2022 Autumn Angus Bulletin by Angus Australia

Distributed by the Angus Society of Australia

Autumn 2022

Angus BULLETIN

Slick operations – Coat Type an Increasing priority · Most widely used sires in last two years · Angus can’t be beaten on MSA Performance · Utlising Angus genetics to bend the curve · Introducing Angus ESSENTIALS

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SAV BLACKCAP MAY 1416 (DAM OF SAV SCALE HOUSE 0845)

Our best draft of yearling bulls will be available for sale this year and include world renowned genetics. The very first bulls sired by the world record holding highest selling Angus bull at $1.51M USD SAV America 8018 and the $250,000 USD 2020 SAV sale topping SAV Bloodline 9578. Yearling bulls will also be offered by proven performers S Powerpoint WS 5503 and Killain Rainman P1.

‘KILLAIN’ 13553 NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY - TAMWORTH NSW 2340 RICHARD: 0408 471 603 | RDUDDY@BIGPOND.COM WWW.KILLAINANGUS.COM.AU The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

contents

Autumn 2022 | Volume 47

Contents

Nominate a bull – Be Part of Cutting-Edge R&D

President’s Report

Out and About

CEO Report

ASBP Cohort 9 – Sire Wrap-Up

2021 – The year in review

Assisted Reproduction in a World without ODB

Key Points Board Meeting 10th March 2022

Heifer Fertility Focus for the Australian Angus Reference Population

Bill Cornell awarded Angus Australia’s highest honour

Introducing the Angus ESSTENIALS webinar series

40 Angus Days to Calving Validated in Northern Australia

Most Widely Used Sires in Last Two Years

42 Slick Operations – Coat Type an Increasing Priority

Behind the Beef – A sit down with Peter Parnell

Around the Shows

Angus can’t be beaten on MSA performance

20 Angus Australia Champion Steer & Heifer Pens Southern Weaner Sales

45 Don’t miss out on the features

46 Member Services Matters 48 Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services

22 Utilising Angus Genetics to Bend the Curve

Allflex Tags Production Delays

Gradual buildup of Angus herd at Pinjarra

Angus is a perfect fit for the Job family

A Quick Guide to the New Angus Selection Indexes

30 Time to think about collecting mature cow traits

Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au Editor: Diana Wood Layout: Ebonie Jones Printer: printcentre.net.au. TACE Angus.Tech ASBP Breed Development Commerical Supply Chain General Angus CONNECT Northern Development Member Services Youth

52 55

Angus thrive on the hills at Bundarbo Station

Enduring fire and famine at Tambo Crossing

Angus Foundation launches the AuctionsPlus Cadetship

60 Achmea Australia and Angus Australia are looking for the next generation Angus Leaders 62 Annie recognised for taking the Roundup Reins 63

Laura Grubb recognised for dedication to Angus Youth

Damien to make a dash across the ditch

Angus Education Marketing Angus Foundation

Advertisers Indexes 58

ABS

64 Achmea

BC Outwest Angus

34 Queensland Machinery Agency

Alta

54 Agri-Gene Pty Ltd 44 BeefGen 62 Bongongo 18

Broadwater Angus

68 Brooksby Angus 73

DSK

66 NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup Awards and Bursaries presented online

Eastern Spreaders Pty Ltd

Farmer Breeding Supplies

69 Where are they now?

Genetics Australia

Genetic Choice

Killain Angus

Is Angus Australia’s Catalogue Services the most effective way to market your cattle?

Get active!

Framing your business

Staff Directory

26 Neogen

Raff Angus

Reiland Angus

RPS Industries

Safety Zone Calf Catchers

24 Semex 47

Sprys

Sugarloaf Angus

Te Pari

30 Vetoquinol Australia

IFC Killain Angus IBC Knowla Angus

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.

President’s Report March 2022 Sam White, President and Board Chairperson

One of my many priorities over the last few months has been the appointment of the new CEO. Monday 28th February was Peter Parnell’s final day with Angus Australia. Peter has been the CEO of Angus Australia for 12 years and 9 months (between 2009 and 2022) and had previously worked as Breed Development Manager (between 1996 and 2001). Peter has made a significant contribution to the beef industry and has overseen the development of our Breed Society into a modern and innovative service organisation. He leaves Angus Australia in a very strong financial position, with a diverse and growing membership base. The Board and the broader membership say thank you to Peter and wish he and his wife Anne well in their retirement. Tuesday 1st March, we welcomed Scott Wright to the role of CEO of Angus Australia. Since his appointment Scott has made a number of visits to members around the country, with plans to visit and connect with many more. The Angus Australia Board and Scott are grateful to Peter for the extra time he allowed us to deal with the many issues arising over the past 12 months. We also are grateful for the opportunity to transition Scott into the role of CEO over the last few months. So, while we farewell Peter, we say welcome to Scott to the role. Angus bull sales around the country remain very strong. Congratulations to all who have had recent sales and good luck to those with sales coming up. The broader beef industry remains very strong, the rebuilding of the national herd continues. Once again it reflects a very strong demand for Angus seedstock and commercial Angus cattle. My comments previously remain relevant - make hay while the sun shines, be mindful also that such times are subject change as a result of changing costs, increasing interest rates, fertiliser costs or fuel costs to name a few. We must be mindful of managing risk, with increasing global uncertainty with respect to the circumstances in Europe, and also with the implications of climate change. On that note, it is pleasing to know that Angus Australia has recently partnered with the University of New England, NSW DPI and MLA to embark on a significant project focused on reducing methane emissions in cattle.

I would also like to acknowledge the current difficulties being faced by members in flood zones of south-east Queensland, north-eastern New South Wales and central coastal area of New South Wales. I thank the team of people at Angus Australia for their dedicated work over the last year, while dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 and ensuring the continuous service of our members. The challenges of COVID-19 will be ever present as we move forward. I acknowledge the significant work led by Andrew Byrne in delivery of new selection indexes and thank Peter Parnell for his guidance in all issues. I respectfully acknowledge with sadness of the passing of Honorary Life Members Ms Enid Fisher (past CEO), and Mr Jim (Colin) Anderson in the past year. Our condolences go out to their families. On behalf of the Board I wish to recognise the significant contribution that Enid and Jim each made to the Angus breed and the broader beef industry. I acknowledge and thank the many members who have contributed to the various Affiliated Angus Breeder Groups, Consultative Committees and breeder groups around the country. I thank my colleagues on the Angus Australia Board and acknowledge the work that each of you have contributed in the development of policy and in the process of the appointment of the new CEO. Each of you have significant obligations in your own businesses, and I want to acknowledge your time, effort and expertise contributed to the Board. Due to my personal business and family circumstances my time on the Board will conclude at the AGM in May.

2022 NH Foods Australia Angus Youth National Roundup

New Dates!

6th – 9th of October 2022 Wodonga, Victoria Join us for fun, friendships, education and competitions

CEO Report

Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer Thank you for such an enthusiastic welcome that I have received almost universally across the membership as I begin this term as CEO of Angus Australia.

To be chosen by the Board to be CEO of Angus Australia is very humbling. I count as personal friends’ examples that have gone before me such as Peter Parnell, Graham Truscott, Bob Dent and Ron Bower. They all act as mentors, and I value their wisdom greatly. I have huge shoes to fill going forward but am excited by the prospect of this next chapter of growing the influence of Angus cattle in Australia. Ben Mayne said to me at the end of last year that “the best years of Angus are ahead of us”, which is a great encouragement.

This was good and important work with great strides made in that area, and I want us to build on the work Peter oversaw and improve on it, while similataneously focusing on the experience that our members have in their interactions with Angus Australia.

It is a new chapter, building on past success and reimagining the future. Angus Australia is over 100 years old and at the very front of my mind is the value to our members in a strong independent society that charts its own destiny – not one that reacts to forces beyond its control. We have a duty to continue to grow Angus Australia as an enduring, great organisation that serves its members. The current conditions for members are almost without precedent! Prices for commercial and seedstock alike are incredible, demand is unceasing and rainfall amazing for most members. I began work at Angus Australia as a Member Services Officer following a difficult personal time of my life, and soon I was promoted to Member Services Manager where I have worked over the last three years. It was in that role that I got to know many of you, and it was often through crisis and issues that we got to know each other. I know what it is like to answer that phone from members day in and day out. I have listened as some of you cried through those very trying drought years not knowing what the future would hold. I too have worked a business, knowing how hard it is to balance bills, keep good records, market your product and on top of that get the hard work of farming done. Please know that I have the highest regard for our Members and our Member Services team. I understand that what you as members need to get done with our team – which in turn is the engine room of our organisation. I have been asked what my vision for the organisation is moving forward. In short, I have been made CEO because I have a vision to turn Angus Australia into the most engaged breed society in the country. This springs from my experience as our Member Services Manager and my observations from that period. I acknowledge the wonderful advances that we have made in genetic improvement under Dr Peter Parnell’s leadership.

We need to be a team of people that are trusted by our members to help them be more profitable – that is the Angus Australia mission.

I want to pivot our priorities to make dealing with Angus Australia a delight for our membership rather than a chore. We must look at everything we do from the smallest detail and make it easier, yet at the same time better for our members.

Office staff need to work tirelessly to improve every aspect of our members interactions with Angus Australia, whether it be something as simple as ensuring they can find the form they need on the website. To imagine a day in the future when our TACE analysis is done every night, where DNA comes back in two weeks not four. I want a Member Services team where every member can have a dedicated Member Services Officer and know their contact by name. We need our Extension team to work seamlessly with Member Services to identify problems before they happen. That is the organisation that I want to build. So if you ask me my vision….It is to build the best breed society, the most engaged breed society in the world where we delight our members with our simplicity of service, where we make things easy and yet give a better result to the member. A breed society where our members are proud and willing to recommend us to their family and friends. We will give every member the opportunity to engage with our staff should they seek that opportunity. As CEO I have made two appointments already. Jake Phillips has been appointed as our Extension Manager - because Jake shares my vision of where we need to go. Extension will be safe in Jake’s hands. Christian Duff has been appointed as General Manager of Genetic Improvement - because he has great understanding of genetics and can imagine a better, more streamlined analysis and approach moving forward. I look forward to meeting and “working with” each one of you! I am conscious that as a society we are not the ones breeding cattle, we are here to assist each one of you to do that. Yours Sincerely, Scott Wright The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

2021 – The year in review

Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer (Apr 2009 – Feb 2022) 2021 will undoubtedly remembered for a long time as an extraordinary year for the beef industry and the Angus breed. Continued favourable seasons in most areas of Australia and record market prices have generated great confidence in our industry. Angus premiums across all market categories continued to provide good returns for members who were fortunate to have animals to sell. Angus Australia was able to maintain services to members during 2021 despite continued challenging circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 imposed restrictions. The biggest impact was the reduced face-to-face member engagement and the need to cancel numerous planned events throughout the year. Nevertheless, the ongoing R&D programs, software development projects and online education and extension initiatives progressed as planned, with good outcomes achieved across all areas. Some of the highlights for the year are summarized below.

Governance

Following the Annual General Meeting conducted in May 2021, the Angus Australia Board comprised six stateelected Directors, including Mr Brad Gilmour (Vic), Mr Perry Gunner (SA), Mrs Erica Halliday (NSW, Vice-President), Mr Ben Hill (Qld), Mr Jock Hughes (Tas), and Mr Andrew Kuss (WA); and, three national elected Directors including Mr Sam White (NSW, President), Mr James Laurie (NSW), and Mr Hamish McFarlane (Vic). The Board conducted meetings in March, May, August, and November. Various Board Committees met numerous times during the year by video conference to develop policy and strategy positions for consideration by the Board. In addition, various consultative committees met by videoconference during the year to provide valuable input to the Board on specific areas - including the Genetic Evaluation Consultative Committee, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program Consultative Committee, the Angus Youth Consultative Committee, and the Northern Development Consultative Committee. Each of the state-based Affiliated Angus Breeder Groups met during 2021 either in person or by videoconference. The generous investment of time from members participating in these various forums is gratefully acknowledged.

Angus, Estate of HHM Miller, Seaton Vale Pastoral Co, Dona McQueen (Desperandum), Finger Pastoral Co P/L (Riga), S J & L E Berryman (Glendore), Te Mania Angus, Gullaren and Genetics Australia Co-Operative Limited all attained 50 years of membership. A further 35 members celebrated 25 years of membership.

Registrations

A total of 108,017 females were enrolled on the female inventory during 2021, representing a 0.6% decline on the previous year mainly due to the ongoing impact of prolonged drought in the preceding years. A total of 72,418 calves were registered during 2021 including 49,294 in the Herd Book Register (HBR), 19,207 in the Angus Performance Register (APR), 2,712 in the Angus Commercial Register (ACR) and 1,205 in the Multi Breed Register (MBR). A total of 11,368 transfers of registered animals were processed (9% more than 2020).

Breed Development

The annual rate of genetic improvement in the Australian Angus seedstock population in 2021 was $7.42 per cow mated per year, as measured by the increase in the average of the Angus Breeding Index between calves born in the preceding 2 years. A total of 477,125 performance measurements were submitted by members in 2021, representing a 16% increase compared to 2020. In particular, submission of newer traits like docility, mature cow body condition, mature cow height and coat type increased considerably. Growth in genomic testing continued with 53,738 genomic tests requested during 2021, contributing to an overall total of 112,938 genotypes included in the midDecember 2021 TACE analysis. Genetic condition tests were conducted for 44,678 animals. Usage of Angus Database Search and Angus SELECT continues to be strong, with a 12% increase in animal searches, by comparison to the equivalent period in 2020.

Education and Extension

The Angus Society of Australia Ltd and its controlled entities including the Angus Foundation, Angus Youth Roundup, Affiliated State Groups and Angus Australasia Pty Ltd, achieved a net surplus in 2021 of $216,576.

During 2021, the partnership project with the MLA Donor Company to increase technology adoption across the Angus genetic improvement pipeline continued with a focus on online delivery via Angus CONNECT events, the delivery of new educational resources and case studies on the value of genetic improvement, and expansion of the Angus Education Centre with the addition of further modules relating to genetic improvement.

Membership

Strategic Projects

Finance

At the end of 2021, Angus Australia had a total of 3,633 members, including 21 Honorary Life Members 3,288 Full Members, and 324 Junior Members. During 2021, three members attained 75 years of membership with Angus Australia, including the Tout Family (Currajong), Puunyart Partnership (Puunyart), and Williams Victoree Farms Pty Ltd (Victoree). In addition, Weemalah 6

The Angus Reference Population Project (also known as the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program) progressed on schedule during 2021 with completion of all data collection on progeny of the sires included in first 9 cohorts, including comprehensive evaluation of progeny performance for calving, growth, feed efficiency, feedlot gain, carcase yield, meat quality daughter fertility, feet and leg structure and

A: Beef Australia 2021 was one of the few events that went ahead in 2021, B: At the end of 2021 Angus Australia staff were able to visit CSIRO where they were provided with an update on projects CSIRO are working on.

immune competence. Data collection of cohort 10 progeny continued as planned, and recording of cohort 11 calving data was completed. The cohort 12 joining included 1,668 cows joined to 24 bulls across 5 herds. Importantly, the ASBP data provides the required genomic reference population information to enable effective use of genomics data in TACE. During 2021 further progress was made in the development of genomics-based selection tools targeted at commercial breeders of Angus cattle. Together with CSIRO, the existing HeiferSELECT tool was further improved, and validation of the new SteerSELECT tool continued in preparation for implementation in early 2022. In addition, Angus BreedCHECK, a genomic (DNA) based system that estimates breed composition (from 11 breeds), with a particular focus on Angus content, was developed by CSIRO and Angus Australia, and implemented in 2021.

Marketing, Communications

A total of 205 auction sales were reported to Angus Australia in 2021, with 10,866 Angus bulls sold for an average of $13,963 (up 72% compared to 2020). The top priced bull was Millah Murrah Rocket Man R38, sold for a record price of $140,000. A total of 290 sale catalogues were produced by Angus Australia, including 13,723 lots (up 13% compared to 2020). Angus eNews was distributed to over 6,900 email addresses each week, 4 issues of the Angus Bulletin were published, 72 structured communication plans implemented, 91 email blasts, 47 media releases distributed, 215 videos released, and 11 podcast episodes produced. The Angus Australia website received an average of 39,417 page views per month. Interest in Angus Australia’s social media platforms continued to increase with over 22,388 followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (up 24% compared to 2020).

Angus Youth

During 2021 the Angus Youth Roundup was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19. Various scholarships, awards and bursaries were presented during 2021, and a successful GenAngus Future Leaders Program workshop conducted via videoconference.

Export certification

During 2021 there was significantly reduced export demand for Angus heifers to be used for breeding, with 3,466 export certificates issued (85% lower than 2020).

Information Systems

Angus Australia’s angus.tech software development project progressed during 2021 with enhancements to Angus DATABASE SEARCH tools and progression of several internal database developments to improve efficiency of processing of animal registrations, animal transfers, performance data input and DNA test requests.

B Commercial Supply Chain

During 2021, 96,014 head were processed for verified Angus brands (15% lower than 2020). During the year, the Angus Verified program was launched for the validation of Angus Australia members’ claims of pure commercial Angus animals bred from registered Angus bulls and purebred Angus cows. A total of 2,159 animals were verified under this program in 2021.

Summary

Despite the continued restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 was a very positive year for Angus Australia and most of our members. Good progress with numerous important initiatives has ensured that Angus Australia is well positioned to continue the provision of the necessary tools and resources for members to facilitate ongoing enhancement and promotion of the value of Angus. The important contributions of our members, Board, State Groups, Consultative Committees, staff, and numerous R&D and commercial partners during 2021 are gratefully acknowledged.

Final reflections

As I complete my term as CEO, I wish to acknowledge the support of my colleagues at Angus Australia throughout my tenure, the guidance provided by the many Directors who have generously served Angus Australia during this period, and the friendship offered by the many members and others who I have had the privilege of meeting whilst in this role. It has been a great privilege to have spent almost 18 years of my career with Angus Australia during a time of massive advancement of the breed and the organisation. This included five years as Breed Development Manager, from 1996 to 2001; and, almost 13 years as CEO from 2009 to 2022. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

It was an honour to have been the serving CEO during the centennial celebration of the Angus Society of Australia in 2019. The sustained success of the organisation over the past 100 plus years has been due to the dedication, talents, and enormous effort of many people over that period. I particularly wish to acknowledge the contributions of my immediate predecessors Ms Enid Fisher (CEO from 1983 to 1994) who sadly passed away on the 26th of January 2022; and, Mr Graham Truscott (CEO from 1994 to 2008) who together set a clear path for the modern-day success of the society. Enid Fisher had the vision of Angus breeders being recognised as leaders in breed improvement, and with the assistance of Don Nicol as Director of Breed Improvement, initiated the implementation of Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN. With his enormous energy and drive, Graham Truscott provided great leadership in establishing Angus Australia as a modern and agile business with clear strategies designed to enhance the profitability of its members. I firmly believe that one of the key reasons for success of the Angus breed in recent decades has been the willingness of Angus breeders to embrace advances in genetic technology. This has enabled the Angus breed to evolve rapidly over time and maintain its competitive edge in meeting market requirements. Building on the solid foundation established by pioneers of the breed, Angus breeders have achieved rates of genetic improvement over the past 30 years that are unsurpassed by any other significant beef population globally.

A key contributing factor to the success of the ‘Angus brand’ has been the ability to base marketing and promotion claims on a solid foundation of supporting data. This provides incredible persuasive power, whether it be used to support the marketing of an Angus bull, or the marketing of quality Angus beef to a discerning beef importer. I am leaving Angus Australia with the comfort that the organisation is in great shape to remain at the forefront in the development and delivery of industry leading innovative services for its members. I encourage members to continue to embrace the opportunities presented by your Society in assisting you in benefiting from the continued rapid evolution of cattle breeding and genetics technology.

I wish you all the best for the future.

Dr Peter Parnell with Angus Australia staff on his final day

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Key Points Board Meeting 10th March 2022 Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer

I am pleased to report from our first Board of Directors meeting both as CEO and for 2022.

Dear Angus Australia members, I am pleased to report from our first Board of Directors meeting both as CEO and for 2022. It was a busy meeting; this first meeting of the year is a shorter meeting which essentially signs off on the previous year’s results and attends to any pressing matters. As a new CEO I would like to comment that I am very impressed with the unity of the board and the unanimous attitude of the board to look to the best interest of the breed and its future. It is refreshing and positive. · Angus Australia financial results for 2021: Review and approval of Financial Statement and Independent Auditor’s Report for the Financial Year ended 31st December 2021. The Financial Statements were audited by Roberts & Morrow Audit Services. · Member Engagement & Strategic Plan: the board resolved to engage with members through farm visits, “Have Your Say” workshops around Australia in June and through a member sentiment survey in August. This will be undertaken ahead of a Strategic Planning workshop at the September Board meeting to set a new 5-year Strategic Plan for implementation from 2023. · New Zealand: the Board will be engaging with New Zealand Angus during 2022 to work through a road forward in terms of the two associations working more closely together in the future. Simultaneously, Angus Australia will continue to increase engagement with the New Zealand AngusPRO group.

· BREEDPLAN: the board was briefed by Christian Duff on the current BREEDPLAN licence arrangements with ABRI. · Appointments: the CEO reported to the board that the following staff position changes have been made. Christian Duff has been appointed to General Manager of Genetic Improvement, Jake Phillips has been appointed to Extension Manager and Kathryn Duddy has been appointed as Company Secretary and incoming Human Resources Manager. These are in line with structural change within the business of Angus Australia to increase engagement with members. It was reported that Matthew Reynolds has resigned as Breed Development Officer. · Whistle-blower policy: Angus Australia has adopted a whistle-blower policy for implementation during 2022. · Sam White: The Board thanked Sam White for his work on the Board as President, for his selfless work, dedication and enthusiasm as he announced stepping down from the Board in May 2022. Sam has contributed a great deal to the breed during his tenure as President and will be missed by both board members and staff. Thank you Sam for your service. Thank you for your interest in these important topics for the Angus breed. Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the board with your questions. Yours sincerely, Scott Wright, CEO Angus Australia

Cash Prize sponsored by Angus Australia for Champion Pen of Angus Steers and Heifers

1ST APRIL, 9AM

Glen Innes Regional Saleyards Colin Say & Co

Catch up with Commercial Supply Chain Manager, Liz Pearson at the sale. liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au 0488 758 360

www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

Bill Cornell awarded Angus Australia’s highest honour Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer

Frederick William (Bill) Cornell was recently awarded Honorary Life Membership to Angus Australia, with the presentation taking place at the ABS Beef Conference in Tamworth on March 14th, 2022.

Annie Pumpa, ABS; Erica Halliday, Angus Australia Vice President, Bill Cornell; Scott Wright, Angus Australia CEO; Ross Thompson, Millah Murrah Angus, Fletch Kelly, ABS, following the presentation of Life Membership of Angus Australia to Bill Cornell

Mr Cornell was nominated in recognition of his contribution to the Australian Angus breed over the past 40 years in the areas of adoption and promotion of scientific advancements to assist breeders, technical development, youth development, Angus Youth Roundups and shows, stud breeding, pioneering commercial Al, advisory and board positions at state and federal levels and mentoring countless breeders. Born to parents Kathleen and David Cornell, whom both are recognised by Angus Australia with the Cornell Shield, awarded each year to the Chairperson of the Angus Youth National Roundup Organising Committee, due to their contributions to the Angus Youth program, Mr Cornell has long been involved with Angus Australia. He had a passion in the driving of the Angus Youth Program in its formative years, alongside countless others. In the 1980s Mr Cornell established St Pauls Angus, and eventually St Pauls Genetics, ultimately playing an integral role in opening the global genetics channels and providing a leap in global genetic accessibility and distribution to the Australian Angus sector. When asked of Mr Cornell’s contribution to the breed, Margaret Slatter, former co-principal, Geramy Angus stud of SA and NSW said that, “Bill Cornell has worked tirelessly all of his life for the promotion of Angus cattle through education, youth development and mentoring. He has worked willingly on many committees of the Society and there would be few people who deserve the honour of being awarded Life Membership of The Angus Society of Australia, more than Bill.” Mr Cornell became a member of the NSW State Committee, and in 1995 was elected to the Council of Angus Australia, of which he served until 1998. As a Councillor, Mr Cornell contributed strongly to the development of the inaugural Angus Australia Strategic Plan and the new and revised Angus Australia Regulations. 10

His knowledge and passion for the breed, its bloodlines, major American Angus Association contacts, technologies and key Angus beef markets made him a most valuable contributor to Council policy and strategy. In 1995, Bill was an essential part of the committee which developed and ran the annual Angus Youth Roundup as we know it today and assisted with instigating the Trans Tasman and reestablishing the Michigan State University Scholarship. He also served time as chairman of the Angus National Show and Sale Committee. Mr Cornell was also a keen member of the Junior Angus Working Committee, and assisted to lead intensive youth training programs at the Society’s Armidale headquarters. Over the past 30 years, Mr Cornell has cemented himself as a leading promoter of Angus genetics globally through his various roles at ARB, Alta and most notably in his role as Beef Product Manager for ABS Australia since 2005. Earlier this year, at the 2021 Annual NHIA Herd Improvement Dinner, Mr Cornell received the Laurie Wells award, recognising meritorious service to the Herd Improvement Industry for over 40 years.

Introducing the Angus ESSENTIALS webinar series Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer

Angus Australia is pleased to announce its latest web resource for Angus producers, Angus ESSENTIALS. The Angus ESSENTIALS webinar series is designed to be a starting point for people considering the registered cattle business, new members to Angus Australia to understand the full range of breeding and genetic tools or existing members to brush up on their knowledge and skills. The series will provide information and advice from leading industry speakers for attendees to learn how to extract the most value out of breeding decisions, registrations and record keeping, genetic evaluation and creating

practical performance recording and genotyping strategies, conducting artificial breeding programs through to the considerations of marketing and preparing for sale. The Angus ESSENTIALS webinars will be hosted via ZOOM, with registration required to attend. The series will kick off with the Breeding and Genetic Fundamentals webinar which will take place April 7th from 7pm AEST.

The Angus ESSENTIALS series will feature the following topics: April

Breeding and Genetics Fundamentals REGISTER NOW -

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1Fdd8xqwQjq2zg0lKUQvpw Giving you an understanding on how genetics work and the role that they play with a beef breeding system.

Member Services May

A guide to record keeping, registering calves, inventory, membership and registrars of Angus Australia

TACE Analysis June

DNA technology July

September

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

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

An overview of the TACE Analysis, what it is, when to use it and how to get the most out of it including creating a performance recording strategy for your herd

Angus Select August

September

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

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

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 11

Most Widely Used Sires in Last Two Years Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

Baldridge Beast Mode B074 has the most progeny born in the last two years, followed by G A R Ashland and Rennylea L519. These bulls have a combined total of 5,765 progeny born during this period.

2. Of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years, 9 have been bred in Australia, while 11 are imported sires from the United States. Of the 9 bulls bred in Australia, 5 are sons of imported sires from the United States. 3. The five Australian bred sires with the most progeny born in the last two years are Rennylea L519, Lawsons Momentous M518, Millah Murrah Paratrooper P15, Landfall Keystone K132 and Chiltern Park Moe M6.

4. The average Angus Breeding Index of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is +261, which is placed in the highest 4% percentile band (when compared to 2020 drop calves). None of the 20 most widely used bulls have an Angus Breeding Index that is below breed average. 5. Across individual traits, the average EBVs of the 20 bulls with the most progeny in the last two years is as follows: Trait

Sire Average

Breed Average

Calving Ease Direct

+5.7

+2.3

Calving Ease Daughters

+4.8

+2.6

Gestation Length

-5.9

-4.7

Birth Weight

+3.2

+4.1

200 Day Growth

+61

+50

400 Day Weight

+108

+89

600 Day Weight

+137

+117

Mature Cow Weight

+111

+101

Milk

+21

+18

Scrotal Size

+2.4

+2.1

Days to Calving

-4.7

Carcase Weight

+79

+66

Eye Muscle Area

+9.2

+6.2

Rib Fat

+0.0

Rump Fat

-0.7

-0.4

Retail Beef Yield

+0.7

+0.5

IMF

+2.9

+2.1

NFI-F

+0.34

+0.19

Docility

+12

Foot Angle

+0.92

+0.97

Claw Set

+0.85

Look for these sires and more Angus Database Search – www.angusaustralia.com.au https://angus.tech/enquiry/animal

A: G A R ASHLAND PV, B: MILLAH MURRAH PARATROOPER P15 PV, C: BALDRIDGE BEAST MODE B074 PV, D: RENNYLEA L519 PV

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 13

Prog 2Yr.

USA17262835 TFAL88

TFAN90

VTMJ89 VTMJ464

VTMN549

USA17082311 USA17149410

USA18229487

USA17666102 USA17511838

USA18130471

USA17082311 USA17770899

USA18219911

USA17965471 USA18054344

USA18690054

VTMF734 VSNF15

GTNM6

NORE11 TFAH807

TFAK132

USA17082311 NMMM9

NMMP15

USA17501893 USA17405676

USA18170041

USA17354145 VLYH229

2528

1608

1665

1561

1531

1041

1612

922

1041

1056

1106

896

HBR

865

872

688

Breed Average EBVs

801

850

908

1035

LANDFALL NEW GROUND N90

HBR

TE MANIA NEWLY N549 PV

HBR

BALDRIDGE 38 SPECIAL PV

HBR

139

MUSGRAVE 316 EXCLUSIVE

HBR

1394

2241

BALDRIDGE COMMAND C036 PV

HBR

101

GB FIREBALL 672 PV

HBR

103

CHILTERN PARK MOE M6

HBR

LANDFALL KEYSTONE K132 PV

HBR

101

3274

2000

MILLAHMURRAH MURRAH MILLAH PARATROOPER P15

HBR

SYDGEN ENHANCE SV

HBR

2254

2058

LAWSONS MOMENTOUS M518

HBR

2830

2332

VLYM518

USA17354178 USA16934264

4286

G A R ASHLAND

HBR

200

RENNYLEA L519 PV

HBR

Prog

USA18217198

USA17366506 NORH414

NORL519

USA16295688 USA17149410

Num Herd

Statistics

BALDRIDGE BEAST MODE B074

Reg.

Sire Dam

USA17960722

Name

Ident

Dtrs

Birth 200

400

600 MCW Milk SS

Growth DC

Fert CW

91% 90% 7 6

+2.0 +2.1

-2.4

+0.2

89% 87% 77 34

-1.0

-1.6

-0.4

91% 90% 10 79

+1.7

-0.4

84% 82% 61 50

-2.0

89% 85% 94 86

-2.1

+2.3

+2.6

-4.7

+4.1

+50

+89

+117

+101

+18

+2.1

-4.7

+66

+6.2

+4.1 -1.4 -6.5 +4.0 +60 +114 +149 +150 +20 +7.0 -5.7 +79 +9.5 81% 63% 99% 98% 97% 98% 97% 85% 74% 97% 55% 81% 86% 39 85 22 47 10 3 4 2 27 1 32 12 10

+8.9 +7.9 -7.5 +1.0 +51 +99 +129 +117 +25 +3.1 -9.1 +76 +6.7 80% 63% 99% 98% 97% 97% 96% 84% 74% 95% 54% 80% 83% 6 7 12 4 44 21 23 23 5 13 3 18 39

+8.6 +6.9 -5.5 +2.7 +64 +114 +150 +110 +23 +2.5 -4.5 +77 +6.6 81% 63% 98% 98% 97% 97% 95% 87% 82% 96% 51% 85% 87% 7 13 36 19 4 3 4 33 11 29 54 17 40

+8.3 +9.3 -4.6 +3.2 +57 +100 +122 +100 +17 +2.3 -3.3 +76 +8.1 80% 59% 99% 98% 96% 96% 94% 85% 78% 94% 50% 84% 85% 9 2 51 29 17 19 37 51 58 37 75 18 21

+0.0

-0.4

86% 84% 4 17

+2.5 +1.0

84% 83% 20 36

+1.1 +0.1

-0.9

87% 83% 36 63

+0.4

86% 82% 13 25

+1.5 +0.6

+10.4 +7.7 -7.7 +2.8 +62 +107 +137 +107 +21 +0.5 -1.0 +77 +11.7 -2.3 -3.1 88% 70% 99% 99% 98% 98% 97% 95% 91% 97% 55% 89% 89% 90% 87% 2 8 11 21 5 8 12 38 23 96 96 17 3 96 96

+8.9 +5.8 -5.8 +2.5 +61 +100 +121 +123 +11 +2.3 -5.4 +73 +12.3 -1.9 -1.5 83% 56% 99% 98% 97% 96% 94% 84% 76% 93% 46% 83% 84% 85% 81% 6 21 31 16 7 20 39 15 93 37 37 27 2 92 77

+9.0 +4.0 -2.1 +2.4 +53 +103 +136 +83 +25 +2.2 -5.1 +67 +8.0 86% 68% 99% 98% 97% 97% 96% 90% 84% 95% 60% 88% 88% 6 40 87 15 31 14 14 80 5 41 42 48 22

+4.2 +7.5 -8.2 +2.1 +58 +111 +146 +120 +21 +0.7 -6.0 +98 +6.7 93% 79% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 95% 94% 98% 67% 91% 91% 39 9 8 11 13 5 5 19 22 93 27 1 39

+5.9 +10.0 -9.0 +2.9 +64 +117 +140 +113 +22 +3.2 -5.6 +90 +8.2 81% 59% 98% 98% 97% 96% 88% 80% 70% 94% 48% 79% 83% 24 1 4 23 4 2 10 28 15 11 33 2 20

+3.9 +0.4 -3.7 +3.1 +61 +109 +141 +101 +21 +2.7 -1.4 +78 +8.1 91% 75% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 91% 86% 98% 47% 88% 89% 41 74 66 27 7 6 9 50 22 23 94 14 21

-1.8 -7.8 -5.4 +4.0 +51 +95 +116 +71 +30 +2.6 -2.4 +62 +13.1 -1.1 -0.8 93% 78% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 93% 89% 98% 63% 91% 90% 91% 89% 81 99 37 47 44 31 52 92 1 26 86 67 1 79 61

-0.7 +7.2 -6.5 +3.6 +69 +119 +151 +115 +16 +1.5 -1.5 +83 +14.0 -2.3 -2.7 88% 64% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 89% 86% 98% 51% 88% 90% 89% 85% 76 11 22 37 1 2 4 24 63 72 93 7 1 96 94

+4.2 +4.4 -8.4 +4.4 +56 +107 +141 +135 +18 +1.1 -6.7 +80 +7.8 91% 82% 99% 99% 98% 98% 98% 97% 93% 98% 65% 90% 90% 39 36 7 57 18 8 8 7 44 85 17 10 24

-1.2

90% 88% 82 91

Carcase EMA Rib

+6.9 +7.2 -3.5 +3.5 +75 +121 +151 +119 +16 +2.7 -6.2 +77 +5.2 93% 78% 99% 99% 98% 99% 98% 95% 93% 98% 61% 91% 90% 17 11 70 35 1 1 3 20 65 23 24 17 65

Dir

Calv-Ease

+0.5

+2.1

+0.19

+2.9 +0.63 80% 84% 68% 40 21 92

+0.7

+3.5 +0.58 79% 82% 67% 96 9 89

-1.2

+2.3 +0.53 82% 84% 67% 76 39 86

-0.2

+1.9 +0.40 80% 83% 65% 49 55 75

+0.5

+2.4 +0.34 85% 87% 71% 3 36 69

+2.5

+4.3 -0.20 79% 82% 62% 9 2 11

+1.8

+2.0 +0.36 83% 86% 80% 53 51 71

+0.4

+2.0 +0.46

+2.5 +0.25

88% 89% 77% 62 51 81

+0.2

+0.4

77% 80% 65% 53 32 58

+2.7 -0.77

83% 87% 70% 16 26 1

+1.4

+5.0 +0.74

+3.1 -0.16

85% 88% 82% 53 1 96

+0.4

+3.0

84% 88% 70% 1 16 13

+4.1 +0.99

+2.7 +0.11

87% 89% 77% 97 3 99

-1.4

+1.0

86% 88% 75% 28 26 40

RBY IMF NFI-F

97% 2

+35

97% 12

+21

96% 53

89% 70

97% 21

+17

96% 96

-13

94% 6

+26

98% 37

+11

+16

95% 23

98% 3

+31

97% 7

+24

-8

97% 90

99% 10

+22

+21

98% 13

Doc

Feed Temp

March 2022 TransTasmanEstimated Angus Cattle Evaluation Estimated Breeding Values Breeding Values

Angus Australia - 50 Sires with the Most Progeny in the Last Two Years Angus Australia – Sires With Most Progeny in the Last Two Years

+0.97

81% 16

+0.82

79% 14

+0.80

99% 20

+0.84

97% 70

+1.06

97% 14

+0.80

94% 28

+0.88

91% 41

+0.94

95% 84

+1.14

83% 23

+0.86

99% 78

+1.10

96% 23

+0.86

98% 89

+1.18

98% 11

+0.78

98% 1

+0.50

Angle

+0.85

82% 61

+0.90

79% 44

+0.82

99% 12

+0.64

97% 49

+0.84

97% 27

+0.74

95% 82

+1.02

91% 12

+0.64

95% 44

+0.82

87% 17

+0.68

99% 44

+0.82

96% 44

+0.82

97% 99

+1.44

98% 2

+0.46

97% 8

+0.60

Claw

Structural

Page:

+195

$218

$229

$265

$237

$270

$273

$262

$243

$271

$260

$245

$303

$234

$312

+337

$422

$420

$445

$402

$435

$460

$414

$424

$457

$409

$350

$467

$429

$502

$A-L

Selection Index

February 28,

Date:

Behind the Beef – A sit down with Peter Parnell Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer

In 2021 Dr Parnell quietly announced that he would be retiring from his position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angus Australia, concluding a near 40-year career serving the Australian cattle breeding industry, with particular interest in the application of genetic improvement technologies in both the registered cattle sector and wider beef industry. Dr Parnell commenced his role as CEO of Angus Australia in 2009. On the eve of retirement, Peter joined Behind the Beef for a chat where we covered his long career. Thanks for joining us for the podcast today, it’s more than likely it’ll be your last time featured on an episode. You’re off the hook now! Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to talking to you. While I’ve got the opportunity, congratulations on this initiative of your podcast. I think they’re a great idea and I’ve heard a lot of good feedback from a lot of people about it, of people driving in their cars or on the motorbike, on the tractor, on the farm, whatever they can listen to it and it’s a great initiative. Obviously last year you announced that you’ll be retiring from your role as CEO of Angus Australia which concludes a near 40-year career in the beef industry. On reflection, now that you’ve announced your retirement does it feel like 40 years considering it is such a significant period of time? As you get older, you realize time just goes way too quickly and you realize that you’re only on this planet for a very short period of time. Lots of things have happened over those 40 years, both career wise and life wise, and I have a lot of great things to reflect on and it’s all about the journey. I think that’s the important thing, that it’s not the destination and I think along those 40 years, I have done my best to enjoy myself and pursue my passions through that period and I’ve been extremely fortunate that I’ve been able to do that. Considering your achievements and your work within your field, I wanted to use this time with you today is a reflection on your career as you move into that next stage of your life. So, to kick off the questions, I want to go back to the beginning of your career and ask - what was your first job? My first job was probably working for my father in helping him with his cattle and building fences and all those sorts of things, which really gave me the passion that I pursued the rest of my life in agriculture and beef cattle. I suppose my first real job was as an extension agronomist in Central Queensland. I spent 12 months working as an agronomist, particularly in the cereal production and cotton production areas in Central Queensland.

Whilst that was very enjoyable, I realised at that point really my passion and love was in beef cattle and genetics. I did get the opportunity then to go back and do further study in that space for a few years and eventually landed a job as a Research Officer at the Trangie Research Station in central New South Wales. This is what I considered my first job in my chosen career, but having that little bit of background in agronomy and extension taught me some really useful skills, particularly in extension in communication with people. I have endeavoured throughout my career to put a fair bit of effort into communication and that was a valuable learning from my time as an extension agronomist. I was very fortunate to pick up a job as a Research Officer at a young age and that really gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for genetic improvement in beef cattle and really to commence building my network of contacts and colleagues both across Australia, and also globally, that I’ve relied on really for the rest of my career and learned so much from. You touched on it briefly in your last answer, but when did you really become passionate about your chosen career field or goal? I think as a child to be honest. I loved spending time, particularly with my father, with our cattle and he had a great passion for breeding cattle. He also was a student of studying racehorse pedigrees and things like that, so I think I learned and developed a passion for genetics at a very young age, even breeding budgerigars and dogs and things like that. I think that really goes right back to what was instilled in me as a child and the fantastic opportunities that I got as a child and fantastic role models that I had in my parents and others in my family. Going forth from that first job that you had and going into your career, what was the journey like to get to where you are now in terms of your career progression? I chose a professional career in Research and Development in the genetics and beef cattle industry, so it requires some studies and it’s a bit of hard slog in the years at university.

B 14

A: Peter Parnell with, ‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi, Angus Australia Commercial Supply Chain Manager, Liz Pearson and President Sam White at Beef Australia 2021, B: Richard Metcalfe and Peter Parnell at the WA Angus Centenary Celebrations in 2019, C: Peter Parnell and Scott Wright at the Angus Australia Office, D: Judge Damon Englund and Angus Australia CEO Peter Parnell, presenting the Grand Champion Angus Bull ribbon to Quarterway NAB at the Tasmanian Angus Centenary Celebrations in 2019, E: Michael Gadd, Adam Marshall MP, Peter Parnell at the opening of the first Angus Australia Office Extension in 2013, F: Peter Parnell, Alex Sanger & Libby Creek at the 2017 World Angus Forum in Scotland, G: Shelley Piper and Peter Parnell presenting Laura Grubb with the University of Illinois Scholarship in 2013

You know it’s hard having to be doing university stuff when some of your friends are out earning money and it seemed to be forever before I earned my first dollar to be perfectly honest. But I think that the journey is worth it and once you have a passion, you’ve got to make some sacrifices along the way, although looking back on it I don’t think it’s necessarily a great sacrifice, but it means putting the effort into study. Also, I think identifying people that you respect as mentors and peers is important. I think back to my university professors, Professor Stuart Barker and Dr Keith Hammond, who were great teachers to me in terms of my knowledge and genetics, but also in the opportunities that genetic improvement can provide at an applied level. That was a very important part of the career development. As I mentioned earlier, the opportunity I was given as a Research Officer at the Trangie Research Station as a relatively young and inexperienced person, I was given a lot of responsibility for a large research project to manage and progress. The only way I could do that was from the great support that I got from leaders and mentors that I had at the time and the people I worked with. Life is all about learning things and still I think I learn something new every day but back then I was learning lots that would put me in a position to be able to pursue my career further. As I mentioned before, it’s very fortunate that I was doing this in an area that I was interested in and had a strong passion for. What do most people misunderstand about your field of work? A lot of people wonder, well what does he actually do on a day-to-day basis? I can remember when my children were quite young, they used to try and explain to people what their dad does and say he seems to spend all day talking on the phone and typing emails on his computer. I’ve spent a fair chunk of my career in management roles and assisting other people and it’s very diverse from a day-to-day basis. Something people might not understand is that you might be spending time supporting your colleagues, your managers and staff in assisting them in solving problems, you might be talking to members of Angus Australia about some of their concerns and difficulties and helping them or interacting with my peers, service providers and research

and development partners. I guess in a nutshell, it’s all about communication and facilitation, which is my role really, and while I don’t necessarily do anything necessarily productive myself, my role is to communicate with people and facilitate so that others can do that. The achievements that we make at Angus Australia is very much a team effort and my role is simply to do the best we can as an organisation and to help facilitate that. So, when you look back at your career, is there an example of a mistake or failure that you experienced and what did you learn from that? That’s a challenging question Cheyne. I can’t think of a particular mistake because I probably make mistakes on a weekly, if not daily basis. I think the important thing with mistakes is that you shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes and you’ve got to back your judgment. As you move through life in your career and accept the fact that yes, you will make mistakes, it’s important to reflect on decisions you made and major things that you’ve done and think back on what you could have done differently or better to achieve a better outcome, and sometimes you realize, yes, you could have and that’s important. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and make better decisions in the future. I think it’s also important in an organisation to develop a culture of talking with your colleagues about the mistakes that we collectively make so that we can learn as a group to do things better in the future. So, don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and my suggestion to anyone is to back yourself, learn from those mistakes and just consider mistakes as part of your development journey as you move along and try and not make the same mistake again. I think the other important thing about mistakes or failures is that in many cases they can be avoided by better communication. Most people or your colleagues are very prepared to help you with challenging things where you know you might make a mistake, but many times they don’t realize you need assistance, so reach out and ask for assistance because people will assist you. It’s very rare that you can’t get someone to assist you with something that you’re concerned about whether you do it right or not. So one of the things I think I’ve learned throughout my life and career is that you’ve got to communicate, and you’ve got to reach out, ask for assistance and there’ll be someone who can help.

C The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 15

So since becoming CEO of Angus Australia, what do you think your biggest learning has been? That’s another challenging question Cheyne because there are so many learnings. I’ve learned something new every day I think, but perhaps from the big picture the most significant thing that I’ve learned is the understanding of the importance of having a good culture in an organisation that’s focused on a high degree of integrity and trust. Everyone in the organisation has to understand the value of what they do and that they all make a difference to the organisation in achieving its goals and that what they’re doing is actually worthwhile and is making a difference in improving the lives of others. The reason why the current organisation that we are in, Angus Australia, exists is to service the needs of our industry and provide services that improve the lives of our members. So my biggest learning really is having a culture of high integrity and trust and highlighting the importance that everyone in the organization realises that what they do makes a difference. Speaking of our members, what do you think the greatest achievement of Angus producers in Australia has been? Angus producers in Australia have been remarkable over the decades in their willingness to accept and adopt change to evolve the breed in the direction it has and become quite an important and dominant breed these days. When I talked to some of the people that were in the breed back in the very early days when I first became involved in the seventies and eighties, the Angus breed was a relatively minor breed and Angus breeders have always had to then prove through data and recording and adopting technology that the breed actually does have an important place. The fact that the breeders as a whole have been willing to acccept change, adopt opportunities provided by technology etc had meant that the breed is now in a position where it does enjoy a high degree of market share and it commands a premium in the marketplace across all categories of the cattle market and also in the beef market. I think Angus breeders by and large realised that they’re in the business of producing high quality, nutritious beef which is better than the rest and are doing a good job at it. So, I think the greatest achievement really is the willingness to embrace the opportunities for improvement over time. I’ve often looked at this from a technical perspective, and if we look at the rates of genetic improvement achieved by the Angus population in Australia, really to my reckoning it’s unsurpassed by any other beef cattle population globally and that can be objectively demonstrated through the performance data that we have that’s described the evolution of the breed in recent decades. So, there’s a lot to be proud of as an Angus breeder in Australia. Obviously, the job’s not done. It’s continuous improvement required into the future, but I think the fact that Angus breeders have also supported an organisation like Angus Australia to assist them in developing and applying the technologies and have had a lot of faith that our organisation is going to be providing them tools for their benefit and embracing those tools, I think that’s also been something that Angus breeders have done very well in this country. 16

What do you think will be Angus producers and the wider cattle industry’s biggest challenges and biggest opportunities in the coming years? There will be of lots of challenges and lots of opportunities. In terms of trying to identify some of the big ones, I think the beef industry generally will continue to face challenges from those in the community within our country and globally who are not supportive or are critical of our industry for various reasons. I think there’s going to be a need to continue efforts to advocate the benefits that the beef industry provides in producing a nutritious food commodity using land and resources that are not really suitable for other purposes. I think continuing to gain and retain community support for our industry is going to be very important. We need to continue to ensure that at all levels beef production is conducted in a responsible way to ensure the highest levels of care and welfare of our animals, but also the environment as well. That’s going to then extend into the future research and development efforts to develop solutions that enable greater emphasis on those things, such as welfare traits, sustainability type traits, things like healthiness and immune competence of animals, reduced stress levels, reduced methane emissions from environmental care etc. So, through all of that, we’re going to have to move into an age of particularly research and development and application beyond what we might have looked at in the past, where we were probably focused on improving the efficiency of production and the quality of what we are producing, and that needs to go hand in hand in the future looking at other things related to sustainability and welfare.

Another challenge but also opportunity is to look at ways of encouraging and nurturing young people to become involved in our industry at all levels, training other people and operating in the industry. I think a great opportunity there is that if we can encourage young people to come into the industry and organisations like Angus Australia continue to provide opportunities for young people to develop their knowledge, skills and experience then we will have a continuous injection of new ideas and innovation in the industry. So that’s really one of the big challenges, to make the industry seen as an attractive career path for young people to pursue. So what advice would you give a young person who is pursuing a career path similar to your own? I think the main advice would be to find something that you’re interested in, you’re passionate about and then work hard to find your niche in a career path that satisfies you.

“

The biggest accomplishment is knowing that you’ve done the best in your role, whatever that role might be, and that you have set up that role or the organisation in the best possible way for future success

“

Sometimes that means making sacrifices as I mentioned before when you’re younger, you might have to be spending more time applying yourself to study and achieving things to get the bits of paper you might need for example, to get particular roles but always have that big picture goal in mind. I think the other important lesson is to remember that enjoying the journey is what’s important as you develop your career. An important aspect, critical even, when I look back in my career is that I’ve learned so much from others such as teachers, peers and colleagues that I worked with on a daily basis. I guess the advice would be to learn from others. Always be open minded and be prepared to ask for assistance along the way. Another important aspect that I reflected on a little bit earlier as well is to back your judgment. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way, but make sure you learn from those mistakes and view those mistakes as part of the development along the journey. And as you look back on your career, what do you think your biggest achievement has been? I think my biggest achievement is that I can feel satisfied that as I have shifted from one role to the next throughout my career, I have in most cases felt that the previous role is in a better place than where it was when I commenced it. The biggest accomplishment is knowing that you’ve done the best in your role, whatever that role might be, and that you have set up that role or the organisation in the best possible way for future success.

We’ve got some honeybees and we’ve got plans that we’d like to set up a queen breeding enterprise where we might be able to apply some of the learnt genetic selection expertise and have a play at breeding some bees in the future. But the great thing about that of course is that it’s a totally new thing that we have doing for a few years now but there’s so much to learn. One of the things that really drives me is learning new things, there’s so much to learn about beekeeping and how to look after bees in our environment, so it’s a totally new set of skills to learn which will be very challenging but satisfying. There’s also plans to travel a bit and see more of our beautiful country and spend time visiting our wonderful children and grandchildren that we’re blessed to have. I don’t really view it as retirement. I’m just moving from this particular job to my next job, and the next job will probably be a little bit more hands on than, as my kids used to say, chatting on the phone and writing emails on the computer. I might spend a little bit more time generating a bit of sweat from hard work moving forward. Are there any final thoughts that you’d like to leave with the listeners? Thanks, Cheyne, for the opportunity to have a chat, I’ve enjoyed it. I guess I just would like to acknowledge the enjoyment and satisfaction that I got from working with Angus Australia and the Angus community. I think I worked out that a total of about 18 years in my career, so about half of my career has been very much involved with Angus and the rest of my career has been involved in Angus in some way.

G So, I guess my biggest accomplishment or accomplishments would be in relation to feeling that in whatever I’ve done, after I finish that role it is in a better place than where it might have been when I started. What are your plans for your retirement? There’s a long list of chores that I’ve got to work through so retirement will be busy. My wife and I are very fortunate that we’ve got a small parcel of beautiful land west of Armidale where we run some commercial cattle. We enjoy our time in caring for that land and whilst the short time we are custodians of that land we work on restoring it the best way we can for future generations and for the future environment as well. We enjoy working with our small herd of cattle and we also have a shared passion for beekeeping.

I’ve been inspired by and learned so much from my work colleagues and peers along the way, the directors that I’ve worked with closely over the years in the organisation, the various scientists and partners in R&D and the many Angus breeders and members that I’ve interacted with over the years. I just gained so much from it and enjoyed it so much. You know, we might not have always agreed on everything, but I can depart the organisation with confidence that along the way I’ve done what I believe is in the best interest for the future of the Angus breed, Angus breeders, cattle breeders and Angus Australia as an organisation. I’m very confident that there should be a positive future for everyone involved in our organisation, for the breed and for the beef industry provided of course that we continue to look for opportunities for continuous improvement and not be afraid to embrace change and further evolution into the future. We can never be static; we’ve got to move forward. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to be working in such a great industry and in such a great organisation of Angus Australia.

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 17

Around the Shows

A A: Senior & Grand Champion Bull & Supreme Angus exhibit: PC ROYAL ROLL R017 PV, Pine Creek Angus Stud Pty Ltd B: Senior & Grand champion female: DIAMOND MS QUICK THRILL Q419 #, Diamond Angus Images: Showcase by Branded Ag Keep up to date with show results by heading to the Angus Australia website

www.angusaustralia.com.au

BROADWATER ANGUS INAUGURAL ON PROPERTY BULL SALE FRIDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2022 - 44 BULLS SELL

Sons of · Ascot Global · Ascot Major General · Ascot Mogul · Gar Ashland · Gar Drive · Gar Phoenix · Gar Scalehouse · Rennylea Kodak · Var Discovery · Broadwater Surefire · S Chisum 255 · WWA Black Onyx · Millah Murrah Paratrooper Foundation Females Ascot, Ayrvale, Dulverton, Kiburnie, Lawsons and Wattletop INTRODUCING BROADWATER ASHLAND R33# 374 Kg when weaned at 9 Months. Weighed 650Kg at 14 Months. Top 1% for GF and Grass Selection Index.

PROGRESSIVE GENETICS

SIRE: G A R ASHLAND PV x DAM: LAWSONS KI JUDD N6502 #

EBV Perc

Milk +20 23

DIR +5.4 26

BIRTH DTRS +6.8 13

FERTILITY SS DC -5.0 +1.6 41 64

GL -5.5 33 CWT +79 9

GROWTH 400 600 +105 +132 8 13

BWT +2.9 22

200 +59 8

EMA +12.1 2

CARCASE Rib Rump -1.8 -1.7 92 82

RBY +2.2 4

MWT +102 41 IMF +2.8 21

Broadwater 1141 Upper Wheatvale Road Warwick QLD 4370 | bwspur@outlook.com | 0408 754 275

www.broadwaterangus.com.au

Angus can’t be beaten on MSA performance Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

If you are looking for eating quality in beef, then the results from the 2022 Beef Spectacular Awards point to Angus, as Angus and Influenced cattle again cleaned up when the prizes were handed out. The Beef Spectacular Awards dinner moved back to a live presentation, with exhibitors and industry representatives coming together in Wagga in early February. This competition is based on real life commercial settings and awards points for induction, feedlot performance and carcase performance. For the second year in a row Baringa Pastoral Company, Walcha NSW, with a team of Angus steers, won the eating quality section with an average MSA Index of 66.02. Baringa were also awarded the Carcase Champion pen and Riverine Premium Beef Champion pen and fourth overall. Another remarkable achievement was that for the second year in a row, Angus exhibits enjoyed a clean sweep of the eating quality medals. Angus Australia’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Diana Wood said, ‘There is no better endorsement of the Angus product than when the ten Eating Quality Medals were handed out, places 1-10 were awarded to purebred Angus exhibits.’ ‘There is no doubt that based on these kinds of results that Angus cattle have what the consumer ultimately requires for a quality eating experience.’ Other result highlights included Melon Pastoral winning equal Champion for Feedlot Performance, Gonlin, winning Reserve Champion for Carcase Performance and Angus influenced pens from Rosedale Livestock Partnership claiming the overall Grand and Reserve Champion teams.

Angus & Angus Influenced Results Eating Quality Medals 1st: Angus - Baringa Pastoral Company L43, MSA Index 66.02 2nd: Angus - Tait Pastoral Company L69, MSA Index 65.83 3rd: Angus - D & A Skinner L34, MSA Index 65.36 4th: Angus - Shepstone Park L66, MSA Index 65.35 5th: Angus - Gonlin L13, MSA Index 65.33 6th: Angus - Tait Pastoral Company L35, MSA Index 65.24 7th: Angus - Minnamurra Pastoral Company L28, MSA Index 65.22 8th: Angus - Minnamurra Pastoral Company L58, MSA Index 65.22 9th: Angus - Teys Australia - Jindalee Admin L75, MSA Index 65.09 10th: Angus - JG and V Bond L05, MSA Index 64.98 Feedlot Performance = Champion: Angus cross Hereford – Melon Pastoral L53, 260/350 points Carcase Champion: Angus - Baringa Pastoral Company L43, 425.5/550 points Reserve Champion: Angus - Gonlin L13, 421/550 points Riverine Premium Beef Pens Champion: Angus - Baringa Pastoral Company L43, 713/1000 points Reserve Champion: Angus - Shepstone Park L66, 07/1000 points Teys Certified Premium Black Angus Pens Champion: Angus – Minnamurra Pastoral Company L27, 706.5/1000 points Reserve Champion: Angus – Tait Pastoral Company L69, 695.5/1000 points

B E

Overall Results Grand Champion: Charolais x Angus, Charolais – Rosedale Livestock Partnership L65, 730/1000 Reserve Champion: Charolais cross Angus – Rosedale Livestock Partnership L32, 728.5/1000 4th: Angus - Baringa Pastoral Company L43, 713/1000 5th: MJ & JL Millner L25 Charolais x Angus 711 6th: MJ & JL Millner L56 Charolais x Angus 708.5 7th: Shepstone Park L66 Angus 707 8th: Minnamurra Pastoral Company L27 Angus 706.5 10th: Tait Pastoral Company L69 Angus 695.5

A: MLA Corporate Chef, Sam Burke with some winners of the MSA Eating Quality Awards, Craig Turnbull, Shepstone Park, Jamie Bond, JG & V Bond, Wendy Denning, Jindalee Feedlot, Dane & Alison Skinner, D & A Skinner and The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022 Mitch & Susan Crawford, B - F: The Baringa Pastoral Co team of Angus steers & resulting EMAs. Images: The Land

| 19

Angus Australia Champion Steer & Heifer Pens Southern Weaner Sales Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager

The first two weeks of 2022 saw the much-anticipated Southern Weaner Sales kick off across northern, western, and central Victoria and the quality of weaners and prices definitely did not disappoint. Angus Australia’s Liz Pearson was on hand for six of these sales across Barnawatha, Wangaratta, Hamilton, and Mortlake catching up with producers and livestock agents about Angus Verified and present the Angus Australia Champion Pens of Steers and Heifers. Barnawatha Weaner Sale - 5th Jan - Champion Pen Angus of Steers avg. 386kg - $2,490

Angus pens were judged by volume buyers attending the sales and included $150 cash, Angus Verified merchandise and promotion of their success across the Angus Australia network. Barnawatha Weaner Sale - 5th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Heifers avg. 345kg - $2,210

Victoria Wischusen, Alastair, Simon & Angus McKenzie- McHarg, Yackandandah VIC

John & Judith Paterson, Tallangatta South VIC Wangaratta Weaner Sale - 5th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Steers avg. 400kg - $2,650

Rodda Manning, Davilak Past Co, Manfield VIC 20

Wangaratta Weaner Sale - 5th Jan - Champion Pen Angus of Heifers avg. 364kg - $2,490

Steve Clarke, Deepdale, Tallarook VIC

Barnawatha Weaner Sale - 6th Jan - Champion Pen Angus of Heifers avg. 336kg - $2,290

Stephen Street, Elders Mytleford representing P & A Caponecchia, Bobinawarrah VIC

Barnawatha Weaner Sale - 6th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Steers - $2,480

Hayden, Mahyu, David & Ryan McDonald, Macsway Pty Ltd, Rosewhite VIC

Hamilton Weaner Sale - 10th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Steers avg. 365 - $2,540

Hamilton Weaner Sale - 11th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Heifers avg. 344 - $2,277

Oscar, Ange, Brett & Jackson Linke, Mt Napier VIC Hamilton Weaner Sale - 11th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Steers avg. 369 - $2,435

Tyler Duynhoven, Tony Graham from J&J Kelly Stock Agencies with vendors Roland, Susan and Andrew Cameron, Athlone South, Penshurst VIC Mortlake Weaner Sale - 14th Jan - Champion Pen Angus of Steers avg. 373 - $2,424

Henry & Karen Cameron, Athlone, Penshurst VIC

Andrew Fraser of Harton Hills, VIC Mortlake Weaner Sale - 14th Jan Champion Pen Angus of Heifers avg. 298 - $2,109

Tim Haworth, Jingellah, Mortlake VIC The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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TACE

Utilising Angus Genetics to Bend the Curve Jake Phillips, Breed Development Officer

The term “curve bender” has been loosely used in the industry for some time to explain the effect of selecting for increased growth while maintaining birth weight in breeding decisions. The term refers to bucking the trend or the expected result when selecting just on growth, which given the correlation between growth traits would simply lead to heavier cattle from birth through to maturity. Heavier cattle at birth have a negative desirability for cattle breeders due to the inherent increase in dystocia and decrease in vigour in freshly born calves if the birth weight reaches a point where it affects calving ease. Due to this consideration, cattle breeders have placed strong emphasis on the genetics used in their breeding programs to maintain the weight of calves being born despite selecting heavily on growth at the same time.

group of cattle, it can be seen that the genetic trend has strong correlation to what seedstock breeders actually experienced in the paddock with regards to their birthweight measurements, with the average Birth Weight EBV remaining close to +4.0. (Figure 2). Some consideration to birthweight fluctuations in genetic trend could be attributed to the national herd rebuild and the higher number of heifer joinings being conducted and therefore many seedstock breeders choosing to focus part of their program on suitable heifer joining sires with desirable Calving Ease EBVs.

Maintaining Birth weight

Since the year 2000 there have been between 25,000 and 40,000 individual birth weights submitted each year for analysis in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE). The average birth weight of Angus calves has consistently been between 36 – 37 kg, with very minimal increase observed over time. The only exception is in drought years where a slight decline in birthweights was observed in those seasons (Figure 1). When reviewing the genetic trend of Estimated Breeding Values published for the same period on the same

The ability of Angus seedstock breeders to hold birth weight at a consistent weight for more than two decades is only part of the success story for commercial Angus beef production, with a considerable increase in growth rate observed during this period. As an indicator of progeny sale weight, the yearling (i.e. 400 days of age) weights for Angus cattle show a 42 kilogram increase between the year 2000 to the year 2020 (Figure 3). This improvement in yearling weight of more than 2kg/year has led to significant inroads for commercial cattle producers

Figure 1. Average birth weight measurements collected and analysed in the TACE analysis for calves born between the year 2000 and 2020

Figure 2. Average Birth Weight EBV of Angus cattle born between the year 2000 and 2020

Figure 3. Average yearling weight measurements collected and analysed in the TACE analysis for calves born between the year 2000 and 2020

Increasing Growth

to achieve their production goals. The two clear advantages of this selection are that progeny are now meeting their target weight earlier and therefore can be sold earlier and kept for less time or possibly reach the critical mating weight more easily in a self replacing situation. Alternatively, if the producer was to hold the progeny for the same duration of time as they did in the year 2000, the progeny would be heavier and therefore have a higher sale value. Both are clear advantages for the commercial cattle breeder utilising Angus genetics. The trend in yearling weight measurements is supported by the genetic trend for the same period of time, with 38 of the 42 kilograms of increased yearling weight being attributed to genetic improvement during this period. (Figure 4). The ability of Angus seedstock breeders to maintain birthweight and increase growth is a clear outcome of utilising genetic selection tools such as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and selection indexes to mould the Australian Angus population for improved profitability in commercial beef enterprises.

Cows on the way up also

While birth weight remained unchanged asthe growth of young animals increased, there has also been an increase in the weight of mature cows in the Angus breed during this period.

Figure 4. Average 400 Day Weight EBV of Angus cattle born between the year 2000 and 2020

Since the year 2000, mature Angus cows at 5 years of age have increased in weight by 43 kilograms based on the weights collected by Angus seedstock breeders and analysed in the TACE analysis (Figure 5). The rate of phenotypic gain is clearly explained by the genetic trend (Figure 6) for the same period, which both indicate yearly increases in mature cow weight of approximately 2 kilograms per year.

Figure 5. Average mature cow weight measurements collected and analysed in the TACE analysis for cows at 55 years of age between the year 2000 and 2020.

Figure 6. Average Mature Cow Weight EBV for Angus cows between the year 2000 and 2020

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 23

TACE

What does the future look like?

The genetic improvement that has occurred between 2000 and 2020 is a testament to the Angus seedstock breeders across Australia, and particularly their dedication to the adoption of breeding technologies like AI and ET, along with genetic tools like Estimated Breeding Values. With tools like genomics now providing genetic information for an ever increasing number of economically important traits, Angus seedstock breeders have been tasked with the challenge of continuing the improvement in growth without any increase in birth weight, while improving other traits at the same time. Angus breeders in particular will be faced with decisions regarding the direction of their individual herds around the benefits and disadvantages of continuous selection for growth without equal consideration to the weight of the mature cows. This of course will be different for individual herds depending on their feed availability throughout the year and the markets they supply.

ELEVATION BEEF AD FEB22 A5.indd 1

Take Home Messages

· Angus seedstock breeders have been able to deliver superior genetics to the commercial cattle industry by way of maintaining birthweights for two decades while increasing the weight of yearling cattle by 40 Kilograms or 2 kilograms per year on average · Increased yearling weights are allowing commercial cattle breeders to turn cattle off earlier as they have made weight, to keep them for the same period of time but have them at a heavier weight for sale and to meet critical mating weights in self replacing herds with ease · Mature cow weights have increased at similar rates to yearling weights and will need to be considered in each herd as to the advantages and implications of heavier cows with increased input costs for future profitability · Genetic trend modelling closely aligns with the phenotypic trends since the year 2000 which highlights the value of utilising breeding and genetic selection tools such as EBVs to make change in individual herds, the breed and indeed the industry over time.

24/2/22 6:19 am

Strength in Diversity

TEXAS ICEMAN R725

IMAGE: STUDSTOCKSALES.COM

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

Accelerate

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

R725

· Texas Iceman’s EBV’s are unmatched with a combination of +3.9BW, +155 600D and +12.5 EMA. Add to this his excellent calving ease direct +7.4, Scrotal Circ +2.7, carcase Wt +92 and positive for both fat EBV’s it is easy to see why competition to own this young sire pushed him to a record breaking $225,000. · Iceman is backed by one of the most prominent maternal lines in the Australian Angus breed. His dam Texas Undine H647 has been a matron of the Texas Angus program. Texas Undine H647 has now produced 18 sons who have sold for an average of $37,100 at Texas Angus. · Iceman’s unrivalled performance, breed leading index values and eye-catching phenotype combine to make him a sire who will dominate the global beef industry for many years. DAM OF ICEMAN TEXAS UNDINE H647

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

Dir

Dtrs

BWT

200

400

MCW

Milk

DTC

DOC

CWT

EMA

RIB

RBY

IMF

NFI-F

Angle

Claw

EBV

+7.6

+5.5

-8.7

+3.8

+63

+120 +154 +135

600

+17

-3.3

+2.7

+92

+12.6

+1.5

+1.0

+1.1

+1.7

+0.51

+1.00

+1.10

(Acc)

57%

48%

71%

74%

73%

70%

66%

40%

72%

48%

68%

66%

70%

66%

67%

66%

54%

78%

Perc

$A-L

$249

$452

March 2022 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation

Top 20%

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

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

Freecall: 1800 039 047

www.genaust.com.au

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 25

ANGUS Genetics

the industry standard

now has higher standards. Next Generation Genetic Testing For Best Generation Angus. Never satisfied. That’s the true trait of any Angus breeder. Same with us. Angus GS is not resting on past accomplishments. There’s more work to be done. With the addition of 22,000 SNPs, Angus GS becomes the unmatched Angus specific genomic profiler. It provides greater power for traits including calving ease, birth weight, marbling, female fertility and more. Realise your operation’s full potential. Visit angusaustralia.com.au for the next generation, and only, genomic test of its kind.

For Angus. by angus.

For more information on how to improve your herd with genomics, contact your local Genomics Territory Manager:

Angus 26 GS is a trademark of Angus Genetics and is available exclusively in Australia through Angus Australia

Mel Strasburg Inside Sales Rep 0447 014 133 mstrasburg@neogen.com

Hannah Bourke NSW 0447 299 096 hbourke@neogen.com

Rodney Parker Vic & Tas 0427 167 148 rparker@neogen.com

Dan Roe SA & WA 0447 639 552 droe@neogen.com

A Quick Guide to the New Angus Selection Indexes New selection indexes were introduced for Angus seedstock cattle in December 2021. The new selection indexes replace the Angus Breeding, Domestic, Heavy Grain and Heavy Grass selection indexes which have been published since 2014.

What selection indexes are now available?

Ten selection indexes are now published for animals within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. The selection indexes cater for a range of different breeding systems, target markets and production systems, and include: Index Name

Abbreviation

Angus Breeding Index

Domestic Index

Heavy Grain Index

$GN

Heavy Grass Index

$GS

Angus Breeding Low Feed Cost Index

$A-L

Domestic Low Feed Cost Index

$D-L

Heavy Grain Low Feed Cost Index

$GN-L

Heavy Grass Low Feed Cost Index

$GS-L

AngusPRO Index

$PRO

Angus Terminal Sire Index

The $A (Angus Breeding Index) and $A-L (Angus Breeding Low Feed Cost Index) selection indexes will routinely be published in the standard Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) display for Angus animals, whereas the other selection indexes are available from the Angus Australia website for those breeders who wish to use them in their selection decisions.

What are the main features of the new selection indexes? · An increase from 4 to 10 selection indexes The introduction of a greater range of selection indexes provides Angus breeders with the opportunity to access a selection index that is more closely aligned with their breeding system, target market, production system and breeding objective. · Introduction of selection indexes for different production systems While different selection indexes have traditionally been available for different target markets, different selection indexes are now also available for breeding programs operating in different production systems.

In particular, low feed cost versions of each selection index have been introduced to cater for Angus breeders who are running a production system where the cost of supplying additional feed, via either supplementary feeding and/or increased pasture production, is low, or where pasture is not fully utilised for the majority of the year. In these production systems, if there is an increase in the maintenance requirements of the breeding herd due to an increase in mature weight, the cost incurred to meet the increased feed requirements of animals is minimal. The low feed cost selection indexes do not consequently aim to limit an increase in mature cow weight, while improvement in other production traits is achieved, which is an objective in the other versions of these selection indexes. · Introduction of an Angus Terminal Sire selection index A new selection index has been introduced for use in situations where Angus bulls are being used as a terminal sire over mature breeding females. · Introduction of a selection index for New Zealand breeding programs A new selection index, titled AngusPRO, has been introduced that is specific to New Zealand production systems, and in particular, to breeders targeting the production of grass finished steers for the AngusPure program. · Implementation of more advanced analytical software The analytical software used to calculate the selection indexes, known as BreedObject, has been updated to a new version that incorporates a number of considerable enhancements by comparison to the previous version. Most notably, is the enhanced modelling of cow weight, and the impact that total cow feed costs (i.e. length of feeding + feed price + feed quality) have on the profitability of commercial production systems. · Updating of economic and production parameters The economic and production parameters used in the calculation of the selection indexes have been updated to reflect current production systems and markets. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 27

TACE

Choosing which new selection index is right for me

When using the new selection indexes, it is important that breeders choose a selection index that is aligned with their breeding system, target market and production system. A brief description of each selection index is included in the table below.

Selection Index Description Angus Breeding Indexes

Domestic Indexes

Heavy Grain Indexes

· Self replacing herd · Daughters are retained for breeding · Identifies animals that will improve overall profitability in the majority of commercial, self replacing, grass and grain finishing beef production systems. · $A includes an objective of maintaining mature cow weight, whereas the $A-L does not include this objective

· Self replacing herd · Daughters are retained for breeding · Steer progeny are either finished using pasture, pasture supplemented by grain or grain (eg. 50 – 70 days) · Steer progeny slaughtered at a carcase weight of 280 kg at 16 months of age · Eating quality traits important to suit MSA program · $D includes an objective of maintaining mature cow weight, whereas the $D-L does not include this objective

· Self replacing herd · Daughters are retained for breeding · Steer progeny are pasture grown with a 250 day feedlot finishing period · Steer progeny slaughtered at a carcase weight of 455 kg at 24 months of age · Targeting high quality, highly marbled markets with a significant premium for superior marbling · $GN includes an objective of maintaining mature cow weight, whereas the $GN-L does not include this objective

Heavy Grass Indexes

Angus Terminal Sire Index

AngusPRO Index

· Self replacing herd · Daughters are retained for breeding · Steer progeny are finished on pasture · Steer progeny slaughtered at a carcase weight of 350 kg at 22 months of age · Eating quality traits important to suit MSA program · $GS includes an objective of maintaining mature cow weight, whereas the $GS-L does not include this objective

· Terminal breeding program where Angus bulls are being used as a terminal sire over mature females · All progeny, both male and female, are slaughtered · Focus on increasing growth, carcase yield and eating quality. · No emphasis is given to female fertility or maternal traits

· New Zealand production system · Self replacing herd · Daughters are retained for breeding · Steer progeny are finished on pasture for the AngusPure programme. · Steer progeny slaughtered at a carcase weight of 290 kg at 20 months of age · Significant premium for steers that exhibit superior marbling

Selection Index Selector

An interactive decision support tool, the ‘Selection Index Selector’ is available from the Angus Australia website that guides breeders through a short series of questions to identify the most appropriate selection index for their breeding program. The ‘Selection Index Selector’ can be accessed from within the Angus Education Centre, or from the ‘Tools’ menu in Angus.Tech.

Using the new selection indexes in animal selection

Selection indexes assist in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the individual traits and attributes of each animal to identify animals with genetics that are most aligned with the breeding objective of the given selection index. The recommended strategy for utilising selection indexes in animal selection is to: 1. Establish a Breeding Objective 2. Identify the Selection Index of Most Relevance 3. Rank Animals on Selection Index 4. Consider Individual EBVs of Importance 5. Consider Other Selection Criteria

Who do I contact should I have questions?

To further discuss the new selection indexes that are published in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, please contact either Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@ angusaustralia.com.au, or one of Angus Australia’s Breed Development Officer team. Jen Peart Northern NSW, QLD, NT, Northern WA jen.peart@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4644 Jake Phillips VIC, SA, Southern WA jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4625 Matt Reynolds Central NSW, Southern NSW, TAS, New Zealand matthew.reynolds@angusaustralia.com.au | 02 6773 4626

Further information about the new selection indexes

Detailed information about all the new selection indexes is available from the ‘Understanding Angus Selection Indexes’ module in the Angus Education Centre. The module includes general information about selection indexes and how they are calculated, along with a description of the breeding system, target market endpoint and production system modelled in each selection index, the emphasis that is placed on each EBV in the calculation of each selection index, and the type of animals that rank highly on each selection index. The Angus Education Centre module can be accessed from the ‘Education’ menu on the Angus Australia website.

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 29

TACE

Time to think about collecting mature cow traits Matt Reynolds

Weaning is a busy time and it is also a critical opportunity to collect some important performance recording information.

Breeders will be familiar with the importance of collecting 200 day weights and docility scores at this time, but weaning is also the time to collect traits on mature breeding females. For breeders, it is worth thinking about whether the collection of performance measurements for some of the mature cow traits could add value to their breeding program. These traits include; · Mature Cow Weights The weight of mature females taken between 2.4 and 0.7 years of age (870 – 3900 days) · Mature Cow Heights Mature cow height measurements assess the height of mature females at the hip, and are measured in cm units. · Mature Cow Body Condition Scores Mature cow body condition assesses the body condition of mature females, and are measured as visual scores from 0-5. Angus Australia has recently released as a number of short videos which cover the collection of performance information for mature cow traits. These traits can be collected of mature cows during weaning, at the same time as 200 day and docility scores are collected for their calves. Videos have also been produced to support breeders in the collection of the 200 day weights and docility scores.

The interest from members to contribute these traits has been strong and shows the importance of maternal traits to many breeding programs. In 2021, members have contributed over 11,500 mature cow weights, over 6,700 mature cow body conditions scores and 3,500 hip height measures. These numbers represent a considerable increase in performance recording for the traits from 2020. The collection of performance information for these traits contributes directly to the Mature Cow Weight EBV routinely published on Angus animals, along with the Research Breeding Values for Mature Cow Height and Mature Cow Body Condition. This means breeders looking to have RBVs calculated for animals within their herd can submit the performance measurements to Angus Australia, and then access RBVs for their animals after the next fortnightly TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation from angus.tech. Further information on the collection of these traits can be found by visiting the Angus Education Centre module, ‘Collecting Performance Information for Angus Research’ or by contacting staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au

repro360.com.au

REPRO360 RESOURCES Online resources designed to help you multiply your outcomes in your FTAI and ET programs: • Webinar recordings • How-to videos • Case studies • FAQs repro360.com.au | vetoquinol.com.au

Nominate a bull – Be Part of Cutting-Edge R&D Christian Duff, General Manager - Genetic Improvement

It is time to nominate Angus bulls for the next round of the Angus Sire Benchmarking program (ASBP) to produce the Cohort 13 progeny. The joining program will commence in September 2022 and will involve approximately 1800 Angus cows across several Australian co-operator cow herds. The benefits of bulls entering the ASBP include: · Close genetic linkage to the Angus Australia genomics reference population ensures research and genetic evaluation outcomes will be highly relevant to your herd. · Be involved in world-leading research in areas such as methane emissions phenotyping, development of genomic tools, new meat quality traits and understanding resilience traits immune competence. · Receive high accuracy EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values), particularly for hard to measure traits such as abattoir carcase data, female reproduction, and feed intake. · Receive progeny average values and sire rankings from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA (Meat Standards Australia) Index and MSA Marble Score. · Involvement in one of Australia’s most comprehensive beef cattle progeny test programs including large contemporary groups. Approximately 30 Angus bulls will be selected for the 2022 joining program with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 cows by fixed time AI. The bull selection criteria will be based on genetic diversity, breeding values, selection indexes and their relationship to sires already used in the ASBP.

To be eligible, registered Angus Bulls must be nominated before Monday August 1st, 2022. For further details on the ASBP and to nominate bulls for Cohort 13 visit the Angus Australia website www. angusaustralia.com.au For all questions in relation to the nomination process or the ASBP in general please contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia, General Manager – Genetic Improvement M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

Out and About

The Bush Agribusiness Northern Seedstock Benchmarking group visited Angus Australia in March 2022. Picture left to right are Toby and David Greenup (Rosevale Santa Gertrudis), Christian Duff (Angus Australia), Rob Sherry (Wahroonga Belmont Reds), Peter and Nicky Mahoney (Gyranda Santa Gertrudis), Ian McLean (Bush Agribusiness), The Copley Family (Copley Pastoral Brahmans), Shaun and Jo McGuigan (Cree Santa Gertrudis) and Scott Wright (Angus Australia) The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 31

Sire Benchmarking

ASBP Cohort 9 – Sire Wrap-Up Christian Duff, General Manager - Genetic Improvement

The collection and analysis of the full suite of performance data from Cohort 9 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has been completed.

RBV please refer to the Research section on the Angus Australia website. The ASBP is a major initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Stockyard Feedlot, John Dee Abattoir and the genotyping laboratories of Neogen and Zoeties.

“

The objective of the ASBP is to: “Grow the phenotype and genotype reference population with contemporary Australian Angus animals, particularly on hard-to-measure traits, for enhanced genetic evaluation, collaborative research and innovative development.”

“

This most recently included abattoir carcase grading outcomes for the steer progeny, and fertility information for the heifer progeny. Cohort 9 included 506 AI bred progeny from 21 Angus sires nominated for the ASBP. Of the sires, 19 are Australian or New Zealand bred, while 2 are from the US. The US bulls, being Sydgen Black Pearl 2006 and Thomas Edison 6764, providing links into the American Angus Association Structured Sire Evaluation. With the addition of the Cohort 9 sires, the ASBP has now seen the entry of 410 Angus sires into the ASBP, with over 10,000 progeny comprehensively phenotype (i.e. performance recorded) and genotyped (i.e. genomic profiled) A summary of the phenotypes (i.e. performance data) and genotypes (i.e. genomic profiles) added to the Australian Angus reference population from Cohort 9 are reported in Table 1. The full analysis results are available from the Sire Benchmarking section on the Angus Australia website by way of updated Progeny Performance reports. This report, available for each ASBP Cohort, includes BREEDPLAN EBVs, progeny averages and sire rankings. Alternatively, you are also able to access, search and sort through the data available on the ASBP sires via the ASBP online catalogue (https://angus.tech/catalogue/asbp) or ASBPSELECT online facility (https://angus.tech/enquiry/animal/asbp) A summary of the top performing sires from Cohort 9 are listed in Table 2. This table lists the top 10 sires for the Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a range of progeny average values from birth to slaughter based on their progeny within the ASBP. For further traits and information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www. angusaustralia.com.au). Additionally, two resilience focused Research Breeding Values (RBV) are also available for the Cohort 9 Sires. The first being the ImmuneDEX Research Breeding Value with the “top 10” Cohort 9 sires listed in Table 3. The ImmuneDEX RBV provides an estimate of genetic differences between animals for overall immune competence, a key component of resilience. Higher ImmuneDEX RBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with an enhanced ability to resist disease challenges and therefore have lower disease incidence. Lower ImmuneDEX RBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with a higher incidence of disease and associated production losses. The second resilience RBV being the Coat Type RBV, with the “top 10” Cohort 9 sires listed in Table 4. This RBVs provide estimates of genetic differences between animals in coat type, being the subjective assessment of an animal’s hair length, and are expressed in score units. Lower Coat Type RBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with a shorter, slicker coat. For further information on either

To meet the project objectives Angus Australia aims to join an average of 30 sires a year to approximately 1,800 Angus cows to achieve a minimum of 25 progeny per sire using the fixed time AI program supported by Vetoquinol and using the Cue-Mate devices. The Angus cows are located across several commercial focused co-operator herds spanning Northern to Southern New South Wales and Victoria. The Angus sires that enter the ASBP are nominated by Angus Australia or members. A list of all bulls that have entered the ASBP can be viewed in the catalogues listing page on the Angus Australia website. Their progeny are comprehensively performance recorded for calving ease, growth, temperament, heifer reproduction, structure, feed efficiency, abattoir carcase and beef quality attributes. For all ASBP related questions contact Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au Table 1 – Summary of data (phenotypes and genotypes) collected and analysed on progeny of ASBP Cohort 9 Sires. Trait

Comment

Genotypes - Progeny

506

Calving - Calving Difficulty Score, Birth Weight, Gestation Length

506

Weaning - 200 Day Weight Docility Scores

462

Immune Competence

343

400 Day Weight

439

600 Day Weight

355

Ultrasound EMA, IMF, Rib and Rump fat

439

Feet and Leg Structure

439

Coat Score

439

Fertility - Pregnancy Test and Days to Calving

169

Heifers Only

Efficiency - Feed Intake and ADG

205

Steers only

Abattoir - Carcase Weight, EMA, P8 Fat, Rib Fat Marbling Score, Ossification, MSA Index etc

205

Steers only

Laboratory measured IMF & Fatty Acid Profiles

205

Steers only

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 33

VLYM518

WKHM91

NFSM99

USA17236055

HCAM147

CSWM140

DKKM41

WKHM91

ECMM114

VTMM13

Rank Sire

GTNM6

Av. (21 Cohort 9 Sires)

NURK22

33.5

33.1

32.9

32.6

32.5

32.4

32.1

31.5

+236

+244

+$245

+249

+258

+262

CHKM122

ASRM9

NGCM028

WJMM117

HCAM147

NXOL99

WKHM91

VTMM13

ECMM114

SMPM651

WKHM91

ASRM9

WJMM117

USA18704096

BSCM6

SMPM651

NFSM99

VTMM13

NXOL99

279.9

279.6

279.5

279.4

279.3

279.1

279.0

278.7

277.9

277.2

276.7

GL (days)

468.3

464.9

470.9

472.8

474.6

478.7

479.0

481.5

483.3

492.0

501.8

ECMM114

NFSM99

NXOL99

NZE19507016M10

WJMM117

DKKM41

USA18704096

USA17236055

NGCM028

SMPM651

Sire

HCAM147

VTMM13

BSCM6

CSWM140

AMQL29

NXOL99

SMPM651

USA17236055

USA18704096

CHKM122

Carcase Wt Sire (kg)

187.8

189.9

191.0

192.3

192.9

193.2

195.5

198.7

200.4

209.0

ECMM114

CSWM140

DKKM41

NXOL99

WJMM117

USA17236055

NZE19507016M10

NFSM99

NGCM028

SMPM651

Sire

371.7

370.9

371.0

372.7

379.4

383.5

384.6

386.2

386.8

391.8

399.3

(kg)

400 day wt

(kg)

200 day wt

11.6

11.9

12.1

12.6

12.8

13.3

13.6

14.1

14.9

11.4

NZE19507016M10

NXOL99

NGCM028

SMPM651

USA18704096

NURK22

ASRM9

VLYM518

CSWM140

DKKM41

(%)

Carcase IMF

90.7

91.4

91.5

92.1

92.2

92.6

93.0

93.1

94.2

94.5

97.3

Carcase EMA Sire (cm )

HCAM147

ECMM114

NFSM99

USA18704096

NXOL99

VTMM13

ASRM9

USA17236055

WJMM117

SMPM651

Sire

NFSM99

USA17236055

BSCM6

NURK22

ASRM9

USA18704096

NGCM028

DKKM41

CSWM140

VLYM518

Sire

304.3

301.6

301.5

300.2

299.1

298.8

296.9

294.4

294.1

291.0

DTC (days)

559.2

560.8

564.0

567.3

577.6

587.1

594.9

606.1

644.2

648.5

666.4

-2.8 -2.8

DKKM41 CHKM122

-2.8

-2.9

-3.0

-3.1

-3.2

-3.4

-3.5

NFI-f (kg/day)

66.0

66.1

66.2

66.3

66.7

66.9

67.0

MSA Index

SMPM651

CSWM140

NZE19507016M10

VTMM13

ECMM114

BSCM6

NGCM028

NXOL99

WJMM117

USA17236055

Sire

NURK22

SMPM651

USA17236055

ASRM9

BSCM6

VLYM518

NGCM028

USA18704096

DKKM41

CSWM140

MSA Marbling Sire Score

*Angus Breeding Index - March 2022 TACE analysis. For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au)

Av. (21 Cohort 9 Sires)

CHKM122

30.9

VTMM13

Birth Wt (kg) Sire

ASRM9

USA18704096

+224

USA18704096

+232

GTNM6

+264

NXOL99

USA17236055

+270

NURK22

Sire

$A* ($)

Rank Sire

Table 2. Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) – Cohort 9 Top 10 Performing Sires

Sire Benchmarking

Table 3 – ImmuneDEX RBVs for “Top 10” (i.e. Higher Immune Competence) Cohort 9 ASBP Sires

Name

DKKM41

HARDHAT H708 MAIMURU J51 M41

ImmuneDEX RBV

NURK22

MURRAY POWER TOOL K22

+41

CSWM140

MURDEDUKE NOVAK M140

+40

VLYM518

LAWSONS MOMENTOUS M518

+39

BSCM6

WAITARA THE CHAIRMAN M6

+38

NGCM028

DULVERTON MEDAGLIA M028

+36

USA18704096

THOMAS EDISON 6764

+35

WKHM91

KOOJAN HILLS UP RIVER M91

+34

GTNM6

CHILTERN PARK MOE M6

+33

HCAM147

BOONAROO JOYNER M147

+33

NFSM99

FARRER MAXWELL M99

+33

Average*

+32

+44

Average ImmuneDEX RBV for the 21 Cohort 9 sires

Table 4 Coat Type RBVs for “Top 10” (i.e. Slicker Coats) Cohort 9 ASBP Sires

Name

SMPM651

PATHFINDER MASTERPIECE M651

Coat Type RBV -0.34

VLYM518

LAWSONS MOMENTOUS M518

-0.24

GTNM6

CHILTERN PARK MOE M6

-0.21

NFSM99

FARRER MAXWELL M99

-0.21

WJMM117

ARDCAIRNIE M117

-0.21

USA17236055

SYDGEN BLACK PEARL 2006

-0.20

BSCM6

WAITARA THE CHAIRMAN M6

-0.18

CHKM122

MANEROO PARTNERSHIP M122

-0.17

DKKM41

HARDHAT H708 MAIMURU J51 M41

-0.16

CSWM140

MURDEDUKE NOVAK M140

-0.14

Average*

-0.06

Average Coat type RBV for the 21 Cohort 9 sires.

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Advertorial

Assisted Reproduction in a World without ODB Implications for the Australian Beef Industry Vetoquinol Australia The use of hormone-based products in animals has become increasingly controversial over time. The focus has generally been on hormone growth implants (HGP’s) however, a number of reproduction drugs have been included in the resulting decisions not only by policy makers, but also in the form of voluntary withdrawal of products by industry and pharmaceutical companies themselves. In the early 1980’s, the EU banned the use of substances having a hormonal action for growth promotion in farm animals, which then had an impact on countries exporting animal products to the EU. The ban was based on fears that residues in animal products could have dire consequences such as increasing the risk of cancer or resulting in the premature onset of puberty in children. The scientific evidence in support of the ban is far from compelling and has since been questioned repeatedly. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, consumer pressure has continued to mount over the last 15 years and it is likely that further products, such as some of those used in bovine reproduction, will come under scrutiny and may subsequently be removed. Oestradiol-based hormones are commonly used in many beef oestrous synchrony programs and has become a mainstay in the cattle reproduction world. When used in a Fixed Time AI (FTAI) program, together with an intravaginal progesterone releasing device such as Cue-Mate®, oestradiol benzoate, for example, gives reliable, affordable and predictable results. Oestradiol-based hormones however were banned altogether in NZ in 2007 and a voluntary ban was put in place in the Australian dairy industry soon after. Faced with the abrupt removal of ODB in NZ, both the beef and dairy industries relied heavily on overseas data (largely the USA where ODB isn’t used in assisted breeding) and scientists with overseas experience to help implement new programs using GnRH and PG instead of ODB. The first year using these new programs had a few challenges but generally the results were equivalent to the previous ODB-based programs and producers have been using these alternate products and programs since. The ongoing question seems not so much if, but when would all oestradiol-based products also be banned, either forcibly or voluntarily, in the Australian beef industry? And following on from that, what would beef cattle reproduction look like without the use of oestradiol-based hormones? Fortunately it is possible to manipulate the bovine oestrus cycle and achieve the same outcome, using alternative drugs to oestradiol. A combination of GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) and PG (Prostaglandin F2α) can be incorporated in synchrony programs which is commonly referred to as the ‘Ovsynch’ or GPG program. This is the program typically used in EU accredited herds. In this program, an initial injection of GnRH on Day 0 forces ovulation of any larger follicles thereby recruiting a new wave of follicles. Once the resulting CL (corpus luteum) is 36

lutalysed by means of a PG (prostaglandin) injection on Day 7, there is no longer progesterone suppression, and these developing follicles are free to progress to ovulation. Ovulation can be triggered by a second GnRH injection on Day 9, thereby achieving a tighter synchrony allowing for fixed-time insemination (FTAI) either 16-20 hours post GnRH injection, or even combined with FTAI (‘Cosynch’) with some adaptation of timing. The incorporation of a Cue-Mate® progesterone releasing device (between Day 0 and Day 7 (GPG+P4 programs) further enhances the results of the ‘Ovsynch’ programs by recruiting and synchronising animals which haven’t properly responded to the first GnRH injection, thereby increasing the conception rates to FTAI. This progesterone also provides the necessary priming to induce cyclicity in animals which are pre-pubertal (heifers), or may be in some form of anoestrus (e.g. low body condition, suckling anoestrus or late calving). Study results from local and global research have shown similar conception and pregnancy rates when comparing ODB-based programs with these GPG type programs, both in dairy and beef reproduction programs, so we can be assured that there are good alternatives if ODB is no longer allowed. But there are some downsides and significant differences with implementing the GPG type programs: 1.

The drugs are significantly more expensive due to the cost of the active ingredients and this increases the overall cost of synchrony programs (by approximately 15% - NZ Data).

2. Oestradiol directly causes signs of heat/oestrus so a high proportion of cows in synchronisation programs exhibit oestrus behaviour at the time of FTAI, whereas GPG programs often trigger ovulation before the follicle is producing oestrogen and therefore the cow will not show signs of oestrus even though ovulation is occurring. This is a major difference between the programs and requires a ‘leap of faith’ where all cattle are inseminated to FTAI even though not all cows are demonstrating oestrus/ heat.

3. AI technicians may also observe a different feel of the tissues in the genital tract since the lack of oestrogen results in different tissue tones and again this requires a ‘leap of faith’ where all animals are inseminated to FTAI at the appropriate time, and not based on oestrus observation. Beef producers in New Zealand, where oestradiol was banned entirely in food producing animals, have had over a decade to adapt to GPG programs which have undergone some further refinements to reduce the number of handlings required whilst maintaining pregnancy rates. Overall, New Zealand reproduction experts agree that there has been no drop in fertility outcomes by changing to GPG programs and oestradiol is just a memory now in NZ. We can conclude that a withdrawal or ban of oestradiol from beef reproduction programs in Australia wouldn’t have a catastrophic impact given the availability of scientifically proven drug alternatives. There would however be a crucial changeover period where beef producers and reproduction teams would have to adapt to the new programs and accept a higher cost. Cue-Mate® is a registered trademark of Vetoquinol Hughes P & Oswald A. Initial experiences with synchronised fixed time AI programmes in beef cattle without oestradiol. Proceedings of the Society of Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians of the NZVA, 2008 i

Laven R., Life without Oestradiol Benzoate – AI Syncrony in cattle. Proceedings of the Society of Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians of the NZVA, 2008 Malmo J. et al, Comparison of two treatments of anovulatory anoestrous in postpartum dairy cows, one treatment using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), progesterone, prostaglandin f2, GnRH regimen and the other using a progesterone and oestradiol benzoate regime. McDougall S., J. Effects of treatment of anoestrous dairy cows with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin and progesterone. Dairy Sci 93:1944-1959 McDougall S, Cullum A, Anniss FM and Rhodes FM. Treatment of anovulatory anoestrous postpartum dairy cows with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2, GnRH regimen or with progesterone and oestradiol benzoate. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 49(5), 168-172, 2001

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The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 37

Sire Benchmarking

Heifer Fertility Focus for the Australian Angus Reference Population Christian Duff, General Manager - Genetic Improvement

Since its inception in 2010, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has focused on recording fertility data in yearling heifers under naturally mated, commercially focused systems.

A For a maternal breed like Angus, understanding and describing female fertility genetics is critical. The main female fertility trait recorded in the ASBP is daysto-calving, which is the trait analysed through the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) to produce daysto-calving EBVs. The ASBP currently accounts for 65% (or 2,381) of the Angus females that have both a genotype and days-to-calving phenotype in TACE (figure 1). A table of the “top 20” Days-to-Calving EBV Sires, with ASBP progeny as listed in table 1. To recap, days-to-calving EBVs are estimates of genetic differences between animals in the time from the start of the joining period (i.e. when the female is introduced to a bull) until subsequent calving (figure 2). Days to Calving EBVs are calculated from the joining records submitted for both heifers and cows who have been mated naturally in a paddock situation, and are expressed in day units. Lower Days to Calving EBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny that conceive earlier in the joining period.

Females with lower Days to Calving EBVs also tend to show earlier puberty as heifers and earlier return to oestrous after calving. Days-to-calving trait is generally considered “hard-tomeasure” for most Angus Australia members as the majority of registered Angus females will enter an assisted reproduction program each breeding season (e.g. synchronized for a fixed-time artificial insemination program). This not being conducive with the current days-to-calving trait, which relies solely on natural mating systems. The ASBP plans to capture more heifer fertility data under natural mating, coupled with genotypes, over coming years (cohorts). Members who also naturally join registered Angus females are strongly encouraged to submit the required data for the days-to-calving EBV analysis. Information on collecting data for days-to-caving and interpreting the EBV can be found at the Angus Education Centre (https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/education/)

ASBP

Member

B 38

A: Figure 2: Days to Calving EBVs are calculated from the joining records submitted for both heifers and cows who have been mated naturally in a paddock situation, and are expressed in day units, B: Figure 1: The ASBP currently accounts for 65% (or 2,381) of the Angus females that have both a genotype and days-to-calving phenotype in TACE.

A B

Table 1. “Top 20” Days-to-Calving EBV Sires with ASBP progeny ID

Name

DtC EBV

Accuracy

Percentile

VTMK138

TE MANIA KIRBY K138

-14.8

72%

VTMK52

TE MANIA KALIBROOK K52

-12.2

64%

NHZK416

HAZELDEAN KATZEN K416

-12.1

68%

VTML64

TE MANIA LANCASTER L64

-11.9

67%

WKHL43

KOOJAN HILLS GATSBY L43

-11.4

61%

NGMK9

BOOROOMOOKA KINGY K9

-11.4

67%

NGXH171

BONGONGO H171

-11.1

63%

ECMJ56

BANNABY DAIQUIRI J56

-10.9

63%

SMPM558

PATHFINDER MAXIMUS M558

-10.9

62%

WWEL3

ESSLEMONT LOTTO L3

-10.8

73%

HIOE7

AYRVALE BARTEL E7

-10.7

92%

USA16295688

G A R PROPHET

-10.7

87%

NBHK330

CLUNIE RANGE KALUHA K330

-10.6

65%

NFSM6

FARRER M6

-10.6

60%

NZE17691009E5

TURIHAUA CRUMP E5

-10.4

90%

NXTL096

TWYNAM L096

-10.3

53%

ECMM114

BANNABY BERKLEY M114

-9.9

65%

BOWK2

BOWMAN AUSTRALIA K2

-9.7

68%

QBUG49

BURENDA GEIGER COUNTER G49

-9.7

69%

NORE11

RENNYLEA EDMUND E11

-9.6

94%

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The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 39

Northern Focus

Angus Days to Calving Validated in Northern Australia Jen Peart, Northern Development Officer

Fertility is widely acknowledged as the most important profit driver for northern cattle production systems, with significant economic gains to be made from incremental increases in conception, branding and weaning rates.

Currently, according to ABAREs farm survey data, the average weaning rate in northern Australia is estimated to be 63% - significantly lower than the 78% average in southern Australia. Estimations from the Australian Beef Report (2020) and ABAREs farm survey data reveal that with every percentage point increase in reproductive rates (one extra weaner per 100 breeders), an average operation’s herd income increases between $1,098 and $42,377 depending on the region – on average representing an estimated increase in profit of $109 million across the Northern Beef Industry. Angus genetics are being progressively incorporated into breeding programs across the north – not only to take advantage of the market premiums for Angus and Angus cross animals, but for the inherent Angus female fertility coupled with the ability to utilise fertility Estimated Breeding Values and make genetic gain in fertility related traits such as days to calving and scrotal size. This poses the question, do Trans Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) fertility EBVs relate to expected performance differences in the north, given that the majority of performance recording and genetics are based in southern production environments? To answer this question, Angus Australia undertook a research project in partnership with the University of Queensland to understand if there was the opportunity to improve fertility EBVs to better reflect northern performance. ID

Name

VLYH205

LAWSONS HARVARD H205

DOB

Prog

Reg

Heifer Puberty

6/23/2012

188

HBR

Utilising fertility performance data collected in Angus and Angus cross herds from 54 properties across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia collected in UQ’s Northern Genomics Project, the projects aims where to: 1. Produce new Research Breeding Values to focus on the genetic description for the northern production environment, 2. Assess the TACE Days to Calving EBV’s ability to predict differences in progeny performance in a northern setting, and 3. Consider the value of the inclusion of the Northern Genomic Project reference population data into TACE.

New traits, new opportunities:

By determining the relationship between the animals included in UQ’s Northern Genomics Project and the Australian Angus reference population, Research Breeding Values for a range of new traits developed by UQ could be generated for 5,123 Angus bulls. These RBVs included; 1. Heifer Puberty: Heifer cycling or not cycling at 600 days, as determined by ovarian scanning. The presence of a corpus luteum indicates that the heifer has reached puberty or absence of a corpus luteum when scanned indicates that the heifer has not reached puberty.

Name

DOB

Prog

Reg

P4M

0.58

BNAD145

TUWHARETOA REGENT D145

9/8/2008

7168

HBR

0.07

LANDFALL MODEST F56

7/26/2010

179

HBR

0.07

HIOE7

AYRVALE BARTEL E7

9/9/2009

6828

HBR

0.52

TFAF56

NLRJ61

REILAND JORDAN J61

3/25/2013

152

HBR

0.49

GTNM3

CHILTERN PARK MARBLES M3

2/25/2016

199

HBR

0.06

9/22/1996

162

HBR

0.06

4/27/2010

151

HBR

0.06

VLYH803

LAWSONS INCREDIBLE H803

8/17/2012

1117

HBR

0.48

VTMR201+96 TE MANIA RICHARD R201+96

ECMK63

BANNABY REALITY K63

7/30/2014

163

HBR

0.48

WGAF18

LITTLE MEADOWS FULL THROTLE F18

USA97

P A R B DESIGN PLUS 97

1/14/1997

1917

HBR

0.48

WDCJ268

COONAMBLE JESTER J268

7/22/2013

129

HBR

0.06

VHWJ13

WEERAN JOEL J13

3/13/2013

418

APR

0.47

TFAK132

LANDFALL KEYSTONE K132

7/19/2014

2252

HBR

0.05

DXTG281

TEXAS NEW DESIGN G281

8/11/2011

151

HBR

0.45

USA12760345

S A NEUTRON 377

VLYN149

LAWSONS BLUE BAGGER N149

5/29/2017

251

HBR

0.45

NAQC18

ARDROSSAN CASINO C18

NORC511

RENNYLEA C511

8/14/2007

1321

APR

0.45

CBJW42

DYLEMMA RADAR W42

Name

BCHA10

DOB

Prog

Reg

Buffalo Fly Leision

J & C APPEAL A10

8/21/2005

300

HBR

-0.018

NAQA334 ARDROSSAN APOLLO A334

QRFE269

RAFF EMPIRE E269

8/20/2009

506

HBR

-0.016

VTMB1

BCHE11

J & C EVIDENCE E11

1/28/2009

236

HBR

-0.016

VTMY437

VLYH803

8/17/2012

1117

HBR

-0.012

TAIMATE LAZARUS L12

8/6/2015

168

HBR

-0.01

USA7078

VERMILION DATELINE 7078

2/4/1997

1543

HBR

-0.009

CGKB78

ALPINE BEAUREGARD B78

9/20/2006

241

HBR

-0.009

NORK464 RENNYLEA K464

7/29/2014

143

HBR

-0.009

USA5321

2/16/1995

10452

HBR

-0.006

2/8/2003

150

HBR

-0.006

LAWSONS INCREDIBLE H803

NZE12865015L12

C A FUTURE DIRECTION 5321

USA14526645

TC GRID TOPPER 355

1/12/1997

1104

HBR

0.05

2/20/2007

601

HBR

0.05

1/8/2001

570

HBR

0.05

DOB

Prog

Reg

Tick Resistance

10/7/2005

375

HBR

-0.07

TE MANIA BERKLEY B1

7/29/2006

5620

HBR

-0.06

TE MANIA YORKSHIRE Y437

8/23/2003

1901

HBR

-0.06

NGMU170

BOOROOMOOKA UNDERTAKEN U170

9/13/1999

634

HBR

-0.06

QRFE269

RAFF EMPIRE E269

8/20/2009

506

HBR

-0.06

NLRH874

REILAND HILARY H874

10/26/2012

305

HBR

-0.06

ABERDEEN ESTATE AHWF103 FACILITATOR F103

11/6/2010

305

HBR

-0.06

NHZM586 HAZELDEAN M586

8/11/2016

250

APR

-0.06

VCCC71

COOLANA RIGHT TIME C71

8/4/2007

159

HBR

-0.06

DCSG085

TABLE TOP ANGUS G085

7/23/2011

134

APR

-0.06

SRKK305

BOWMONT GATSBY K305

7/10/2014

132

HBR

-0.06

Name

Heritability is estimated to be 22% and the more positive the RBV the earlier puberty can be expected in progeny. 2. P4M: First calf heifer’s ability to re-conceive and are pregnant within 4 months of calving. Heritability is estimated to be 11% and the more positive the RBV the more likely the heifer progeny are to reconceive after their first calving. 3. Tick Resistance: The more negative the RBV, the more tick resistance can be expected in the progeny. This trait is 33% heritable. 4. Buffalo Fly Lesions: The more negative the RBV, the less buffalo fly lesions can be expected in the progeny. This trait is 14% heritable. The results for the “top 10” registered Angus sires, sufficiently connected to the Northern Genomics Project reference population to have research breeding values generated on them are listed in the below table. These new traits pose significant opportunity for the Australian Angus population, particularly as they may provide a greater description of fertility performance in Northern Australia and resilience to parasites unique to the northern production environment which, anecdotally, are a limiting factor in Angus usage.

Days to Calving’s performance in the north:

The genetic correlations between the Angus Australia Days to Calving EBV and Northern genomics traits from a full multi-trait analysis were favourable (Days to Calving was negatively correlated with heifer puberty and P4M). This means that by selecting Angus sires that have shorter Days to Calving EBVs, their heifer progeny in Northern Australia are likely to reach puberty earlier and have increased rates of re-conception after their first calf. Days to Calving Northern Genomics

Heifer Puberty

-0.12

Project Traits

P4M

-0.31

Table 2: Genetic Correlation between Days to Calving and Heifer Puberty and P4M based on the phenotypes collected on Northern Genomics Project reference population females with less than 50% Bos indicus content

Due to the predominantly cross-bred and Bos indicus influenced nature of the Northern reference population, the favourable relationship between Days to Calving were stronger when a subset of the Northern Genomics data, where only heifers with less than or equal to 50% Bos indicus content was used. The project also showed that the accuracy of the Days to Calving EBV could be increased by including the Northern Genomics reference population data in TACE. This would result from additional modelling, and building in the Heifer Puberty and P4M records as genetically correlated traits to Days to Calving.

Where to from here:

There are a number of opportunities to consider arising from this project, which include; 1. Continued effort in collection of Days to Calving data, particularly in northern environments. Due to the predominate use of AI in the Australian Angus herd, Days to Calving is considered a hard to measure trait. Greater data collection will ensure that Days to Calving continues to allow for accurate selection for fertility in the Australia production system, coupled with extension promoting the benefits of Days to Calving. 2. Leveraging genomic technology to gain tick and fly resistance values. Genomics is likely to play a vital role in gaining robust genetic evaluation for northern focused RBVs such as tick and fly. 3. Investigating the potential to include data from existing sources such as UQ’s Northern Genomics Project into TACE It also illustrates the potential for further research and validation for new traits to be conducted in northern Angus populations. These opportunities will be further assessed during 2022. If you have any feedback that you would like considered please contact the Northern Development Consultative Committee or Angus Australia’s Northern Development Officer, Jen Peart on M: 0417 219 405 E: jen.peart@ angusaustralia.com.au

Table 1: Top 10 sires (sufficiently connected to the Northern Genomics Project Reference Population for Heifer Fertility, P4M, Tick Resistance and Buffalo Fly Leision Reseach Breeding Values

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 41

Northern Focus

Slick Operations – Coat Type an Increasing Priority Jen Peart, Northern Development Officer

Brad and Jackie Schultz, “Tower Hill”, north of Muttaburra, Queensland, have been using Angus bulls in their operation for 10 years, joining them to a cross bred Brahman cow herd.

They are pleased with the results, finding the progeny easy to market and the ability to select on key traits vital to their operation. A trait carrying increased importance in the Schultz’ operation when selecting Angus bulls is coat type. “Slick coats are a big thing for our operation. We don’t go for the hairy ones because they can’t cop the heat and can’t disperse it, and it is hot here compared to where they are used to,” explains Brad. Similarly, the herd of 3,000 Angus cattle on “Limestone Station”, owned and operated by the Brooks family at Marble Bar, Western Australia are now largely sleek coated. The Brooks consider coat type to be vitally important given the extreme and prolonged temperatures experienced and cull animals exhibiting thick and coarse coats. “Anything that is a long haired, shaggy coated type animal, they won’t perform at all, it doesn’t matter if they are Angus, good genetics or whatever they are. Anything with a shiny short coat survives and thrives whereas the shaggy coated ones won’t” stated Grant Brooks in a recent ABC Country Hour interview. Although anecdotal, these sentiments are echoed across the beef industry and have a building body of research to support these observations. Research conducted in a range of studies through the Americas and Australia in both the dairy and beef industries has found animals genetically predisposed to have slicker coats have greater heat tolerance. Heat tolerance is complex to define, as many factors influence an animal’s ability to tolerate heat, but traits collected that have been found to reflect heat tolerance include the impact on performance (weight gain, milk production, feed intake etc) and rectal or vaginal temperatures. From as early as the 1960’s, research suggested that coat type plays an important role in the regulation of core temperature as animals with shorter hair coats maintained a lower body temperature (Turner & Schelger, 1960). In Australian conditions, genetic correlations between slicker coats and lower rectal temperatures ranges from low (0.07) to moderately high (0.39) in tropically adapted Bos taurus breeds such as Belmonts (Prayaga & Henshall, 2005; Prayaga et al 2003). Studies on Brangus cattle in Florida, USA found that animals with shorter smoother hair coats had significantly lower vaginal temperatures when compared to animals with long coats (Hamblen et al, 2018). A North American study that included purebred Angus cows estimated the correlation between coat type and rectal temperature to be a moderate 0.24, with those with slicker coats having lower rectal temperature than their course coated peers (Riley et al, 2012). Correlations with production traits have been found to be moderately favourable. As an animal’s ability to handle heat stress improves, so does growth and temperament (Prayaga & Henshall, 2005; Hamblen et al, 2018). 42

A In Bos indicus animals, Prayaga et al (2009) found that animals with slicker coats had better body condition scores and heifers were earlier maturing. Recently, a coat shedding score has been developed for the American Angus population with the view that it will enable breeders to genetically select for heat tolerance. A combination of environmental factors such as greater Angus use in northern areas and the increasing animal welfare risk from increasing temperatures as a result of climate change saw Angus Australia release a Coat Type Research Breeding Value (RBV), developed in partnership with the University of New England. Heat stress is estimated to cost the feedlot industry $16.6 million each year alone, not including the unquantified loss of production in extensive environments. Industry issues such as dagging in feedlots has also been a driver in developing the Coat Type RBV. Meat and Livestock Australia estimated in 2016 that dagging in feed yards was costing the industry between $4 and $10 million – roughly $10.55 to $16.02/head, a cost predominantly borne by the processor and the lot feeder. The Coat Type trait is moderately heritable in the Australian Angus population (approximately 30%) and currently more than 19,218 phenotypes have been collected on Angus animals from both member herds and through the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. This information has resulted in 32,235 animals having a Coat Type RBV generated in the fortnightly Trans Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. Coat type is a subjective 1-7 score collected during late spring/early summer when there is sufficient variation between animals, i.e. some animals will have shed their winter coat, while others will have not. A detailed Coat Type collection guideline is available in the Angus Education Centre. Lower Coat Type RBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with a shorter, slicker coat. Although slick coat type is preferred in most northern environments, it requires more consideration in southern, temperate production systems.

Using the Coat Type RBV, producers utilising Angus genetics can leverage the variation expressed between animals within the breed to breed for a coat type appropriate to their environment. Coat type represents Angus Australia’s initial step into developing heat resilience traits. There is significant work to be undertaken to get a definitive understanding of how reflective coat type is of heat tolerance in the Australian production system in Australia Angus cattle and its correlation with other traits. Given the importance of animal welfare in the warming production environment and the mounting demand for Angus genetics in northern regions, particularly those with slicker coats, developing this understanding is a priority.

Score

Coat Type

Description

Extremely short

Hairs extememly short and closely applied to the skin. Found in some Bos indicus, tropically adapted Bos taurus and in some of their crossbreds.

Very short

Coat sleek, hairs short and coarse, lying flat, just able to by lifted by the thumb.

Fairly short

General apperance smooth-coated. Hairs easily lifted, usually fairly coarse.

Fairly long

Coat not completely smooth, somewhat rough, patches of hairs being curved outwards, or whole coat showing sufficient length to be ruffled.

Long

Hairs distinctly long and lying loosely; predominately coarse.

Hairy

Hairs erect, giving fur-like apperance. Fingers are partly buried in the coat. Fine hairs of under-coat give soft handle.

Very Hairy

The more extreme expression of 6, with greater length and “body”, and heavy cover extending to neck and rump.

“A small but outstanding range of sires available in Australia” Semen available from leading studs including Musgrave Angus - WMR Angus - Matauri Angus & more.... Genetic Choice Australia

0417 748 231

A: Brad and Jackie Shultz, with their children at ‘Tower Hill’ Muttaburra QLD, B: Angus cattle on ‘Limestone Station’, Marble Bar WA

www.geneticchoice.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 43

Benchmark: A standard of excellence to which others are compared

CED

RADG

Milk

Doc

Claw

Angle

Marb

EPD

+10

0.4

+84

+150

+0.30

+1.17

+15.8

+33

+84

+22

+0.39

+0.43

+62

+0.63

+0.87

Rank

25%

35%

10%

30%

10%

20%

30%

10%

20%

15%

40%

15%

USA Angus EPD's - 1 March 2022 Mill Brae Benchmark arrives in Australia as one of the USA's most sought after young sires. The first Benchmark progeny were a highlight at the 2022 Schaff sale averaging $21,000 with son, SAV Benchmark 1363, selected by Genex. Across America, Benchmark progeny are excelling and proving himself as a sire of quality. Benchmark combines elite performance, data and pedigree with imposing phenotype. Benchmark progeny are born light, gain rapidly, are extra muscled and feature strong Angus character. The Benchmark are easily identified for their long, smooth make and attractive type. Benchmark has been used successfully on heifers and cows alike with the same curvebending performance. The EPD's of Benchmark reflect both his performance and balance. Benchmark's sire, Connealy Confidence Plus, may well be producing more sons to stud than any other current sire while daughters are excelling in production. Pathfinder Dam, Joanie 3063, is considered among the breeds most elite and is the type every Breeder aims to achieve. Semen is available now.

Mill Brae Joanie 3063 - Pathfinder Dam

SAV Bench Press 1363 - $45,000 to Genex

Beefgen | Beefgen.com.au | info@beefgen.com.au | +61 412 425 949

Don’t miss out on the features Matt Reynolds

Angus.Tech is loaded with information and there are a number of features to help users find not only the animals they are looking for but also bring the information they are interested in up quickly and easily. These features are available to every registered user and are simple to use, once users are aware of them and how they improve the Angus.Tech experience. These features include;

Saved searches make finding animals quicker

Are you doing the same search, over and over? Do you have a list of bulls you have purchased? These are just some of the uses for the saved search feature of Angus Database Search which enables users to save the search they have performed. Users can then quickly repeat the search using the Quick search feature when completing a search in Angus Database Search. To save a search, users simply complete the search in Angus Database Search and then select the ‘Save search’ button under search options at the top of the page. A tutorial on saving searches is available within the Angus Education Centre.

Customize your layout, so the information your want is displayed

Want to know if any genetic condition carriers are still in the herd?, Want to know which bulls in the catalogue have been genomic tested? These and many more questions can be quickly and easily answered with a customised results layout in Angus.tech. The customise results layout feature of Angus.Tech enables users to select the information that is display on the results page for their searches. Users can create a range of layouts to suit what sort of search they have conducted and can quickly change between them with the drop down box at the top of the page. A tutorial on customising the results layout is available within the Angus Education Centre.

Load up IDs saves time

Do you have a list of animals to search? Users can now upload lists of animal IDs into Angus Database Search when entering their selection criteria. Users will simply need to have the list of animals to load in a .CSV document with the column heading ‘Animal ID’. Users will then select the ‘Upload Animal IDs’ button beside the Animal ID criteria box within Angus Database Search and select the file containing the IDs to be loaded. For further information on loading animal IDs into Angus Database Search contact staff at Angus Australia.

Getting the data, the way you want it, by sorting the results

Are you looking for the animals with superior EBVs for calving ease? Do you want to know how many daughters you retained by a bull? Sorting is a useful feature when viewing results within Angus.Tech. To sort, users simply click the grey arrows, facing alternate directions, located beside the criteria they wish to sort their search results by. Clicking the arrows a second time will sort the criteria in the alternate direction.

Users can also apply sorting criteria as part of the search criteria when completing searches in Angus.Tech. A tutorial covering sorting results is available within the Angus Education Centre.

Print the results and analyse the results with the Report Centre

The report centre has reports designed for two tasks; extracting data or analysing your search results further. Users wanting to print or extract data out of Angus.Tech can do so, using the report centre’s ‘Generate Reports’ function. Users are able to select one of the templates to display and print their search results, with the option to display animals as a list, with the default layout information or produce single page summaries on each of the animals within the search. Users who select the single page summary, referred to as the ‘Detailed animal report’ can then further select from 3 template options; Pedigree + EBVs + EBV Chart, Pedigree + EBVs and Pedigree Only. Users who are members of Angus Australia will also have two additional report options, the Search Results Listing (CSV), which enables them to extract additional information from Angus.Tech in .CSV format and the option to generate registration certificates. The second group of reports within the report centre helps users’ analyse their search results further with 4 options; Result Summary – This report calculates the average EBV for each trait, for all the animals within your search, as well as the minimum and maximum EBV for each trait within the group. Sire Summary – This report lists the sires represented within your search results, listing the number of progeny they have represented within the group as well as the sires’ EBVs. Trait Comparison – This report produces a scatter plot of the animals within your search based on their EBVs for two traits. Users select the traits they wish to have plotted. Trait Distribution – This report produces a bar chart of the animals within your search based on their EBVs for one trait. Users select the trait they wish to have plotted. A detailed tutorial on all the reports as part of the Report Centre is available within the Angus Education Centre.

Need Help?

Sometimes it just helps to have someone talk you through a task and Angus Australia staff are more than happy to talk users through utilising any of the features discussed in this article. For users wanting to work through at their own pace, the Angus Education Centre provides detailed tutorials in both written and video formats to support users of Angus.tech. For further information on utilising any of the new features contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 45

Member Services

Member Services Matters Bernard Beatty, Member Services Manager

I am happy to be on-board with Angus Australia and meeting the wonderful team we have working here. I was talking to one of the team and he quite rightly pointed out that there is a wealth of experience in the department, and I must agree with this observation. They have very much welcomed me and are educating me around the systems and programs we have at Angus Australia.

Autumn Inventory

Just a reminder to members that the Autumn Inventory Fates are due by 18th March and the billing will occur on the 4th of April. It is particularly important that these fates are completed by this date to ensure that members are correctly charged. We also request that even if there are no changes to this inventory that you sign and date the document and return to us for filing. Following this the Calf Records will be sent out via email, and for those members who do not have an email address recorded with Angus Australia, this will be posted out to you. This will occur from the 4th April 2022.

Genomic and DNA Services

Just a reminder for our members that if you want to have any genomic testing for your animals, you need to be a member of TACE (the Trans Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation

“

or Angus Australia’s genetic evaluation service) for this to happen. Please contact our Members Services team for more information. To help our team better process your DNA tests, please complete the required Angus Australia forms or use the online service available to you when submitting your samples.

Calving Year Letter Code is T

As we have moved into 2022, just a reminder to our members that the birth year code is T, and the ident will be displayed as XXX22TXXX for all calf registrations.

What is the uniqu e anim al ID?

NLIS & RFID

Just a reminder to our members the requirement to have identification recorded in the Angus Australia registers as per our regulations, in particular 6.35 for registrations and when transferring animals (refer to 12.10); 6.35 Either the visual NLIS number or NLIS RFID of every animal recorded in the HBR, APR or MBR must be recorded with the Society before the animal is 12 months of age. If a NLIS tag is replaced for any reason, the Society must be notified of the new number or RFID within 30 days of application. The availability of NLIS identification for all animals on the Angus Australia database born after 1/1/2021 will make the process for confirming the Angus Australia ID for an animal easier, facilitating a more seamless process for confirming the ownership and registration details of Angus seedstock animals. 12.10 Prior to transfer at least 2 forms of permanent identification must be applied, as specified in Regulations 6.32 to 6.36. Our team will be sending out reports as a reminder to our members to help you record this information.

A champion team will always beat a team of champions - Early Collingwood Magpies teams -

“

I am looking forward to working with our members and listening to you about the exciting times ahead within our industry. I hope that we can further drive relationships between our members and Angus Australia and will always appreciate any suggestions for improvements in the way that we interact with our members and key stakeholders. As Scott advised, my background has been in the health field and moving into the beef industry is certainly exciting, and quite different to what I have been used to. My family do run a small commercial beef operation in and around Glen Innes and seeing what Angus Australia is doing within this industry is certainly an eye opener, and very exciting to see. We welcome Rachael Constable to the Member Services team , who will be working as a Member Services Officer three days a week. Rachael comes with a wealth of experience within the cattle and beef industry. Tammy continues her hard work with assisting our new memberships from New Zealand. This is a very exciting time, and we welcome these new members to Angus Australia. We are working extremely hard transitioning our new members into our database, and we greatly appreciate your help and patience as we work through this process. I also want to acknowledge and wish Dr Peter Parnell all the best in the next stage of his life and career, and hope he wins the battle against the blackberries. I look forward to working with Scott Wright as our new CEO and welcome him in this role.

A: Adam Allingham, B: Member Services Manager Barney Beatty, Member Services Officer, Adam Allingham and Project Officer - ASBP, Nick Butcher

Privacy Settings in Angus.Tech Reminder

Members would have received communication via email or post, around their Privacy Settings on the website. For those members who want to have their information displayed on the website, you will need to update your settings to allow this to happen. Please contact our team if you need any more information on this.

AN G U S

The Member Services team Out and About

Adam Allingham and I were able to go out on a field trip with the Strategic Projects team on the 14th February where we helped out with data collection for the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) with Richard Puddicombe at Burindi. It was a great morning to see how this operation works, and we thank Christian and Nick for showing us the ropes. If you ever need an expert TSU sampler, contact Adam, as he is very proficient at this now!

B Questions & Further Information

If you have an issue regarding anything affecting your Membership, Registrations, Transfers, Performance Recording, DNA or any other Member Services matter please call and speak to one of our Member Service Officers or myself, 02 6773 4600 or regos@angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 47

Member Services

Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services Angus Australia, in collaboration with our partners, Neogen Australasia and Zoetis Animal Genetics, offer members a comprehensive range of DNA services for utilisation within their Angus breeding enterprise. The provision of DNA services is part of Angus Australia’s commitment to ensure members and their commercial customers have access to world leading genetic evaluation technologies, and associated tools for genetic improvement, which will ultimately enhance the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain. The DNA services that are available have a wide range of applications, such as the verification of parentage information, the identification of carriers for recessive genetic conditions, improved accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus seedstock animals, and

more accurate selection of replacement Angus females in commercial breeding programs. Developing a strategy for utilising the DNA services that are available within your breeding program can be daunting, but a number of staff at Angus Australia are available to provide assistance, along with staff at Neogen and Zoetis. Contact staff at Angus Australia today on (02) 6773 4600 to discuss your DNA service requirements. Information is also available by contacting staff at Zoetis on 1300 768 400, or Neogen on (07) 3736 2134.

Angus Australia – DNA Services - Zoetis Animal Genetics

Genomic Tests

Genetic Conditions

Zoetis HD50K for Angus

$51.45

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$25.85

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$25.85

Add Core Genetic Test Panel

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$25.85

Add Full Genetic Test Panel

$41.25

Dwarfism (DW)

$25.85

Add Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$8.25

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$25.85

Add Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$8.25

Add Developmental Duplications (DD)

$8.25

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$25.85

Add Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$8.25

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)

$25.85

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$8.25

Osteopetrosis (OS)

$25.85

Add BVDV (PI)2

$9.90

¹ Includes AM, CA, DD & NH 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821) 3 TSU samples only

Angus HeiferSELECTTM

$42.65

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Genetic Traits Coat Colour (RG)

$25.85

Myostatin (NT821)

$25.85

DNA Sample Types

TSU samples only

Hair

No charge

Parentage Verification

Semen

No charge

$29.15

Tissue

No charge

Included

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Base Panel (280 SNPs) Add Parentage Verification

Use AngusSELECT to find Angus animals and tap into the unlimited potential of Angus genetics 48

All fees and charges are GST inclusive. Transactions for overseas members will be charged in $AU, with GST deducted.

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Neogen Australasia

Genomic Tests

Genetic Conditions

Angus GSTM

$48.15

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$25.85

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$25.85

Add Core Genetic Test Panel 1

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$25.85

Add Full Genetic Test Panel 2

$41.25

Dwarfism (DW)

$25.85

Add Developmental Duplications (DD)

$8.25

Horns (HH)

$25.85

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$11.00

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$25.85

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$25.85

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)

$25.85

Osteopetrosis (OS)

$25.85

Includes AM, CA, DD & NH 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821 only) 1

Angus HeiferSELECTTM

$40.45

Genetic Traits

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Coat Colour (RG) Myostatin (6 variants) 5

Parentage Verification Base Panel (543 SNPs)

$30.25

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Build SNP Profile 4 4

$220.00

Involves building an animal’s SNP profile from the genotypes of their progeny. Requires availability of genotypes for a minimum of 10 progeny, plus genotypes of the progeny’s other parent/s.

$25.85 $25.85

Includes NT821, C313Y, E226X, F94L, NT419 and Q204X variants

DNA Sample Types Hair

$3.30

Semen

$11.00

Tissue

$11.00

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Fees Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (10 pack)

$12.00

Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (100 pack)

$120.00

Transfer DNA profile to another DNA lab

$5.50

Parentage Discovery

$66.00 p/hr

Base Animal Surcharge

Incorrect Hair Collector Kit Surcharge 1 2

$27.50

1 2

$2.20

Surcharge covers access to the Angus Australian genomic reference population in th TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Applied to hair samples not provided in an Angus Australia Zoetis hair collector kit

• View & search individual catalogues • Search across multiple catalogues • View upcoming sales • Find suppliers of Angus genetics • See how Angus Australia can help you To access AngusSELECT visit the Angus Australia website: www.angusaustralia.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 49

Angus Verified

NVDs & Guidelines

BLACK ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES Straight black and representing Angus phenotype Small amount of white underline (defined as no white visible from the front of the animal) No white legs and feet · No horns Scurs are acceptable, however they must not be fixed to the skull No bos indicus or dairy characteristics such as loose sheath, bos indicus ears or hump

Angus x Angus AA x AA

Example of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description

BEE

AKEY O

EXPO

Allflex Tags Production Delays Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager

Angus Australia would like to advise that due to the impact of COVID-19, Allfex has provided notification of continued supply interruption to printed tags, which includes the production of the Angus Verified and Angus Registered tags. Allflex have provided the following details regarding printed tag production: “Allflex has been affected, like many industries, by the COVID pandemic through freight and logistics delays, port congestion, componentry availability and COVID related illness within our workforce, quarantine, or close contacts within the community. We continue to work on contingency plans to minimise risk, and the COVID impact to our customers, however, we are seeing delays in some parts of our portfolio. Particularly affected now are our printed tags, with delays to normal order turn-around times. The length of these delays is typically up to 2 weeks on standard order times, however at times may be longer depending on tag type.

We apologise for this inconvenience and are working hard to minimise delays. Thank you for your continued support and patience in this matter.”

What does this mean for Angus Australia members?

Due to this delay, Angus Australia encourages members who are wishing to order Angus Verified or Angus Registered tags to do so at least 6 weeks prior to the sale of animals they wish to tag. Please note that ordering these tags is completed by requesting the appropriate forms from Angus Australia and taking the completed order form to your preferred rural reseller to order the tags. For more information, please contact Angus Australia.

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Call us (Freecall) 1800 650 682 The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 51

Commercial Supply Chain

Gradual buildup of Angus herd at Pinjarra Jessica Whyte, Farm Weekly

Since making the decision to breed beef cattle 15 years ago, the Kielman family’s farming operation has continued to grow. Trading as Lilyvale Grazing, the entire family is involved with the farm in one way or another. Geoff Kielman said his parents, Ray and Marilyn still live and work on the farm at Pinjarra Western Australia, close to him and his wife Kelly and their three children Spencer, Austin and Hudson. Also helping out is Geoff’s uncle Graeme, his father-in-law Rob as well as a full-time worker Kyle Hodges. “I am very lucky to have a good family behind me that are very involved,” Mr Kielman said. A good friend of Mr Kielman, Marc Ross has also been an integral part of helping the family to get to where they are now. Having bred dairy cattle for a number of years it was a slow and gradual buildup of their beef cattle herd. By 2010 the Kielmans were running 140 Angus breeders and 12 years later have reached a current breeding herd size of 500. Along with the increase in herd numbers, they also expanded their farmland having acquired Mr Kielman’s uncle’s farm (800 acres), located at Bow Bridge four hours from their two home farm properties at Meelon/Pinjarra. When selecting a breed, Angus was an obvious choice for the Kielmans as when they were running the dairy cattle they were putting an Angus bull over the Friesians and found the Angus to be easy, docile cattle to work with. The Angus society also put a lot of work into promoting and marketing the breed so there was huge market demand for them. Joining is on the first of June with calving beginning in March. When selling the cattle they are targeting feedlotters and grass fatteners. Generally, they don’t aim to achieve a specific sale weight but usually sell the calves at the 330-340kg mark. Mr Kielman said the market values had been fantastic and hoped it would continue for the foreseeable future. He said that it was hard to predict if the prices would remain as high as they were so they were trying to make the most of it while they could.

“Agriculture on a whole is doing very well, it is a good time to be a cattle producer,” Mr Kielman said. Mr Kielman said temperament was the most important trait when it came to selecting their bulls and which heifers to retain each year. Other characteristics that they look for in their bulls include a medium/ moderate maturity pattern and frame to ensure that they can meet all the categories when being sold into the feedlot market. “Ideally we are looking for nice soft easy doing bulls,” Mr Kielman said. As for classing the heifers, the main traits they look for, similar to the bulls, are moderate mature weight cows with good feet and frame. All of the females are pregnancy tested around classing time. Most of the breeders that they will retain will stay on the two Pinjarra properties, while they will run the more mature cows at Bow Bridge. Mr Kielman said it would be a learning experience running cattle on the new property as they aimed to keep their operations in sync but the conditions may differ. Despite the travel distance they manage to visit the Bow Bridge farm on a regular basis rotating with family members to ensure there is always someone on the property. The cattle are 100pc grassfed and in addition to hay, the Kielmans sow their own pastures consisting mostly of clover-ryegrass. “We do a lot of reseeding each year to ensure they are on good feed,” Mr Keilman said. As for seasonal conditions, he said they were located in a pretty reliable area and are lucky to receive consistent rainfall but 2021 was a particularly strong year. The rain encouraged plenty of pasture growth and saw the cows and calves put on plenty of weight especially during spring. As for the future, he said they wanted to keep improving their breeding herd and continue to get better at what they do.

Angus is a perfect fit for the Job family Julia Wythes, The Land

Cattle that can thrive in the marshes. This is what the Job family is looking for in their herd, and they’ve found that Angus cattle can not only handle the marsh, but also a long walk for water in the western country.

Making the change

But the Job family hasn’t always focused on breeding cattle. They bought their 1052ha home property near Dubbo in 1988, and used to be Merino growers. But when the wool reserve price scheme hit home in 1990, they decided to go out of sheep and breed cattle instead. Their first port of call was Angus, and they haven’t budged since. “It was their popularity, and the fact there were a fair few studs around here,” Mrs Job said. “They were hardy, they had a good temperament, calving ease and fertility, and the Angus society was ahead with estimated breeding values (EBVs) and marketing.” “The society has been really proactive in striving for improvement with genetics over the past 20 years.” The Job family looks for bulls with good structural soundness, as well as impressive EBVs for intramuscular fat and 600-day weight gain. But the ability to walk distances and a calm temperament are just as important. “We have a lot of marsh country, so we need bulls that can walk in that country,” Mr Job said. “We also need the cattle to be quiet, because sometimes when the cattle go into the marshes, we may not see them for a while.” Mr Job said when it comes to cows, he looks for a medium weight cow. “They’ve got to be able to walk in the marsh and across that big western country,” he said.

“

Angus were hardy, they had a good temperament, calving ease and fertility, and the Angus society was ahead with estimated breeding values (EBVs) and marketing. The society has been really proactive in striving for improvement with genetics over the past 20 years.

“

Stafford and Kim Job, along with their sons Jonathon, Nicholas and Lachlan and their families, Emmagool Pastoral, run Angus cattle on nine properties covering 11,000 hectares in central and northern NSW.

The Jobs carry out rounds of weaning and marking on each of the properties, weaning calves when they are six to nine months old. Calves are yard-weaned for seven to 10 days with access to hay and silage. Mr Job said they were in the process of rebuilding their herd after the drought, so they are keeping most of their heifers as breeders at this stage, which are joined when they reach 350kg. The Job family grows oat and wheat crops, so weaners graze oat and forage wheat, as well as native grasses. The weaners are sold to feedlots, through AuctionsPlus or Dubbo saleyards, when they reach between 380 and 440kg.

Managing the herds

Emmagool Pastoral has a split joining for heifers in August and May for eight to 12 weeks, and are later pregnancy tested. Meanwhile, bulls run with the cow herds year-round. “We’ve done this for management, having cows over nine locations. It’s for ease of logistics,” Mrs Job said. Stafford Job, Emmagool Pastoral, needs Angus cattle that can walk long distances and thrive in marsh country on their properties

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Commercial Supply Chain

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Backed by an impressive stud producing cow family and a great combination of EBV’s that blend short gestation and moderate birth with breed leading growth, carcase, index and structure traits.

PHOTO: ANDREW CULLEN

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CE DIR

CE DTRS

EMA

RIB FAT

RUMP FAT

200

400

600

MCW

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EBV

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112

147

131

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7.7

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Angus thrive on the hills at Bundarbo Station Julia Wythes, The Land

Breeding Angus cattle that can handle terrain, from the river bank up into the hills, was an easy choice for Bernie Byrnes.

Mr Byrnes, general manager of BridgeLane, says while Angus were already a fixture on Bundarbo Station, continuing the breed made the most sense. BridgeLane Group bought Bundarbo Station, 2400 hectares on the Murrumbidgee River near Jugiong NSW, in 2019. Mr Byrnes said they were lucky to purchase a good line of younger Angus cows from the previous owner. “There is always a constant demand for Angus feeders,” he said. “And the Angus are pretty suited to the environment. It is quite hilly, and they can handle the terrain and handle the seasons. It gets pretty cold here in winter and hot during the day in summer, so having a breed that can comfortably handle both is crucial.” “When we took over, it was a very ordinary spring and the summer was terrible. Despite the season, the pregnancy testing rate across the herd was very good and the cows really held their condition. “This set us up well when the autumn break came, and we have had a dream run of seasons since. “We have purchased outside heifers to boost our numbers to where they need to be.”

Set up for life at Bundarbo

Today Bundarbo Station at Jugiong runs about 1200 Angus breeders. “We try not to complicate our bull selection too much, but we focus on the 400-day growth and high calving ease direct for bulls to be joined to heifers,” general manager Bernie Byrnes said. “We are pretty light on for labour and the ease of management we are looking for in our heifers is important, especially given our low culling rate due to the herd rebuild. “When we took out a forward contract for a portion of our steers with a southern Queensland feedlot in 2021, they requested the TACE figures from the bulls we have purchased.” Calving begins in July, and calves are weaned in January when they weigh 280 kilograms.

It is quite hilly, and Angus can handle the terrain and handle the seasons

“

Ken McGuirk with Ca m Ross er and Jack Man n The weaning program is very important at Bundarbo, with a focus on setting the weaners up for life. “They can be tough times depending on the season, but we yard wean for two to three weeks and try to get the weaners onto grazing crops along the river by the end of March,” he said. “Our assistant manager Ken McGuirk leads the day-today stock movements and spends a great deal of time educating the calves over weaning, working dogs with them and taking them through the yards a few times. Investing this little bit extra at weaning makes it so much more pleasant as you handle them later in their lives.” Bundarbo Station has about 50ha of scheduled grazing crops annually, and Mr Byrnes said this had worked well with the pasture improvement strategy. “We have averaged close to one kilogram gain a day since weaning, which we’re pretty happy with, given the cold, wet winter,” he said. “As spring started they really hit their straps and were gaining 1.5 to 2kg/day.” Mr Byrnes said growth rates were a real focus in the Bundarbo enterprise. “While we are primarily a breeding operation, we aim to grow pasture and crop and give the steers the best opportunity to hit 500kg at 12 to 15 months, season permitting,” he said. “Then we need to offload them and make room for the next crop of calves. If we compromise the spring feed base by carrying too many steers, it can really set us back with getting cows back in calf.” Bundarbo utilises Cam Rosser from Delta Livestock to market its cattle, which mostly head to feedlots. “We rely on Cam to present us with timely marketing options for our cattle, as well as bringing us trade opportunities when we have surplus feed, such as this year.”

Bundarbo assistant manager Ken McGuirk with Cam Rosser and Jack Mann, Delta Livestock, with a draft of 560kg Angus steers at Bundarbo Station, Jugiong

The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Commercial Supply Chain

Enduring fire and famine at Tambo Crossing Julia Wythes, The Land

It was circumstance and chance that led to Jen Smith running an Angus herd.

But she doesn’t regret it one bit. Jen and her husband Brad, Smith Graziers, Tambo Crossing, Victoria, are passionate about breeding an Angus beast that is both marketable and flexible. And they haven’t let droughts or bushfires dampen that passion. The Smiths breed cattle at their Tambo Crossing property, after successfully navigating something many farming families struggle with - succession. Mrs Smith said they took over the operation 12 years ago from Mr Smith’s parents David and Heather. “It was a successful succession because of their trust and our commitment,” she said. “We are really grateful for their trust in us. And Brad was committed to it - Brad came out of the womb wanting to farm. We have grown the business so it can support two families.”

In the face of fire

The Smiths used to run Herefords and Merinos, but lost half of their flock in bushfires in 2007. Being surrounded by the Alpine State Forest, they faced more bushfires, but this time they were better prepared with steel fences and containment areas under water for livestock. Mrs Smith said surviving two bushfires was made a little easier by the care from others. “The support from the local community and the Australian community - thank you just doesn’t cut it,” she said. But the challenges didn’t stop there - during the drought they had to destock their entire Merino flock and some of their Hereford herd.

“

We want consistent, even runs of cattle which also have the ability to adjust. We want a product that is marketable through different times and can be flexible

“

Jen Smit h and her husband Brad, Smit h Grazie And when it was time to restock, Angus came into the picture. “There just weren’t big runs of Hereford cattle available at the time, but there were big runs of Angus cattle, with herd dispersals,” she said. For a while the Smiths ran both Angus and Herefords herds. “Running the two herds side by side, year in and year out, you can compare them,” she said. “There are pros and cons for both, and we have been really blessed in Gippsland having really good seedstock available.” “For us, Angus cattle offer a diversity of market access. There is a greater demand for them.” She said with genomic testing as well as advances in stock handling, there had been improvements made in the breed. “They’ve also made big gains in the Angus temperament. We just haven’t had the animal health problems with Angus, and that was a factor in our decision making.” Last year they switched their herd to Angus, now running about 300 pure Angus breeders and 1200 composite ewes. Cattle are bred at the home farm at Tambo Crossing and grown out at the property at Clifton Creek, near Bairnsdale.

Yard time

Joining takes place for a spring calving, and when it comes to bulls, who is working in the yards plays a big role in their selection. “Temperament is really important,” she said. “Our kids are involved with us so we want a good temperament.” “The profit driver is a live calf, so fertility and calving ease are the profit drivers. “We want a moderate framed animal that grows well on grass, though we are not afraid to supplement feed.”

Focus on end goal

Calves are weaned between six and seven months, depending on the season. Their yard-weaning program includes putting the weaners onto a starch-based ration.

“

They’ve also made big gains in the Angus temperament. We just haven’t had the animal health problems with Angus, and that was a factor in our decision making “We like to use a ration in the weaning process which will help develop the rumen,” she said. “We aim to breed an animal you can wean if the season turns. They have the flexibility to cope with the variability in Gippsland.” Once the weaners are settled, the bottom portion is sold into northern Victoria and NSW, while the rest are carried through the winter. About 90 per cent of the heifers are kept to grow out before the best are selected as breeders. Heifers are joined at 12 months and about 330 kilograms. This year they have carried out an artificial insemination program, and any that are empty when pregnancy tested are culled.

“

ers

The remaining weaners are generally sold to grass finishers in Gippsland in the spring. The farm has undergone pasture renovation, with about 25pc of the property under crops, including ryegrass and brassicas. The Smiths also make silage. She said in the past they sold from the paddock, but with the excellent prices, for the past two years they have sold their weaners through the saleyards. Smiths Graziers are still focusing on developing their line of cattle. “We are trying to balance consistency and agility,” she said. “We want consistent, even runs of cattle which also have the ability to adjust. We want a product that is marketable through different times and can be flexible.”

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andrew@raffangus.com.au The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

| 57

Angus Youth

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Millah Murrah Quixote Q96 29AN2174 + + +

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Angus Foundation launches the AuctionsPlus Cadetship Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

The Angus Foundation is pleased to announce the development of a new Industry Cadetship Program, with applications now open for Angus Youth members to access a cadetship opportunity with online marketplace, AuctionsPlus.

Apply Here

“

Working across our business you will be exposed to multiple areas that will help you get an understanding of some of the opportunities in agriculture today

“

The Angus Foundation prides itself on continuing to expand the programs it can offer to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry and to provide a vast array of professional development opportunities for young beef breeders. The AuctionsPlus Cadetship is designed to give the recipient hands on experience in an agribusiness in the beef supply chain. During the cadetship, the cadet will experience day to day operations within AuctionsPlus and develop a unique understanding of how the business works and the important role they play in global food production. The cadet will be given all the tools to develop an appetite for further learning and understanding of the workplace and the operations AuctionsPlus carries out. The cadetship will take place over a four-week period, with the recipient working with AuctionsPlus in their dayto-day operations. Following their placement, the recipient will conclude their cadetship by completing the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course, which takes place the 31st of August to the 2nd of September. Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips is incredibly excited to launch this cadetship, citing the value it will add to the personal development of a young member of the beef industry. “Working with AuctionsPlus in bringing this program and opportunity to life for Angus Youth members provides development opportunities for a young person working within one of the many professions that people can have in the agricultural industry. It gives them a chance to work with peers who have developed their careers within the industry, build on their networks and actually get a tangible experience working within the industry. Not only that, but the cadetship also provides them the opportunity to further their qualifications through the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course, which is obviously a hugely renowned agricultural and business management college. We hope that through our cadetship program, our recipients have doors opened for them into the ag industry across some of the leading companies in the beef industry, which is so important to ensure that our industry thrives by encouraging our younger generation, cementing its assurance into the future.”

Gregory McNeill, People & Culture Partner, AuctionsPlus shared his organisations enthusiasm for the upcoming cadetship. “AuctionsPlus is proud to partner with the Angus Foundation to give the next generation of Angus Youth hands-on experience within the Agriculture Industry. We’re excited to share that we are offering the opportunity for a 4-week cadetship in AuctionsPlus to help provide valuable insight into Australia’s Digital Ag Market. The successful cadet will learn the ins and outs of our business, as well as gain an understanding as to the role and opportunities for digital agriculture. Working across our business you will be exposed to multiple areas that will help you get an understanding of some of the opportunities in agriculture today. We can’t wait to see the applications and we look forward to meeting the successful applicant in the near future.”

Eligibility: · Applicants must be a member of Angus Australia · Applicants must be aged over 18 · Applicants must be available to complete 4 weeks of placement with a preference for the month of May, but to be negotiated at a mutually convenient time with AuctionsPlus and the successful applicant. · Applicants must be available to attend the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course on the 31st August – 2nd September.

How to Apply:

To apply for this scholarship applicants must compete a set of application questions. Applications will be shortlisted and may undergo an interview.

Conditions:

You will be required to submit a written report to the Angus Australia Board on your experience during the cadetship Applications close Monday, 11th April. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Angus Youth

Achmea Australia and Angus Australia are looking for the next generation Angus Leaders Angus Australia and specialist farm insurer Achmea Australia are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2022 GenAngus Future Leaders Program for the next cohort of young industry representatives.

Richard Officer, National Strategic Alliance Manager with Achmea Australia said the GenAngus program is all about giving emerging beef industry leaders a step ahead in the next phase of their careers. “As Australia’s specialist farm insurer, we are committed to protecting and enhancing agricultural communities and we are therefore delighted to support the GenAngus Future Leaders Program once again,” Richard said. “The GenAngus Program is an enriching leadership experience to help empower emerging leaders, strengthen their leadership skills and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones,” Richard said. The 2022 GenAngus Program will take place 1-3 June in Adelaide. For further information regarding the GenAngus Future Leaders Program and/or to apply please visit the Angus Australia website.

“

These young people are our future leaders in the Angus breed and also the beef industry which will help to support the agricultural sector’s objective to reach $100 billion of farm gate value by 2030 APPLY NOW

“

2022 applications for the GenAngus Future Leaders Program are open to people aged 18-40 who are looking to increase their knowledge and confidence to launch a new or existing beef enterprise. Now in its fourth year, the alliance between Angus Australia and specialist farm insurer Achmea provides an exciting opportunity for the next generation to fast-track their leadership in the beef industry. Successful participants will attend an intensive threeday workshop in Adelaide from 1-3 June with industry professionals to help them start their own business in the beef industry or take that next step in their existing business. Since its inception in 2018, the joint Angus Australia and Achmea Australia GenAngus Future Leaders Program has supported more than 30 young members of the beef industry. Angus Australia’s Extension and Youth Manager, Jake Phillips says the ongoing support from Achmea Australia has been integral to the success of programs like the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, which is aimed at accelerating the development of emerging leaders in the agricultural industry. “The role of Angus Youth is to provide opportunities to young people with an interest in the beef industry to advance their personal and professional development,” Jake said. “These young people are our future leaders in the Angus breed and also the beef industry which will help to support the agricultural sector’s objective to reach $100 billion of farm gate value by 2030. We appreciate the support that organisations such as Achmea Australia provide which allow us to provide industry-leading opportunities to young people with an interest in cattle and this excellent industry,” Jake said. 2021 GenAngus participant Jasmine Green highlighted how important it is to have support for the next generation. “Discussions that will progress from this workshop and the skill sets that have been given to us as young people moving forward in the industry are important, it really shows that vision Achmea Australia has in terms of supporting the industry.”

The GenAngus Future Leaders program is targeted at young beef industry leaders who are looking to start their own business in the beef industry or take that next step in their existing business.

About Achmea Australia: Achmea Australia is part of the Achmea Group, which is one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands. The Achmea Group has approximately 13 million clients worldwide and is fully dedicated to farm insurance in Australia. Insurance issued by Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. (Achmea) ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984. · www.achmea.com.au · info@achmea.com.au · 1800 724 214

Apply Here

Topics covered: · Mindset and resilience · Financial fundamentals and business planning tools · Risk management and insurance · Finding your place in the beef industry · Business benchmarking · Improving your herd with genetics · Resilience and succession · Marketing and branding · Business writing skills

The aim of the scholarship is to:

The program is targeted at people looking to start their own business in the beef industry or take that next step in their existing business.

How to Apply:

To apply for this scholarship applicants must compete a set of application questions. Applications will be shortlisted and may undergo an interview. Applications close Friday, 8 April 2022.

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Conditions:

You will be required to submit a written report to the Angus Australia Board on your experience during the GenAngus Program.

Eligibility: · Applicants must be aged between 18 – 40 years old · Applicants must be a member of Angus Australia (Junior or Full) · Demonstrated commitment to the beef industry and the Angus Breed · Be currently running a business or about to enter into business · Demonstrated potential to benefit from attending the GenAngus Workshop and Program · Demonstrated interest in developing their business and leadership skills · Have a vision of what they want their business to look in the future · A willingness to learn

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The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Angus Youth

Annie recognised for taking the Roundup Reins Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

The 2022 Cornell Shield has been awarded to Annie Pumpa. The award was commissioned in recognition of David and Kathleen Cornell and their dedication to the Angus Youth Program, in its formative years and has traditionally been presented to the Chairperson of the Roundup Organising Committee. While the experience has seen some setbacks with the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup, originally scheduled for January, now set to take place October 3rd to 6th 2022, due to COVID-19 disruptions, Annie has reflected on how the experience has been of value to her. “My benefit has been expediential,” said Annie. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside all of our committee members who are incredibly devoted to providing an event that is industry relevant and fun. This event couldn’t have happened or gotten to the point it did without our small team. So, the biggest benefit for me was the friendships I’ve made and strengthened. Watching the committee blossom in their own way has been incredible.” Annie has a long history within the beef industry, having grown up in Culcairn NSW in the Riverina on a family run mixed enterprise operation. Annie delved into the seedstock sector over the last 10 years, starting at Billabong High School in 2011. Annie resides in Tabletop, NSW where she works for ABS Australia as the Beef InFocus™ Supply Chain Manager. In a full circle moment, Annie was awarded her Cornell Shield by her colleague and mentor Bill Cornell, ABS Australia Product & Sales Manager and son of David and Kathleen Cornell. “Bill is my mentor, boss and friend. To be awarded the Kathleen and David Cornell Shield in recognition of the

legacy and impact Bill’s parents left on the Angus Youth Program was incredibly humbling. It was a very full circle moment and one I’ll never forget.” When asked why she would encourage Angus Youth members to become involved in committees alike the Roundup Organising Committee, Annie supplied some sage advice. “Organising an event of this capacity takes a lot of teamwork, but the reward is so satisfying to see the success of the event. Getting involved from an organisational standpoint allows you to upskill in many aspects of personal development such as communication, teamwork, leadership, time management and most importantly the opportunity to network with industry movers and shakers, all whilst creating some lifelong friendships and memories.”

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ON PROPERTY RIVERVIEW, COOLAC

ONLINE

Laura Grubb recognised for dedication to Angus Youth Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

The Stewart Award (previously named the Angus Youth Helper of the Year Award) was commissioned in 2001 to recognise a person that has volunteered a large amount of time to the Angus Youth program. The award is named after Bruce and Pat Stewart of Dunlop Park Angus, Tasmania, who over many years have contributed selflessly to the Angus Youth program. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes and always were there to provide a helping hand and support or guidance to the Angus Youth program. In 2021 the Stewart Award was presented to Laura Grubb. Laura has been involved in the Angus Youth program for a number of years, first taking part in the Angus Youth Roundup event in Dubbo in 2013. Laura was also the 2013 University of Illinois Scholarship recipient, following her win of the National Judging Competition.

Youth program, and put out a call to action to her Angus Youth counterparts. “It is such a huge honour to have been nominated to join a list of incredible mentors. Angus Youth has been so pivotal in so many aspects of my life and career, with opportunities to learn and grow, and amazing friendships made across the globe.

Since her first foray in Angus Youth, Laura has been involved not only through competing at the Roundup in the years following, but also taking positions on the Roundup Organising Committee, which saw her dedicating her time to assist in the development of Roundup events over the years. Furthermore, in 2016 Laura took up the chair position on the inaugural Angus Youth Consultative Committee, which during her multi-year tenure saw her work alongside Angus Australia to provide consultation and representation on behalf of Angus Youth members and assist in providing ideas for youth focused educational and extension activities for consideration within the Angus Australia Marketing, Communications and Youth Operational Plan.

From being welcomed so warmly at my first Roundup to being entrusted to chair the Angus Youth Consultative Committee and represent the breed and Angus Youth cohort it has been quite the adventure.

Laura has also continued assist Angus Youth were possible in unofficial capacities as well, including judging the 2019 Angus Youth National Judging Competition.

Thank you again to all at Angus Australia, the Angus Youth Consultative Committee and Roundup Organising committee, all of those that have supported me over the years, and to those that so kindly nominated me for the Stewart Award.”

In speaking on her selection for the Stewart Award, Laura spoke fondly of her time involved in the Angus

I encourage each of this year’s Roundup participants to think about how you might be able to play a small part in continuing the Angus Youth legacy and inspire others to embrace this wonderful industry.

SUGARLOAF ANGUS

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60 registered, performance recorded, heavy made easy doing bulls plus 50 commercial Angus heifers Jim Tickle - 0439 518 113 or AH: 02 4992 1980 · On property, Sugarloaf Creek, Dungog NSW · www.sugarloafangus.com.au Monique McKinnon being presented with the University of Illinois Scholarship by Laura Grubb at the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show, Angus Feature Show. Image: Emily H Photography

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Angus Youth

Keeping farmers farming

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Find out why more farmers are switching, get a quote today. Call 1800 724 214 or visit achmea.com.au/kff Insurance issued by Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. (Achmea) ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984. The information in this document is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances). This means any advice may not be appropriate for your circumstances. Before using this information to decide whether to purchase the insurance policy, you will need to consider the appropriateness of any general information or advice we give you and how it relates to your specific situation to ensure the insurance cover meets your needs and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from the ‘Downloads’ section of our website achmea.com.au/downloads. For feedback and complaints, visit achmea. com.au/complaints. To view Achmea Australia’s privacy statement, visit achmea.com.au/privacy.

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Keeping farmers farming

Damien to make a dash across the ditch Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

Damien Thomson was selected from a field of impressive young members of the beef industry to be chosen as the recipient of the Trans-Tasman Travel Bursary in 2022. Sponsored by the New England Travel Centre and the Angus Australia Foundation, the Trans-Tasman Travel Bursary is an annual award that will see Damien embark on a trip around New Zealand, visiting Angus studs, commercial operations, feedlots and attending field days and sales. The tour gives the opportunity for Damien to immerse himself in experiencing the New Zealand beef industry and witness the strength of the Angus breed on a global level. Damien took up the opportunity to apply for the bursary after seeing the list of previous recipients of the award over the years. “I applied for the Trans-Tasman Travel Bursary because I had seen previous successful applicants on their trips and what an incredible opportunity it was.” Damien has a background in the agricultural industry through his family’s commercial and seedstock Angus operations, where he is involved with the management of the herds. Damien has long been involved with the Angus Youth program, through which he has been awarded the ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop Scholarship, selected for the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program and participated in Beef Australia 2021 as an Angus Foundation scholarship recipient.

In looking forward to his time over the ditch, Damien is keen to experience the different agricultural industry and production system that New Zealand provides. “The trip to New Zealand will help me better understand the international market of genetics. I want to explore Australia and New Zealand’s place in this market and how we can improve our competitiveness. I am also looking to learn from stud breeders and experience how they do things differently and apply that at home at Shacorrahdalu Angus.”

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VISIT WWW.ANGUSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/EDUCATION/ VISIT WWW.ANGUSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/EDUCATION/ VISIT WWW.ANGUSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/EDUCATION/ The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Angus Youth

NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup Awards and Bursaries presented online Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

While the unfortunate decision was made to postpone the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup in January, Angus Australia still had the pleasure to present a number of the awards and bursaries to Angus Youth members who would have been taking part in the festivities. The Stewart Award, Cornell Shield, Angus Australia Business Branding Award, Intermediate and Senior Bursaries and the Trans-Tasman Travel Bursary were each awarded to their respective recipients during the weeklong social media presentation. Angus Australia Breed Development Officer Jake Phillips was pleased that while the Roundup did not go ahead, these members of the industry were still recognised for their achievements. “Postponing the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup was definitely a difficult decision; however, it gave the Roundup Organising Committee and Angus Australia great pleasure to be able to present, albeit virtually, a number of the awards and bursaries that were up for offer to Roundup participants and applicants.” “It is important that we were able to go ahead and present these awards to their worthy recipients, who each within their own ways are contributing to the development and growth of the Australia beef industry.” “Giving these young people the chance to continue their own personal development in the industry, or giving the recognition deserved for their contribution to the Angus Youth program and young people in the industry through the bursaries and awards presented, is part of what the Roundup event is all about.”

Angus Australia Business Branding Award and Intermediate Bursary:

In 2022 Jemima Nugent was awarded the Angus Australia Business Branding Award and the Intermediate Bursary. Angus Australia’s Business Branding Award was introduced to the Roundup Awards and Bursaries in 2020 and is designed to help an Angus Youth Member either with a business or in the process of starting their own business to create a visual identity for their brand. The recipient of this award receives a branding package. Jemima has a passion for photography and is looking to combine her interests to form a business to assist seedstock producers. “I love photography and want to combine my passion and interest for the beef industry with my photography skills to help studs showcase and sell their genetics.

I am looking forward to working with the Angus Australia communications and marketing team to build my little photography business,” said Jemima. Jemima was also selected as the recipient for the Intermediate Bursary, which provides the recipient a bursary to attend the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course. The Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course is widely recognised as the most practical and hands on beef cattle selection course of its kind. The course covers a wide range of topics ranging from using EBV’s, structural conformation and selection of market utilising Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus breeds and their crosses and will help participants through developing practical skills and information, presenting networking opportunities. “Winning the Intermediate Bursary Award and attending the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Workshop will help me to grow my industry networks and build my skills in live animal assessment,” said Jemima. Jemima grew up on her family’s grazing property at Tarcutta, New South Wales and has always had a keen interest in the beef cattle. She loves being outdoors on the farm and helping with the day-to-day management and operations. Jemima was introduced to showing cattle through her school cattle show team seven years ago and continues to develop her skills and broaden her knowledge within the beef industry. In 2016, she and her siblings started their own small Red Angus stud. Jemima has worked for studs at local and royal shows and sales and has represented her Agricultural Societies Council Group in the state finals of the Beef Cattle Paraders at the Sydney Royal Show. She has also won Grand Champion School Parader at the 2021 Royal Canberra Show, Reserve Champion Junior School Parader at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2019 and won the Junior Champion Junior Judging competition at the Charolais Youth Stampede in 2019.

Senior Bursary:

Micquella Grima was announced as the recipient of the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup Senior Bursary. Each year senior competitors of Roundup are given the opportunity to apply for a bursary to attend the Young Beef Producers Forum (YBPF) in Roma, Queensland.

Micquella grew up on a small property in Orchard Hills, NSW and has been showing Stud Beef cattle for nearly 10 years at both regional Ag Shows and at a Royal level for a number of beef producers. Micquella is due to commence her second-year studies of a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Agribusiness through the University of New England. Once graduating, she intends to pursue a career in either agronomy with a particular emphasis on efficient grazing strategies to improve the resilience and efficiency of farming operations or livestock nutrition and genetics. “Through this I intend to aid producer’s in ultimately ‘drought-proofing’ their operations by investing in risk mitigation strategies through forward planning, maximising the capacity of arable land in a sustainable manner and achieving key performance KPI’s in commercial and stud stock,” said Micquella. In 2021 she established Hope Hill Cattle Company whilst also managing Donnelly Downs Pastoral Co. with her partner based on a 3000-acre property in Western NSW, specialising in both commercial and stud beef cattle including both purebred and cross bred Angus breeders. In 2021, Micquella was the recipient of the Norman Lethbridge Award through Angus NSW which opened up the opportunity for her to be selected as the Youth Representative for Angus NSW. In 2022, Micquella looks forward to the opportunity to attend the YBPF, “I am particularly looking forward to attending the Young Beef Producer’s Forum in Roma as I believe it is an opportunity to connect with other beef producers and explore the direction they are taking the bloodlines of their herds in and enhance my perspective of the potential of Australian beef genetics,” she said.

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The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Angus Youth

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Where are they now?

Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer Featured in this edition of “Where are they Now” is Jake Phillips. Since the early days of being involved in Angus Youth I’ve held several roles in the beef industry which has enabled me to experience every facet of beef production including cattle breeding, procurement, processing, export and marketing. I owe a lot of that to the network I was able to make while initially involved with Angus Youth.

Jake Phillips What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities? My earliest memories are of attending the South Australian Cattle Assessment School which was held in Keith in SA and involved great support of the SA Member Group and Angus Australia. Fast forward a few years I was also fortunate enough to travel to the Sydney Royal Easter Show and compete in the Michigan State Scholarship and then later the Angus Roundup in Glen Innes in 2011. This then led to me becoming a member of the Angus Youth Management Committee and eventually the Director of Scholarships. I am very thankful for the opportunities Angus Youth provided me growing up, none more so in 2011 when at the Glen Innes Roundup I was fortunate enough to win the Senior Herdsman prize, the Angus Ambassador prize and the TransTasman Angus Exchange to New Zealand. It was a whirlwind few days! What activity/event stands out to you the most? I think the Angus Youth Roundup is a popular event in the industry and certainly a first step for young people to engage in cattle, livestock showing and judging, and all the wonderful things we learn at stock shows. However, the Angus Youth events that stand out to me for being different and indeed best in class are the expansive list of scholarships and awards conducted by Angus Youth. If you look through the beef industry now, a lot of the brightest and most successful minds have previously been recipients of overseas and domestic scholarships and awards that have enabled them to take the next step in their career and indeed their life. Angus Youth is the catalyst between a young persons dream and realising their reality. In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry? I think Angus Australia have a great culture of encouraging younger people to have a go and to realise their potential. For me the opportunities to travel and tour New Zealand cattle herds are some of the highlights of my career. However, the opportunity to return to consultative councils and leadership groups, surrounded by likeminded peers and to assist in providing opportunities to others and paying it forward has been the biggest highlight and accomplishment I feel like I’ve had the privilege to contribute to. Then – Jake in 2011 being presented with his Angus Youth Ambassador package at the Sydney Royal Easter Show

What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had? I was born in Adelaide, developed a keen interest in beef cattle through early school years and have been very fortunate to have had some amazing mentors in my life. When I look back over the past 20 years, through a lot of hard work, a thirst for knowledge and an appetite to meet new people and see what they do, I’m very proud of the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve been able to achieve. I’ve been able to develop myself through roles and experiences at MLA, Teys Australia and now Angus Australia. I’ve had the great pleasure to work with some of Australia’s largest supply chains and assist them in taking their beef to the world. More recently I’ve also been able to purchase a parcel of land myself and put the vast experiences I’ve had into reality with our Phillips Cattle Company herd of Angus cattle. What I’ve been able to experience across the world in the last 20 years some people never get the chance to see or do, and I am very lucky to have had some amazing opportunities. What it also tells me is that with the right attitude, you really can achieve what you put your mind to. I owe a lot of this to Angus Youth opportunities. How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now? I’ve joined Angus Australia after a successful stint in the processing world. I have recently taken on the role as Extension Manager for Angus Australia and get to work day in and day out with the best breeders of Angus cattle in the world. My wife and I live in Naracoorte, SA where we volunteer on some projects and cattle events for the young and not so young in our spare time. This includes the largest carcase competition in the world that raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other events for young people. We show a few cows and steers in South Australian events when we aren’t chasing around our toddler and satisfying his obsession with tractors and farm machinery, and we breed registered Angus and Murray Grey cattle and sell cattle privately through the year. Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program? The beef business isn’t about cattle, its about people, and the Angus Youth program has some of the best people in the business. It makes sense to surround yourself with good cattle and good people, being involved with Angus Youth allows you to do both. The Angus Bulletin - Autumn 2022

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Marketing

Is Angus Australia’s Catalogue Services the most effective way to market your cattle? Sam Hamilton, Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues

2014 CHARGE FOR 50 BULLS LISTED ONLINE Online Catalogue with a Standard PDF, $6.60 per animal.

$330.00

Data Extract, $4.40 per animal.

$220.00

Quick EBV Reference Table

$16.50

Electronic input (image file), $5.50 per animal.

275.00

Total Cost

$841.50

2022 CHARGE FOR 50 BULLS LISTED ONLINE Standard Catalogue Service, $6.60 per animal.

$330.00

Data Extract, $0.00 per animal

$0.00

Quick EBV Reference Table

$0.00

Electronic input (image file), $0.00 per animal.

$0.00

Total Cost

$330.00

As can be seen from the comparisons above, Angus Australia has made the Sale Catalogue Services more cost effective in order to encourage more of our members to take advantage of what is thought to be the most affordable way to sell and market their cattle and get more interest from fellow Angus enthusiasts. So, what sort of catalogue service can we offer our members now? A service where members only pay the flat rate of $6.60 per animal, that includes a choice of a Standard PDF, a data extract of the animal’s information, a quick EBV reference table, unlimited photos and Youtube videos added to those sale animals and the catalogue to 70

submit DNA

That is quite a jump in the catalogues processed within the society between 20 years. With those numbers in this day and age you could say there is a ‘trend’ happening and more and more members are utilising Angus Australia’s marketing tools to get more exposure and interest for their sales. But why utilise Angus Australia’s Sale Catalogue Services? Simple, you get more bang for your buck now, compared to what was available in the early 2000s. In 2014 to list a sale online it was $6.60 per animal, $4.40 per animal to receive a data extract of their information, a quick EBV reference table was around $16.50 and say you wanted photos added of your sale lots, this was $5.50 per animal. Catalogues weren’t promoted on social media pages and there was little to no further exposure for members either. Let’s compare the catalogue services from 2014 to 2022, using 50 bulls as an example of the cost.

Tace Analysis

2001 = 105 catalogues 2021 = 290 catalogues

24th February DNA submitted for Genomic Testing (6-8 weeks for results)

4th May

8th & 15th May June TACE Analysis Submission Deadline.

DNA results returned to AA and are loaded into database

Animal Registrations and Structual Scores deadline (8th May) is 7 days before Performace Data Deadline (15th May)

be promoted on Angus Australia’s social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram etc. $6.60 per animal and you get all of that for the service, that’s not too bad if you ask me! Angus Australia has also now been offering a full catalogue design service since 2017, which has grabbed a lot of attention from members in the last 2 years. If you are curious about Angus Australia designing your catalogue, get in touch and we would be happy to chat. Since Angus Australia has rolled out the new Sale Catalogue Services it has proved to be quite effective way to get your animals noticed, with 239,711 clicks to sale catalogue listings in 2021.

What does this mean for my Sale Catalogue if more members are using the service? With the success of the sales in the past two years and word of mouth the Catalogue Services are continuing to grow as members are utilizing what’s on offer. Please note that with the continuous growth of members requesting the services it does mean that the usual 2-5 business days turnaround time for Customised and Full Design Catalogues is going to be lengthened to at least a 10-business day turnaround from receival of all information. To better handle the influx of requests in those peak periods we have implemented a process that when all information is received for a catalogue, we place that catalogue request in a work queue for processing, working off a first in first served basis. This is to ensure that all members a treated fairly in those peak periods and so all catalogues are processed in ample time ready to be sent to your designer/ printer when required.

14th June

Sale Day

Sale Catalogue 31st May

21st June

Catalogue information submitted/ production. June TACE Analysis results available. The TACE results available is indicative so can either be earlier or later than the anticipated date

We allow a 7-10 working day turn around for catalogues in busy periods

We have also added a new member to the Marketing and Communications team, with Dzintra Menesis coming on board as a Marketing Officer – Graphic Design. And while Dzintra will be providing a range of services for the Marketing and Communications team, she will be heavily involved in the production of sale catalogues in peak periods.

What can I do to ensure my catalogue is ready to go to my designer when required? As I am sure a lot of members are aware, there is quite a lot involved in preparing and gathering information to put together of an animal’s information for a sale and being organised and taking all the necessary steps prior to this is extremely vital to the end result.

Some helpful hints to prepare yourself for your sale catalogue this year:

Contact us first before speaking to your designer about the processing time for your catalogue – Whilst we endeavour to complete catalogues in the desired timeframe and sent to your designer, sometimes this is not always possible. Check with us first to get an idea of our turnaround times before organising your designer. Ensure your animals are registered and active on the Angus Australia database – Animals are required to be registered on the Angus Australia database before they are 12 months of age as per the Regulations. Fees do apply if animals are registered late. If those animals are not registered and active on the database when your catalogue is ready to be processed, there will be a delay in getting your catalogue produced. This will also affect what data will be available for those animals.

23rd June

28th July

Catalogue printed and mailed Sale Catalogue information sent to designer or printers

* This is a guide only, dates and timeframe used may vary for individual members *

If you want a particular EBV run, submit your information at least 7 days prior to the relevant run – this will ensure your catalogue is placed in the ‘work queue’ and processed within the 10-working day period. Submit your DNA and TACE data early! – Ideally this information should be submitted well in advance of your sale to allow for any setbacks that may arise. A great example of this is what we have seen in the current climate, at times DNA can take longer than the indicated time and the TACE data can drop later than expected. The above example is an indicative timeline for members to work off based on the full design process. A point that members probably don’t realise is that as soon as they know their sale order they can list it online. There is no additional cost for how long a catalogue is listed online for and during this time the animal’s information is updated on a regular basis with DNA results, Genetic Conditions, EBVs etc. This information automatically updates so you can be guaranteed that what your clients are looking at is true and correct information as it comes through. Lastly, Angus Australia understands the importance of your catalogue come sale day and are working to ensure all catalogues are completed in the desired timeframes as requested by the member. The above advice is to assist members to ensure their catalogues are produced on-time during any peak production and sale periods. If you have any questions or queries in regards to the Sale Catalogue Service or process, please contact Sam Hamilton at sam@angusaustralia.com.au.

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Marketing

Get active!

Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager And no, I’m not talking about joining the gym! I am talking about getting moving on social media. So by get active I mean, create, post, tag, share and interact (like, comment, hashtag). The more active you are and the more you interact with others on social media, the more exposure you will bring to your business. To be most effective, businesses should look to be active in two or, at most, three networks and distribute content and assets in a focused way.

So how do you go about being active?

Create – set a goal for what you want to achieve; be creative with your graphics and incorporate storytelling, the who, the what, the how and tell that story visually; use best design practices, make your designs or images ‘pop’, but keep the design simple and clean so you audience understands the message; and be consistent with your brand, make is recognisable and avoid content, visual or otherwise that does not accurately reflect your brand; embrace multimedia, images, video and multimedia content (GIFs, emoji and stickers) Post regularly & at peak times – If you aren’t active, your followers may forget about you and give your content the best chance to gain visibility by posting when your followers are most active. Tags encourage engagement – So make sure you @ any businesses that you work with, whether it is your AI technician, a semen company, your livestock agent, bank or even Angus Australia.

Share – sharing content from other like-minded businesses to you profile increases engagement and breaks up being overly self-promotional and can establish you profile as a source of useful information. This allows you to maintain a health balance between original content and content curated by others. Before you know it, you will be considered and influencer. Interact with your audience – do this regularly to keep them coming back. Be personable and use emojis, trending hashtags, reply to their comments, like their comments, start conversations Tip – if you are promoting your bull or female sale, make sure you tag Angus Australia!

In Australia the daily average time on site for these social media networks is: minutes

seconds

minutes

seconds

Social Media Statistics for Australia

Statistics from genroe.com, 17 December 2020

33% of Australians state they use Social Media when looking for information about a brand

71% of the overall Australian population have active social media accounts. That’s 18 million people!

85% of the eligible (age 13+) Australian population have active social media accounts

Active social media users grew in Australia by 4.3% over the 10 month period Apr 2019 to Jan 2020, this is more than 3.5 time the population growth in same period 72

minutes

98% of Australian users access social media via a mobile device

52% of Australian’s use Social Media as a source of news. This is just below the worldwide average of 55%

Framing your business Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Do you have a social media profile set up for your business? If not, it’s not a bad idea! Social media is an excellent way to advertise your business, without the splurge on marketing resources. All you need is your phone and access to the social media applications of your choice. While social media is an excellent way to capture your seedstock or commercial business on farm, there are a few things to remember when utilising your social media as a marketing resource. If you are establishing a social media page with the intention of utilising it to help advertise your cattle and give your potential buyers a look into your life on-farm, you need to keep in mind that while you want to capture the heart of your business, you have to remember the importance of keeping a professional image to your brand. A business social media page is a representation of your enterprise. While you can use your social media to express yourself and have a bit of fun, don’t forget that your audience is vast, so you don’t want to share anything that doesn’t represent your brand or business well. While many of us don’t really have a professional camera handy, in this day and age some pretty great photography can be captured with a smart phone.

D S K 29

But this doesn’t mean just any old iPhone photo should be used on your business Instagram or Facebook. If you are photographing or videoing your cattle, you have to ask yourself, ‘Does that photo best represent your herd?’. By comparison, if it were to go into the newspaper, would you be happy with the photo? If its blurry, for example, and doesn’t show what you are trying to communicate well, does it need to go up? Being slightly picky about what you post can be an excellent way of curating your feed to not only capture the essence and intrigue of your business but can also work to better represent your top-quality herd when it comes to sale time.

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Field Day - Open Day - 6th July 11am to 2pm - Bull Evaluation with Industry Leading and Commercially Focussed Speakers

Standout Sire Prospect DSK REX R5 Featuring Outstanding sons of Outcross Canadian Sires & Dams Remitall H Rachis & Young Dale Xcaliber & Proven Elite Donor Dams All Exclusive to DSK

NKS R5

Big Tex sons feature again - Texas Earnan L612 also Grandsons by DSK PEP P48 Specialist Heifer Joining Sires, Inertia & DSK Pine Drive P106 Chris Knox - 0427 600 278

Borah Station, Coonabarabran

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Staff Directory Chief Executive Officer

Human Resources

Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer P: 02 6773 4636 · E: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au

Ron Bower, Human Resource Manager P: 02 6773 4607 · E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au

Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement P: 02 6773 4620 · M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

Kathryn Duddy, Company Secretary, Human Resources Manager and Assistant to the Ceo P: 02 6773 4614 · E: kathryn.duddy@angusaustralia.com.au

Strategic Projects Jen Peart, Northern Development Officer P: 02 6773 4644 · M: 0417 219 405 E: jen.peart@angusaustralia.com.au

Nick Butcher, Project Officer, ASBP P: 02 6773 4638 · M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au

Marketing and Communications Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager P: 02 6773 4601 · E: diana@angusaustralia.com.au

Robyn Brazier, Marketing Assistant P: 02 6773 4609 · E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au

Samantha Hamilton, Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues P: 02 6773 4613 · E: sam@angusaustralia.com.au

Ebonie Jones, Graphic Designer P: 02 6773 4610 · E: ebonie@angusaustralia.com.au

Dzintra Menesis, Marketing Officer - Graphic Design P: 02 6773 4645 · E: dzintra.menesis@angusaustralia.com.au

Kate Reynolds, Graphics & Multimedia Officer P: 02 6773 4645 · E: design@angusaustralia.com.au

Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer P: 02 6773 4635 · E: communications@angusaustralia.com.au

Commercial Supply Chain Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager P: 02 6773 4608 · M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au

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Staff Directory Breed Development and Extension Andrew Byrne, Breed Development Manager P: 02 6773 4618 · M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

Jake Phillips, Extension Manager P: 02 6773 4625 · M: 0401 261 217 E: jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au

Malshani Samaraweera, Geneticist P: 02 6773 4622 E: malshani@angusaustralia.com.au

Member Services Bernard Beatty, Member Services Manager P: 02 6773 4636 · E: bernard.beatty@angusaustralia.com.au

Tammy McLeod, Senior Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4604 · E: tammy.mcleod@angusaustralia.com.au

Adam Allingham, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4602 · E: adam.allingham@angusaustralia.com.au

Lily Christian, Member Services Officer P: 02 5775 8710 · E: lily.christian@angusaustralia.com.a

Rachael Constable, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: rachael.constable@angusaustralia.com.au

Robyn Kelly, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au

Heather Rocks, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4621 · E: heather.rocks@angusaustralia.com.au

Sarah Scott, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4611 · E: sarah.scott@angusaustralia.com.au

Lou Wood, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4617 · E: office@angusaustralia.com.au

Software Development Christopher de Crespigny, Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 · E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au

Dale Curtis, Computer Programmer E: dale.curtis@angusaustralia.com.au

David Edgar, Computer Programmer E: david.edgar@angusaustralia.com.au

Gerard Hammond, Computer Programmer E: gerard.hammond@angusaustralia.com.au

Lei Qian, Computer Programmer E: lei.qian@angusaustralia.com.au

Finance & Administration David Cameron Administration Manager/ Financial Controller P: 02 6773 4624 · E: david.cameron@angusaustralia.com.au

Joy Howe, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4612 · E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au

Carole Johns, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4628 · E: carole.johns@angusaustralia.com.au

Sue Webeck, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4606 · E: sue@angusaustralia.com.a

Amanda Wolfe, Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4650 · E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au

Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02766773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au www.angusaustralia.com.au

Knowla Knowla livestocK livestocK

14th 14th 14thannUal annUal annUalPRoDUction PRoDUction PRoDUctionsale sale sale Friday Friday FridayJuly July July29th 29th 29that at atGloucester Gloucester Gloucester

80 80 80Angus Angus AngusBulls Bulls Bulls•••666PTIC PTIC PTICsTud sTud sTudheIfers heIfers heIfers•••100 100 100nsM nsM nsMheIfers heIfers heIfers

Feature Feature FeatureSires; Sires; Sires;Karoo Karoo KarooRealist Realist RealistN278, N278, N278,GAR GAR GARAshland, Ashland, Ashland,K.K.K.Monty Monty MontyM186, M186, M186,Inglebrae Inglebrae InglebraeReality Reality RealityN6, N6, N6, Baldridge Baldridge BaldridgeAlternative, Alternative, Alternative,K.Payload K.Payload K.PayloadP175, P175, P175,K.K.K.Nobleman Nobleman NoblemanN127, N127, N127,Bowmont Bowmont BowmontKing, King, King,Landfall Landfall LandfallKeystone Keystone KeystoneN106. N106. N106.

Invitation Invitation Invitation

Knowla Knowla KnowlalivestocK livestocK livestocKGenetics Genetics GeneticsDaY DaY DaY Friday Friday Friday13th 13th 13thMay May Mayfrom from from10am 10am 10amatatat1500 1500 1500Moppy Moppy MoppyRoad, Road, Road,Moppy Moppy Moppy

Presenters Presenters Presenters include: include: include: Jason Jason Jason Strong Strong Strong - -Managing -Managing Managing Director Director Director MLA, MLA, MLA, Dr. Dr. Dr. Brad Brad Brad Hine Hine Hine - -CSIRO, -CSIRO, CSIRO, Christian Christian Christian Duff Duff Duff - -Strategic -Strategic Strategic Projects Projects Projects Manager, Manager, Manager, Angus Angus Angus Australia Australia Australia Andrew Andrew Andrew Talbot Talbot Talbot - -General -General General Manager, Manager, Manager, Killara Killara Killara Feedlot, Feedlot, Feedlot, Bill Bill Bill Hoffman Hoffman Hoffman - -Hoffman -Hoffman Hoffman Beef Beef Beef Consulting Consulting Consulting Morning Morning Morning tea tea tea and and and lunch lunch lunch provided provided provided ––RSVP –RSVP RSVP essential essential essential for for for catering catering catering purposes. purposes. purposes.

James James JamesLaurie: Laurie: Laurie:0439 0439 0439616 616 616003 003 003•••Ted Ted TedLaurie Laurie Laurie0428 0428 0428472 472 472948 948 948 jameslaurie@skymesh.com.au jameslaurie@skymesh.com.au jameslaurie@skymesh.com.au•••knowla@skymesh.com.au knowla@skymesh.com.au knowla@skymesh.com.au

www.knowlalivestock.com.au www.knowlalivestock.com.au www.knowlalivestock.com.au

THE MATERNAL HERD, BREEDING THE BEST!

The Cattleman’s Choice

Outwest Angus

10th On Property Sale

Thursday 26th May 2022 - ‘Wombalano’ Coonamble NSW

43 FEATURING SONS OF:

SUPER SIRES

> Landfall Keystone K132

> Bub’s Southern Charm (pictured)

> GAR Inertia

> Millah Murrah Paratrooper P15

> Millah Murrah Chisum P108

Ewen & Marg McLeish P: 02 6824 2044 | M: 0428 242 044 - E: outwestangus@bigpond.com Matt Prentice: 0437 036 691

Brian Kennedy: 0427 844 047

> GAR Fail Safe

Paul Jameson: 0428 667 998

Outwest Angus

Lincoln McKinlay: 0419 239 963