Angus Youth the foundation to beef business success

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

It was a surprise for Damien Thomson when he took out the Bulliac Studmaster Award in 2019 at the Thomas Foods International Angus Youth Roundup in Armidale.

“I remember sitting at the top of the stands at the end of the Roundup when all the awards were being announced. I almost fell off trying to get down!” Until 2020 the Bulliac Studmaster Award was awarded each year at Roundup to a participant who was identified as an up-and-coming talent in the Angus Breed and had demonstrated great initiative, leadership and commitment to the beef industry. The prize for the award was an embryo donated yearly by Bulliac Angus Stud, Miles, QLD. In a full circle moment for Damien, this year he sold the bull that he won as an embryo for $7,000 at the Shacorrahdalu Angus inaugural Invitational Helmsman Sale, which took place in September. When reflecting on winning the award, Damien recalls almost not applying for the opportunity. “The Bulliac Studmaster Award was not something I expected to win, and I almost didn’t apply. It was really a matter of throwing my hat in the ring anyway and it paid off. I remember feeling thrilled and grateful,” said Damien on his win. Damien highlights the sense of achievement he feels regarding the process of selling the bull after taking it all the way through to sale. “It was an awesome feeling to take an embryo all the way through its early life to a sale and to know that you won that embryo as part of an award,” he said. “The bull had a moderate frame, thick top line, low birth weight and good feet. He was bought by repeat client Mooney Transportation and is working well for them so that’s really rewarding.” Damien, who hails from Berremangra, NSW, has a background in the agricultural industry through his family’s commercial and seedstock Angus operations, where he is involved within the management of the herds. Mr Thomson has studied a Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics. “I have grown up with cattle since I was 1 and we started the stud herd in 2009. I have always loved the breeding and genetic progress side of the stud and using digital technology to help us make objective selection and breeding decisions.” “I hope to have a long career working in genetic progress and exploring tools and technologies that will increase efficiency in the future. I’m fortunate enough to also work in the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES).” When asked how the award has assisted in his development within the industry in terms of assisting in the further establishment his breeding herd, Damien said the following. “The Bulliac Studmaster Award has given us a new female line which will help to increase the genetic diversity of our existing herd. It has also provided genetic linkages and access to genetics that we would not have otherwise had.” “Beyond the establishment of the breeding herd, it has connected me with the Bulliac Angus team and has opened the door for me to have conversations with other industry leaders.” “We also have 2 heifers that are progeny from the embryo that are now about 16 months old. They have both been AI’d to GB Fireball and backed-up by Shacorrahdalu Royale R5 and will be pregnancy tested over the Christmas break. One of these heifers in particular is an absolute beauty and I have entered her in the 2022 NH Foods Australia Angus Youth Roundup in Wodonga. We are very grateful to have them in our breeding program going forward.” Angus Youth offers a number of awards annually through its Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries program. When it comes to the opportunity provided through applying for awards alike the Bulliac Studmaster Award, Damien was forthcoming with advice to his peers. “I would say absolutely apply, all the awards and scholarships are amazing,” he said. “They provide unique opportunities to learn and network with likeminded people as well as leaders in the industry. Don’t feel like they aren’t for you because they are for everyone. And more broadly, get involved, ask questions, talk to people, learn and have fun.” Damien has been a recipient of a number of awards and scholarships as part of the Angus Youth program, including the recent GenAngus Future Leaders Program, the 2021 Beef Australia Scholarships and the ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop Scholarship in 2019. Considering his experiences, Damien encourages other Angus Youth to take advantage of the opportunities available through the Angus Youth program. “For me, it’s all about getting involved. The more scholarships I apply for, the more events I can go to, the more people I can meet, the more connections I can make and the more I can learn and develop.”