ANGUS BULLETIN WINTER 2016
Annual Bull Sale Wednesday 10th August 2016 ‘North Logan’, North Logan Rd, Cowra, NSW
The Grass Fed Advantage P Reduced breakdowns P Reduced feet problems P Longevity of grass fed bulls P Grass fed bulls are more athletic P Grass fed bulls have better fertility P Grass fed bulls don’t melt away
MCLACHLAN GROUP Airlie Charolais - Talis Angus
Warren Miller - Ph: 0423 396 014 E: warren.miller@mclachlan.com.au Michael Bond - Ph: 0419 482 754
Contents WINTER 2016 volume 24
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10
8 9 10 12
17
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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: Diana Wood, Liz Roan Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Board of Angus Australia. Neither the Editor nor Angus Australia takes any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken by readers or others based on information contained therein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse or cancel without notice any advertisement in a publication issued by them.
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From the CEO From the President Meet the new Directors Angus Australia visit to American Angus Association Angus cattle - what the world wants Records tumble in Roma Regional Forums Angus producers perfectly positioned in the beef industry McDonald’s ‘Angus’ burger offer continues to resonate with customers Consistency, quality valued Open-ended fund key to Paraway’s development Woolies turns back time in retail beef war National Angus Conference expands opportunities Closer connections for farmers and consumers Sydney Royal Easter Show ASBP Cohort 5 weaning completed ASBP – Nominate Sires Now Enhanced ASBP Progeny Performance Reports Net Feed Intake EBVs available for ASBP Cohort 4 Sires Understanding the Angus Breeding Index Angus Breeders embracing genomic technology Low Density vs High Density genomic products
8 32 From the Angus BREEDPLAN desk 33 The commercial benefits of
artificial insemination in Angus herds 36 CAAB Provincial Restuarant of the year 37 Heifers smash auction records at Wagga 38 Record $2,700 for PTIC Angus heifers 39 Angus steers and heifers trump 2016 Sydney Royal Beef Challenge 40 2017 Angus Youth National Roundup set for Mt Gambier 41 Around the saleyards 42 Sale catalogue services 43 Member services 2016 statistics 44 Getting to know your Member Services team 44 Introducing Sue 44 New Angus BREEDPLAN brochures 45 2016 BeefEx Scholarship recipients announced 45 Northern Beef Week 46 Angus steers ‘meating’ the market 48 Highlights of Beef Improvement Federation Convention 50 Large herd, simple operation 51 Angus Australia staff directory
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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FROM THE CEO
The OH status will be displayed on the Angus Australia website for animals that have been tested.
Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
Report from Angus Australia AGM and Board meeting conducted on 1921st May 2016 The 97th Annual General Meeting of the Angus Society of Australia was conducted in Albury 19th May 2016, followed by a Board meeting on the 2021st May 2016. At the Annual General Meeting, President Mr Hugh Munro tabled the consolidated Financial Statements for the Angus Society of Australia and Controlled Entities, the Director’s Declaration, and the Reports of the Directors and the Auditor for the financial year ended 31 December 2015. These statements and reports are included in the 2015 Annual Report available in the member’s login area of the Angus Australia website. Mr Munro acknowledged the contributions of retiring Directors, Mr Max Badcock and Mr Tony Seymour, elected Directors from Tasmania; Mr Tony Golding, elected Director from Western Australia; and Mr Peter Trahar, elected Director from NSW. He advised that the AGM also marked the end of his 4th term on the Board and as such he was also retiring from the Board as required by the Angus Australia Constitution. Mr Munro noted that during 2015 there were 21 members recognized with 25 years of membership. Also, the Graham family of Bongongo Angus attained 75 years of membership with the Society. He also acknowledged the Honorary Life Membership awarded by the Board to Dr Ian Watson in early 2016 for his outstanding service and contributions to the Angus breed and to Angus Australia members over many years.
Angus Australia Board Meeting At the Angus Australia Board meeting on the 20-21st May 2016, Directors appointed Mrs Libby Creek as President, and Mr Brad Gilmour as Vice-President. Newly elected Directors Samantha Dobson, Laurie Denholm, Dean Fredricksen and Sam White were welcomed to the Board. The Board met with Richard Norton, Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia, to discuss Angus Australia’s continued role in industry research, development and adoption activities, and its participation in the National Livestock Genetics Consortium. Following consideration of recommendations from various Board Committees the following resolutions were passed: - Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) will be recognised as a genetic condition, noting the low prevalence and low economic impact of the condition and that a DNA test is available for any members who wish to test an animal.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
- Red Coat Colour will no longer be recognised as a genetic condition, but additional strategies will be put in place to monitor the presence of the coat colour gene. - Muscular Hypertrophy will no longer be listed as a genetic condition. - Regulation 6.20 will be amended to: The following genetic conditions are recognised by the Society: • Alpha Mannosidosis (MA) • Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) • Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) • Developmental Duplication (DD) • Dwarfism (DW) • Heterochromia Irides (HI) • Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH) • Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) • Osteopetrosis (OS) • Syndactyl (SY) - Regulation 6.40 will be amended to “The Society may conduct parentage verification of any animal registered or submitted for registration in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR. When required, samples must be provided on request for the conduct of parentage verification on an animal deemed necessary by the Society”. - The following new Regulation 15.2 will be inserted “Only members enrolled in Angus BREEDPLAN are eligible to submit performance and genomic information for the production of EBVs”; and, the remaining clauses of Regulation 15 renumbered appropriately. - Current Regulation 15.6 will be deleted, and new Regulation 17 will be inserted, as follows: 17. COPYRIGHT Copyright in all Angus animal pedigree, performance, EBV or other data held by the Society, whether provided by Members or from services provided to the Society by third parties, vests in the Society. The Society uses the Angus animal pedigree and performance data to design, create and generate databases. These databases are generated and published by the Society for the commercial benefit of Members and the Society. The information contained in the databases is used by the Society for animal recording, Estimated Breeding Values, Index Values, sales catalogues, certification and other uses approved by the Society for the benefit of its members only. Non-members may use such information for research and education purposes only. No person nor other legal entity is permitted to use any part or item of information contained in the Society’s databases for any commercial purpose, unless permission has been expressly granted by the Society. The next meeting of the Angus Australia Board will be conducted in Dubbo on 14-15th July 2016. Peter Parnell, CEO
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from the president
Libby Creek, Angus Australia President What an exciting time to be in agriculture and for us, specifically the beef industry. Cattle prices are at long last rewarding producers after years of waiting and as I write this, the EYCI has reached 634 c/kg cwt. We are starting the new year with a large number of new Directors on the Board. I would like to warmly welcome your new Directors for 2016: • Nationally elected Directors, Mr Sam White & Mr Dean Frederickson; • State elected Director for NSW, Dr Laurie Denholm; and, • State elected Director for Tasmania, Mrs Samantha Dobson. Remaining on the Board are: • Appointed Director, Mr Tony Seymour; • State elected Directors from Victoria, Mr Mike Gadd & Mr Brad Gilmour (Vice-Chairman); • State elected Director from WA, Mr Lindsay Wolridge; • State Elected director from QLD, Mr Brett Piraner; • State elected directors from SA, Mr Perry Gunner and myself. The new Board is looking forward to planning the future direction of Angus Australia and encourage you all to contact any one of us if you have suggestions or ideas which you feel are important. A very successful Angus National Conference was held in May in Albury and was well attended by producers and exhibitors. The speakers were diverse in their topics and presented informative and interesting insights into their areas of business in the beef sector. I would highly recommend everyone to consider attending the next Angus Conference. In the meantime, the annual Angus Regional Forums will be conducted around Australia in July, where the focus will be on the utilization of genomic technologies. These forums are attended by Angus Australia’s CEO, Dr Peter Parnell; Breed Development and Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne; and, Strategic Projects Manager, Christian Duff. This is an excellent time to not only learn about genomics and how these technologies may be useful in your business in the future, but also gives an opportunity to discuss any ideas or questions you have. The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) is now in its seventh cohort and is playing a major role in the research and development to maximize the benefits of genomic
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Angus Australia CEO Peter Parnell, with new Angus Australia President, Libby Creek and outgoing President, Hugh Munro.
technologies along with validating Angus BREEDPLAN. The ASBP has provided really valuable information right through the production and processor chain. A recent development at Angus Australia has been the initial planning of a Commercial Development Program which will explore, develop and implement communication for greater engagement with key supply chain participants to encourage a more effective marketing program for commercial cattle. It will also look into implementing new programs that verify the integrity and quality of Angus and Angus cross cattle in the supply chain. We believe producers, backgrounders, feedlotters, processors and exporters will mutually benefit from working in closer communication. In addition to this, Consultative Committees have been established to reach out to a wider group of members and gather their thoughts and experience to aid in future decisions and direction in key areas within Angus Australia. As always, supporting and encouraging Youth in the beef industry is an important focus for Angus Australia and we look forward to seeing many budding young cattlemen and women at the annual Angus Youth Roundup which will be held in Mt Gambier on the 12th-15th January 2017. These events are a wonderful way to learn about cattle but also to meet and mix with many likeminded beef enthusiasts. We are so fortunate to not only breed a product that is in such demand, but to have Angus producers who through their progressive vision and desire to produce a premium product, have embraced new technology to assist in maximizing opportunity and returns. This, along with Angus Australia’s hard working and experienced staff at Armidale, enables us to look forward to a strong future for the Angus breed. It is just so important that we all keep focusing on new opportunities and technologies that continue to assist Angus producers to make the most informed decisions about their breeding and marketing programs. May it keep raining and the grass keep growing where ever you are reading this.
MEET THE new directors Dr Laurence Denholm, Denholm Glen Angus, Spring Hill NSW – State Elected Director Laurie is the principal of Denholm Glen Angus, which he runs alongside wife Juliet and children, Alasdair and Catriona. Laurie has been breeding commercial cattle since 1986 and registered Angus cattle since 2001. Qualifications: Veterinary research scientist - BVSc(Hons) DipAgSc PhD, Admitted to practise law in NSW Supreme Court - LLB(Hons) Grad DipLegPrac, Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors - MAICD
Samantha Dobson Pine Park Angus, Cluan TAS – State Elected Director Sam is the principal of Pine Park Angus, which she runs alongside husband Heath and daughters, Holly and Harriett. Sam has been breeding beef cattle since 1993 and joined Angus Australia in 2014. Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Agriculture), Marcus Oldham College
Dean Fredericksen Dalwhinnie Angus, Orange NSW – Nationally Elected Director Dean is the principal of Dalwhinnie Angus, which he runs alongside wife Anne and children, Kristen, Taine and Holly. Dean has been breeding registered Angus cattle for 10 years. Qualifications: MSc (Hons) Earth Science, BSc Earth Science and Biology.
SAM WHITE Bald Blair Angus, Guyra NSW – Nationally Elected Director Sam is the principal of Bald Blair Pastoral Co, which he runs alongside wife Kirsty and sons, Abbott and Arthur. Sam has been breeding Angus cattle for 26 years. Qualifications: Bachelor Financial Administration, UNE and a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics.
Angus Australia visit TO American Angus Association Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
Angus Australia management staff Peter Parnell (CEO), Andrew Byrne (Breed Development & Extension Manager) and Christian Duff (Strategic Projects Manager) visited the American Angus Association (AAA) headquarters at St Joseph, Missouri in midJune to meet with American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. managers and discuss a range of future collaborative initiatives between the respective organisations. Newly elected Angus Australia Director, Sam White, privately visiting USA at the same time, also participated in the discussions. Key items under discussion included greater sharing of information to improve future genetic evaluation, developments in the use of genomics data in genetic evaluation, and achieving better linkage between progeny test and research programs conducted by the American Angus Association and Angus Australia.
Allen Moczygemba (CEO, American Angus Association), Kelli Retallick (Genetic Service Director, Angus Genetics Inc.), Christian Duff, Peter Parnell, Andrew Byrne, Dan Moser (President, Angus Genetics Inc.) and Sam White (Director, Angus Australia).
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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An Arizona Farms breeder and her 2015-drop heifer calf at foot.
Angus Cattle – what the world wants Kane Chatafield and Caitlyn Burling, Farm Weekly
Noel and Karen Bairstow run a 8000 hectare mixed farming operation at Lake Grace, WA with their son Luke and daughter-in law Jemma and staff. The history of the Bairstow family’s Angus breeding dates back to 1998 when their cropping program was severely damaged by frost. The operation had moved out of sheep in the early 1990s and Noel Bairstow said they were looking for the best way to utilise the hay they had cut from the frost damaged crops. “It didn’t take long for us to want stock back in the mix,” he said.
freshened up with top quality nucleus sires representing leading international and Australian Angus bloodlines. Up to six sires are purchased each year with the top one or two bulls used in artificial insemination programs. Noel said AI enables them to inject the top genetics extensively through the herd with the results showing through the cattle. When selecting their breeding cattle, the Bairstows look for thickness, docility, ease of calving and correct structure and Noel said they have been able to cull heavily for these traits due to the numbers available.
“We also had too many weeds and wanted something else to spread the risk.”
He said they were focusing on breeding uniformity throughout the herd and maintaining their fertility rates at a high level.
At the time Peter Walker was dispersing his Angus herd at Esperance and Mr Bairstow said it was too good an opportunity to overlook.
Noel continues to be impressed with the Angus breed and their ability to produce a high yielding carcase with the benefits of good maternal and temperament traits.
“We knew it was one of the best breeds to run so we bought the entire 350 head herd,” he said.
“Angus cattle are what the world wants,” he said.
“It was quite lucky for us, we had some of the best genetics in Australia so we got off to a good start.” From its humble beginnings, the Bairstow’s Angus herd has grown in leaps and bounds to be among WA’s largest commercial Angus herds. The family run 1500 Angus breeders and 200 replacement Angus heifers in conjunction with a 5000ha cropping program. Over the years, the herd genetics has been regularly
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
“It’s a breed that is suited to so many different markets and if we can get a good handle on the Asian market then I think the future’s looking pretty good.” Mr Bairstow said the Angus cattle aren’t too fussy and do well in the drier expanses of the Lake Grace area but have to be managed a little differently to those in the more traditional cattle areas of the State. A later calving commencing from March allows the cows to calve in more temperate conditions with hopefully a green pick and eases the pressure from the cows during what can be harsh summers.
It’s a breed that is suited to so many different markets and if we can get a good handle on the Asian market then I think the future’s looking pretty good. This sees the 80-strong Angus sire battery go in with the cows from early-June for a 2.5 month joining period until the beginning of September. But there is plenty of supplementary feed to get the cattle through the lean autumn feed gap with 1000ha of oats and hay cropped annually, primarily for cattle feed, along with Serradella legume pastures. The introduction of a chaff cart behind the header a couple of years ago effectively doubled the family’s supplementary feed stocks and is a more efficient way of combining cattle and cropping, said Noel. He said stock licks were also an important element to their feeding regime, providing the cattle with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Noel (left) and Luke (second right) Bairstow, Arizona Farms, Lake Grace, with Arizona Farms employees Jeff McKenzie and Lenny Klein with some mixed age Angus cows and 2015-drop calves at foot on agistment at Redmond.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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Records tumble in Roma Diana Wood, Marketing Manager
This was a great result for Angus. Being at the sale you could overhear how impressed people were with the Angus cattle. Proud moment: Julie and Jeremy Shaw, JS Grazing, Injune, are celebrating record breaking prices for their EU Angus weaners after today's Roma store sale.
Given the prices that had previously been achieved in recent weeks at the Roma Saleyards in central Queensland, the anticipation was palpable in the lead up to the store cattle sale on July 5th. On offer were 21 decks or 750 mixed sex EU Angus weaners, 7 to 10 months old, from the Shaw Family’s, JS Grazing Co, Injune Queensland and the results certainly did not disappoint, with record breaking prices achieved. 468 weaner steers averaging 296kg, topped at 408c/kg to average 400.4c/kg, (average of $1,185 per head). 282 weaner heifers averaging 270kg, topped at 402c/kg to average 389c/kg, (average $1,053 per head). Watkins and Co livestock agent Brad Neven said the JS Grazing weaner sale represented the highest average for a line of weaner steers ever sold at Roma. Ross Thompson, from Bathurst New South Wales was in attendance to witness the history at the Roma Saleyards. ‘This was a great result for Angus. Being at the sale you
could overhear how impressed people were with the Angus cattle’, he said. The cattle are bred near Injune, with the JS Grazing herd recognized as one of the top commercial pure bred Angus herds in Queensland, and one of, if not the northern most purebred Angus commercial operation of scale, joining 1,200 odd pure Angus cows per year. The Shaw Family has committed their entire annual weaner turn off to the Roma saleyards for the past six or seven years, and in 2016 embraced the use of online bidding platform, Elite Livestock, that saw the integration of the digital bidding platform with the traditional physical saleyard platform. The Shaw family reaped the rewards of the live online platform with about 15 registered buyers active throughout the JS Grazing sale. ‘The live online bidding option suited repeat buyers with previous experience with the cattle, many of who were present either on the ground or online’ said Mr Shaw.
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Friday 12th August 2016
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Angus Australia Regional Forums - 2016 Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Angus Australia is conducting a series of regional forums across Australia during July. The regional forums are open to anyone with an interest in Angus cattle and are a great way to catch up with Angus Australia staff and fellow Angus beef producers. The theme of the 2016 regional forums is “Genomics in a Modern Angus Beef Business” and predominantly focuses on the opportunities to utilise the ever increasing range of genomic technologies in Angus beef breeding operations. Presentations address questions such as: • What genomic technologies are available? • What are the main considerations when investing in genomic technology? • What opportunities are provided by genomics? • What are the main challenges when utilising genomics? • What genomic technologies are likely to be available in the future? The regional forums are delivered by Angus Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Parnell, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne, and Strategic Projects Manager, Christian Duff. The regional forums are completely free of charge and with the exception of the forum in Bunbury, the forums will commence at 8.50am (tea and coffee from 8.30am) and conclude at approximately 12.45pm. All presentations at the Regional Forums have been recorded and will be made available from the Angus Australia YouTube Channel at the conclusion of the Regional Forums.
Jye Patterson, Nicholas Morgan & Chris Patterson in Armidale.
Date
Location
Tuesday, 5 July
Orange
Wednesday, 6 July
Goulburn
Thursday, 7 July
Wodonga
Friday, 8 July
Warragul
Tuesday, 12 July
Armidale
Thursday, 14 July
Toowoomba
Tuesday, 19 July
Daylesford
Wednesday, 20 July
Hamilton
Thursday, 21 July
Naracoorte
Friday, 22 July
Hahndorf
Tuesday, 26 July
Launceston
Thursday, 28 July
Perth
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
Angus producers perfectly positioned in the beef industry Diana Wood, Marketing Manager
The outlook for the beef industry is looking brighter than ever and high quality Angus beef producers are perfectly positioned to make the most out of the opportunities available. This was the key take home message from the 2016 Angus National Conference. Delegates from all over Australia and as far away as Mexico descended on the border town of Albury, NSW for the sold out Angus National Conference in May. Conference participants heard from industry leaders from the production, feedlot, processing, export and retail sectors, that systems were either in place, or under development, that would address the ongoing challenges and constraints to deliver greater returns and profitability to all participants in the industry. Examples provided by speakers included the development of quality beef brands and labels underpinned by better objective measurement systems for carcass yield and meat quality (eg.via MSA), the importance of good documentation, quality assurance and verification systems; and, improved communication of objective data through the supply chain.
Networking opportunities A trade show was held in conjunction with the conference giving attendees the opportunity for networking and interaction with other producers and industry service providers. On display were the latest technologies and products associated with progressive beef production. Coopers Animal Health Territory Sales Manager for Northern Victoria, Mandy Macartney was very pleased with the level of patronage during the trade show. ‘We have had the opportunity to put our products in front of a good crowd of people and more importantly the right audience’ ‘What has been great is that we have been able to answer a lot of questions for people currently using our products’. Dr Sophia Edwards, the Technical Specialist for Reproduction with Vetoquinol is keen to have more involvement with Angus producers face to face. Dr Edwards found the opportunity to discuss the, ‘Real issues one on one with producers, as a valuable way to interact’.
Gala dinner Guests at the gala dinner on the Thursday night heard Jason Strong the Managing Director of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) speaking on the transformation of AACo
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
from a pastoral company to a fully integrated modern beef business. Mr Strong, a former winner of the Angus Youth National Judging Competition, University of Illinois Scholarship, paid tribute to the Angus Youth program and how it helped mould his path in the beef industry. During the dinner over $9,000 was raised for the Angus Australia Foundation during the Genetics Auction. This money will go a long way in supporting the initiatives of the Angus Foundation; helping Angus Australia to conduct youth development, education and research programs.
The future is bright Newly appointed Angus Australia President Libby Creek thought the conference was excellent with a great range of interesting speakers. ‘The feedback I have had from attendees has been very positive. It is great to see Angus Australia members continually seeking information and knowledge to assist them in the direction of their breeding and marketing programs. That is what I think sets our breed apart from many others- the progressive attitude of Angus producers’, said Mrs Creek. In closing the conference, Angus Australia CEO Mr Peter Parnell said that speakers over the two day event conveyed a consistent positive message for the future of high quality beef production. However, he warned that in order to fully capture these opportunities speakers highlighted the need for all sectors of the beef supply chain to work together in beneficial partnerships to increase the rate of technology adoption and to implement smarter production and marketing systems which delivered consistent high quality product to global beef consumers. We heard that whether we look at the demands of customers of Woolworths and McDonalds, the stringent standards required for quality Angus beef brands, or the needs of live exporters sending Angus breeding stock to international markets, the one common message was the need for continuous improvement of quality and consistency. “This could only be achieved by the different sectors of the industry working together with the needs of the end consumer in mind", said Mr Parnell.
FACES OF THE CONFERENCE
Angus Australia Director, Sam White, Bald Blair Angus NSW, with Nigel Semmens, Genetics Australia.
46th ANNUAL SALE, FRI. 16TH SEPT., 2016 70 BULLS
Bruce Creek, Kangaroo Island SA, with Kristen Fredericksen and Angus Australia Director, Dean Fredericksen, Dalwhinnie Angus NSW.
Rennylea Ambassador F857
Angus Australia Director, Brad Gilmour, Emu Creek Angus VIC, with Bill Cornell, ABS Australia.
aSenior sire at The Glen with outstanding carcase & beef quality credentials. At least 25 bulls sired by him will be catalogued in the sale. aTop 1% for IMF% (Acc 88%), CWT (Acc 90%), Long Fed Index & Days to Calving. Top 5% for Angus Breeding Index and Rib Fat. aSire of Champion Middle Weight Carcase & Champion Taste Test Carcase 2016 Sydney Royal Easter Show Steer & Carcase Show & 2 Taste Test winning carcases 2015 Sydney Show. aSteers by Rennylea Ambassador F857 marbled up to Ausmeat Marble Score 8, the highest recorded in the ASBP. aRanked No. 1 in the Sheer Force Test, Cohort 3, Angus Sire Benchmarking Program.
Sydney Royal Middleweight Champion Carcase (sired by F857)
Juliette Munro, Booroomooka Angus NSW, with Karen Golding, Little Meadows Angus WA.
Sale video and catalogue available late August Mike & Joy Gadd Ph: 02 6037 1347 Mob: 0427 371 347 E: theglenpastoral@bigpond.com W: www.theglenpastoral.com.au Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
McDonald’s ‘Angus’ burger offer continues to resonate with customers Beef Central
Angus beef now comprises 10-13 percent of all burgers sold at fast food outlet McDonald's, with further growing the ‘Angus brand’ touted as the company’s next challenge. Angus burgers are the key premium ingredient on the menu served daily to 1.7 million consumers across 955 McDonald’s restaurants in Australia. McDonald's supply chain service director Tracey Monaghan appealed to Angus producers to help grow the company's Angus program McDonald's supply chain service director Tracey Monaghan used the Angus Australia national conference on Friday to appeal directly to beef producers for their help to grow the program. “What is the next premium beef burger we can deliver to our customers? - it’s early days, but we are finding from our consumer research that the Angus brand continues to resonate with consumers,’’ Ms Monaghan said. “Building on that, we’ve got to look more broadly at what our customers want. Beyond where the food comes from, they are also interested in how we treat the environment, animals and people,” she said. “That is something we want to work with (beef producers) moving forward, and how we partner with producers to actually tell that story to our consumers.” “It’s about how we get better at telling those stories to help us move into the future and grow our collective businesses.’’ Speaking at the Angus conference held at Albury on May 20, Ms Monaghan outlined how the company had worked with Angus Australia since 2007 on the Angus burger range.
McDonald's premium Grande Angus
choices of ingredients were offered, with burgers served on cutting-boards and fries in baskets rather than traditional packaging. Short video documentaries featuring beef producers were used to build a broader conversation of where food comes from. McDonald's also answered 26,000 questions online about the origins of their ingredients. “The most popular questions are in relation to beef – where the beef come from, aspects to do with animal welfare, and whether we use preservatives, artificial colours or additives in the beef,’’ Ms Monaghan said. “There is a huge amount of interest – customers are hungry to know about this information, and we want to continue to have that conversation, and we need your help to do that. “We have to keep moving, and the speed of which we make changes, has to increase.”
She said traceability and verification of the breed content was essential.
Ms Monaghan said it took McDonald’s more than 18 months to launch the original Angus range, but that ‘time to market’ did not wash in today’s world.
This was accompanied by a significant investment in the restaurants with new grills for cooking capacity and restraints, and staff training across an 18-month period.
“While we only launched the Create Your Taste range last year, we are now looking for what’s next,’’ she said.
“We had to continue to re-invest in the Angus brand to remind our customers that we have these premium offerings available, and to give them something new to come back to at McDonald's,’’ she said. McDonald's premium Grande Angus “Last year we re-launched the Classic Angus and a twist on the Classic flavours to remind our customers to reappraise our brand. We also included the Angus brand in the most disruptive change in our restaurants in well over a decade.” “We wanted our customers who felt McDonald's wasn’t so relevant to take another look.’’ Restaurants were renovated, more than 40 different
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
No interest in simply matching competitor claims. Ms Monaghan said McDonald's had no plans to simply match competitor claims. Hungry Jacks announced in February, for example, that it would use only hormonal growth promotant-free beef. “We trust the farming community to follow regulations and we believe we have a good quality food supply, and we have no plans to make any moves in that same direction,’’ Ms Monaghan said. “We have worked with Angus Australia to develop a verification program using a National Vendor Declaration, and work with Certified Australian Angus Beef to ensure the cattle are indeed Angus.’’
2016 Angus National Conference
Consistency & quality of angus cattle valued Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
McDonald's supply chain service director Tracey Monaghan appealed to Angus producers to help grow the company's Angus program.
Rangers Valley managing director Don Mackay believes the Angus breed has the ability to compete in the world market.
Australian red meat businesses are moving to add value to their products and have consistent and high quality supplies, and Angus breeders are well positioned to benefit from this trend. Australian red meat businesses are moving to add value to their products and have consistent and high quality supplies, and Angus breeders are well positioned to benefit from this trend. That was a key theme running through Angus National Conference presentations from major beef producers, exporters and retailers, which, Angus Australia chief executive Peter Parnell said, gave a sense of optimism. Such a speakers to present to the 220 attendees of the sold-out event was Don Mackay, managing director of Rangers Valley (RV). He describes the business as not only a feedlot but a meat company, which only purchases 100 per cent Black Angus steers and Wagyu cross from specially selected suppliers. “Nothing focuses your attention more than when you put your name on a piece of meat and give it to someone to eat,” Mr Mckay said. And that focus is paying off – RV recently won a gold medal in the World Steak Competition in London with a Black Market branded Angus steak. He said RV’s focus on quality and attention to detail stemmed back to its original reason of being – it was established to take beef from Australia to Japan. Mr Mackay said RV now supplied high quality meat to about 20 countries. He said they could not even enter into discussions with clients until safety, traceability (each animal’s DNA is tested and recorded), animal and employee welfare criteria were met. As such, the 33,250 head capacity feedlot in the New England Tablelands, had to be up to scratch and visitor-ready all the time.
Director Pat McEntee said Woolworths Meat Company had to change with its customers; for example it has introduced in-store service butcher shops in 158 of its stores.
He said they’d engaged engineers and advisers to increase the capacity to 40,000 head with works to commence by the end of the year. Mr Mackay said RV liked to work with suppliers and seed stock producers. “If you hadn’t produced the genetics that made the material change to the cattle that come into our yard, then we wouldn’t be able to produce the type of cattle we do today, the meat quality and growth we’re seeing,” he said. The Angus brand had also proved to be a winner for McDonalds Australia, according to its senior director of supply chain Tracey Monaghan. She said the global fastfood giant wanted to work with suppliers to tell positive stories about how cattle were raised. She said the Angus brand resonated with Australian customers and signified that MacDonalds had a more premium offering. Director Pat McEntee said Woolworths Meat Company also had to change with its customers. He said its Butcher Shop initiative of the past 12 months allowed customers to get specially cut meat at some outlets, while maintaining case-ready, self-serve lines. Mr McEntee said they’d also introduced local meat brands in each state.
NO AMERICAN GENETICS SARUM ANGUS CATTLE CO Greg & Pamela Webster Ph: 07 4630 9190 E: angusaru1@gmail.com
www.sarumanguscattleco.com.au Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
Open-ended fund key to Paraway’s development Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
Paraway Pastoral has changed its focus from a large-scale grazing operation to becoming a reliable red meat supplier. Stuart Johnston, general manager northern NSW, said at the Angus National Conference last week, vital measures for that change were securing the right properties, ongoing financing and the three Ps – people, partnerships and performance. Paraway Pastoral was established in 2007 by Macquarie Pastoral Fund that allowed investors from around the world to invest in a red meat fund. It has grown to have 21 stations, more than 160 employees and a diverse portfolio of operations, with properties across three different rainfall zones – northern Australia, northern NSW and southern Australia – which collectively can carry 180,000 cattle and 200,000 sheep and some crop production. Mr Johnston said they started with an eight-year fund that to finish July 2015, but key to Paraway’s development was the establishment of an open-ended fund, now valued at $7-800 million, in which investments were made on a longer-term basis. “This time we have a focus on people who have a balance sheet (which allows) that they’re there for the longer term, we’re talking about a 20 year horizon,” he said. “The fund is now open-ended, which is pretty rare in agriculture, I don’t think there is another one, there are review dates but not an end date.” This means that they’ve been able to buy and sell properties to support their goal of consistently supplying high quality livestock. Mr Johnston said the business also wanted to decrease its exposure to live export. Last August, they also established separate offices in Orange NSW so the staff members are “100 per cent focused on Paraway” and not other Macquarie Pastoral operations. Macquarie Pastoral Funs is still the owner of
Paraway Pastoral general manager northern NSW Stuart Johnston at the conference.
Paraway Pastoral and it is a vehicle for investors to invest in the business. Mr Johnston said in 2015, the northern beef arm produced 14 million kilograms of beef and southern beef, 4 million kg all of which are Angus (which also involved joining about 11,000 cows). Paraway has three priorities: people, industry partnerships (including with feedlots and processors) and performance. “People are number one, they are our most valuable asset,” Mr Johnston said, adding they were working to develop resources, training and other career pathways. Paraway treats all the stations as individual businesses and Mr Johnston said he had to trust the managers were supported well enough to make the right decisions on farm. He said in corporate agriculture balancing the efficiencies of scale without putting too much pressure on labour units and their attention to detail was very important.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
Woolies turns back time in retail beef war Beef Central
Supermarket giant Woolworths has returned to the traditional butcher shop model to win over customers in the retail beef war. Old is new again as the company does a 180-degree turn from case-ready to in-store service butcher shops in 158 outlets over the past 12 months. At the heart of the strategy is a third-party local beef brand in each state, Angus breeders were told at their annual conference yesterday. Woolworths Meat Co's Pat McEntee, left, catches up with Steve Exton, NSW DPI beef leader at Wagga, during the Angus Australia national conference at Albury yesterday The transition has changed the way the company sells meat, according to Woolworths Meat Company director Pat McEntee. “It gives our customers the best of both worlds… they can get their beef cut just the way they like it or engage in the shopping experience,’’ Mr McEntee said. “But we will still have our self-service cabinets and caseready product for our time-poor customers.’’ Woolworths has moved to using third-party beef brands, including Pure Black Angus in Victoria and Tasmania, Angus Pure in South Australia, Manning Valley in NSW/ACT and Central Highlands Farmers in Queensland, to differentiate the new service butcher shops from case-ready. “Our strategy is to bring brands in front of our customers,’’ Mr McEntee said.
The company services more than 18 million customers across 967 stores each week, turning over 80,000 tonnes of beef, 46,000t of lamb, 23,000t of pork and enough sausages to circumnavigate the world 1.6 times. Of those 967 Australian stores, about 360 feature traditional in-store meat production while more than 450 are case-ready. The balance has transitioned to full-service butcher shops. Mr McEntee was a key speaker at the Angus Australia national conference held in Albury yesterday (Friday, May 20). He told delegates the Woolworths meat business was undergoing significant changes with a strategy to position beef as the first-choice protein. He said price, quality and provenance of the beef were important to consumers. “Historically, beef brands have been used to attract a premium,’’ he said. “More customers are looking to save on meat and protein as it becomes more expensive. “The health of the consumer, animal and environment are also important as we position brands.’’ US supermarket beef brands are focused on provenance, and breeds to a lesser extent, as a point of difference to consumers, he said. In the UK, the marketing focus has been on consumer health and wellness.
Woolworths Meat Company's Pat McEntee, left, catches up with Steve Exton, NSW DPI beef industry leader at Wagga, during the Angus Australia national conference at Albury
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
were no unnecessary costs throughout the supply chain when it came to certification.
He pointed to the use of farm brands by UK retailer, Tesco, to compete against global discounters at the lower end of the market.
“All companies should have confidence in the standards and programs we have, and we all look to have objective third party certification to gives us that confidence,’’ he said.
“This is changing the way people look at supermarket brands. There are so many beef brands marketed right across Australia… and they are becoming more commonplace.
“We all have responsibility around end-to-end costs right throughout the supply chain – it is about having a good program, confidence in that program, and being able to engender that trust back to consumers.’’
“There are a couple of farm brands directed at the lower end of the market. Customers can’t clearly articulate what a premium product is, or what a brand stands for.
Mr McEntee said he welcomed the release of the Australian Beef Language white paper final report and looked forward to reviewing it.
“As we see retailers adopt brands, it becomes more difficult for customers every time they shop to determine if they are buying a premium product versus something positioned to compete.’’
Certification costs Mr McEntee told Beef Central that Woolworths used its own internal certifications as well as the Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS) certification on certain products. He said the industry had a responsibility to ensure there
The white paper examines the implications for the existing beef language in consumer demands, market access requirements, new processing and descriptive technologies, breeding and on-farm management. “As long as we are making changes that are relevant to the customer - who is most important from my point of view in the industry - and all the players within the meat supply chain, then it should always be open for review and improvement,’’ Mr McEntee said.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
“One of the biggest changes retailers are grappling with today is the emergence of strong discounters,’’ Mr McEntee said.
2016 Angus National Conference
National Conference expands youth opportunities With the generous support from the Angus Australia Foundation, Angus Youth Australia was able to award two scholarships to the Angus National Conference. Members Laura Grubb and Anna White were the recipients of these new scholarships and spent three days down in the border town of Albury NSW networking with Angus producers and industry professionals from around the world. Both Laura and Anna had the opportunity to discuss the future for the Australia beef industry and the direction the Angus breed is heading. Laura and Anna gained a great deal of knowledge out of attending the conference that will be beneficial for both their personal and professional lives.
Laura Grubb
Competition and opportunity. I believe these two words sum up the main themes of discussion at the 2016 Angus National Conference. Firstly I believe that the conference organisers should be applauded for their ability to secure such a high caliber of speakers and facilitate such a constructive environment for discussion. Currently I am transitioning from solely a producer based mindset to a processor mindset with a progression in my career. Therefore I found it interesting to see how the
producers interacted with the processing sector, in terms of questions they had and their opinions of where they’d like to see the industry going. I hope I may be able to take some of this insight back to my daily work. The speakers were all incredibly relevant – especially so in their discussion of the future of the Australian beef industry and where the Angus breed fits into this. Competition and opportunity was addressed on both a domestic and international scale. I believe it important for producers to understand that we in Australia are no longer just dealing on a domestic level but we have increasing opportunities in both beef and genetics in the international market. By presenting this idea to producers and providing them with information on how to tap into this market, as well as what consumers are looking for, will give Angus producers an edge moving forward. However the most beneficial part of this conference for me was talking to the producers during breaks and hearing how they thought this new information impacted on their businesses. The opinions were varied and it was interesting to see how each individual operation was steering their herd into the future. The trade area also opened up discussion on the new technologies available and what experiences different
Angus Foundation - Angus National Conference scholarship recipients, Laura Grubb and Anna White enjoyed the networking opportuntiies provided by the conference.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Overall I believe this conference further expanded my network within the beef industry and provided me with a platform to learn more about the beef sector and how the Angus breed works within this. I feel that not only myself, but all the producers who attended the conference, left with new ideas and knowledge as well as a new level of enthusiasm as to the future of the Angus breed.
Anna White
The 2016 Angus National Conference held in Albury on the 19th and 20th of May was a success. The two day conference had guest speakers from all areas of the industry ranging from market analysts, feedlot managers and representatives from the retail sector. This gave producers and other conference attendees the opportunity to ask some tough questions about the future of the beef industry. It was an exciting time to be attending such an enlightening conference with an extensive amount of new technology available to cattle producers, and good prices and rainfall predictions for the next couple of months. The conference was a challenging experience, questioning seed stock and commercial producers on their current practices and potential possibilities to improve efficiency and productivity whilst continuing to produce a safe quality product that is sympathetic to the surrounding environment. However the underlying message was clear, the outlook for the industry is bright, so producers should place themselves to make the most of the available opportunities. The conference gave me the chance to experience the diversity of the Angus beef industry. I was able to appreciate that there is no one size fits all in beef production. Small businesses and large corporate companies will have different production techniques and management objectives, but all have the common goal to produce a quality product that will satisfy the customer consistently.
^
The diverse range of speakers gave attendees a vast cross section of the Angus beef supply chain and production systems. One speaker that I thought particularly stood out was Tracey Monaghan, Senior Director of Supply Chain for McDonalds. Ms Monaghan discussed previous marketing methods including the sale of “Grand Angus” beef burgers to create the image of McDonalds selling a premium gourmet product. McDonalds are creating a story to sell to the consumer. Ms Monaghan emphasized the need for quality assurance throughout the supply chain to ensure that a ‘safe quality product’ is sold every time. I believe this is a very important message for producers as consumers continue to have a growing interest in where their food comes from, how it is produced and it’s impact on the environment. The Australian beef industry is leading the way in terms of animal traceability through the supply chain, placing it in a good position, in terms of disease control and increasing trade opportunities. Although from a completely different sector of the industry Jason Strong, Managing Director and CEO of Australia Agricultural Company had a very similar message. AACo have a story to sell with their beef. Mr Strong made it very clear that although AACo is the oldest continuously operating company in Australia it is very keen to continue moving forward producing a consistently safe quality product that consumers can rely on. After attending the conference I have a greater enthusiasm for the Angus breed and its future, especially as it continues to take a forward stance in the uptake of new technologies and management techniques. The trade stands were a great opportunity to network, whilst learning about new tools available to producers. While the diverse range of speakers provided informative and stimulating speeches. I am very grateful to the Angus Australia Foundation for the opportunity to attend the conference, as it has been a great learning experience that I would highly recommend.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2016 Angus National Conference
producers had had with these new technologies.
2016 Angus National Conference
Closer connections for farmers and consumers Laura Griffin, Stock & Land
Moving to add more value and improve supply chain communication will lift the whole of Australia’s red meat supply chain, according to Teys Australia manager of corporate and industry affairs John Langbridge. At the Angus National Conference in Albury NSW last Thursday and Friday, Mr Langbridge said beef’s commodity cycle was a big concern to processors and it was bad for the industry’s long-term sustainability. “We think there are things we can do to take out peaks and troughs,” he said. He said these included actions to shore up consistent, high quality supply, such as a value-based payment system that would strengthen the relation between consumer preferences and spending habits and the feedback provided to farmers. “Over time we want to move to a value based payment to our farmers,” Mr Langbridge said. This would include streamlining kill sheet feedback to farmers, which would capture for each animal the quality of loin cuts plus the lean meat yield of that individual carcase, plus premiums, including for European Union eligible, Pasture-fed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS) and Angus. Such as system would let farmers know which animals performed better and which they could use to inform breeding and management decisions. “Eventually we want to grade every carcase.” He said in the next six to 12 months, Teys would work with farmer focus groups to refine this idea and work out what feedback is useful. He said the developing system would be based on objective measurements strengthened by the use of technology including cameras and xrays, and possibly robotics in the future. He said such a system would help improve the consistency and quality of Australian beef supply, which would allow
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Teys Australia manager of corporate and industry affairs John Langbridge.
Teys and other processors charge a premium to overseas customers who take 70 per cent of beef processed in Australia. Mr Langbridge said that was vital because Australia could not compete on price against other supplying countries, for example our labour costs are much higher. He said research showed consumers were willing to pay a premium for consistent eating quality, and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) had provided a “fairly good basis to start down that road”. For example, Teys could not meet the increased demand for grass-fed hormone-free beef to send to North America. He said Senate, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and other high level inquiries and government papers into the red meat sector would require the industry come to a uniform point of view about how we measure meat quality. Mr Langbridge said having a foundation of stronger supply chain relationships and trust would have benefits for the whole industry.
SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW
Hordern Trophy winner at 2016 Sydney Show with handler Leanne Nielson, Kanda NSW, Jennifer Lane, Sydney, Steve Hayward, Allora QLD, Richard, Sussie, Thomas and Benjamin Duddy with Rob Sinnamon and Greg Watson, RAS Cattle Committee, Councillors, Mrs Judith Hordern, Sydney and Judge Troy Setter, Brisbane 2016.
Junior & Grand Champion Angus Bull – KILLAIN ALASKA K18 (AI) exhibited by Killain Angus
Greg Watson, President of the RAS Cattle Committee, Robert Ryan, RAS President, Jason Catts, Breeders Group Interbreed Judge, Iyvonne & Bobby Gregory & Greg Fuller, Rachael Wheeler, Chloe Gould, Christie Kennedy & Andrew Kennedy from Pine Creek Angus
Senior & Grand Champion Angus Female – K5X LISA H56 exhibited by MS K L Smith
Urquhart trophy Supreme Female at Sydney 2016 with handler Leanne Neilson, Kanda NSW, Eliza-Jane Urquhart and Gary Urquhart, Woodville, with leader Steve Hayward, Allora Qld.
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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ASBP Cohort 5 Weaning Completed Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
All Cohort 5 calves from the Angus Sire Benchmarking program (ASBP) have been weaned across January to April. This involved 7 ASBP co-operator herds and 1,252 weaners. The data recorded at weaning was a weaning weight and docility score. A vial of blood (10ml) was collected from each weaner for high volume DNA extraction and genetic profiling. This is used for both sire verification and genomic research purposes. Genomic predictions, based on the Geneseek GGP-LD product, are also produced from the DNA profile and blended into the BREEDPLAN analysis. The weaning weights, docility scores and genomic predictions for all Cohort 5 calves were included in the July
2016 BREEDPLAN analysis. The latest BREEDPLAN EBVs for all sires in the ASBP are available from the Angus Australia website through the online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. Progeny average values and rankings are also listed in the ASBP Progeny Performance Reports. Listed in Figure 1, 2 and 3 are the top 10 Cohort 5 ASBP sires for 200 Day Weight EBV, Docility EBV and the Angus Breeding Index. Note – There may be more than 10 sires listed if sires have the same EBV or Index value. For further information please contact Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager on 0457 457 141 or christian@ angusaustralia.com.au
200 day GROWTH
DOCILITY
SIRE
SIRE EBV (kg)
Acc
EBV (%)
Acc
BALD BLAIR RIGHT ANSWER J94
+62
87%
COONAMBLE HECTOR H249
+44
77%
MURDEDUKE HUSSAR H211
+61
84%
ANVIL J301
+32
80%
ASCOT HALLMARK H147
+61
91%
MILWILLAH ELEVATOR H194
+31
78%
RENNYLEA J140
+60
89%
TOTARANUI 238
+25
82%
STRATHEWEN BERKLEY G34
+59
84%
MUNDOO HOT STUFF H162
+24
79%
BOOROOMOOKA HYPERNO H605
+57
94%
GLANWORTH WAIGROUP 1213
+22
78%
CHERYLTON RAVEN J20
+57
82%
STORTH OAKS H41
+20
90%
MILLAH MURRAH JACKPOT J137
+56
87%
COOLANA NEW DAY H36
+20
86%
MATAURI OUTLIER F031
+55
96%
TUWHARETOA D81
+19
82%
CAMPASPE ROCKS FOCUS J41
+53
82%
RENNYLEA H7
+15
95%
TIBOOBURRA IMPACT J26
+53
82%
STRATHTAY EQUATOR J28
+15
78%
BREED AVERAGE
+41
BREED AVERAGE
+4
Figure 1 – Top 10 ASBP Cohort 5 Sires for 200 Day Growth EBV (July 2016 BREEPLAN Analysis)
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Figure 2 – Top 10 ASBP Cohort 5 Sires for Docility EBV (July 2016 BREEPLAN Analysis)
SIRE
ABI ($)
MURDEDUKE HUSSAR H211
+161
STRATHEWEN BERKLEY G34
+161
ASCOT HALLMARK H147
+160
CAMPASPE ROCKS FOCUS J41
+152
RENNYLEA H708
+146
BOOROOMOOKA HYPERNO H605
+144
STORTH OAKS H41
+144
BALD BLAIR RIGHT ANSWER J94
+143
RENNYLEA H7
+132
RENNYLEA J140
+132
BREED AVERAGE
+102
Figure 3 – Top 10 ASBP Cohort 5 Sires for Angus Breeding Index (July 2016 BREEDPLAN Analysis)
ASBP – Nominate Sires Now Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
Time is running out to nominate sires for the next round (Cohort 7) of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP). Nominations will be accepted up until Friday 5th August 2016 however preference will be given to early nominations. At the time of writing this article (early June 2016) 37 nominations had already been received. From the nominated bulls, approximately 40 will be selected with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 Angus cows by fixed time AI starting in September 2016. The bull selection criteria will be based on genetic diversity, breeding values and their relationship to sires already used in previous Cohorts of the ASBP. The benefits of bulls entering the ASBP include: • Involvement in Australia’s largest beef cattle progeny test program including large contemporary groups. • Receive high accuracy EBVs, particularly for hard to measure traits such as net feed intake, abattoir carcase data and female reproduction. • Receive progeny average values and sire ranking from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA Index and MSA Marble Score.
• High density DNA profiles will be stored for current use (e.g. sire verifications, genomic predictions) and future research. • Closer genetic linkage to the ASBP ensures research outcomes, particularly in the genomics area, will have more relevance to your herd. For further information on the sire nomination process for Cohort 7 visit the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au Strategic Projects Manager - Christian Duff P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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Enhanced ASBP Progeny Performance Reports Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
Progeny Performance reports contain a range of information to assist Angus breeders in determining the progeny performance of sires within the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP). This includes a range of familiar information (BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection Indexes) and additional information (progeny average values and rankings within the ASBP). The additional information also includes how the sires have performed through their progeny for traits additional to BREEDPLAN analysis such as MSA Marble Score, MSA Ossification, MSA Index and shear force. The ASBP Progeny Performance reports have recently been enhanced to include a table that summarises the progeny averages and rankings for each sire across the range of
ASBP recorded traits. Colour coding has also been applied to the ranking for easy interpretation (see figure 1) being:
Rank 1 to 5 (dark green with white text).
Rank 6 to 10 (light green with black text).
There is a separate report for each Cohort that can be accessed under the Sire Benchmarking menu item on the Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au) For any questions related to the ASBP contact Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager on 0457 457 141 or christian@angusaustralia.com.au
Figure 1 - Enhanced ASBP Progeny Performance reports are available.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Net Feed Intake EBVs Available for ASBP Cohort 4 Sires Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
A significant amount of new feed intake data was included in the June 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis. This is a direct result of the feed intake data being collected in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP). This new data has been collected and analysed on all steer progeny of the Cohort 4 sires, resulting in Net Feed Intake EBVs, based on direct feed intake data, now being available for sires in Cohorts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the ASBP. The feed intake data is collected at UNE’s Tullimba feedlot, Kingstown, NSW. Collectively this includes feed intake data on 1,763 steers from ASBP Cohorts 1, 2, 3 and 4, with 284 of these records coming from the Cohort 4 bred steers. The feed intake and growth data collected through the ASBP is analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN to produce the Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Finishing EBV (NFI-F EBV). This EBV is an estimate of genetic differences between animals in feed intake at a standard weight and rate of weight gain when animals are in a feedlot finishing phase. NFI-F EBVs as expressed as kilograms (kg) of feed intake per day. Lower, or more negative, NFI-F EBVs are more favourable. For example, a bull with a NFI-F EBV of –0.6 kg/day would be expected to produce progeny that consume less feed per day than the progeny from a bull that has a NFI-F EBV of +0.8 kg/day (when the progeny are of similar weight, are growing at a similar rate, and are in a feedlot finishing phase). A Net Feed Intake - Post Weaning EBV (NFI-P EBV) is also calculated in Angus BREEDPLAN. Some animals may rank
NAME WATTLETOP FRANKLIN G188(AI) BOONAROO GRAVITY G13 G013(AI)(ET) RENNYLEA G255(APR)(ET) BOOROOMOOKA GALILEO G501(AI) BALD BLAIR DAVID G105(APR)(AI) CUDGEGONG PARK GRANGE G4(AI)(ET) BANQUET GARRETT G272 Breed Average
ASBP Steers Undergoing NFI testing at Tullimba Feedlot
differently for this trait, compared to NFI-F, as it is an expression of feed efficiency at a younger age immediately after weaning. Listed in Table 1 are Cohort 4 ASBP sires that have an above average Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a below average (i.e. more efficient) NFI-F EBV. The latest NFI EBVs for all sires in the ASBP are available from the Angus Australia website through the online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. Progeny average values and rankings for NFI are also listed in the ASBP Progeny Performance Reports. For further information please contact Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager on 0457 457 141 or christian@angusaustralia.com.au
CED (%)
BWT 400 DAY DTC CWT (KG) WT (KG) (DAYS) (KG)
EMA (CM2)
IMF (%)
NFI-F (KG/DAY)
+2.8
+2.5
+104
-5.9
+74
+4.9
+2.0
-0.51
74%
93%
90%
46%
77%
77%
76%
78%
+2.9
+3.9
+82
-4.8
+43
+7.8
+2.8
+0.13
74%
93%
90%
62%
78%
79%
79%
79%
-5.1
+3.9
+96
-2.5
+85
+6.3
+4.3
+0.03
81%
98%
96%
61%
81%
85%
83%
85%
+3.2
+2.2
+93
-1.3
+68
+4.4
+2.3
-0.11
71%
96%
93%
48%
76%
79%
76%
74%
-1.9
+5.7
+82
-5.7
+54
+4.9
+2.7
-0.31
71%
94%
90%
47%
78%
78%
76%
79%
+0.3
+3.5
+77
-7.0
+49
+5.4
+2.4
+0.03
74%
97%
93%
60%
78%
80%
80%
79%
-1.2
+6.2
+94
-1.3
+64
+0.4
+1.0
-0.65
65%
94%
88%
40%
74%
75%
73%
75%
-0.1
+4.3
+75
-3.6
+54
+4.4
+1.5
+0.14
ABI ($) +142 +132 +131 +131 +115 +113 +109 +102
Table 1 ASBP Cohort 4 sires with an above average Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and below average NFI-F EBV (July 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis)
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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Understanding the Angus Breeding Index Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Angus bulls being offered for sale this spring will be presented with a range of information that assists bull buyers in making an informed decision and purchasing the bulls that are most suitable for their beef breeding enterprise. One such piece of information is the Angus Breeding Index. An Angus Breeding Index is calculated for each animal within the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation and estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. This selection index is not specific to a particular production system or market end-point, but identifies animals that will improve overall profitability in the majority of commercial grass and grain finishing beef production systems. The Angus Breeding Index is particularly suited to commercial producers who sell progeny into different markets (or to seedstock producers supplying bulls to commercial clients who produce for a range of different production systems and market end points). The Angus Breeding Index assists in making “balanced” selection decisions, taking into account the relevant growth, carcase & fertility attributes of each animal to identify animals that are most suitable for use within a typical self replacing Angus breeding operation.
Trait Emphasis
The graph below shows the emphasis that has been placed on each trait group in the Angus Breeding Index.
Response to Selection
The following table shows the indicative change in traits after one generation if producers select animals using the Angus Breeding Index. Trait Group
Trait
Response
Calving Ease Direct
+0.9%
Calving
Calving Ease Dtrs
+1.1%
Ease
Birth Weight
-0.2 kg
Gestation Length
-0.8 days
200 Day Growth
+3 kg
400 Day Weight
+6 kg
Growth
Maternal Fertility
Carcase
TOTAL
600 Day Weight
+8 kg
Mature Cow Weight
+5 kg
200 Day Milk
+2 kg
Scrotal Size
+0.4 cm
Days to Calving
-1.0 days
Carcase Weight
+3 kg
Eye Muscle Area
+1.0 cm2
Rib Fat
+0.1 mm
Rump Fat
+0.1 mm
Retail Beef Yield
+0.1%
Intramuscular Fat
+0.5%
Angus Breeding Index
$19 / cow joined
The indicative response reflects the change if the Angus Published Sires (at the November 2014 Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis) were ranked on this selection index and the Top 10% selected for use within a breeding program. The response will differ if a different group of animals was available for selection and/or a different selection intensity was applied.
Using the Angus Breeding Index in Selection Growth 27%
Calving Ease 16%
Maternal 7%
Fertility 19% Carcase 31%
The Angus Breeding Index can be used to rank animals based on their overall genetic value within a typical self replacing Angus breeding operation. Additionally, the Angus Breeding Index can be used to benchmark where an animal ranks compared to other animals analysed within the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis by comparing its selection index value to the current breed average value and to the percentile bands table. Reference tables for Angus BREEDPLAN (i.e. current breed average and percentile bands) can be accessed from the Angus Australia website, or are usually provided in most bull sale catalogues.
Consider Individual EBVs
When using the Angus Breeding Index, it is important to pay attention to each animal’s EBVs for traits of particular importance in the individual breeding program. For example, producers may pay attention to: • Calving Ease EBVs if planning to use the bull over heifers
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
• Mature Cow Weight EBVs if monitoring the weight of mature cows is of particular importance • Fat EBVs if more or less fat is required on steers at slaughter • EMA EBVs if specifically wanting to improve the muscling in a herd One simple way of considering an animal’s individual EBVs, is to set acceptable ranges for the individual EBVs of particular importance. In this scenario, animals would firstly be ranked on the Angus Breeding Index but then any animal whose individual EBVs fall outside of the acceptable range be excluded from selection. It is also important to note that not all EBVs are currently included in the calculation of the Angus Breeding Index. For example, Net Feed Intake, Docility and Structural Soundness EBVs are currently excluded. In a similar vein to that outlined above, if these EBVs are of importance then animals should firstly be ranked on the Angus Breeding Index but then any animal whose EBV falls outside of an acceptable range for these traits be excluded from selection.
Consider Other Selection Criteria
In addition to consideration of individual EBVs, it is also important to consider other selection criteria that may not be accounted for in the calculation of the Angus Breeding Index. For example, this may include such things as assessment of an animal’s temperament, structural soundness, phenotype, fertility status, carrier status for any relevant genetic disorders, pedigree and DNA results for qualitative traits like coat colour. One strategy that can be used to incorporate selection for these other traits of economic and functional importance with the animal’s EBV and selection index information is to firstly rank animals on the Angus Breeding Index, exclude any animals whose individual EBVs fall outside of an acceptable range and then assess the animals for these other traits of importance, excluding any animals from selection who are not acceptable in each area.
Other Considerations
The Angus Breeding Index does not change the key elements of the success in any breeding program, being careful planning, the use of good information to assist in decision making, and, above all, consistency and patience in the pursuit of desired breeding goals. Before considering any information presented on animals, including the Angus Breeding Index, it is important that producers develop a clearly defined plan of what they are attempting to achieve from their breeding program, and evaluate whether the Angus Breeding Index is consistent with their breeding goals.
Further Information
To further discuss the Angus Breeding Index, contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development and Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@ angusaustralia.com.au. Additional information is also available in the BREEDPLAN area of the Angus Australia website.
Tips When Using the Angus Breeding Index • Evaluate whether the Angus Breeding Index is consistent with your breeding goals • Rank animals available for selection on the Angus Breeding Index • Consider individual EBVs of particular importance within your breeding program and disregard any animals with EBVs in undesirable ranges. • Consider other selection criteria and disregard any animals that do not meet acceptable standards • Contact staff at Angus Australia should you require any assistance
120 Bulls Made of
TOUGH STUFF! 2016 Annual On Property Sale FRIDAY 5th AUGUST 2016 - 1PM
Hugh & Hazel: (02) 6729 9067 Brett & Kim: 0427 438 318
E: angus@clunie.com.au
www.clunie.com.au
Clunie Range Kookaburra K102 By Clunie Range Highlight H411
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
PAge 27
Angus Breeders Embracing Genomic Technology Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Having led the beef industry in adopting performance recording, BREEDPLAN and artificial breeding technologies, Angus breeders across Australia are now utilising the latest generation of breeding and genetic technology, genomics, in increasing numbers. Genomics is the term given to describe a range of DNA based technologies concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes, being the complete set of genes present in an organism. Genomics has several main applications in the beef industry, including traceability through the supply chain, and verification of breed content for branded beef products, but is predominantly used in Angus breeding enterprises for determination of parentage, management of the unfavourable genetic conditions, and more recently, for the identification of animals with superior genetic merit. When combined with pedigree and performance information, genomic predictions add additional information to the calculation of Angus BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), and enables the generation of EBVs with additional accuracy. By comparison to traditional genetic evaluation technologies, the incorporation of genomic information enables more accurate selection decisions to be made, particularly in situations where an animal’s traditional EBV has low accuracy. For example: • When an animal is very young • For traits that are hard to measure, or traits that cannot be measured prior to an animal entering the breeding herd
latest technology within their breeding programs. Importantly, the genomic information being gathered, in association with the continued commitment to collecting pedigree and performance information, is enabling Angus animals with superior genetic merit to be identified and used widely in Angus breeding programs to improve the profitability of Angus genetics in beef supply chains supplying both the domestic and export markets. Analysis of the performance information that has been collected on Angus seedstock animals demonstrates that the genetic merit of Angus bulls is now, on average, over $80 per cow mated more profitable than the equivalent Angus bulls in 1990, with the genetic improvement that has been achieved primarily resulting from Angus animals being 63kg heavier live weight at 20 months of age, and having carcases that are 41kg heavier (hot standard carcase weight at 25 months), 0.6% higher yielding with 1.6% more intramuscular fat (in a 400kg dressed carcase). The economic value of the accumulated genetic gains that have been achieved in the Angus-influenced segment of the Australia beef industry during this time have been estimated to be in excess of $2.5 billion, with additional improvements in profitability in Angus beef operations also having been achieved due to changes in management and production practices over this time. Additional to the current genomic technologies being utilised, Angus Australia’s Breed Development program is now progressing the development of a number of additional genomic based technologies that will enable Angus Australia members to further harness the benefits offered by genomics.
• For traits that have a low heritability • In situations where collecting effective performance information is problematic, such as in small herds, or when an animal has been removed from its contemporary group • In situations where little information is recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN for the animal, such as recently imported overseas sires Highlighting the magnitude of the genomic information being collected, over 18,000 animals now have genomic information incorporated in the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, with genomic information collected on animals bred in over 350 herds. Over 80 of these herds have collected genomic information on 25 animals or greater. The utilisation of genomic testing is a major point of difference for the Angus breed and highlights the commitment of Angus Australia members to utilising the
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Genomics involves analysis of an animal’s DNA, usually obtained from tail hair, to calculate a genomic prediction of an animal’s genetic merit, which is incorporated into the calculation of the animal’s estimated breeding value.
Some initiatives that are underway include: • Utilisation of the comprehensive information being collected in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) to further improve the accuracy of the current genomic products that are available. This includes obtaining additional accuracy for current traits, plus the development of genomic predictions for additional traits. • Transition of the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation software from the current two-step process for incorporating genomic information, to a one-step analytical model that will incorporate genomic information in a more optimal manner, and offer BREEDPLAN EBVs with additional accuracy.
• Development of a commercial heifer selection tool to assist commercial Angus producers more accurately identify replacement heifers with superior genetic merit. • Utilisation of genomic technology for additional quality assurance purposes such as breed and sex verification programs. With Angus animals already well regarded for superior performance and productivity, the utilisation of genomic technology, along with ongoing utilisation of existing genetic and reproductive technologies in Angus breeding programs will ensure Angus genetics continue to deliver improved profitability and remain in high demand within the Australian beef industry.
3500
20000 18000
3000
16000 2500
14000 12000
2000
10000 1500
8000 6000
1000
4000 500
2000
0
Animals with Genomic Predictions Since 1990
Animals with Genomic Predictions By Calving Year
June 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN Angus Animals with Genomic Predictions
0
Calving Year
Angus breeders are leading the Australian beef industry in the adoption of genomic technology, with genomic information now incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for more than 18,000 animals
8TH ANNUAL SALE
Sat August 20th at Kia Ora Gloucester (Open Day Friday July 29th)
55 Performance recorded bulls 100 commercial heifers Featuring 12 sons of new sire EF Complement
Also represented: Reality, EVTG57, NURG20, QQFH146, NGMF510, Braveheart
Knowla Lancaster L03 Sire: EF Complement C.E. +2.0
BW +3.6
400 +90
600 +116
Milk +19
EMA +5.9
IMF +2.0
$ABI $124
James Laurie 02 6558 5519 Ted Laurie 02 6558 5503
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
PAge 29
Low Density vs High Density Genomic Products What’s the Difference? Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Both major companies providing genomic products to Angus Australia members, Zoetis and GeneSeek, now offer a low and high density genomic product, with all products being incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN. Company
Low Density
High Density
Zoetis
i50K
HD50K
GeneSeek
GGP-LD
GGP-HD
So what’s the difference between the low and high density products?
Difference between the Low and High Density Products Density refers to the number of locations at which an animal’s DNA is read across the animal’s chromosome, or for the more technically minded, the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are evaluated on the DNA chip. The low density products use a lower cost, lower density DNA test with less SNPs to assess the genetic makeup of black Angus cattle. A process known as imputation is then used to predict the high density genetic profile for the animal, which is equivalent to the genetic profile that would have been obtained if the animal was tested with the higher density, higher cost product.
life, you’re able to fill in the blanks that exist even though the letters aren’t really there. Imputation works much the same way. Based on a large population of animals that have been genotyped with both low and high density DNA tests, a computer algorithm can fill in the parts that are missing from the low density genotype. Understanding the Imputation Process Imputati_n uses pat_ern rec_gnit_on to fi_l in m_ssing data po_nts, the sa_e conc_pt that a_lows h_mans to easi_y read se_ten_es wh_n s_veral l_tte_s are m_ssi_g
Accuracy of Imputation Research has demonstrated that the average imputation accuracy is very high. For example, the imputation accuracy for the Zoetis i50K genetic profile in Australian black Angus cattle is greater than 98%. This means that more than 98% of the single nucleotides polymorphisms (known as SNPs) imputed from an i50K genetic profile match the true HD50K genetic profile.
Other Differences Between the Low and High Density Products Other than the imputation process that the low density products use to predict the high density genetic profile, the low and high density products offered by each respective company are identical. • Within the products offered by each respective genomic company, the low and high density products calculate genomic predictions for the same suite of traits.
Understanding Imputation Imputation is a process that uses pattern recognition to predict a higher density genetic profile from a lower density genetic profile. The process of imputation is similar to a human’s ability to read words, sentences or even paragraphs that have letters missing. H_re’s an ex_mp_e of a s_nt_nce l_ke th_t. Due to your experience reading over the course of your
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
• Within the low and high density products offered by each respective company, genomic predictions are incorporated in Angus BREEDPLAN for the same traits, and BREEDPLAN places the same emphasis on the genomic predictions from the low and high density genomic products when calculating the EBVs for an animal. • The process for testing a black Angus animal with the low density products offered by each respective company is exactly the same as for the high density products. • Both the low and high density products are only suitable for black Angus animals.
Cost Difference between Low and High Density Products As the low density products use a lower density DNA test, the lower density products are available at a lower price. Company
Product
Cost (inc GST)
Zoetis
i50K
$64.70
Zoetis
HD50K
$91.00
GeneSeek
GGP-LD
$72.60
GeneSeek
GGP-HD
$145.20
Note: Angus Australia also charges a processing fee of $6.60 per animal (1-50 animals), $5.50 per animal (51-100 animals) or $4.40 per animal (101+ animals). The same processing fee is charged for both the low and high density products and covers Angus Australia’s labour costs to process samples and results, undertake appropriate quality assurance checks, ABRI database fees, plus handling and freight charges.
Should Animals Be Tested With the High Density Products?
Animals can still be tested with the high density products but in most cases, the low density product is adequate for the inclusion of genomic information into Angus BREEDPLAN. The high density products would only be considered if it was deemed advantageous to store a high density DNA profile for inclusion in future research, or to assist the research efforts of genotyping companies.
Further Information
To further discuss genomic testing of animals with low and high density genomic products, contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development and Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia. com.au. Additional information is also available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website.
Both major companies providing genomic products to Angus Australia members, Zoetis and GeneSeek, now offer a low and high density genomic product that is incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN. Other than the imputation process that is used to generate the high density genetic profile for an animal, the low and high density products are identical.
Option1 - High Density
Option 2 - Low Density
DNA SAMPLE DNA SAMPLE Low Density Genetic Profile (eg. ~20,000 SNPs) High Density Genetic Profile (eg. ~50,000 SNPs)
Genomic Predication
Imputation High Density Genetic Profile (eg. ~50,000 SNPs)
Genomic Predication
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
PAge 31
From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
It has been another busy few months for Angus BREEDPLAN, with staff training, processing of performance data, document updates and a quick trip to the National Angus Conference in Albury.
Introducing Samantha Hamilton
In April 2016, we were pleased to welcome Samantha Hamilton to the Angus Australia team that is involved with Angus BREEDPLAN. Samantha has worked for Angus Australia in the Member Services area for close to two years and is a much loved colleague. This additional role sees her processing BREEDPLAN performance data whilst continuing to maintain and produce Member Sale Catalogues, which is one of her main roles as part of the Member Services team. Growing up in rural Armidale, Sam has a passion for the agricultural industry and enjoys talking to breeders and being part of an organisation that enables each herd to make informed decisions and reach better breeding outcomes. Currently an avid Poultry Breeder and Campdrafter, Sam hopes to one day run her own seedstock beef enterprise and is keen to gain a greater understanding of BREEDPLAN and the seedstock industry.
Performance Data Processing Statistics
Angus Australia has been busy processing the BREEDPLAN performance data that is sent to the Angus Australia office on a daily basis. The table below provides a snapshot of some of the traits that are regularly submitted to Angus Australia, this data was added to the AA database between the 01/01/2016 and the 31/05/2016.
Trait
No. PROCESSED
Calving Difficulty Score Birth Weight 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Ultrasound Scan Data* Scrotal Circumference Docility Score Structural Score Abattoir Carcase Data** Net Feed Intake (Feedlot Finishing) Net Feed Intake (Post Weaning)
23,575 25,890 30,343 10,727 14,391 10,071 11,044 4,106 12,144 2,697 577 284 62
* Ultrasound scan data includes records for eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and intra-muscular fat. ** Abattoir carcase data includes records for fat colour, meat colour, PH, Ausmeat and MSA marble score, MSA Index, meat temperature and carcase ossification.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
Check Your Outlier Reports A quick reminder that all BREEDPLAN outlier reports are provided in the Files to Download section of the Member Login Area on the Angus Australia website. An outlier occurs when the difference between a performance record for an animal, and the average of all animals in the contemporary group is greater than would normally be expected for the trait measured (more than 3 standard deviations). When this happens the “outlier” data is excluded from the BREEDPLAN analysis until the data is checked and Angus Australia has been notified that it is correct. Please endeavour to regularly check for outlier reports in the “Files to Download” section of the Angus Australia website. If you do not check these records and notify Angus Australia of the corrections or verification of the data, then the outlier records will remain excluded from all future BREEDPLAN analyses.
New Angus BREEDPLAN Brochures
A number of new brochures are now available that assist Angus Australia members understand Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection indexes. Copies are available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website, or can be mailed upon request by contacting Ashleigh Horne on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
contact details for angus breedplan Please remember that Angus Australia is now processing all performance information and fielding any BREEDPLAN enquiries. The new contact details for Angus BREEDPLAN are: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 ARMIDALE NSW 2350 Ph: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6772 3095 E: breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
The commercial benefits of artificial insemination in Angus herds results from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project programs Dr Sophia Edwards, Technical Specialist Reproduction, Vetoquinol Australia No matter if you are a commercial or stud stock producer, increasing the rate of genetic improvement or being able to access superior genetics to incorporate into your herd is generally a priority. Most breeders would appreciate that artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET) are tools best utilised to disseminate genetics into their herds. However, the commercial adoption of these technologies is much less than what is seen in the stud stock sector. Fixed-time AI (FTAI) provides a practical and feasible option for commercial and stud breeders to implement AI into their herds as 100% of the herd can be inseminated at a predetermined time. The implementation of FTAI requires no detections of oestrus, only requires an AI technician on one occasion, and often results in more calves produced by AI than oestrus detection programs. Therefore, FTAI can suit many herds whether they are inseminating small numbers or the whole herd. The practicality of FTAI has enabled the variety of sires enrolled in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) to be spread across the various co-operator herds. Many of these co-operator herds had no previous experience in implementing programs, and yet have yielded attractive results on a consistent basis (Figure 1). In the 2015 Cohort 6 FTAI programs the average pregnancy rate to FTAI were 59% for multiparous cows (n = 1543; range 54 to 63%), 48.2% for heifers on their first calf (n = 813; range
34 to 63%) and 49% for maiden heifers (n = 203; range 43 to 55%). This data followed a consistent trend with multiparous cows generally giving the best and consistent results of all groups. The data collected during the six consecutive years of FTAI programs for the ASBP has resulted in unprecedented benefits. The data has been analysed to provide practical and relevant information to Angus breeders about
Figure 1 – Pregnancy rates to fixed-time artificial insemination of heifers, heifers on their first calf, and cows enrolled in the Cohort 6 ASBP.
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
PAge 33
implementation of artificial breeding into their herds. Broadly there are three main benefits to synchronising your females for AI, FTAI or ET; rapid genetic progress or change, compacting the calving interval, and increasing fertility. For the purposes of this article, an analysis of the data retrieved from the ASBP FTAI programs will be used to focus on the latter benefits, compacting the calving interval and increasing fertility. This information provides evidence and supports that synchronisation for AI, FTAI or ET used as a tool in commercial herds can improve profitability, over and above the benefits of genetic gain.
This data provides clear evidence that synchronisation for AI or FTAI can provide practical and profitable benefits to a commercial herd. It should be noted that not only were the AI calves an average of 38 kg heavier than the calves from the naturally mated backup bulls (Figure 2), but they also represented 71% of the calves weaned. This represents significant financial benefits within the market place where liveweight prices determine your return. Therefore these returns can cover or contribute substantially to the cost of the program, and the ‘icing on the cake’ being the genetic and herd management improvements.
Increase your weaner weights… earlier calves born over a shorter duration through synchronisation
The added benefits of earlier calving… improving management through synchronisation
A key benefit of synchronising a group of females for AI or FTAI is that the majority of your females can fall pregnant on the very first day of planned mating. It is not surprising that as a result the majority of the calves are then born at the very start of the calving season. The weaning weights of calves produced from the cow herd on one co-operator station in Cohort 5 of the ASBP were recorded in 2016. The calves were produced from four different mating groups, AI calves (n = 160) and calves born from the backup bulls used in three multi-sire groups, Natural 1 (n = 10), Natural 2 (n = 17) and Natural 3 (n = 38) (Figure 2). Acknowledging that there are genetic influences on the weights of the calves at weaning, the average EBV for 200 day growth has been noted for each group +47, +39, +40 and +22, for the AI, Natural 1, 2 and 3 groups, respectively. However, it was the time of calving that had the most influence on the weaning weight of the calves in this herd, with the AI calves having an average age of 205 days at weaning whereas the Natural 1, 2 and 3 calves had an average age at weaning of 181, 186, and 182 days, respectively.
Creating earlier calves through synchronisation FTAI, is not just about heavier weaners. There are many other intangible benefits that go with a uniform weaner group. It is clear that these factors provide benefits to the breeding enterprise, but the financial benefits can be hard to quantify: • They can be marketed as a uniform group. • Calving surveillance occurs over a shorter period of time. • Easier to perform a phenotypic assessment and comparisons of the calves. • Fewer later calving cows. • Can be used as a tool to bring the time of calving earlier. • Heifer progeny will reach the critical mating weight at a similar time, increasing the likelihood that majority of the group will conceive earlier in their joining period.
Figure 2 - Comparison of weaning weights of calves produced by AI or natural mating.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
One co-operator herd in the ASBP has been taking advantage of the use of FTAI in their herd to progressively bring their calving date of their herd earlier each year. This herd deliberately joined their herd 2 weeks earlier in the Cohort 6 program, than the Cohort 5 program (Table 1). It is acknowledged that a reduced pregnancy rate was observed to AI in the Cohort 6 programs, however, this is in line with the normal year to year variation observed for cows that are ≥ 3 years of age. The AI pregnancy rate of the heifers on their first calf was reduced, which is not surprising given the higher prevalence of post-partum anoestrous often observed in this type of females. Importantly, the end of season pregnancy rate was comparable between the Cohort 5 and 6, which is impressive given that the joining period for this herd only lasts 7 weeks. This herd has clearly demonstrated that synchronisation can be used as an effective tool in shifting your time of calving. The evidence that artificial reproduction can contribute significantly to the improvement in genetic gain in a herd is well supported and acknowledged amongst beef cattle breeders. This article provides Angus breeder’s factual,
relevant and recent data that has been collected from the latest ASBP FTAI programs. Coincidently, this article not only demonstrates that in a commercially managed beef operation synchronising cows for FTAI can improve the financial performance of your herd, but also can improve your genetics. If you would like further information regarding artificial reproduction or the Cue-Mate device to enable synchronisation, please don’t hesitate to contact: Sophia Edwards P: 0418 270 680 E: sophia.edwards@vetoquinol.com
Greg Heeney P: 0475 948 880 E: greg.heeney@vetoquinol.com Brooke Cowan P: 0423 828 050 E: brooke.cowan@vetoquinol.com
PREGNANCY RATE (PR) TO AI (%)
COHORT
AI DATE
DOB*
JOINED (N)
MAIDERN HEIFERS
1ST CALVERS
COWS (>=3 YEARS)
ALL
SEASON PR (%)
5 6
11/12/14
17/9/15
394
56.3
70.5
63.4
62.7
92.9
26/11/15
2/9/16
408
54.8
52.7
55.9
54.9
91.7
* DOB = 281 days from AI Table 1 - Pregnancy rates and joining dates of a herd during the Cohort 5 and 6 breeding period
1pm tUeSDay 2nD aUgUSt 2016
at BaLD BLair gUyra, nSW
“Helping our clients breed more profitable cattle”
82 BULLS
70 rising two year olds & 12 yearlings
Open Day inSpectiOn JULy 31 - or by appointment - Sam White 0438 792 140 samwhite@baldblair.com.au
• www.baldblairangus.com.au
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
PAge 35
CAAB Provincial Restaurant of the Year Alison Schofield, Supply Relationships Manager, Certified Angus Group (CAG) Pty Ltd Head chef and owner, Brendon Lynch, has been one of our greatest supporters of CAAB. In 2015, his restaurant, Oasis By The River, situated in North Haven NSW (30 mins south of Port Macquarie) was awarded CAAB Provincial Restaurant of the Year for the third year in a row. Not a bad effort given he has only been open for four years. Brendon has used CAAB since Oasis’ inception four years ago, and for 10 years in total after using the product in other restaurants. Oasis By The River is a fantastic venue, and Brendon regularly runs events including musicians in the beer gardens on weekends, and specialty dinners, including an annual CAAB degustation dinner. Earlier this year, Brendon engaged the services of celebrity chef, Matt Golinski for the sold out event, and for a cocktail evening the night before. In conjunction with five courses of CAAB and a dessert, wines matched by Watershed Wines, and beer by the local Black Duck Brewery. As well as the usual sweet cuts of beef used, Brendon and Matt devised a menu to showcase some secondary cuts of beef including brisket, oxtail and cheek. The food and company was superb, and we look forward to being part of this event each year.
Brendon’s delicious CAAB beef cheeks.
Oasis By The River is open Wednesday through to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and can be found at 613 Ocean Drive, North Haven. Reservations can be made by calling 02 6559 6918
– Owner & head chef, Brendon Lynch (2nd from left) pictured with celebrity chef Matt Golinski (right) and sponsors at a recent CAAB degustation dinner.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Heifers smash auction records at Wagga Nikki Reynolds, The Rural
These are unprecedented times the market is just red hot. These heifers, destined for South Australia, made $2172
Buyers clapped and a few expletives, murmured in disbelief, could be heard as a pen of heifers made an alltime auction record at Wagga.
To achieve that result the heifers commanded a whopping 389.2c/kg after a bidding war broke out at the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre.
It is no secret that the cattle market is red hot but even the most experienced industry stalwarts were shocked when a pen of 20 heifers made $2172 per head at Wagga.
The Angus heifers were secured by processing company Thomas Foods International and were destined for South Australia.
The returns were much more than anyone had predicted.
Auctioneer Will Stoddart of Elders Wagga took the winning bid on the heifers which weighed in at 558.3 kilograms and were described as being excellent quality.
Vendors Bruce and Ted Aston of “Redlands”, Thuddungra were in disbelief when the selling agents informed them of the per head price of $2172.71. Ted said the record price was probably more due to luck than design. Initially he planned to sell the heifers, based on Cudgel Creek bloodlines, earlier but couldn’t get the truck into the ramp due to the wet and boggy conditions. “I did sell 15 head earlier on and we received 334c/kg,” he said. “As luck would have it the market was dearer this week,” he said.
Fellow Elders Wagga auctioneer and livestock agent Joe Wilks said nobody had ever seen anything like this before. He said it was known that the cattle market was doing well but he couldn’t have predicted the heifers would make that much. The escalating market certainly wasn’t isolated to heifers. Earlier in the day livestock agents H Francis and Co sold a standout pen of 20 Angus steers weighing 194 kilograms for 397c/kg. “These are unprecedented times the market is just red hot and it keeps demonstrating that Wagga has the capacity to return exceptional prices for vendors,” said Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre chief executive officer Paul Martin. Mr Martin – who has been at the centre for more than 10 years – said he had never seen anything like this before. And despite widespread talk about Australia’s dangerously low cattle numbers he said the throughput at Wagga hadn’t seemed to let up.
The hammer falls on top heifers at Wagga.
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Record Heifers: Pictured by the $2700 record priced pen of 20 PTIC commercial Angus heifers sold at the Banquet sale on behalf of MJ & RF Patterson, Mortlake.
Record $2,700 for PTIC Angus heifers A new record for PTIC commercial Angus heifers was set when an impressive offering of 150 heifers were sold on behalf of Margaret and Robbie Patterson, Drysdale Partnership, Mortlake preceding the Banquet Angus bull sale in February The heifers were snapped up by eager commercial producers to a top of $2,700 and averaged $2411.67, in the region of $400/head above other market prices for similar aged and status heifers. The Patterson’s run around 300 breeders and trade other cattle. These heifers were purchased from last year’s Hamilton weaner sales, were grown out and AI’d to Angus bulls. “I think we have certainly shown that, plus received an economic reward to more than justify the time and expense involved in caring for them for the last 13 months,” Robbie Patterson said. Stephen Branson noted the importance of seedstock producers working with the commercial industry. “We undertook this exercise with the Pattersons because we feel that unless we are contributing to the positive flowon effects through the industry, we are just selling bulls and nothing more. It is important for us to be able to provide comprehensive service and advice to our clients and the knowledge gained from this exercise is very beneficial to them. In breeding Angus cattle it is important to consider the quality of the replacement female component as well as young sale cattle,” Stephen Branson said. The first pen of 20 heifers averaging 665kg live weight, and
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
due to calve form mid-March topped the sale at $2,700, being purchased by Chris Stanley Livestock, Woori Yallock, account Killain Angus. Webb Pastoral, Glenburn, buying through Rodwells Yea, purchased two pens at $2,250 (21 head) and $2,600 (20 head) respectively, while the $2650 second top price was bid via the Auctions Plus network through Aaron Malseed in the sale barn, also for 20 head. The gross for the 150 head was $361,750.
Embryos from the Best Cows at Kansas Angus
Contact Rob Crosby 0427 434 348
Angus steers and heifers trump 2016 Sydney Royal Beef Challenge Liz Pearson, Marketing Assistant
Angus steers and heifers have trumped the field in this year’s Sydney Royal Beef Challenge. Monday 27 June saw around 50 producers and industry representatives brave the mud and the rain to converge on the MacCue family’s Wilga Feedlot, Bellata NSW for the live assessment spectacle and Average Daily Gain (ADG) judging Pictured left to right: Judy Mayne, Ben Mayne, Wendy Mayne, Michael MacCue (Wilga Feedlot), Rosie Mayne, Bill Mayne and Ben Hiscox (BJ Agencies) Open Day. The feedlot based challenge sees steers and heifers entered in either a 70 days on feed Domestic category or 100 days on feed Export category. Entries are judged as pens and as individuals. This year, Angus steers and heifers took out 6 of the top 10 placing in both the 70 day Domestic and 100 day Export categories for ADG, proving to be the breed of choice when you’re chasing performance in the feedlot. The live assessment judging, by Bryce Camm of Wonga Plains Feedlot, Dalby QLD and Andrew Herbert of Gundamain Feedlot, Eugowra NSW was a challenging task with the added layer of feedlot mud, however Angus and Angus cross steers again made their presence felt taking out 3rd place in both the Domestic and Export pen categories and 1st, 3rd and 4th places in the individual animal Export category. After considerable success in last year’s competition, Ben and Wendy Mayne from Texas Angus, Warialda NSW have remained true to form, taking out a swag of accolades in this year’s competition so far.
Angus Results
LIVE ASSESSMENT
Domestic Pen 3rd
Texas Angus steers
Export Pen 3rd
Dobkin Past Co Angus Steers
Export Individual 1st
Dobkin Past Co Angus Steers
3rd
Trambus Pty Ltd Angus Cross Steers
4th
Dobkin Past Co Angus Steers
In the Domestic category for ADG, Texas Angus dominated the field, taking out 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th places with their Angus steers and heifers and 3rd in the live assessment judging. Their success also continued in the Export category for ADG, securing 1st, 5th and 9th places. “We saw this competition as an opportunity to test our cattle against other pure bred and cross bred cattle and validate and backup our claims of producing high performing cattle” says Ben Mayne. “This is our second year in the RAS Beef Challenge and we are very happy with our results and to see our pure bred Angus steers and heifers performing so well, especially when they were competing against crosses with the added advantage of hybrid vigour”, says Wendy Mayne. Dobikin Past Co have also performed well with their Angus and Angus cross steers and heifers taking out 1st and 4th places in the individual animal Export category, 7th in the Domestic ADG category and 4th in the Export ADG category.
AVERAGE DAILY GAIN Domestic Pen
Export Pen
1st
Texas Angus heifers
2.58kg/day
1st
Texas Angus heifers
1.96kg/day
2nd
Texas Angus heifers
2.33kg/day
3rd
AV & LM Doolan Angus steers
1.87kg/day
3rd
Texas Angus heifers
2.30kg/day
4th
1.85kg/day
4th
Texas Angus heifers
2.12kg/day
Dobikin Past Co Angus steers
5th
Texas Angus heifers
1.84kg/day
7th
Dobikin Past Co Angus 1.99kg/day cross heifers
8th
Crown State Meat Co Angus steers
1.80kg/day
8th
Texas Angus heifers
9th
Texas Angus heifers
1.80kg/day
1.98kg/day
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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2017 Angus Youth National Roundup set for Mt Gambier SA Angus Youth Australia is pleased to announce that the 2017 Roundup will take place in Mt Gambier, 12-15 January 2017. Kate Fairlie from the Lanark Angus Stud, Mt Gambier will be the Roundup coordinator for 2017. Kate has had a long association with Angus Youth, being named an Ambassador in 2011, acted as the Roundup Coordinator at Hamilton in 2012, was the recipient of the Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship in 2013, won the National Angus Judging Competition and subsequently the University of Illinois Scholarship in 2013 and has regularly been a member of the Management Committee over the last couple of years.
Roundup Committee If you are interested in joining the committee in order to help with the organisation of this event, please contact Kate Fairlie 0448 248 598 or fairlie.kate@gmail.com
Sponsorship Opportunities A quality event such as this is dependent on the generous support of numerous partners. If you are interested in supporting the event please contact Kate. Keep an eye out over the next few months for more information on this fantastic event! Pictured right: The famouse Mt Gambier 'Blue Lake'.
Bulls that get the job done
EastErn Plains angus 70 Bulls - 26th July @ 1pm “Eastern Plains” Guyra NSW FREE DELIVERY up to 500kms • fully semen tested • pesti negative
Pre-sale inspection welcome • just call Andrew on 02 6779 4237 • www.easternplainsangus.com.au
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
around the saleyards
Andrew Brownlie, ‘Matoni’, Bundarra NSW, sold 34 Angus weaner steers at Inverell 5/05/16, which topped at $979. Cyril Close, TopX Roma, with Huck Allen, Defiance Cattle Co, Mountain Cottage Roma, who sold 279kg Angus steers for 378c/kg or $1,056, at Roma QLD 14/06/26.
Lex Masters, Corryong, was with his agent Peter Ruaro, at Wodonga last Thursday. Lex offered 89 Angus steers, which sold to $1180.
Good Returns, Elders Mount Gambier’s David Creek & Chad Mason sold 68 September/October 2015 drop Angus steers to $4.31 for Inverness, Mingbool, at Mt Gambier SA 17/06/16.
Images: Fairfax Media
Nick Clydsdale, Shaun Thompson and Heath Eslick, Waverley Station, Scone, had the top pen of cows and calves and top pen of PTIC cows, Scone 26/05/16.
Braidwood cattle producer Victoria Royds, "Clarevale", sold 30 Angus weaner steers weighing an average weight of 230 kilograms for 355/kg at the Braidwood cattle sale 3/06/16.
THE SCIENCE OF SELECTION The advanced genomic selection tool available for Australian Angus breeders
i50K for Angus is a DNA test that predicts genetic potential for a range of economically important traits. The genomic predictions have been developed using BREEDPLAN EBVs provided by Angus Australia. To take your breeding decisions to the next level call:
1300 768 400 Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2016 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. June 2016
Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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SALE CATALOGUE SERVICES Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
CATALOGUE TEMPLATES Angus Australia is pleased to announce the introduction of a number of new modern catalogue templates. Members now have the choice to continue using the same catalogue templates from previous years, or choose to use the new coloured templates.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS Sale lot animal photos and videos can be included on the Angus Australia online catalogue facility. (Please note that this is only available on our Standard and Customised catalogues. Photos are not available through Angus Australia for your PDF version). All photos and video must be supplied by the member,. Please contact the Member Services Team for full details on the specifications required to submit photos and videos.
Image 1: One example of the redesigned sale catalogue templates
Image 2: Sale catalogue statistics up until May 31st 2016.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
TURN AROUND & CUT OFF TIMES
It is important to remember that Angus Australia has a 10 day turnaround time for the production of all sale catalogues. Members requiring DNA testing to have results displayed in your sale catalogue need to ensure samples are submitted to Angus Australia as soon as possible. Results can take up to six weeks depending on the test requested. Registration and BREEDPLAN cut-off is another important factor. Members are reminded to make sure all registration and performance data is submitted to Angus Australia before the month cut off/s. Unregistered animals will not be displayed in any Angus Australia produced sale catalogue. Please note any changes that are made to your sale catalogue after it has been finalised will incur an additional fee. Changes include DNA results, EBV tables, and removal of lots, changes to notes and comments and changes to the template. Detailed information on our sale catalogue services can be found on the Angus Australia website www.angusaustralia.com.au
Member services 2016 Stats Figures are based on period 1 January 2016 to 31 MAY 2016 During the period of 1st January 2016 to 31st May 2016, the Member Services team have registered 34,155 animals.
We have processed a total of 8,665 transfers. We produced 78 sale catalogues with a total of 3,673 lots.
Female: 18,280 Male: 13,756 Steers: 2,119
A total of 12,269 DNA samples were submitted for testing. Please see below for a brief break-up
HBR Registrations: Female: 9,819 Males: 9,362 Steers: 296
APR Registrations: Female: 5,300 Males: 3,806 Steers: 366
DNA Genetic testingAM: 590 Pestivirus: 481 CA: 577 Mannossidosis: 15 DD: 2,740 Coat: 172 NH: 546 Storage: 770
ACR Registrations: Female: 1,346 Males: Steers: 1,408
RAR Registrations: Female: 45 Males: 24 Steers:7
GGPLD: 1,411
i50K: 1,952 HD 50K: 41
DNA Parentage testing SEQ & SNP: 2,075
Microsatellites: 193
MBR Registrations: Female: 609 Males: 459 Steers: 21 BASE Registrations: Figures include Export registrations. Figures consist of APR,ACR & MBR Base registrations Female: 1,161 Males: 104 Steers: 21
Memberships: Total Memberships 2015: 3527 2016: 3803 New Membership 2015: 120 (Full:27 Commercial:79 Junior:14) 2016: 260 (Full:25 Commercial:220 Junior:15)
KINGSTON Sons of Tuwharetoa Regent D45 coming soon to AuctionsPlus - Structurally sound - Extremely quiet Angus bulls - An asset to any Angus stud or commercial operation
Adelie Botes 0427 859 013 kingstonangus@bigpond.com INVERELL NSW Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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getting to know your Member services team Lee-Anne Turner, Member Services Manager
INTRODUCING SUE WEBECK
Ron Bower, Administration Manager - Accountant Sue Webeck has joined Angus Australia as a part time Accounts Officer. Sue grew up on a beef and dairy property at Gloucester and has extensive experience in finance and administration. Sue had previously been employed as finance and administration officer with Beef CRC for 11 years and then Poultry CRC for the last eight years. In her spare time Sue helps on family properties at Gloucester and Bingara and enjoys photography. Sue will assist Ron and Anna in the accounts and finance areas and will be a great asset to Angus Australia.
Kelso Looker has been working for Angus Australia since February 2014. Kelso’s main role is the processing of Export orders and DNA. How long have you been with Angus Australia and what’s your favourite part of the job? Two and a half years. I started in February 2014. Favourite part of the job: The satisfaction that I have assisted and helped someone to the best of my abilities. It is also great to work with such a wide variety of people. Each day provides a different task, whether it is DNA, Export or registrations. You never get bored here. About the role: I enjoy the roles that a Member Services Officer has to perform. My favourites would be processing Export orders and Pedigree building. There’s a certain satisfaction in looking at a pedigree that you have helped build. What might surprise someone about me? I am the President of the Armidale and New England Show Society and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Civil Justice. Where have you travelled? I don’t really travel much. I go to Brisbane every year for the EKKA, were I am involved with helping an Armidale Private School and their students in the cattle section.
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New Angus BREEDPLAN Brochures A number of new brochures are now available that assist Angus Australia members understand Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection indexes. Copies are available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website, or can be mailed upon request by contacting Ashleigh Horne, Angus BREEDPLAN Project Officer on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@angusaustralia. com.au.
2016 BeefEx Scholarship recipients announced Angus Australia has awarded the 2016 Angus Australia Foundation BeefEx Conference Scholarships to members Kari Moffat and Josh Dawson. Angus Australia, with support from the Angus Australia Foundation, has released two new scholarships to give members the opportunity to participate in the exciting and innovative BeefEx Conference. Members with a strong interest in the Feedlotting industry, the Australian beef industry and the Angus Breed were encouraged to apply. Each scholarship recipient will receive $1500 to help cover the costs associated with attending the upcoming conference. The 2016 BeefEx Conference Scholarships recipients:
Kari Moffat grew up on a small beef property in western Victoria. She is currently studying a bachelor of Farm Business Management at Marcus Oldham College. During this degree, student spend their second year working within the industry. Kari was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to work aboard a live export ship where she then spent the following 18 months travelling the world upon export ships. Kari is now back studying at Marcus Oldham.
Josh Dawson has recently taken a step back from working on his parent’s property at Dunkeld, VIC to further his education while working full time. Josh is currently employed by Peter Cremer Australia in their domestic grain logistics department and is also finishing his Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management through Charles Sturt University.
northern beef week Diana Wood, Marketing Manager
Staff from Angus Australia had the opportunity to 'mingle with the members', during The Land's Northern Beef Week during early July. The staff visted as many Angus beef producers as possible around, Glen Innes, Guyra, Bundarra, Walcha and Tamworth, allowing new and long term Angus team members to meet producers face to face and welcom any feedback. Pictured right: Angus Australia's Sam Hamilton, Lee-Anne Turner and Kelso Looker, with Kilburnie principal David Murray.
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Angus steers ‘meating’ the market Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Proving the breeds’ ability to meet market specifications has seen Angus steers put on a dominant performance in the Sydney Royal Easter Show Steer and Carcase competition, winning a myriad of awards across the whole spectrum of the competition The Champion Lightweight carcase was awarded to a 365kg live weight steer, bred and exhibited by Waitara Angus.
Sired by, Waitara EV Hole in One H48, the carcase dressed at 53.6%, had rib and rump fats of 4mm and 7mm respectively and had a rib eye area of 76cm2. The carcase was also awarded a Sydney Royal Silver Medal. Yanco Agricultural High School and The Glen Pastoral Co, teamed up to take out the Champion Middleweight carcase award, with a 448kg live weight steer. Dressing at 56.6%, the steer was sired by Angus Sire Benchmarking Cohort 3 sire, Rennylea Ambassador F857. The carcase scored a total of 91.5 points out of 100, with a rib fat of 8mm and rump fat of 13mm and rib eye area of 86cm2. The success for this purebred carcase continued throughout the competition, being awarded a Sydney Royal Silver Medal and a first place in the Virtual Taste Test Competition. The purebred Angus steer that was awraded, Champion Lightweight carcase, exhibited by Waitara Angus
Virtual Taste Test: Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 1 – Lightweight School steers 350-400kg liveweight Karabar High School
Ingleside
Ingleside Direction H1
360kg
3rd
Hazeldean Holiday H416
417kg
1st
Rennylea Ambassador F857
448kg
1st
Glenruben J127
475kg
2nd
Young Dale Xcaliber 32X
491kg
3rd
Billaglen Horizon H9
510kg
1st
Class 7 – Middleweight Open steers 401-429 live weight Coonamble High School Bovine Appreciation Club
David & Vicki Lampe
Class 8 – Middleweight Open steers 430-459kg live weight Yanco Agricultural High School & The Glen Pastoral Co
The Glen Pastoral Co
Class 9 – Middleweight Open steers 460-480kg live weight Coonamble High School Bovine Appreciation Club
Malcolm & Marrianne Lampe
Class 10 – Middleweight Open steers 481-500 live weight Chris Knox & Helen Alexander
DSK Angus
Class 11 – Heavyweight Open steers 501-529kg live weight Braidwood Central School
Billaglen Pastoral Co
Class 12 – Heavyweight Open steers 530-560kg live weight Frensham
Melon Pastoral
N-Bar Pioneer Perfect
532kg
2nd
Yanco Agricultural High School & The Glen Pastoral Co
The Glen Pastoral Co
Tuwharetoa D81
536kg
3rd
Class 13 – Heavyweight Open steers 561-1000kg live weight Frensham
Carol Durkin – Eccleston Park
Lawsons GAR Right Direction C391
684kg
1st
Murrumburrah High School
Milong Angus Stud
Milong Frump F76
674kg
2nd
Frensham
Milong Angus Stud
Milong Energy E20
624kg
3rd
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Live judging: Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Class 1 - Liveweight School steers 350-400kg live weight Karabar High School
Ingleside
Ingleside Direction H1
360kg
2nd
Pymble Ladies College
Knowla Livestock
Peakes In Focus G57
372kg
3rd
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
418kg
1st
Class 7 - Middleweight Open steers 401-429 live weight Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Sydney Royal Medal Awards: Exhibitor
Breeder
Sire
Liveweight
Place
Waitara EV Hole In One H48
365kg
Silver
Sugarloaf Tiger G4
401kg
Silver
Rennylea Ambassador F857
448kg
Silver
Booragul Ironstone H144
476kg
Silver
Class 4 – Lightweight Open steers 350-370kg liveweight Waitara Partnership
Waitara Angus
Class 7 – Middleweight Open steers 401-429 liveweight Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S
North Bullagreen P/S
Class 8 – Middleweight Open steers 430-459kg live weight Yanco Agricultural High School & The Glen Pastoral Co
The Glen Pastoral Co
Class 9 – Middleweight Open steers 460-480kg live weight St Mary’s College Gunnedah
T Vincent
Class 11 – Heavyweight Open steers 501-529kg live weight Braidwood Central School
Billaglen Pastoral Co
Billaglen Horizon H9
510kg
Silver
Scone Grammar School
Waverley Station
Welcome Swallow Aberdeen X7 F289
526kg
Bronze
Milong Angus Stud
Milong Energy E20
624kg
Bronze
Alexander Dows
Angus cross Limousin
496kg
Silver
Class 13 – Heavyweight Open steers 561-1000kg live weight Frensham Trade carcase class Williams River Cattle Co
The purebred Angus steers that was awarded, Champion Middleweight carcase, exhibited by Yanco Agricultural College and The Glen Pastoral Co
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Highlights of Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Convention, Manhattan Kansas, June 2016 Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
The 2016 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Convention “Progress on the Prairie” was held on June 14-17th at Manhattan, Kansas. Over 600 cattle producers, academics and industry representatives from the US beef industry attended the convention, along with delegates from several other countries including Australia.
According to Dr Stika, it’s to the industry’s advantage that a majority of consumers inherently like the taste of beef and are willing to pay for what they really like. He noted, however, that consumer purchases are influenced by price, relative to value and that consumers will spend more for a product perceived to deliver more value for the money.
The convention included presentations from US beef industry leaders and scientists across a range of contemporary topics including the changing beef consumer landscape in the US and internationally, along with coverage of technical developments in breeding for improved cow herd performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the use of genomics data in genetic evaluation.
Dr Stika said that CAB is one of some 180 branded programs to focus on high-quality beef, and he believes this has helped drive increased production of carcasses grading USDA Choice or better.
Presentations and proceedings of the 2016 symposium can be obtained from the website http://www.bifconference. com/
“They want to understand what we do and why, but consumers won’t blindly accept what they are told,” warned Dr Stika, advising producers to be transparent and to engage with consumers, but to avoid responding to their questions and concerns with too much science.
Some of the key messages from the convention include:
Consumer focus
Commenting on the growing consumer interest in where and how food is produced, Dr Stika said that while many consumers may be naïve and not have a practical understanding of production practices, they are not stupid.
“Buying beef is a decision that involves emotion, and producers are wise to remember that” said Dr Stika.
Feed efficiency Discussion of developments in feed conversion efficiency (FCE) testing, and potential to reduce costs by shorter test intervals and alternative ways of analysing feed intake data in the context of multi-trait selection (e.g. inclusion in economic selection indexes).
Dr John Stika, President of Certified Angus Beef LLC, speaking on the importance of exceeding customer expectations in order to build repeat business (photo courtesy of Angus Media 2016).
Dr John Stika, President of Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB), warned that cattle producers need to become more in tune with how consumers view beef and the ways it is produced. Stika stressed the fact that the only source of new money for the beef industry comes from beef-buying consumers. “Consumers respond by spending real dollars, sending real signals indicating their preferences.”, said Dr Stika. He explained the approach taken by CAB strives to exceed customer expectations and build repeat business, thus benefiting all segments of the supply chain by strengthening demand for the product.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
Dr Dan Shike of University of Illinois explained is research findings that relationships existed between measures of feed efficiency and intake across different diet types and test periods. He found that accurate feed efficiency measures could be obtained in either the growing or finishing period of feedlot cattle. Dr Shike’s research showed that the relationship of pasture and grain dry matter intake (DMI) and efficiency in heifers suggests that DMI and efficiency information derived from the feedlot may have application to the cow herd. Limitations on test period length are due to the number of days to accurately assess individual average daily gain. Since intake evaluation periods can be shortened without losing accuracy in predicting individual animal DMI, decoupling performance from DMI information may be the most cost effective way to test a greater number of animals annually. Dr Bob Weaber, Beef Breeding Extension Specialist at
Kansas State University, noted that the BIF Guidelines for feed efficiency testing were under review. “It appears there may be opportunity to shorten the recommended test length (within the 70-day feeding period) if we decouple feed-intake measurement from weight gain,” said Weaber. “We can collect data for shorter periods of time, because feed intake has been shown to be highly repeatable across the feeding period. Weight gain is not. Consequently, BIF is considering the revision of the guidelines regarding testperiod length, shortening it to 35 days following a 21-day acclimation.”, said Dr Weaber. Dr Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, presented early results of a large collaborative research project focused on developing genomic predictions for feed efficiency. This research showed that genomic profiles explained large proportions of the phenotypic variation in traits associated with feed efficiency, indicating that genetic progress in these traits can be assisted by the use of genomic tools. This study illustrated the breed specific nature of genomic predictors, and that caution should be used if attempting to use genomic predictions in a population that is distantly related to the discovery (or “reference”) population. Dr Spangler emphasised that the continued collection of feed intake phenotypes will be required to improve and validate genomic predictions over time.
Cow efficiency
2016 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Convention organiser Dr Bob Weaber, Kansas State University, speaking on feed conversion efficiency guidelines (photo courtesy of Angus Media 2016).
Dr Mark Enns, geneticist from Colorado State University, provided an overview of genetic evaluation tools available in the US beef industry to assist in selection of improved cow herd efficiency.
“Given the magnitude of the costs associated with cow herd maintenance, cow feed intake is clearly an economically relevant trait—a trait directly related to the costs and therefore profit of beef production. In addition to its economic importance, differences in maintenance requirements have been shown to be heritable, which allows reduced maintenance requirements to be a clear target for selection and genetic improvement”, said Dr Enns. Dr Enns, explained that maintenance energy is related to overall body size with heavier cattle having greater maintenance requirements. The challenge for cattle breeders is to balance lowering feed costs/input with the increased salvage value of larger cull cows. This balance is typically accounted for in the development of maternal-focused indexes where the value of changes in maintenance energy requirements is balanced with the increased income associated with larger cows and greater salvage value. Dr Enns predicted that as adoption of economic selection indexes and the genetic and economic research increases, valuing differences in maintenance energy requirements will become more straightforward and likely use more precise genetic predictors than only mature weight alone.
Application of genomics Dr Mike MacNeil, Delta Genetics, presented an analysis of the value of using genomics to assist in selection decisions. His findings indicated that provided selection decisions were based on a multi-trait economic breeding objectives the increases in accuracy provided by genomics tools can yield economic returns in commercial production that are more than sufficient to offset the cost of genotyping by the seedstock producer. A range of other speakers expressed the view that given the accuracy, price, and range of traits covered by current genomic tests, it was a genetically and economically a wise decision to conduct strategic testing in seedstock herds to speed up genetic progress and to reduce the risk of selecting animals that will under-perform relative to expectations. The 2017 BIF Research Symposium will be conducted between May 31 – June 3, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Further details will be posted on the BIF website http:// beefimprovement.org/
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David and Mark Carolan, Lyndhurst, Armidale, sold 254 Angus steers, including 170 yard-weaned steers.
LARGE HERD, SIMPLE OPERATION Kristen Frost, The Land
David and Louise Carolan, along with son Mark, like to keep things simple on their 4800 hectare property “Lyndhurst”, Armidale.
“They are yard weaned for about a week and during that time they will be walked through the race two or three times a day and fed hay,” Mr Carolan said.
It’s a smart move when you are about to calve down 2000 Angus breeders.
“I only handle them at weaning and considering that I think their temperament is pretty good.”
The large herd has been built up over the last eight years after the family decided to forgo their 19,000 head Merino sheep production and grow their then 500 Angus cattle into their primary enterprise.
With the fat market their preferred selling option, the Carolans sell off all their weaner steers and keep most of the weaner heifers as replacements.
Admittedly some infrastructure updates were a necessity - yards that were at the end of their lifespan were rebuilt. But in all, Mr Carolan said the switch has been positive. “The cattle are far less work,” he said. “There are probably more fences to fix and especially when it is dry they will push through creek crossings, but generally when there is a fence break now it’s from wild dogs or Dingos chasing them.” All breeders are joined in October to calve down in July/ August. Heifers are joined at 15-months to calve at two-years. Mr Carolan said he has stuck with the Angus breed not only for their top premiums, but also for their excellent fertility and the calm attitude of the cattle. During calving Mr Carolan said he generally only loses five per cent to calving difficulties. “We don’t spend a lot of time chasing our heifers during calving, we can let them calve by themselves,” he said. “If we see a problem we will help, but that is it.” To give them every opportunity they are given lickblocks or supplements and the calving heifers will have a constant trail of cottonseed to nibble at. Calves are weaned before they are sold to the fat market at about 10-months-old.
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“Those that are not heavy enough, don’t get into calf,” Mr Carolan said. “They are then sold as dry heifers.” The oldest cow on the property is a rising eight-year-old, but all cows are culled according to performance, not on age. Premiums so far for 2016 have been good to the Carolan family, but this year they believe they have played smarter, spreading their calf sales over eight weeks trading at Inverell, Armidale and through AuctionsPlus. The average weight for their 10-month-old steers sold in May was 300 kilograms, but their heaviest cattle, at 420kg, returned $3.50/kg. Mr Carolan said he has been spreading their sales over two months this year due to both the season and reducing the workload. “For the last two years we have sold the weaners all at one sale,” he said. “That means you have to have them all weaned and all ready get on one truck in one day." “It makes for a bit of a task in a little amount of time.” He said last year they sold a little early and missed the top of the market, but the year before they topped the market. “By spreading the times we sell we are reducing the risk,” he said.
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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Angus Bulletin — WINTER 2016
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