figure 2. Distribution of net feed Intake among cohort 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ASBP steers.
Importantly, the NFI data collected through the ASBP is analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN to produce the Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Finishing EBV (NFI-F EBV). This EBV is an estimate of genetic differences between animals in feed intake at a standard weight and rate of weight gain when animals are in a feedlot finishing phase. NFI-F EBVs are expressed as kilograms (kg) of feed intake per day. Lower, or more negative, NFI-F EBVs are more favourable. For example, a bull with a NFI-F EBV of –0.6 kg/day would
Figure 1: ASBP Steers Undergoing NFI testing at Tullimba Feedlot
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Research and development
Net Feed Intake EBVs Available for ASBP Cohort 5 Sires
PAge 54
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Time is running out to nominate bulls for the next round (Cohort 8) of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP). Nominations will be accepted up until Friday 4th August 2017 however preference will be given to early nominations.
No
• Be involved is cutting edge research in areas such as genomics, retail beef yield, immune competence and grazing efficiency on pasture. For further information on the ASBP and sire nominations for Cohort 8 visit the Angus Australia website (www. angusaustralia.com.au) or contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
e your b t a n u mi
lls
At the time of writing this article (mid-June 2017) 35 nominations had already been received. While cow numbers were yet to be finalised, there is expected to be places for approximately 40 bulls with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 Angus cows by fixed time AI. The benefits of Bulls entering the ASBP include: • Involvement in one of Australia’s largest beef cattle progeny test program including large contemporary groups. • Receive high accuracy EBVs, particularly for hard to measure traits such as net feed intake, abattoir carcase data and female reproduction. • Receive progeny average values and sire ranking from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA Index and MSA Marble Score. • High density DNA profiles will be stored for current use e.g. sire verifications, genomic predictions) and future research. • Closer genetic linkage to the ASBP ensures research outcomes, particularly in the genomics area, will have more relevance to your herd.
now!
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Research and development
ASBP Cohort 8 – Time to Nominate
Breed Development Matters Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Consistent with Angus Australia’s goal of enhancing the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain, Angus Australia’s Breed Development Program remains focussed on ensuring Angus Australia members, and their commercial customers, have access to world leading genetic evaluation technologies, and associated tools for genetic improvement. This focus is consistent with Angus Australia’s vision of being a member-based, not-for-profit, innovation company servicing seedstock and commercial producers of Angus and Angus-influenced cattle. Following is a brief overview of several initiatives within Angus Australia’s Breed Development program.
1. Angus BREEDPLAN Angus BREEDPLAN continues to be the central component of Angus Australia’s Breed Development program. With approximately 630 Angus Australia members enrolled in Angus BREEDPLAN, and more than 300,000 performance records recorded on over 75,000 calves annually, Angus BREEDPLAN remains the largest and most comprehensive genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Australia. Research continues to improve the scope of the EBVs that are calculated in Angus BREEDPLAN, and in turn, to provide a genetic description of Angus and Angusinfluenced seedstock for a wider number of traits of economic importance. Current research is focussed on improving the genetic description of traits such as: • Eating quality (e.g. marble score, ossification) • Meat quality (e.g. marbling fineness, fatty acid composition, mineral content) • Adaptability to northern Australian production systems (e.g. coat score, adaptation) • Animal resilience (e.g. immune competence) • Cow maintenance efficiency (e.g. mature condition score, mature height) • Female reproduction (e.g. age of puberty) Additionally, research has commenced to utilise the comprehensive performance information collected in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program to re-estimate the genetic parameters that are used within the PAge 56
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Angus BREEDPLAN analysis (e.g. trait heritabilities, trait correlations), in order to further improve the accuracy of the EBVs that are routinely calculated for Angus animals.
2. Development of Single Step Analytical Software Although the inclusion of genomic information in Angus BREEDPLAN has become mainstream, with genomic information analysed since April 2011, it is an evolving science. Researchers in Australia, and around the world, are continually looking for better and more efficient ways to utilise genomic information in genetic evaluation. Angus Australia is now working collaboratively with staff 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. 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. It is hoped the new analytical software will be available for implementation in the December 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.
3. Development of Selection Tool for Commercial Angus Heifers
Developed in collaboration with Zoetis Animal Genetics, Angus Australia in progressing the development of a new genomic product, Angus HeiferSELECT. Available to commercial members of Angus Australia who are using registered Angus bulls, Angus HeiferSELECT is a genomic selection tool to help inform the selection of Angus replacement females (87.5% Angus content or greater) in a commercial beef breeding operation. Features of Angus HeiferSELECT include: • Sire assignment • Genetic prediction for 8 individual traits (Calving Ease Direct, 200 Day Growth, Milk, Mature Cow Weight, Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Rib Fat, Intramuscular Fat) • Genetic prediction and star rating for overall breeding value
4. New DNA Services
Following considerable liaison with Zoetis Animal Genetics and the Animal Genetics Laboratory at the University of Queensland, a new range of DNA services was recently made available to Angus Australia members. • The density (number of single nucleotide polymorphisms or “snips”) of the genotyping platforms that are utilised for parentage verification has been considerably increased, improving the reliability of the parentage verification analyses that are conducted on Angus animals. • Lower cost testing for genetic conditions is now available as an “add-on” test if animals are genotyped with either the GeneSeek GGP or Zoetis i50K products. • Tests are now available for a greater number of the genetic conditions recognised within Angus Australia’s Regulations • Angus Australia’s fee schedule for DNA services has been considerably simplified, with one, all-inclusive retail price now invoiced for each individual DNA service. Details of the new range of DNA services that are available through Angus Australia can be accessed from the Angus Australia website.
5. New Angus Database Search Developed by Angus Australia’s in-house software development team, a modern and intuitive Angus Database Search facility was recently made available from the Angus Australia website. The new Angus Database Search enables beef producers to search Angus Australia’s comprehensive animal database and access information for any individual animal recorded with Angus Australia. By comparison to previous facilities, the new Angus Database Search includes: • Access to more comprehensive information on individual animals, such as: Display of complete ownership history of an animal
o
Display of progeny bred by herd for all sires and dams
o
Display of Structural Soundness EBVs for an animal
o
Display of percentile band information below each EBV of an animal o Display of the number of progeny with performance in association with the EBVs for all sires and dams o
• Ability to save frequently conducted searches • Ability to customise the display of search results • Ability to print search results and individual animal reports in a print friendly format • Ability to enter multiple sort criteria
The new “Angus Database Search” facility can be accessed by clicking on the ANGUS.TECH link in the menu at the top of the Angus Australia homepage.
6. New AngusSELECT Tools Also developed by Angus Australia’s in-house software development team, a suite of new, web based, selection tools will shortly be made available from the Angus Australia website. Known as AngusSELECT, the suite of selection tools aims to improve the profitability of Angus genetics within the Australian beef supply chain by assisting Angus breeders with the identification of Angus genetics that are most aligned with their breeding goals and objectives. The new AngusSELECT suite of tools include: • Angus SaleSELECT - enables Angus breeders to search and sort the registered Angus animals that currently available for sale and identify those animals that are most aligned with their breeding goals and objectives. • Angus SemenSELECT - enables Angus breeders to search and sort the registered Angus bulls for which semen is available and identify the most suitable genetics for use within their artificial breeding program. • Angus MemberSELECT - enables Angus breeders to identify Angus Australia members that are located in their area. • Angus ASBPSELECT - enables Angus breeders to search and sort the Angus bulls that have been entered in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program and identify bulls carrying genetics that are suitable for use within their breeding program. • Angus ExportSELECT - enables overseas importers of registered Australian Angus cattle to obtain details regarding the animals that they have purchased.
7. Angus Education Centre Complementing Angus Australia’s previous education activities, such as the Angus National Conference, Angus Regional Forums, field days and workshops, a new “Angus Education Centre” was recently made available. The new education centre provides users of Angus genetics with an exciting collection of modern digital educational resources and activities, relevant to the breeding and genetics of Angus beef cattle. The Angus Education Centre can be easily accessed at any time, from any place, and on a range of devices. The educational resources facilitate learning that occurs in an asynchronous, self-paced, pressure-free environment, where users can follow their interests, moving from topic to topic in a technology-rich environment. The Angus Education Centre can be accessed from the Angus Australia website, or by typing www.angusaustralia. com.au/education into a web browser. To further discuss any of these initiatives in Angus Australia’s Breed Development program, please contact:.
ANDREW BYRNE
Breed Development & Extension Manager andrew@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4618 Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Research and development
Angus HeiferSELECT genetic predictions are only provided for animals that are DNA verified as being sired by a registered Angus bull, further adding to the value of utilising registered Angus bulls in commercial Angus breeding programs. Angus HeiferSELECT is currently in a pilot testing phase with a number of commercial members, and is scheduled for commercial availability over coming months.
Research and development
From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus Breedplan
Rolling into the upcoming bull sale period, Angus BREEDPLAN is busy making sure all our performance records are up to date in order to provide our members with the most accurate description of the genetic merit of each animal. During this time, it is as apparent as ever that the quality of the pedigree and performance data that is used to calculate EBVs, such as the effective use of proper management grouping, is of utmost importance.
Maximising your Contemporary Groups
BREEDPLAN analyses cattle in contemporary groups to take out the influence of as many non-genetic effects as possible (e.g feeding regimes and differing seasons). The underlying principle is that only animals that have had equal opportunity to perform are directly compared together within each contemporary group. However, when the contemporary groups are not correctly formed, the EBVs calculated may be less accurate or misleading. Figuratively speaking, management groups can be likened to the growth of a tree. All animals start at the base of the tree (the trunk) and are all compared together. Then over time animals start to be separated into separate management groups for various reasons (e.g. the tree branches split off from the trunk and calves are split off from the main group of calves). All the animals that have split off from the main group will continue to be compared together as a new sub-group. Over time this sub group of calves may be split into further specific contemporary groups (branches split off into separate sub branches or twigs). The point being that just as the branch or twigs cannot grow back into the main trunk, neither can the performance of any calves that were split from the main group ever be compared again to the performance of any of the calves remaining in the main initial contemporary group. As such it is important to ensure that animals are kept in the largest contemporary groups possible. Some useful strategies include:
NDE
Don’t over management group your calves While the submission of management groups is essential in identifying animals that have been managed differently, sometimes animals are “over management grouped” and unnecessarily split into separate groups. For example, if an animal has a very minor case of pinkeye that is not having a considerable negative impact on the overall performance of the animal, a different management group should not be specified. Only submit management groups for non-genetic factors that influence the opportunity of an animal to perform (e.g. sick animals, animals run under different environmental and management conditions). Do ensure animals have the same observation history Animals run in the same management group should all have the same observation history. Weigh all animals from the same group on the same day. Angus BREEDPLAN provides suggested weigh dates the are customised for each herd and provides the best times to weigh animals based on the individual herd information already ready provided to Angus Australia. Try to follow these dates as closely as possible to make the most effective use of the data. Don’t neglect your outlier reports As part of the ongoing verification of the performance information that is collected, Angus BREEDPLAN checks the variation in performance records between animals within each contemporary group. When the difference between a performance record for an animal and the average of all animals in that contemporary group is greater than expected, the record for the animal is flagged as an outlier. Each time an outlier is flagged an outlier report is forwarded to the assigned postal address and uploaded to each member’s individual ‘Files to Download’ section, located in the Member Login Area of the Angus Australia website.
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
When members neglect their outlier reports and do not provide a response to Angus Australia, the performance record is excluded from all future BREEDPLAN analyses. The animal will also show a different observation history from its contemporaries, thus being split from its initial contemporary group when future performance is submitted.
Are you aware of our new BREEDPLAN Submission Deadlines? Now that Angus BREEDPLAN analyses are being conducted on a fortnightly basis, please be aware of the new BREEDPLAN analysis schedule. If you are relying on updated EBVs from a particular analysis, please make sure that all of your registration details, DNA and performance data is submitted well ahead of the submission deadline to guarantee that updated EBVs are available when they are needed. Please see the 2017 Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis Schedule on the Angus Australia website for more details on the upcoming analyses.
2017 Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis Schedule (July – September) Submission Analysis Results Available (Indicative) Deadline
July Mid July August Mid August September
June 15 July 1 July 15 August 1 August 15
June 30 July 17 July 31 August 18 August 31
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 has been added to the Angus Australia database from the 01/01/2017 to the 31/05/2017.
TRAIT
NO. PROCESSED
Calving Difficulty Score Birth Weight 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Ultrasound Scan Data* Scrotal Circumference Docility Scores Structural Scores Net Feed Intake - Feedlot
17658 18972 32275 10388 12741 9691 12026 4520 12253 4077 589
*Ultrasound scan data includes records for eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and intra-muscular fat.
Contact Information
To further discuss the requirements of performance recording with Angus BREEDPLAN, please email breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au. Comprehensive educational material is also available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website. Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 59
Improving Temperament in a Beef Breeding Herd Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Temperament, also referred to as docility, is a term commonly used to describe the fear-related behavioural responses of cattle when exposed to human handling, such as how an animal behaves when being confined in yards or being separated from its peers. What we define as poor temperament is a survival trait in the wild – fear of anything unusual and the desire to escape. In domesticated cattle, it can be exhibited as flight, or at its extreme fight. Temperament is an important trait in beef herds with superior temperament being of considerable benefit to the profitability of a beef enterprise. Superior temperament in cattle will: • Lower production costs • Make cattle easier to muster and handle • Reduce damage to infrastructure e.g. yards and fences • Decrease risk of injury and stress to cattle • Decrease risk of injury and stress to stock handlers • Decrease weight loss during transit • Improve feedlot performance • Decrease the risk of dark cutters in the chiller. • Improve eating quality (more tender beef) While different management techniques can be used to improve the overall temperament of a herd (e.g. yard weaning of calves), temperament is a highly heritable trait which can be improved in both the short and long term through genetic selection. Improvement of the genetics for temperament through genetic selection is of particular economic importance to seedstock producers. Talk to any savvy bull buyer and a trait up the top of their bull selection checklist is good temperament. This relates to not only the temperament of the prospective bull purchase, but also the ability of the bull to sire progeny with acceptable temperament.
Assessing Animal Temperament While it is common practice in most beef enterprises to observe an animal and assess their temperament each time that they are being handled, there are several methods of more formally measuring the temperament of animals. PAge 60
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Collection of Docility Scores
Docility scoring involves the subjective assessment of an animal’s temperament on a scale of 1 - 5. Docility scores are usually recorded on animals at weaning or shortly afterwards, having the advantage that all calves have had minimal handling and so will express variation in temperament. Docility scores are collected on animals using either a yard or crush test: • Yard Test - Calves are individually put into a small square yard and the handler attempts to hold the animal in one corner for about 30 seconds. • Crush Test - Calves are put up a race and held in the crush (without head bailing) or weigh scales for about 30 seconds. More information regarding the collection of docility scores is provided on pages 60 - 61 of this publication, or is available by contacting staff at Angus Australia.
Measurement of Flight Time Flight time measurement, or crush exit speed, is recorded on animals using specialised flight time equipment. Animals are held individually in the crush for a short period and then the head bail opened. Two light beams are used to objectively measure the time taken for the animal to travel approximately 2.0 metres at the exit of the crush.
Table 1 - Docility Scores Recorded with Angus Australia (as at 7/6/17) Birth Year
No. of Scores
<2011
29,096
2011
11,119
2012
14,887
2013
16,371
2014
15,833
2015
17,998
2016
13,147
Total
118,451
Docility (DOC)
Docility EBVs are estimates of genetic differences between animals in temperament.
A bull with a Docility EBV of +20 would be expected to, on average, produce 15% more progeny with acceptable temperament than a bull with a Docility EBV of -10, all other things being equal.
Higher EBVs indicate a greater number of progeny with acceptable temperament.
Similar to docility scores, flight time measurements are normally recorded early in an animal’s life, usually at or around weaning. While both methods have proven to be useful measures of an animal’s temperament, it is currently common practice for Angus animals to be assessed via docility scoring. Docility scores do not require specialised equipment but still provide a reliable indication of an animal’s temperament.
Calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Docility Based on the docility scores that are collected on seedstock animals, EBVs are now routinely published in each fortnightly Angus BREEDPLAN analysis for docility. Docility EBVs are expressed as differences in the percentage of an animal’s progeny that will have acceptable temperament due to genetics, with higher EBVs indicating a greater number of progeny with acceptable temperament. For example, a bull with a Docility EBV of +20 would be expected to, on average, produce 15% more progeny with acceptable temperament than a bull with a Docility EBV of -10, all other things being equal. The availability of EBVs for docility has several major advantages over traditional approaches that have relied on trying to identify animals with superior temperament by assessment of their own temperament alone: • Like all production traits of economic importance, the observed temperament of an animal is a combination of the genetics inherited from the sire and dam, and a range of non-genetic factors. This may include such things as the amount of handling an animal has received, and the manner in which the animal has been handled. Docility EBVs account for any differences in non genetic factors to provide an estimate of an animal’s genetics for temperament. • EBVs for temperament take into consideration not only the temperament of the individual animal, but also the temperament of all the animal's relatives. In this manner, the EBVs provide a better indication of an animal's genetics for temperament than an assessment of the animal's temperament alone. • EBVs allow for genetic differences in temperament to be identified between animals who themselves may have acceptable temperament (see table 3). Animals who may have acceptable temperament but are likely to produce a high percentage of progeny with poor temperament can be removed from the breeding herd, or conversely, if two animals of similar genetic merit for other traits are being considered for use
within a breeding program, the animal that is likely to produce a higher percentage of progeny with superior temperament can be selected. This is particularly beneficial given some differences in temperament may no longer be evident when selection decisions are being made due to the prior handling that animals have received.
Table 3 – Example of Two Bulls with Acceptable Temperament but Considerably Different docility EBVs Bull A Docility Score
Bull B
Docility EBV Docility Score Docility EBV
1
-8
1
+32
Table 4 - Sires Entered in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program with Highest Docility EBVs Sire
EBV
BANNABY ADMIRAL D34(AI)(ET)
+40
ARDROSSAN DIRECTION D196(AI)(ET)
+37
DUNOON EVIDENT E614(AI)(ET)
+32
ANVIL J301(ET)
+31
MILWILLAH ELEVATOR H194(AI)(ET)
+30
PARINGA IRON ORE E27(AI)(RED)
+30
TE WHANGA M14
+29
COONAMBLE HECTOR H249(ET)
+29
AYRVALE GENETIC G11(AI)(ET)
+28
TOTARANUI 238(ET)
+24
N BAR A2 ADMIRAL D57(AI)(ET)
+24
PATHFINDER GENESIS G357(AI)
+24
MUNDOO HOT STUFF H162(AI)
+24
Selection for Improved Temperament in a Beef Herd
With tools such as docility scoring, the collection of flight time measurements and Angus BREEDPLAN Docility EBVs available, beef producers have the ability to select for improved temperament in their beef herd by utilising a range of different selection strategies. 1. Culling Animals with Poor Temperament All animals in a beef breeding program should be assessed for temperament, either informally or through the collection of docility scores and/or flight time Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 61
Research and development
Table 2 - Understanding Docility EBVs
Research and development
continued Improving Temperament in a Beef Breeding Herd measurements, and any animals with unacceptable temperament culled from the breeding herd. Culling animals with unacceptable temperament predominantly serves to improve the temperament of the “current” breeding herd, while also ensuring that the genetics of any animals with unacceptable temperament won’t be passed into the next generation, albeit with the knowledge that Docility EBVs provide a better indication of an animal’s breeding value than the animal’s own temperament alone. 2. Selecting Animals with Superior Temperament Docility EBVs should be utilised when selecting animals by way of improving the temperament of the “future” breeding herd (i.e. the next generation). Selecting animals that have superior Docility EBVs (or avoiding animals with inferior Docility EBVs) is paramount to genetically improving temperament in a beef breeding enterprise.
As with selection for any trait, genetic improvement for temperament will be achieved if the animals selected for breeding this year are genetically superior to those used in previous years. This is particularly important when selecting sires due to the overall influence of their genetics in a herd both in the short term and long term. 3. Balance Selection for Temperament with Other Traits of Economic Importance While temperament is an important trait in a beef enterprise, similarly to selection for other traits, selection for improved temperament should be balanced with selection for other economically important traits. When making selection decisions, appropriate emphasis should be given to each trait based on the relative economic importance of the trait to the individual beef enterprise. The overall objective of any selection program should be to maximise enterprise profitability, rather than focussing on improvement of an individual trait of interest.
Collecting Docility Scores for Angus BREEDPLAN The Docility EBVs published within Angus BREEDPLAN are calculated from a subjective assessment of an animal’s temperament when the animal is between 60 and 400 days of age.
Recording Docility Scores
Animals can be scored for docility using either a crush or yard test: • Crush Test - Calves are put up a race and held in a crush or weigh scales for a minimum of 10 seconds (but not necessarily head bailed). • Yard Test - Calves are individually put into a small square yard and the handler attempts to hold the animal in one corner for a minimum of 10 seconds. While docility scores from both scoring systems are acceptable, the crush test is more commonly used as animals can be scored when moving through the crush for other purposes (e.g. weighing, animal health treatments).
Table 1 - description of docility score for angus breedplan Score
1
2
3
Code
Description
Docile
Mild disposition gentle & easily handled, stands & moves slowly during handling, undisturbed, settled, somewhat dull, does not pull on headgate when in crush, exits crush calmly
Restless
Quiet but slightly restless, may be stubborn during handling, may try to back out of crush, pulls back on headgate, some flicking of tail, exits crush promptly
Nervous
Manageable but nervous & impatient, a moderate amount of struggling, movement & tail flicking, repeating pushing & pulling on headgate, exits crush briskly
Flighty
Jumpy & out of control, quivers & struggles violently, may bellow & froth at mouth, continuous tail flicking defecates & urinates during handling, frantically runs fenceline & may jump when penned individually, exhibits long flight distance & exits crush wildly
Aggressive
May be similar to score 4 but with added aggressive behaviour, fearful, extreme agitation, continuous movement which may include jumping & bellowing while in crush, exits crush frantically & may exhibit attack behaviour when handled alone
Docility Score Descriptions
When using either the crush or yard test, the behaviour of animals should be observed and animals scored using the criteria displayed in Table 1. Half scores (i.e. 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5) can be used to identify animals who exhibit behaviour which is intermediate to the scores listed. In a “normal” Angus beef herd where the majority of animals have acceptable temperament, it would be expected that the majority of animals would have a score of 1, 1.5 or 2, with a small percentage of animals receiving a score of 2.5 and above.
When Should Animals be Scored?
Docility scores must be recorded when animals are between 60 and 400 days of age for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN. PAge 62
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
4
5
The recommended time of scoring is at weaning or shortly afterwards. The advantage of scoring at weaning is that all calves should have had minimal handling and so will express variation in temperament. Variation in handling between animals prior to scoring should also be minimised. Only one docility score can be analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN for each individual animal.
Handy Tips When Collecting Docility Scores • • • •
There needs to be some variation in scores for them to be used in the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. Scoring all animals in a group with a docility score of [1] does not identify any differences in docility between animals, and consequently does not provide any useful information for the calculation of Docility EBVs. Docility scores should be collected for all animals in a contemporary group. Only recording docility scores for a subset of animals is of no value and can lead to biased Docility EBVs. All animals in a contemporary group should be scored on the same day. Angus BREEDPLAN will not directly compare the docility scores of animals that have been scored on different days. Docility scores should be collected when animals are in as large a group as possible. Consequently, try to
collect docility scores before any of the animals in a management group are treated differently. • If any animals being scored on a particular day have had a different level of handling prior to scoring, they should be assigned a different “docility management group”. • The method of scoring used (ie. crush or yard) should be specified when submitting the docility scores. • It is important that both a consistent scoring method is used and the same person scores all animals that are being assessed in the herd on a particular day. • While more than one docility score can be recorded for an individual animal, Angus BREEDPLAN is only analysing the first docility score for each animal at this stage.
Submitting Docility Scores to Angus BREEDPLAN
Docility scores should be submitted to Angus Australia. Docility scores can be submitted using either: • a compatible herd recording computer program (eg. StockBook, HerdMASTER, Cattlelink, koolcollect) • the BREEDPLAN compatible Microsoft Excel template • the performance submission facility offered on the Angus Australia website • a paper performance recording form
Knowla livestocK 9th annUal sale ~ saturday august 19th 2017 at Kia ora Gloucester ~
Knowla Lofty L127 Sire: Dunoon Highpoint H744 CE.Dir Birth +0.2 +4.7
400 +91
600 +120
Milk +19
EMA IMF% +6.0 +2.3
$ABI $122
Knowla Major M40
Sire: Booragul Docklands K18
CE.Dir Birth 400 600 +0.1 +6.5 +100 +130
Milk +13
EMA IMF% +4.8 +1.5
$ABI $126
• 70 Performance recorded bulls • 100 commercial heifers Feature Sires: Reality, Black Pearl, BHRH744, NEPH38, EVTG57, QQFH146, NTVK18, DCGJ19
Open day at Knowla Friday July 28th
www.knowlalivestock.com.au
Ted Laurie: 02 6558 5503 • James Laurie: 02 6558 5519
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 63
Research and development
continued collecting docility scores for angus breedplan
Modifications to Parentage Verification Regulations A number of minor modifications were made to Angus Australia’s Regulations regarding parentage verification at the recent Angus Australia Board Meeting in Ballarat. The modifications aim to remove any ambiguity in the interpretation of the previous regulations, while ensuring appropriate pedigree integrity checks are undertaken when the parents of calves are not of normal breeding age.
The modified regulations are as follows:
(i) Regulation 6.41 has been revised to “It shall be a requirement for the registration of all HBR, RAR, APR or MBR calves that their sire has a DNA profile recorded with the Society. If HBR, RAR, APR and the sire is born after 31/12/2002, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. If MBR and the sire is born after 31/12/2014, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified.” (ii) Regulation 6.38 has been revised to “An application to change the sire of an animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR that is more than 12 months of age must be accompanied by a DNA sire verification.” (iii)A new Regulation 6.40 has been introduced: “DNA sire verification will be required for the registration of
PAge 64
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
any animal recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR & MBR when either the sire or dam were under 12 months of age at time of conception”. A copy of Angus Australia’s current Regulations can be accessed from the Angus Australia website: www.angusaustraia.com.au To further discuss Angus Australia’s Regulations regarding parentage verification, please contact Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager on (02) 6773 4604 or lee-anne@angusaustralia.com.au.
Member Service Stats Figures are based on 1st January 2017 to 31st May 2017
The Member Services Team registered
Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
FEMALE: 12,361
24,293 animals
Sale Catalogue We produced 85 sale catalogues with a total of 4,292 lots.
MALE: 10,093 STEERS: 1,839
HBR Registrations:
APR Registrations:
ACR Registrations:
Female: Males: Steers:
Female: Males: Steers:
Female: Males: Steers:
7,203 7,424 301
3,131 2,573 239
RAR Registrations:
MBR Registrations:
Female: Males: Steers:
Female: Males: Steers:
DNA A total of
8 9 0
13,974 DNA requests were submitted.
transfers: We have processed a total of
As at the 31st May 2017
AM: 795 Pestivirus: 732 CA: 838 Mannossidosis: 39 DD: 3,312 Coat: 147 NH: 874
Full: 1,101 | Commercial: 2,244 Junior: 409 | Life: 25
New Members 2017
Genomic Test
Joined from 1st January 2017 to 31st May 2017
Full: 40 | Commercial: 67 Junior: 12 | Life:
1,654 1,350
DNA Parentage testing 2,330
5,308 transfers.
Total Members 2017: 3,780
DNA Genetic testing
SEQ & SNP:
1,209
187 69 73
Please see below for a brief break-up
i50K: GGPLD:
1,199
New
Microsatellites: 168
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
PAge 65
PAge 66
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; winter 2017
Angus Education Module helps navigate new Angus Database Search facility Liz Roan, Education Officer
The new Angus Database Search, launched at the Angus National Conference in May, enables Angus breeders to search Angus Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive animal database. Information can be accessed for any individual animal recorded with Angus Australia, or once logged in, Angus breeders can search and sort the Angus Australia database for animals that meet selection criteria of interest. To assist Angus breeders utilise all the features of the new facility, a comprehensive range of online educational resources have been made available via a new module in the Angus Education Centre.
The module covers searching, sorting and customizing the display of results, producing reports, printing information, as well as how to sign in as a registered user, plus much more. With many new features available in the Angus Database Search, Angus breeders are encouraged to take the time to read through the pages and view the short instructional videos available within them. This will help breeders get the most out of the new software and more
quickly and easily pinpoint the exact genetics that are of interest to their enterprise. For those wanting a quick overview only, a short video is available on the first page of the module in which Breed Development and Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne gives a summary of the features and functionality of the new facility.
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
PAge 67
introducing
angus
angus.tech includes a range of software tools and technologies that have been developed by Angus Australia for the utilisation of Angus beef producers in Australia
angus online
Angus ONLINE enables Angus Australia members to interact directly with Angus Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breed registry database. Using Angus ONLINE, members can register their animals, record animal performance information, request DNA tests, create online sale catalogues, and modify their membership details, plus much more.
angus database search
Angus Database Search enables Angus breeders to search Angus Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive animal database. Using the Angus Database Search facility, Angus breeders can access information for any individual animal recorded with Angus Australia, or once signed in as a registered user, can search and sort the Angus Australia database for animals that meet selection criteria of interest.
angus select The Angus SELECT suite of selection tools assists Angus breeders to improve the profitability of Angus genetics within the beef supply chain by assisting with the identification of Angus genetics that are most aligned with their breeding goals and objectives. Using the Angus SELECT suite of tools, breeders can search and sort the registered Angus animals currently available for sale, identify suitable semen for use within their breeding program, identify Angus Australia members in their area and identify bulls of interest from within the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program.
For more information on angus.tech,
Contact Angus Australia 02 6773 4600 | office@angusaustralia.com.au www.angusaustralia.com.au PAge 68
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; winter 2017
graphic design Graphic Design by angus australia Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
With the addition of Ebonie Sadler-Small to the team as the Graphic Design and Marketing Officer, Angus Australia is offering Graphic design services to members. Ms Sadler-Small is a graduate from the University of Technology Sydney and has worked at AM Printing Services and Qantas Airways as a Graphic Designer. Ms Sadler-Small joined the Marketing and Communications team in September 2016 and is responsible for the production of graphic design for members, Angus Australia’s marketing material, the Angus Bulletin and is also involved with the maintenance of the website, production of the weekly eNewsletter and video production. Therefore Angus Australia is now offering a full suite of graphic design services, from complete sale catalogue
production, through to advertisements, logos and other marketing material. While she has been more involved with the butchering side of the beef world, Ms Sadler-Small is enjoying the opportunity to learn more about Angus cattle and the beef industry, as well as designing material for a more rural audience. For more information on graphic design services, please contact the Ebonie Sadler-Small or to view her online portfolio, visit www.angusaustralia.com.au/marketing/ advertising-with-angus-australia/graphic-design-portfolio/
EBONIE SADLER-SMALL
Graphic Design & Marketing Officer design@angusaustralia.com.au | 0428 518 880
Angus Australia now offers a full suite of graphic design services to members, from complete sale catalogue production, through to flyers, logos and newspaper advertisements enrolment form
Credit: Ben Coope
Credit: Destination NSW
Credit: Destination NSW
MEMBER INFORMATION:
Sc
ars hol hi Awards and BU RSARIE
Herd Prefix:
Please tick: I wish to enrol my herd in Angus BREEDPLAN
I am a Full or Junior Full Member of Angus Australia
I agree to pay an annual BREEDPLAN enrolment fee (currently $195.00)
I understand that data for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN will only be accepted for animals recorded in one of the registers of Angus Australia (i.e. HBR, RAR, APR, ACR, MBR or PTR) As a participant in Angus BREEDPLAN,
I agree to the following:
S
a) Pedigree, performance and genomic data submitted from my herd will be included in the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis together with data obtained from other participating herds to calculate Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) b) The ownership of all such data is vested in Angus Australia c) Data from each participating herd and results of Angus BREEDPLAN analyses will be used by Angus Australia for research and/or publication or dissemination of EBVs on individual animals
I have read and understand the conditions specified in Angus Australia Regulation 15 in relation to the accuracy of performance recording and the use of EBVs in sale catalogues
Please see reverse of this form for an explanation Associated Herd Ident: Approximate number of calves to be recorded Stud:
Angus are well known for their tremendous market versatility. They have the ability to grow to heavy market weights quickly without becoming over fat. They also have the ability to finish at lighter weights, if desired. Angus have excellent carcase quality, high muscling and moderate maturity patterns providing maximum market versatility.
(see reverse for explanation)
will be submitting performance information
3 Superior Fertility AND Maternal Ability
to Angus Australia
Angus females reach puberty early, go in calf quickly and continue to breed regularly to a late age. Angus have a reputation for maintaining high fertility even under difficult seasonal conditions. Angus cows are excellent mothers with good milking ability. They are easy calving, easy care cattle.
BREEDPLAN compatible herd recording computer program (eg. Herdmaster, Stockbook, Cattlelink, KoolPerform)
BREEDPLAN compatible Microsoft Excel template
Angus Australia Website Submission Facility
AUTHORISATION: Signed:
Angus females are strongly sought after by re–stockers, producers entering the industry and live export orders for breeding cattle.
2 Market Versatility
eg. Summer dominant/October - February
SUBMISSION METHOD: Please indicate the method by which you
This expansion is due to the greater profitability which can be achieved using Angus. Here are some of the reasons why beef producers in Australia are choosing Angus.
Angus and Angus cross cattle receive price premiums due to consistent performance in a range of markets. Angus beef is widely used for the domestic retail and quality food service markets and is preferred by many export markets.
of associated herds
each year: Commercial:
CALVING PERIOD(S):
Paper
1 Market Demand
Reasons to breed angus Angus are the most widespread and keenly sought after temperate beef breed in the world.
Angus weaners (steers and heifers) are also in high demand by producers for pasture and feedlot finishing programs, targeting a wide range of markets from domestic steers to heavy grass-fed export bullocks.
and promotional material
ASSOCIATED HERDS (if applicable):
Please indicate your calving period below
7
ps
Full Name:
Member Ident:
Credit: Destination NSW
Date:
Market demand market versatility superior fertility & maternal ability Meat quality hardiness & efficiency best all round performance large documented gene pool
worldangusforum2021.com
for more information on our graphic design services, Contact Ebonie Sadler-Small 0428 518 880 | design@angusaustralia.com.au | www.angusaustralia.com.au
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 69
Wattletop Bull Sale LOT 1 L38
SONS OF RECORD BREAKERS
LOT 5 L306
OPE N DAY
M OT H E R J46 4 S O LD FOR $38,000
M OT H E R E 2 9 5 SO L D F O R $ 3 8 , 0 0 0
26 JULY
2 August 2017 – 12pm | Stratton | 126 Bulls | 32 Outstanding Yearlings For enquiries and catalogues please contact Lock Rogers or Sale Agents Lock Rogers Agents Ray White Rural Guyra / Armidale M: 0427 792 007 Dick Whale O: 02 6779 1827 Andrew Starr Sam Sewell Blake O’Riley E: wattletop@bigpond.com M: 0427 697 968 M: 0428 792 466 M: 0447 255 100 M: 0448 213 668
www.wattletop.com.au
WATTLETOP G188
THE MATRON MAKER
At stage 1 of the Wattletop Female Sale * His mother E295 topped at $38,000 to Sprys Angus * His daughter J464 was the equal top price at $38,000 to Bannaby Angus * 16 daughters averaged $14,187 and grossed $227,000 * His ten year old Grandam C136 sold for $16,000 to KO and Bannaby Angus A proven bull with progeny ranking exceptionally well in Cohort 4 of the ASBP: * 3rd for 200 day wt * 1st for 400 day wt * 1st for 600 day wt * 2nd EMA scan * 3rd Net Feed Intake Feedlot * 4th MSA Marbling * 5th MSA index
The most complete all round bull from the 4th Cohort Benchmarking Program. G188 is a trait leader for calving ease, growth, fertility and carcass traits.
JUNE 2017 ANGUS AUSTRALIA BREEDPLAN CE DIR
CE DTRS
GL
BWT
200 DW
400 DW
600 DW
EBV
+2.8
+3.7
-5.5
+2.4
+56
ACC
82% 72% 98% 97% 93% 92% 93% 87% 81% 87% 52% 87% 84% 87% 85% 80% 83% 71% 79% 77%
MCW
MILK
SS
DTC
CWT
EMA
RIB
RUMP
RBY
IMF
NFI-P NFI-F
DOC
+102 +131 +119
+18
+3.1
-5.5
+74
+3.7
-0.6
+0.1
-1.1
+2.9
-0.12
+4
Semen sales
Contact Lock Rogers (snr) on 0427 792 007 or email wattletop@bigpond.com Owned by Wattletop Angus and Rogers Livestock (Lock Rogers Jnr)
PAge 70
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
-0.47
S E L E C T I O N I N D E X VA L U E S MARKET TARGET IV BA Angus Breeding Index +$ 137 +$ 106 Domestic Index +$ 122 +$ 103 Heavy Grain Index +$ 152 +$ 109 Heavy Grass Index +$ 130 +$ 105
NSW State Committee celebrates 15 years of the Norman Lethbridge Award Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Named in honour of their past secretary, Mr Norman Lethbridge, the New South Wales State Committee began the Norman Lethbridge award in 2002 and since its inception have granted the award to fifteen worthy recipients. The Norman Lethbridge Award is open to students and cadets over 16 years and under 25 years of age, studying agriculture, livestock auctioneering or stock and station agency that reside in Sydney or within 200 kilometres of Sydney. The Munro family, Booroomooka Angus Stud, Bingara have proudly sponsored the Norman Lethbridge Award since it began and the same subcommittee formed at the beginning, comprising Christine Erby, Mark Lucas, Simon Hennings and Richard Buck have interviewed applicants and adjudicated all these years. In 2016 a record number of entries were received with Ella Palmer, St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton presented with the award during Angus judging at this years Sydney Royal Easter Show. As the NSW State Committee celebrates 15 years of the award, committee secretary Richard Buck was honoured to catch up with the first three winners of the award during the Easter Show and hear of their success in agriculture. Rachael Parkes from Richmond High School won the inaugural award in 2002 and along with her husband, Ged Mullins, runs the largest dairy farm in Queensland. Ellerby Dairy at Ellangowan, 60km south of Toowoomba, was established in 2009 on 1040ha (800ha leased) with 700 head of Holstein with some Brown Swiss-cross, producing seven million litres of milk this year for Lion’s Dairy Farmers label. Rachael has recently returned from a trip to China, investigating export opportunities for the dairy industry as a member of her regional economic development group. 2003 winner, Stuart Moeck runs a successful Simmental Stud, Valley Creek Simmentals at Bowral and Schofield. Stuart’s 4th bull sale realised a top price of $22,000 and averaged $9,000. Stuart has also had a lot of success at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with both steers and stud cattle. Stuart was attending Richmond Tafe at the time he won the award.
In 2004, the NSW State Committee presented the award to Gosford High School student Ashley Norval. Ashley was a 2017 RAS Rural Achiever during the Sydney Royal Easter Show and is the manager of Australian Pork Limited’s Technology Adoption and Industry Capability / Research & Innovation. Ashley is still very much involved in cattle and spends most weekends at a farm in the Riverina that runs 400 Angus breeders. Committee member Christine Erby also recently spoke with 2009 winner, Andrea Lawrence to catch up on what Andrea has been up to since she was granted the Norman Lethbridge Award. In 2010 Andrea began an undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Sydney and in 2013 she began an honours project that married her love of entomology with animal health. Ashley’s project focused on the genetic diversity of the common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Studying the genetic diversity of pest species allows us to understand differences in geographic populations that may translate to differences in control efficacy or disease vector capability. Andrea has spent the last three and half years on her PhD project carried on from the work in her honours degree and is in the process of finalising her thesis and has travelled all over the world for her project. Andrea is grateful for the opportunity provided to her by the Norman Lethbridge Award. ‘It has undoubtedly helped to kick-start my path into pest insect research, both in an agricultural sense and in regards to human and animal health,’ she said. ‘The award provided me with the confidence to pursue opportunities that I may have previously believed out of reach. As such, I am to this day grateful to the New South Wales State Committee for providing the chance for a fledgling agriculturalist to develop into an internationally recognised scientist.’ Throughout the award’s 15 years, schools and businesses who have nominated winning applicants include: Caroline Chisholm College, Colo High School, Elders Goulburn, Gosford High School, Knox Grammar, Lisarow High School, Marian College, Northholm Grammar, Picton High School, Richmond High School, Richmond Tafe, The Scots School, St Catherines Catholic College and Tocal Agriculture College. NSW State Committee representatives Richard Buck, Christine Erby, Simon Hennings and Mark Lucas with 2004 Norman Lethbridge Award winner Ashley Norval (2nd from left), at Sydney Show
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 71
‘Meating’ markets at Sydney Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Proving the breeds’ ability to meet market specifications has seen Angus steers put on a dominant performance in the Sydney Royal Easter Show Purebred Steer and carcase competition, winning a myriad of awards across the whole spectrum of the competition. A 384kg Angus steer, exhibited by Travis Worth and bred by Greg and Leonie Ball led the way when crowned both the Champion Lightweight Open Steer and Carcase. Sired by Bronmar HD Jasper J12, the steer dressed at 60.3%, scored a maximum of 15 points with a rib eye of 87cm2 and had P8 fat of 9mm and rib fat of 4mm. The carcase was also awarded a Sydney Royal Gold Medal. A 477kg Angus steer exhibited by Pymble Ladies College and bred by Knowla Livestock was awarded the Champion School Steer ribbon. Dressing at 55.2%, with a P8 fat of 14mm, rib fat of 8mm and rib eye of 80cm2, the carcase awarded a Sydney Royal Bronze Medal. The Waitara Partnership was awarded Reserve Champion Lightweight Open Steer with a 381kg Angus steer, sired by Waitara GT Kidnap K107.
The carcase dressed out at 55.4%, had a P8 fat and rib fat of 8mm and 5mm respectively and a rib eye area of 70cm2 and was awarded a Sydney Royal Bronze Medal and first place in the Virtual Taste Test Competition. Another Angus steer sired by Waitara GT Kidnap K107 and exhibited by the Waitara Partnership, took out the Virtual Taste Test Championship and was awarded a Sydney Royal Bronze Medal. The 393kg steer dressed at 52% and had a P8 fat of 8mm and rib of 6mm and rib eye are of 72cm2. Yanco Agricultural High School and Yamba Angus teamed up with a 467kg Angus steer taking out the Reserve Champion Middleweight Open Steer. Sired by Bruin Uproar 0070, the steer dressing at 55.7%, with a P8 fat of 13mm, rib fat of 6mm and a rib eye of 77cm2, was awarded second place in the Virtual Taste Test Competition. In addition to the major awards, overall Angus steers. received 5 first places in live judging, 1 first place in carcase judging, 6 first places in the Virtual Taste Test Competition, 1 Gold Medal, 3 Silver Medals and 9 Bronze Medals.
Angus results - Live Judging Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 2: Middleweight School Steer 401-500kg live weight Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Main Camp D. Red D192
483kg
3rd
Pymble Ladies College
Knowla Livestock
Trowbridge BBB Equator J19
477kg
1st
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
366kg
1st
Waitara GT Kidnap K107
381kg
1st
Bronmar HD Jasper J12
384kg
1st
Main Camp F Purple F23
409kg
3rd
Bruin Uproar 0070
467kg
1st
HF Prowler 43U
481kg
2nd
Class 4: Lightweight Open Steer 350-370kg live weight Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Class 5: Lightweight Open Steer 371-384kg live weight Waitara Partnership
Waitara Partnership
Class 6: Lightweight Open Steer 385-400kg live weight Travis Worth
GA & LJ Ball
Class 7: Middleweight Open Steer 401-429kg Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Class 9: Middleweight Open Steer 460-480kg live weight Yanco Agricultural High School
Yamba Angus Stud
Class 10: Middleweight Open Steer 481-500kg live weight St Catherine’s Catholic College Singleton
D Andrews
Champion School Steer: Pymble Ladies College & Knowla Livestock Champion Lightweight Open Steer: Travis Worth Reserve Champion Lightweight Open Steer: Waitara Partnership Reserve Champion Middleweight Open Steer: Yanco Agricultural High School PAge 72
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Angus results - Carcase Judging Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 2A: Chevalier College
J & C Angus
O’Neills Expedition
254.5kg
2nd
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
217.5kg
2nd
Bronmar HD Jasper J12
231.5kg
1st
Main Camp F Purple F23
228.5kg
3rd
Pentire Gladiator G2
354.5kg
3rd
Class 4A: Lightweight Open Steer 350-370kg Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Class 6A: Lightweight Open Steer 385-400kg Travis Worth
GA & LJ Ball
Class 7A: Middleweight Open Steer 401-429kg Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Class 13A: Heavyweight Open Steer 561-1000kg live weight Justin Richards
Justin Richards
Champion Lightweight Carcase: Travis Worth
Angus results - Virtual Taste Test Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 2: Middleweight School Steer 401-500kg live weight Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Main Camp D. Red D192
483kg
2nd
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
366kg
3rd
377kg
=1st
Waitara GT Kidnap K107
381kg
=1st
Waitara GT Kidnap K107
393kg
1st
Main Camp F Purple F23
409kg
1st
Tuwharetoa D40
434kg
2nd
Class 4: Lightweight Open Steer 350-370kg live weight Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Class 5: Lightweight Open Steer 371-384kg St Ignatius College
N & L Brown
Waitara Partnership
Waitara Partnership
Class 6: Lightweight Open Steer 385-400kg live weight Waitara Partnership
Waitara Partnership
Class 7: Middleweight Open Steer 401-429kg Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Class 8: Middleweight Open Steer 430-459kg live weight Brian & Esther Benson
BP & EA Benson
Class 9: Middleweight Open Steer 460-480kg live weight Yanco Agricultural High School
Yamba Angus Stud
Bruin Uproar 0070
467kg
2nd
BW & MM Brooker
BW & MM Brooker
Main Camp F Purple F81
475kg
3rd
Main Camp D. Red D192
504kg
1st
Ayrvale Genral G18
546kg
3rd
Class 11: Heavyweight Open Steer 501-529kg Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Class 12: Heavyweight Open Steer 530-560kg Braidwood Central School
Billaglen Pastoral Co
Class 13: Heavyweight Open Steer 561-1000kg Frensham
Richard Baillie
Booroomooka Hero H39
610kg
1st
Frensham
Milong Angus Stud
Milong Energy E20
730kg
2nd
Frensham
Carol Durkin
Eccleston Park Evident H555
616kg
3rd
Champion Virtual Taste Test Carcase: Waitara Partnership Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 73
continued 'meating markets at sydney Sydney Royal Medal Awards Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 2: Middleweight School Steer 401-500kg live weight Chevalier College
J & C Angus
O’Neills Expedition
477kg
Silver
Pymble Ladies College
Knowla Livestock
Trowbridge BBB Equator J19
477kg
Bronze
Dulverton sire
556kg
Bronze
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
366kg
Battles Outlet Design LTD X4
373kg
Waitara GT Kidnap K107
381kg
Bronze
Class 3: Heavyweight School Steer 501-1000kg live weight Wee Waa High School
Myona Charolais
Class 4: Lightweight Open Steer 350-370kg live weight Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Bronze
Class 5: Lightweight Open Steer 371-384kg Kempsey High School
Edward & Kim Lahey
Bronze
Class 5: Lightweight Open Steer 371-384kg Waitara Partnership
Waitara Partnership
Class 6: Lightweight Open Steer 385-400kg live weight Travis Worth
GA & LJ Ball
Bronmar HD Jasper J12
384kg
Gold
Waitara Partnership
Waitara Partnership
Waitara GT Kidnap K107
393kg
Bronze
Main Camp F Purple F23
409kg
Bronze
Class 7: Middleweight Open Steer 401-429kg Scone High School
BW & MM Brooker
Class 8: Middleweight Open Steer 430-459kg live weight Pymble Ladies College
Knowla Livestock
Dunoon Highpoint H744
433kg
Silver
Justin Richards & Peter & Mary Chapman
Peter & Mary Chapman
Pentire Herring H12
443kg
Bronze
Pentire Gladiator G2
552kg
Bronze
Pentire Gladiator G2
574kg
Silver
Class 12: Heavyweight Open Steer 530-560kg live weight Justin Richards
Justin Richards
Class 13: Heavyweight Open Steer 561-1000kg Justin Richards
Justin Richards
Above Left: Reserve Champion Lightweight Open Steer bred and exhibited by Waitara Partnership Above Right: Champion School Steer exhibited by Pymble Ladies College and bred by Knowla Livestock Middle: Champion Lightweight Open Steer and Carcase and Gold Medal winner, exhibited by Travis Worth and bred by Greg and Leonie Ball
PAge 74
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
around the shows
Champion Interbred heiferK5X Kaharau L31 with Greg Watson, cattle committee and president of Sydney RAS Robert Ryan, with exhibitor Steve Hayward , Allora QLD, and Andrew Raff, King Island, at Sydney interbreed 2017
Junior and Grand Champion Angus Bull, Carabar Docklands L36, exhibited by Darren Hegarty
Junior Champion Angus Female and Supreme Beef Interbreed Heifer K5X Kaharau L31 , exhibited by Ms KL Smith
Senior and Grand Champion Female and Best Angus Exhibit, PC Miss E99 Foreman J181, exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud
y e n Syd
Show 2017
Interbreed Breeders Group, K5X Angus
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
PAge 75
On Property Bull Sale 70 Bulls to 24th August 2017 build your herd “Wandaloo” Miles Qld
BULLIAC LANDO CALRISSIAN L111 EBV Acc
BULLIAC LAXMAN L115
BW
200
400
600
MK
SS
EMA
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RMP
RBY
IMF
+1.1 64%
+41 63%
+73 61%
+86 62%
+19 46%
+1.1 53%
+7.8 50%
+1.3 53%
+0.3 50%
+1.0 47%
+1.1 48%
EBV Acc
BW
200
400
600
MK
SS
EMA
RIB
RMP
RBY
IMF
+5.1 64%
+48 64%
+86 62%
+111 62%
+21 54%
+2.6 56%
+8.0 53%
-1.1 55%
-0.1 53%
+1.4 50%
+2.0 52%
Bulliac Bulls
......tough as nails
Ben Hill 0418 250 932 benhill5@bigpond.com www.bulliacangus.com
SPECIALISING IN: Weekly & Private Cattle & Sheep Sales Qualified Auction Plus Assessors Rural & Residential Sales
20 WILLOW ST KILLARNEY QLD 4373 PH: (07) 4664 1333 • FAX: (07) 4664 1322 0437671441 0477511296 nowlan4@bigpond.com ‘TOGETHER AS A TEAM WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE’
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PAge 76
LICENSED AGENT & AUCTIONEER
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
MICHAEL NOWLAN DIRECTOR / LICENSED AGENT & AUCTIONEER
World Angus Forum Consultative Committee Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Sydney will be the host city for the 2021 World Angus Forum. Through a partnership with Business Events Sydney, the main Forum event will be conducted at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour. Following this announcement, expressions of interest were sought from the membership to form a World Angus Forum Consultative Committee. The role of the committee is to provide guidance and assistance to Angus Australia in planning, promoting and conducting the 2021 World Angus Forum in Australia.
Mike Gadd
Angus Australia is pleased to announce the composition of the World Angus Forum committees as follows:
Brad Gilmour
Mark Gubbins (Chair)
Mark runs a fourth generation mixed farming enterprise near Chatsworth Vic. As part of this operation Mark has run the Coolana Angus stud for over 30 years, with bull sales held in both Victoria and South Australia. Most recently with family succession in mind, the Coolana Stud was dispersed and Mark will continue to breed commercial Angus cattle. Mark served as President of Angus Australia from 2011-2013.
Libby Creek
Libby has extensive experience within both the seedstock and commercial beef industry and has been a member of the South Australian Angus State Committee for 21 years. Libby and her husband Bruce managed the well-known Angus stud, The Basin, for eighteen years and following The Basinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dispersal, the Creeks took on the role of business managers for Hillcrest Pastoral Company, a commercial cattle operation running 2,500 Angus and Angus cross females in the south east of South Australia. Libby is the current President of Angus Australia.
Mark Gubbins
Libby Creek
Mike Gadd
Mike and his wife Joy run The Glen Pastoral Co, a 750-hectare property near Walwa Vic, that supports up to 500 breeding cows, plus heifer replacements, sale bulls and steers and heifers which are grown out for feedlots or processing for Meat Standards Australiagraded beef. This year will mark the 47th Annual On property Sale for The Glen. Mike served as President of Angus Australia from 2013-2015. Brad Gilmour has been an Angus Australia member for 21 years and runs a large commercial Angus operation near Boorcan Vic. Brad and his wife Marg provided one of the co-operator herds for the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program across five cohorts from 2011. Brad has been involved in the Angus Victorian State Committee for several years and is the current Vice President of Angus Australia.
Dennis Ginn
Dennis owns Yancowinna Angus, a 400 head breeding herd, established in 1998 at Cape Paterson Vic, with annual bull sales run in autumn and spring. Dennis is also a Director and Licensed Estate Agent for Alex Scott and Staff in Inverloch Vic. Dennis served as President of Angus Australia from 2004-2006.
Diana Wood ex-officio
Angus Australia Marketing & Communications Manager
Peter Parnell ex-officio
Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer
Brad Gilmour
Dennis Ginn
Diana Wood
Peter Parnell
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
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Jack's Creek Angus steers at Killara Feedlot
ANGUS VERIFICATION PROVIDES VALUE TO JACK’S CREEK Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager
Farming on the Liverpool Plains of New South Wales since 1961, the Warmoll family have developed and grown Jack’s Creek into a vertically integrated agri-business that breeds, feeds, processes and markets premium grainfed beef. The Jack’s Creek brand name originates from the property owned by the Warmoll family at Willow Tree NSW. The other main farming operation is located at Breeza NSW which produces irrigated cotton and mixed grains. Jack’s Creek also leases farming and cattle grazing properties located at Werris Creek and Breeza to further support their business. Today the Jack’s Creek head office is in Tamworth NSW, with offices also located on the Gold Coast and at the processing plant in the NSW Northern Rivers town of Casino. Jack’s Creek has been processing cattle at the Northern Cooperative Meat Company (NCMC) since 1996 and currently has an annual turnover of 50,000 head for their four beef categories. 84% of these are processed for grainfed Angus programs, and the remaining for Wagyu brands. The 100% Black Angus program was established in 2010 and came from the desire to be able to offer their customers a full suite of premium, marbled products. Through the process of trial and error, the 150-day grainfed Black Angus program was recognised as delivering a good balance between quality and cost of production. This opened up the ability for Jack’s Creek to deliver three different marble scores targeted at three different market segments. PAge 78
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Jack's Creek founders Phillip and David Warmoll
Marble score 1 is primarily sold to satisfy the retail sector. Marble score 2 supplies the mid-level Angus food service market. Marble score 3 is on the menus of high-end restaurants, including Japanese yakiniku establishments. Japan, the EU, China and the Middle East are the four largest markets for the Jack’s Creek Black Angus product. A 120 day grainfed Angus program was added to the suite of Jack’s Creek products in 2013. With a lower cost of production, this program was developed to accommodate the casual dining sector worldwide who want to supply the Angus quality and brand, but require a lower entry price. As a vertically integrated company, a proportion of the Angus cattle are backgrounded at Werris Creek and Breeza. It is here that the cattle are preconditioned for the feedlot and affords Jack’s Creek a level of security against seasonality and drought. Jack’s Creek has a long-standing relationship with Elders Killara feedlot located in Quirindi, NSW. Working closely with Elders Killara to source cattle that fit the specifications.
Together, Jack’s Creek and Elders Killara ensure that the cattle within its grainfed Black Angus program are sourced from superior genetics and preconditioned for the feedlot environment. More recently there have also been collaborations for the Black Angus program with Smithfield Cattle Company at Proston in QLD and Alco Feedlot near Moree in NSW. Managing Director Patrick Warmoll believes that “geographical diversity is essential for Jack’s Creek to be able to supply our customers with Jack’s Creek beef 52 weeks of the year.” He continues, “having your branded beef on restaurant menus comes with a responsibility; a responsibility for both consistent quality and consistent supply.” Jack’s Creek has become synonymous with high quality. This was confirmed with two consecutive victories at the World Steak Challenge in 2015 and 2016 for their 450day grainfed, F2+ Wagyu sirloin steak. It was at the 2016 competition that it also took out the Silver Award for its Jack's Creek Angus steer at Killara Feedlot
150-day grainfed 100% Black Angus. These victories have cemented Jack’s Creek as a brand in the premium beef market. Jack’s Creek can continue this quality thanks to an independent verification process undertaken by Angus Australia. Currently, three of the four beef programs Jack’s Creek produces are verified to guarantee that the parentage and specification of the cattle is consistent to the marketing. The F1 Wagyu, 300 day grainfed product is verified by the program to confirm that all cattle bought for this program come from a Wagyu sire and Angus dam. This hybrid of Wagyu and Angus breeds is an integral part of the Jack’s Creek F1 program’s success. They are the two proven and recognised marbling breeds, and deliver consistent carcase weights and eating experience. By verifying the parentage of the 100% Black Angus program, Jack’s Creek customers are assured of Black Angus cattle quality. Collaborative efforts between Jack’s Creek, Angus Australia and NCMC ensure that any cattle that do not meet the required standards are not packed under the 100% Black Angus brand. This highlights the value of having a third-party verification with accredited audits and processes in place. For Jack’s Creek, the verification process will be an important part of its growth, as well as an invaluable marketing tool. Through consistent work and feedback with its cattle suppliers and lotfeeders, Jack’s Creek aims to assist in the improvement of the Angus breed. Jack’s Creek believes strongly in sharing information such as carcase feedback to its cattle suppliers in order to achieve this. Patrick Warmoll believes that the Jack’s Creek brand is only as good as the product that they deliver, and to this end, their Angus program will continue to be overseen by the independent verification process that ensures that the quality is as high as customers have become accustomed to.
Jack’s Creek exporting: 20 Nations worldwide Properties: Willow Tree NSW Breeza NSW Werris Creek NSW Annual Turnover: 13,500 tonnes red meat/year
To find out more about Jack’s Creek & their verified programs, contact: Victor Rixon, Processing & Feedlot Manager 0418 763 857 | victor@jackscreek.com.au Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Market versatility at Merriwa Ruth Schwager, The Land
The ability to meet all markets makes Angus cattle a perfect fit at “Dales”, Merriwa. The 1780-hectare property runs 400 Angus breeders, along with a few trade cattle. “We think the premiums are going to hold up for Angus cattle,” manager Elliott McKinnon said. “They’re a good foraging cow, superior mothers, and have the marbling and faster growth rates that we’re looking for. “Angus cattle are a safe bet – we can hit every market with them.” Mr McKinnon bought 10 registered Angus bulls last year. “I was looking for bulls with moderate birthweight with fast growth to target the feeder market, so they need good 200-day and 400-day weight, in the top 20 per cent for growth traits,” he said. Heifers are joined for six weeks in October, while cows get eight weeks. “We cull the heifers pretty heavily which is how we get the best breeders,” Mr McKinnon said. “We keep the top 80 per cent of heifer calves then put the bull out and of the ones that come back in calf, we’ll keep the top 50 and sell the other pregnancy-tested-incalves through the yards." Heifers calve onto oats and cows are in grass paddocks. The property has about 320ha of cereal cropping as well as 40ha of lucerne. “All the calves go onto forage wheat, and we’ve got a better growth rate from the wheat this year than we did on the oats,” Mr McKinnon said. “We also grow brassica in between winter cereals and forage sorghum, so we can have cattle on crop year-round.”
Calves are yard weaned at 10 months of age on hay and pellets, and culled for temperament. “We handle them in the yards, break them in with the dogs, and get them used to humans, bikes and utes.” Any culled weaners, including calves that have been mismothered, are sold through the Tamworth saleyards, while the rest stay on oats and wheat. “With the money so good last year, I sold most of the heifers as weaners,” he said. “They averaged 160 kilograms and got more than 400 cents a kilo. “Normally we'd get them up to 450kg to 500kg, but that money was too good to carry them through to 500kg.” Grown heifers and steers go wherever the market is – through the saleyards, straight to feedlots or over AuctionsPlus. “We had some heifers on AuctionsPlus making 400c/kg as breeders. Most cattle are sold by 18 months, but it all just depends on the market at the time.”
Elliott McKinnon with Angus cattle at "Dales", Merriwa. The 18-month-old heifers are joined to low birthweight bulls from Knowla, Booroomooka and Coolie Angus studs
EASTERN PLAINS ANGUS
BULL SALE 65 BULLS JULY 25 2017 - Free delivery up to 500km -
BULLS THAT GET THE JOB DONE Andrew 02 6779 4237 | “Eastern Plains” Guyra NSW | www.easternplainsangus.com.au Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
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®
AUSTRALIA
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Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
Angus appeal makes cents Matt Sherrington, Queensland Country Life
It was back in 1991 that Rob and Cheryl Bain purchased their first Angus bulls to put over their Hereford cows, and the resulting prices they got for the cross steers led them to changing directions to the point that they now have a nearly pure Angus herd. Rob runs his breeder operation at the 5200 hectare Mt Eden situated 33 kilometres from Roma, which is comprised of country ranging from sandy loam to black soil. He said he changed course with breed of choice when he noticed the marked difference in prices he was receiving at the Roma Saleyards for his Hereford steers compared to his Angus/Hereford-cross steers. “I was selling a lot of both types back in the early 90’s and I noticed I was getting 20 cents per kilogram more for the Angus-cross than I was for the Herefords, which amounted to close to $80 per head,” he said. He said the clear difference in profit make it an easy decision for him to switch over to the Angus breed.
“We’re happy with the breeding program at present. We like to sell steers straight off their mothers at Roma between 280 – 340 kg.” “Compared to a couple of years ago, the prices we’ve been getting at the saleyards have been brilliant.” He said natural grasses are thriving at Mt Eden currently after the property received falls of 83mm in December 2016 and 134mm in January 2017. “We’ve got Bluegrass and some Mitchell grass coming through and the dams are doing well. We haven’t received as much rain in February so if we get some more before winter it’d be good, but overall, things are looking good.” At bull sales, the Bains look for bulls with excellent EBVs, good shape and quality sire and dam credentials. At Blackall in 2016, they purchased the top price bull of the Black Stump Bull Sale, in addition to five other well credentialed, powerful Angus bulls.
Mt Eden roma size: 5,200 hectares Production: Breeder Operation “The Bains look for bulls with excellent EBVs, good shape and quality sire and dam credentials”
Angus Bulletin — Winter 2017
PAge 83
Barfold Beef Moving Forward By Bridie Edwards, The Land
Barfold Kyneton, Victoria supply ventures: Boris Murgers
Supplying Prime Angus Mince
Sizzlin’ Sensations
Supplying 21-day hung pure Angus
property: 1300-hectare herd: 600 Angus breeders Overcoming tough times and moving steadily into the future is on the agenda for Barfold Beef producers Ray and Margaret Shea along with son Matthew and wife Karly. Their 1300-hectare enterprise at Barfold via Kyneton, Victoria, grazes 600 Angus breeders. Last year Barfold Beef agisted 130 cows and calves in the Clare region due to dry conditions. The autumn portion of calves were returned home in late December for the local weaner sales in January. “I haven’t seen calves look so well this time of year before,” Matthew Shea said. “They have grown quickly in 2015 – the year has allowed them to reach their genetic potential, which we haven’t seen for a long time,” In 2007, the Sheas had a major upgrade of genetic quality, purchasing 140 Callendale Station cows from its dispersal and subsequently purchasing registered Angus bulls, all of which are the foundation of their herd today. Matthew Shea with sons Jasper, 5, and Charlie, 2, from Barfold Beef, inspect their Angus herd near Kyneton, Victoria. Photo: The Land
After the Black Saturday fires that ravaged the farm in 2009, the Shea family said everything was falling back together nicely and the relationships they now have with industry-wide people have encouraged them into direct marketing. In September last year, Barfold Beef started supplying a Bendigo cafe called Boris Murgers with prime Angus mince, capturing the consumer trend of supporting local products direct from the farmer. Since then they have also supplied the local butcher shop, Sizzlin’ Sensations in Kytenon, with 21-day hung pure Angus. “Without the strong relationships we have in the region it wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. Mr Shea said they hoped to expand into quarter and half packs to sell directly to the public. In 2015 Barfold Beef found a commercial lift in AI from a registered Angus sire. They trialed it with 50 cows and 50 heifers in the autumn, which returned 70 per cent in calf. In spring they trailed 150 heifers and 50 cows. Mr Shea said they could not have been happier with the calves that dropped.
w o l s On ANGUS
60
INDUSTRY BULLS MONDAY 28TH AUGUST 2017 DOUG TOZER
02 6942 6636 | 0427 407 335 | www.onslowangus.com.au
SWANBROOK ANGUS BULL SALE Inverell NSW
Saturday 5th August
www.swanbrookangus.com.au PAge 84
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
around the weaner sales
Don Russell, Seven Mile, Liston sold 31 Angus steers for 425.2c/kg to return $1409, Stanthorpe QLD 6/04/17
Stuart Kelly, "Claremont Downs", Bostobrick, sold 150 8- 10-monthold mixed breed weaners, topping at 409c/kg for 320kg Angus steers, Armidale 21/04/17
Ben Emms, 'Sion Hill', Lyndhurst paid $1,100 for 27 Angus heifers averaging 260kg bred and sold by Duncan, Jessica and Eileen Clowes, 'Valdemar', Millthorpe at Carcoar NSW 21/04/17
Images: Fairfax Media
Garry Ingram, "Karinya", Delegate, with his pen of 13 Angus steers, 325kg sold for $1275 at Cooma NSW, 24/04/17
George Crouch and Heath Eslick, Waverley Station, sold 190 steers topping at 416c/kg and 38 heifers making up to 376c/kg, Scone 20/04/17
Jarrod Sansom, Epping Forest, sold to $1380 the tops of his Blair Athol Angus steers, 322kg, at Powranna
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
PAge 85
25TH ANNUAL BULL SALE 5th September 2017, 1pm On Property, ‘Dulcidene’, Dubbo NSW
45 BULLS • Commercially focused • Semen morphology tested
For a copy of the sale catalogue contact RANDALL & KYLIE CARLOW P: (02) 6848 5803 • M: 0477 016 983 E: kidmanstud@westnet.com.au www.kidmanstud.com.au
Kidman Impact K99 - Top priced bull 2016 Sale Sold to Reiland Stud for $22,000
26TH JULY - THE LAND BEEF WEEK OPEN DAY Angus & ChArolAis
24th Annual Bull Sale
Gunnedah Saleyards - 1pm Thursday, 17th August
DSK DHP Lassiter L114 Sired by Dunoon High Point
DSK RR McRay M32 Sired by Remitall H Rachis
DSK YXC Mandate M10 Sired by Young Dale Xcaliber 32X
Also sons by Deer Valley All In and Kansas Upward G198
Your Source of Outcross Canadian Genetics Chris Knox & Helen Alexander; 02 6842 9101 or 0427 600 278 Borah Station, Rocky Glen, Coonabarabran, NSW 2357 E: dskangusandcharolais@westnet.com.au www.dskangusandcharolais.com.au PAge 86
Angus Bulletin — winter 2017
angus australia staff directory
MARKETING, communications and youth
Finance & ADMINISTRATION
CEO
Peter Parnell Chief Executive Officer M: 0428 918 632 P: 02 6773 4605 E: peter@angusaustralia.com.au
Ron Bower
Joy Howe
Administration Manager - Accountant P: 6773 4607 E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au
Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4612 E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au
Sue Webeck
Amanda Wolfe
Accounts Officer - Part time P: 02 6773 4606 E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au
Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4600 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au
Diana Wood
Robyn Brazier
Marketing & Communications Manager P: 02 6773 4601 M: 0411 242 001
Marketing Assistant - Part time P: 02 6773 4609 E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
E: marketingmanager@angusaustralia.com.au
Haylee Herriot
Ebonie Sadler-Small
Angus Youth Development & Education Officer P: 02 6773 4622 M: 0429 774 065 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au
Graphic Design & Marketing Officer M: 0428 518 880 E: design@angusaustralia.com.au
Christopher de Crespigny
Michael Ainsworth
Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au
Computer Programmer P: 02 6773 4610 E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au
Software development
Mark Evered Computer Programmer P: 02 6773 4610 E: mark.evered@angusaustralia.com.au
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2017
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angus australia staff directory
breed development & extension
Strategic projects
commercial supply chain
Liz Pearson Commercial Supply Chain Manager P: 02 6773 4608 M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
Christian Duff
Nick Butcher
Strategic Projects Manager P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
Project Officer, ASBP M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au
Andrew Byrne
Ashleigh Horne
Breed Development & Extension Manager P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN 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
Member services
Lee-Anne Turner
PAge 88
Samantha Hamilton
Member Services Manager P: 02 6773 4604 E: lee-anne@angusaustralia.com.au E: regos@angusaustralia.com.au
Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4613 E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au
Robyn Kelly
Kelso Looker
Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au
Member Services Officer 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 P:Bulletin 02 6773 4600 Angus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; winter 2017| F: 02 6772 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au
ASCOT
ANNUAL SPRING ANGUS & CHAROLAIS BULL SALE
110 POLLED BULLS FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 2017 STRUCTURE FERTILITY
EARLY GROWTH FINISHING ABILITY DOCILITY POLLED MSA TARGETED
SOME E XCITING NE W SIRE S WIL L BE REPRE SEN T ED IN T HE A NGUS BUL L S LINE-UP They include the $150,000 Australian record price Angus bull Millah Murrah Kingdom and the $400,000 US sire SAV International 2020 (the first sons to be auctioned in Australia). Other sons will be from – Ascot Hallmark; Texas Global; Millah Murrah Highlander G7; Temania Emperor; Millah Murrah Time On; Irelands Galaxy; and Millah Murrah Hercules.
CONTACT US TO JOIN OUR CATALOGUE MAILING LIST
SALE IS HELD ON-PROPERTY ‘NORTH TOOLBURRA’ WARWICK QUEENSLAND START TIME 1PM 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