Distributed by the Angus Society of Australia
ANGUS BULLETIN SUMMER 2024
- 100 BULLS -
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NAMPARA OPEN DAYS Friday 2nd February, Mortlake Monday 5th February, On-property 2212 Spence-Coles Road, Lucindale South SA
Nampara Reality T157 Stuart Hann 0427 696 084
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Natalie Hann 0428 799 592
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hannsn@bigpond.com
www.namparaangus.com.au
GUNDAGAI
1790 DARBALARA ROAD, DARBALARA, NSW
K.O. GODFATHER G31, 2012 AUS RECORD BULL
K.O. TELEPORTER T243, AI SIRE
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2024 SPRING BULL SALES GUNDAGAI SALE - 23/08/24 - 100 BULLS SPRINGSURE QLD SALE - 10/24 - 50 BULLS
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024 TIM LORD: 0417 406 036 OFFICE: 02 4888 2359
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38 44
CONTENTS
50
SUMMER 2024 | VOLUME 54
2
Contents
27
Member Service Matters
4
Angus Snapshots
28 Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services
5
Presidents Report
31
TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Analysis Dates
6
CEO Report
9
Be at the forefront of the 2025 World Angus Forum
32
Talking Genomics Understanding The Random Shuffle of Genes
10
Angus for every system – Breeding for profitability in northern Australia
35
Carcase success in Perth
35
Grand Champion Carcase for Angus at Melbourne
12
2024 Media Kit 36 Around the Shows
14
Annual Enhancements to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation December 2023
37
Angus success on Myendetta
38 Breeding the best at Esperance 18
Welcome To The World Angus Evaluation
22 Cohort 14 of the ASBP is here
24 Updates aplenty at the Efficient Beef Open Day
42 Angus brings market diversity
44 Cadetship shows how NH Foods produces the “Joy of Eating” 46 Get ready to Roundup!
Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au Editor: Diana Wood Layout: Ebonie Jones Printer: Impulse Print TACE Angus.Tech ASBP Breed Development Commerical Supply Chain General Angus CONNECT Northern Development Member Services Youth
58 49 Creating a visual identity
Angus Education Marketing Angus Foundation
Advertisers Indexes IBC 3R Beef
50 Turning an interest in cattle into a career in the beef industry 54 SmartBeef – Advancing the feedlot industry 56 Applications Now Open For 2024 Genangus Future Leaders Program: Investing In The Future Of The Beef Industry
53 Achmea 6
Alta Genetics
8
Barnett Angus
34 Boonaroo Angus 49 Jemima Nugent Photography 3
K.O. Angus
57 Maryvale Angus IFC Nampara Angus
58 Libby is headed State side! 59 Who Headed to Tocal? 60 Young Breed Leaders Workshop opens doors and encourages collaboration
5
Neogen
33 Neogen 9
Proway
37 Quarterway Angus 48 Raff Angus 52 Sandon Glenoch Angus 55 Semex
61
Want to support the future of the beef industry in 2024?
26 STG Australia BC Te Mania Angus 41 Tolivar Angus
62 The Angus Foundation, Accelerating and Enhancing the Angus Breed
21 Twynam Angus 30 Vytelle 17 Wattlewood Angus 40 Zoetis
71
Staff Directory 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.
PADDOCK TALK – NOVEMBER 2023
LOOKING FOR AN 'ANGUS FOR EVERY SYSTEM'? Find your next Angus bull right here
THE YEAR LETTER FOR 2024 IS
Paddock Talk is a quarterly update on topical points of interest happening in the Angus cattle industry. The quarterly update is a short form update on cattle and beef markets, the most up to date weather and climate forecast and a summary of topics discussed with Angus members at various industry events with a particular focus on breeding and genetics.
‘V’
For more information on registering your calves scan the QR Code
UPDATED ASBP PROGENY PERFORMANCE REPORTS
The Trans-Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) EBVs and progeny averages listed in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) Progeny Performance Reports and online in angus.tech have recently been updated to include progeny data from Cohort 11 for 400 day weight, scan data, structural data and net feed intake.
4
2024 FEMALE INVENTORY KEY DATES There are a number of dates for members to be aware of for Autumn and Spring Inventory in 2024. So you can be prepared for inventory in 2024
THE STOCK AGENT’S TOOLKIT The bull buying season is upon us once again. The Stock Agent’s Toolkit is the one stop shop for stock agents (and producers alike) to find all the right information to help find the right Angus sires for their clients this breeding season.
Presidents Report Erica Halliday, President, Angus Australia
I was standing crush side recently with our very clever ET vet Udo Mahne and we were discussing our “best laid plans” for a whole herd of our ideal animals. Udo was relaying his experience working with cloning animals, and I have to admit I continued to listen with a degree of sadness that the magic of breeding animals and the genuine lottery of genetic variability might be behind us. To my surprise Udo was telling us that identical genetic clones to an amazing racehorse weren’t a patch on the original. Why??? Well as it turns out what’s on the genome is just part of the puzzle and what genes get turned off or on via things like epigenetics (influences on the expression of DNA in places like the womb) effect what we see in the flesh as much as environment. It really hit home to me that while we want greater assurance that we can breed what we want, do we really want an exact formula? To have a clone replicating the ideal beef animal ad nauseum would make the world a very dull place and our role as master beef breeders null and void. After all we have such a variation in environments and markets globally there is no “one size fits all”.
Some people would love complete uniformity but for me there is nothing quite like the joy (or horror!) of seeing a calf for the first time and analysing how all those genetic jigsaw pieces fell into place. At Angus Australia we have always strived for the Gold Standard (Christian Duff’s words) in performance analysis and prediction including pedigree, phenotypes and genomics. Unlike other systems, we are backed by one of the best reference populations in the globe - care of the highly successful ASBP progeny test program - and as a result we attract the best research and cutting-edge technology. If we each use these tools to create what works best in our own unique environment it is my hope that we will maintain genetic diversity and independence to multinational genetic multipliers. In the end though I think Mother Nature will have her final say, as she always does. I’d like to thank the members for their support this year and affirmation of our Boards’ direction to create the best tools
for breeders, to support their own version of ‘ideal’. I’d like to draw attention to the staff, who don’t just do their job, they live and breathe their jobs. What a champion effort - thank you! Thank you also to the Affiliated groups for their enthusiasm to renew regional and state groups to organise events and transfer information and ideas to and from the organisation. This is absolutely what makes us strong and special. Please travel safe over the festive season. Merry Christmas, Erica.
The Industry Standard now has Higher Standards Next Generation Genetic Testing for Best Generation Angus.
Scan the QR code to connect and discover more
+61 (7) 3736 2134 | naa-lab@neogen.com
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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CEO's Report Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer
As I write this report I am very thankful for the recent rain falling in northern NSW and southern QLD. This rain has been such a relief for so many people although we are aware that the effects are temporary and there is a chronic need for much more widespread follow up rain. 2023 has been brutal for the entire industry in terms of prices. I recently showed our Irish Angus colleagues the MLA EYCI graph for 2023 and they were horrified. For any market to go from the heights of 980c/kg in November 2022 to 349 c/kg in October 2023 (inside twelve months) is extremely tough for any business to bear. I hear stories of members feeding and moving stock too often and memories of 2018 and 2019 are far too fresh. Let us hope that recent rainfall events are part of a permanent change. Despite the seasonal challenges that many members have faced in 2023, demand for services at Angus Australia has been strong. For the first three quarters of 2023 our registrations were up 8.5%, female inventory was up 5.5%, membership had increased 9% to 3802, DNA genomic test demand had increased 36%. I am thankful to our Member Services staff for handling an increased workload and still having an average turnaround time of 1.2 days per job processed.
Adam is an excellent manager with a razor sharp focus on servicing members to the highest possible standard. Amanda Wolfe has retired from Angus Australia and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Amanda for her service, Amanda had worked for Angus Australia for 11 years and was well known to many members. We will all miss her enthusiastic welcome each day! Robyn Kelly has accepted the Administration Officer position and I am sure she will excel in the role. In January 2024 we will welcome a new Extension officer, Hanlie Jansen who will be based at Goondiwindi, Qld. Hanlie will strengthen our already successful Extension team. World Angus Forum (WAF) 2025 Planning towards the World Angus Forum 2025 is well and truly underway and gaining pace!
The WAF Committee has completed the initial program. The pre and post tours have been planned, keynote speakers invited, and the social media campaign has begun. We have a number of sponsorship opportunities and have presented the sponsorship prospectus to a number of companies. The Exhibitor Prospectus will be available early in 2024. Please take a look at the website and follow the WAF plans on social media.
American Angus Convention As part of our World Angus Forum planning and preparation, recently Director Ben Hill, World Angus Forum Coordinator Nicky Wallace and myself attended the American Angus Convention in Orlando, Florida. This visit was to promote the World Angus Forum to American Angus breeders. We had a trade stand at the convention,
Live Cattle Export Part of the growth in service demand in 2023 has been a large increase in numbers of Angus heifers exported to China. I have been receiving frequent updates and certainly this trade has been an important market for many members this year. It certainly helps to put a base in the market for heifers sired by registered Angus Sires.
World Angus Forum 2025
Staff Changes I am pleased to announce that Adam Allingham has accepted the position of Member Services Manager after being in the “acting” role for 6 months.
Angus Australia Director and World Angus Forum Committee Member, Ben Hill, World Angus Forum Coordinator, Nicky Wallace, Brett Wallace and Angus Australia CEO, Scott Wright at the American Angus Convention
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all our Alta clients. We look forward to catching up with everyone next year.
Scan to learn more about our sire lineup, our services, and for contact details of your local Alta Advisor
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Olivia, Jo and Alec Moore, Weeran Angus with CEO Scott Wright at the Angus Australia office
Ben Hill and myself attended the American Angus Association Board meeting and I was given the opportunity to present the World Angus Forum to the convention from the stage. It was highly successful with very high levels of interest from American Angus breeders. 165 people registered interest to attend, and we had a huge number of conversations and enquiries including a delegation interest from Uruguay and Canada. I would like to thank American Angus for their welcome and their CEO Mark McCulley for his wholehearted support of the World Angus Forum in Australia. At the American Angus Board meeting we had the opportunity to speak about Angus Australia and give some information about the society, our scale, projects and received some really positive questions and discussion. I would have to say that the partnership between the American Angus Association and Angus Australia is stronger than ever.
World Angus Evaluation The World Angus Evaluation (WAE) was released in October, and we have had excellent feedback from the membership. This project has been in the planning phase for several years and for the first time allows members in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States to compare genetics on a level playing field. Really, the World Angus Evaluation is a game changer. WAE EPD results are accessible through an online sire benchmarking search tool. This search tool allows users to set EPD
thresholds and other search criteria to directly compare sires from all three Angus Associations. Only sires will be listed on this site (i.e. no females or non-parent animals are included at this time). The search facility at this stage only includes sires that have a weaning weight accuracy of 0.45, have 5 or more progeny with a weaning weight and have 2 or more calves registered in the herd book in the last 2 years. The sire list is updated quarterly and EPD’s are updated weekly. All told about 15K sires are on the list. I would encourage any member with an interest in this area to explore the online tool.
WAE and WAF The commencement of the World Angus Evaluation coupled with the World Angus Forum in 2025 represent a major opportunity for Angus Australia members to market their genetics on a worldwide stage. Members will see new information during 2024 that will help them prepare for market opportunities during the World Angus Forum in 2025. I would encourage all members to watch for these updates and prepare their businesses for potential export opportunities in 2025.
World Angus Secretariat President Erica Halliday and myself attended the World Angus Secretariat in České Budějovice, Czechia in September. Erica represented Australia on a producer panel and judged at the National Angus Show. I spoke in a session at the Secretariat and made a number of important international connections. The World Angus Secretariat was an incredible experience. It was conducted very professionally by the Czech Angus
Association; they really left no stone unturned to make it an amazing event. At every farm, meal, event, Erica and I would turn to each other with a mutual realisation that we need to lift the bar for the World Angus Forum in Australia to really present our industry in the very best possible way. A take home message was that smaller Angus Societies and Associations are achieving a lot with limited resources. The Czechs have a really solid base of members and cattle. The growth of Angus is significant, as it is across Europe, but particularly in Eastern Europe. There is a real opportunity for our members to market genetics in Europe. The World Angus Forum should be a great opportunity in this regard. It was a privilege to attend the event and I am thankful for that opportunity.
As the year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the opportunity to serve the members as CEO again in 2023. Thank you to our President Erica Halliday for her continued support and hard work. Thank you to the Board of Directors for their support and work behind the scenes and thank you to our staff for their continued diligence and enthusiasm. I would like to wish all the membership a Blessed Christmas period, my hope is that our rain gauges continue to fill and that 2024 is another year of growth for the Society. As always, please reach out to me at any time. Yours sincerely, Scott Wright , Chief Executive Officer The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Introducing Pathfinder
TASMANIA
H P C A PROCEEDPV MURRAY PROCEED M204PV MURRAY WAVE J43PV
T756
MATAURI REALITY 839# PATHFINDER REALITY N248# PATHFINDER GATSBY L244#
December 2023 TACE EBV’s | Angus Aust Ident: SMP22T756 | D.O.B 25/4/2022 Calving Ease
Growth
Fertility
CE Dir
CE Dtrs
GL
Bwt 200 400
600 MCW Milk DTC
EBV
4.5
8.4
-6.8
1.7
65
108
128
88
18
ACC
67%
58% 83% 82%
83%
82%
82%
79%
%
30
5
4
9
27
72
19
10
Temp Feed
Carcase
Structure
Selection Index
SS
DOC NFI-F
Cwt
EMA
Rib
PB
Foot Leg RBY IMF Claw Angle Angle
-6.8
3.3
13
-0.01
85
5.5
-1.3
-2.2
-0.3
7.2
0.70
0.90
1.02
75%
48%
80%
77%
67%
74%
73%
72%
74%
66%
77%
67%
67%
66%
39
10
13
77
27
9
58
77
80
89
1
21
32
46
$A
$A-L
$308
$474
1
1
Introducing one of the breeds elite carcase merit sires, Pathfinder Tasmania T756. ● Tasmania was the $136,000 high selling bull in the 2023 Pathfinder Angus QLD bull sale and was highly sought after by a number of prominent innovative Angus breeders.
● %IMF is the #1 trait sorted by searches on Angus Australia, search no more Pathfinder Tasmania T756 is the top of the list and also boasts ranking in the top 1% for all $Value Indexes.
● Tasmania offers elite Marbling genetics. His +7.1%IMF EBV ranks him as the highest %IMF HBR sire with semen available in Australia.
● No other bull combines such a low birth weight with superior growth and elite carcase merit as Tasmania. With an excellent phenotype, muscle pattern, structure and great feet and legs, Tasmania is a go-to bull.
STGenetics Australia 8
Beef Sales Manager Nigel Semmens P: 0477 404 373 E: nigel.semmens@stgen.com OFFICE FREE CALL: 1800 793 465
Be at the forefront of the 2025 World Angus Forum Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Organising Committee for the World Angus Forum 2025 and Angus Australia invite you to attend the World Angus Forum as a partner and/or exhibitor, where you will have unique brand access to promote your company and market your brand to influential beef industry stakeholders. Join us for a global celebration of Angus and an insight into the latest technology, genetics and innovation as we look to develop ‘Beef for a Better Planet’. Partnering and exhibiting at the World Angus Forum 2025, gives your organisation an opportunity to promote your brand and key messages to delegates from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise and influence across Australia and internationally. You will have extensive marketing exposure in the lead up to the event as well as during the World Angus Forum.
Find out more
This opportunity will generate interest from local and overseas businesses. We welcome you to Brisbane in 2025 and encourage you to explore the benefits of participating as a partner and/or exhibitor and secure your preferred options. For further information or to obtain a sponsorship opportunities booking form, please contact Nicky Wallace, World Angus Forum Coordinator (E: worldangusforum@ angusaustralia.com.au, M: 0400 074 887, Ph: 02 6773 4616) or Scott Wright, CEO (E: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au, M: 0428 221 008).
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus for every system – Breeding for profitability in northern Australia Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
With more large scale operations seeking out Angus genetics to complement their breeding operations and drive further genetic improvement, marketability and profitability, the Angus Australia Beef Australia 2024 seminar will take a deep dive into how Angus genetics are being utilised across these operations in traditional bos indicus areas, as well as focusing on how the use of Angus genetics in these operations is improving productivity and profitability. Joining the seminar will be Ben Noller from Palgrove Pastoral, Troy Setter from Consolidated Pastoral Co and Ian McLean from Bush AgriBusiness. Palgrove has been breeding Angus and Brangus purebred bulls for many years. And since 2009 pioneered the development of the Palgrove Ultrablack using Angus. The bulls in this program are described as, ‘a ‘tropical Angus’ with a sleek coat, pliable hide and the constitution that comes from their ‘hint of Bos Indicus’ and have the ‘meat quality of Angus in a tolerant heat package’. Ben will talk through the Palgrove Ultrablack program, and the impact Angus genetics have for their breeding program in Northern Australia. Angus genetics play a key role in the breeding program on some of the Consolidated Pastoral Company’s (CPC) stations. Troy will take us behind the scenes of why Angus are key for CPC and how they manage the introduction of Angus genetics into the harsh environment they operate in, as well as the management strategies they employ to maximise the productivity and longevity of Angus bulls in their breeding herds. The Bush Agribusiness Report, ‘Profiting from Angus Genetics in Commercial Herds’ released in 2022 showed that the Angus breed has potential to provide market premiums to beef producers, whilst also adding production benefits related to fertility and growth. Ian will take a deep dive into the outcomes of this report to highlight how cattle producers can reap the benefits of infusing Angus genetics into their production systems.
Seminar Details: Seminar: Angus for every system – Breeding for profitability in Northern Australia Date: Tuesday May 7 Where: James Lawrence B Time: 2-3.30pm SCAN HERE to get your tickets to the seminar
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Speakers Ben Noller, General Manager, Palgrove Pastoral Ben Noller is the General Manager of Palgrove, one of Australia’s Largest Charolais and Ultrablack Studs. He has been with Palgrove for 7 years following the transition of the company from a family operation to a corporate enterprise. His family have a long history within the Charolais breed and this is what drove Ben’s passion for the stud cattle industry and continual improvements in beef production through genetics. Ben’s lifetime involvement in the industry has seen him working with numerous breeds and strong industry mentors which has equipped Ben with the skillset to push Palgrove forward. Ben manages the seedstock production and sales of a herd of 6500 plus registered cattle and ensures that Palgrove’s genetic performance remains at the forefront of the industry. His focus remains on producing genetics that improve profitability for commercial producers.
Ian McLean, Managing Director, Bush Agribusiness Ian is Managing Director of Bush AgriBusiness. Ian, and the team, work with large and small pastoral businesses, helping them understand and improve business performance. Ian enjoys working with, and learns a lot from top performing pastoral businesses. Prior to starting Bush AgriBusiness, Ian worked for the NT Cattlemen’s Association, initially in member services and project management and later as Executive Officer, the NT DPI in training and extension, Deloitte as an Audit Analyst and has done station work in Qld and the NT. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is accredited as a Chartered Agriculturist by the Ag Institute of Australia
Come and visit us at Beef Australia 2024
Troy Setter, CEO & Director, Consolidated Pastoral Company Troy is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Consolidated Pastoral Company, a large, privately owned, Australian and Indonesian Agrifood business. Troy also currently Chairs the Board of Dolly’s Dream, the Council of Research and Development Corporations and LiveCorp and is a former Chair of the Australian Beef Industry Foundation and several other organisations. Along with having a degree in Rural Science from University of New England, he has also completed the Agribusiness program at Harvard Business School and The Australian Rural Leadership Program. Troy has worked across the agribusiness industry in production through to processing and marketing for beef, sheep, grains, cotton, land development and logistics. Troy was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Australian Agricultural Company. Troy has held key executive positions with agribusinesses including, North Australian Cattle Company, Torrens Investments, Killara and Twynam Group.
Angus Australia will once again have stands E1-E3 in the Exhibition Hall (Durack Pavilion) and staff will be on hand to answer any burning questions. The World Angus Forum will also be on display opposite Angus Australia on E46 to help you make plans for the World Angus Forum in 2025! Look out for the 2024 Autumn Edition of the Bulletin for a full run down on all things Angus at Beef Australia 2024.
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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2024 MEDIA KIT 4
51
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With Angus Australia’s extensive audience reach we offer several advertising opportunities to promote the sale of Angus cattle and associated events, products and services. Angus Australia’s print and digital advertising opportunities ensures you reach your target market, those interested in the Angus breed, as well as the overall cattle and agricultural industries. Standard advertising opportuities are outlined within this media kit. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us to discuss tailor made packages.
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Digital Advertising Website The Angus Australia website is the central hub for all Angus information and on average receives over 42,000 page views per month. Website banners appear not only on the home page of the website, but also throughout the entire website and as an added bonus are promoted via Angus Australia’s Facebook page. Website banners can be linked to a medium of your choice, eg. website, sale catalogue, video etc.
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The Angus Weekly Released each Wednesday, The Angus Weekly is distributed to over 8,000 members and industry representatives. Along with standard banner advertisments, advertisers now have the option to insert a sale preview video directly into eNews. eNews banners can be linked to a medium of your choice, eg. website, sale catalogue, video etc. Video advertising must be provided as a link to either YouTube of Vimeo videos.
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Released once hard copies of the bulletin have been distributed, the Angus Bulletin Extra is distributed to Angus members and subscribers and includes multi media and feature articles from the latest edition of the Bulletin.
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Angus Australia offeres a full range of graphic design services to members. For $99 an hour we can design your advert, logo or anything else you need. Contact the Marketing team for more information on our services.
Website advertising & sale catalogues: Receive a 20% discount on web site advertising when using the Angus Australia sale catalogue services. Discounted rate, $132.00 per week. Bulletin advertising: Receive a 10% discount if booking and paying for 4 issues in advance.
SUPPLIED MATERIAL: Pre designed advertisements must be submitted as high resolution (300dpi) pdf or jpg in CMYK format. NON-ACCEPTABLE FILE FORMATS: include Microsoft Publisher, Word, Pagemaker, Excel, Powerpoint files. All prices outlined in this document are GST inclusive. For full terms and conditions of advertising with Angus Australia, visit www.angusaustralia.com.au
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TACE
Annual Enhancements to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation December 2023 Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement
A number of important enhancements were recently made to the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus cattle in Australia and New Zealand. The enhancements form part of the annual updates that are applied to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE), with the enhancements implemented in the December 2023 analysis. The enhancements which were implemented broadly fall in three main categories: · Optimal use of genomics; including an increase in the relationship weighting applied to genomics for all single-step EBVs and the transition to a single-step model for the Docility EBV. · Enhanced Research Breeding Values; including updated variance components (heritabilities) for the Mature Body Condition (MBC), Mature Cow Height (MCH), and Coat Type (CT) RBVs. Along with MBC and MCH being transitioned to a single-step model, to be consistent with the CT RBV evaluation model. · Genetic evaluation efficiency and maintenance; including a more efficient Calving Ease EBV analysis and updates to the contemporary grouping for the days-to-calving trait. Angus Australia’s CEO, Mr Scott Wright explained that the 2023 enhancements are focussed on providing Angus breeders with better tools to make more accurate selection decisions. They build on Angus Australia’s long history of providing world leading genetic evaluation programs. “This year, with our R&D collaborators and internal capability, we particularly focus on the optimal use of genomics in genetic evaluation, while also introducing evaluation efficiencies that will ensure the long-term viability of the genetic evaluation, which is important with a rapidly growing pedigree, genotype and phenotype database.” Mr Wright added. Angus Australia’s General Manager of Genetic Improvement, Mr Christian Duff, highlighted the 2023 enhancements come as a result of Angus Australia’s growing reference population, stemming from members proactively genomically profiling their animals and collecting associated phenotypes, coupled with data from the renown Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. “Angus Australia’s overall reference population now includes over 300,000 genotyped animals, with the majority of those having multiple phenotypes covering calving ease, growth, fertility, docility and carcase traits. It is therefore imperative 14
our evaluation models optimally use all data, including genotypes, to provide the best EBVs possible”. “It is also important to acknowledge that while the enhancements will result in higher accuracy selection tools, Angus breeders should expect the EBVs and Selection Indexes for some individual animals to change when the enhancements are implemented”, Mr Duff said. Further information on the annual enhancements which have been implemented in TACE are provided on the following pages. Acknowledgements The enhancements to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation are the result of both internal R&D capability and considerable collaboration with livestock genetics research and service delivery organisations. For several of the 2023 Enhancements Angus Australia would particularly like to extend our thanks and gratitude to: · The Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU), in particular Dr Steve Miller, Dr Andrew Swan, Dr Natalie Connors and Dr Phillip Gurman. · The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), in particular Dr Brad Crook. · The School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, in particular Associate Professor Sam Clark and Dr Hassan Aliloo. · GHPC Consulting Services PTY. LTD., particularly Dr. Vinzent Boerner.
1. OPTIMAL USE OF GENOMICS Angus Australia has observed exponential growth in the number of genotypes submitted for genetic evaluation purposes in recent years (Figure 1). With over 300,000 genomic profiles now available, it is important to continually review how to optimally utilise the genomic information within the evaluation, with the aim of providing the highest accuracy EBVs possible.
Figure 1. Genotype Submission Per Year for Angus Australia’s Genetic Evaluations. *Note – in 2023, to October 31st 2023 only.
The following two enhancements focus on the optimal use of genomics within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. 1.1 Increase in Genomic Relationship Weighting Key Points: · The genomic relationship weighting has increased (from 0.5 to 0.95). · Some individual animals have shown EBV re-ranking, however the correlations are strong and positive on a population level. · EBV accuracy have generally increased, particularly for young, genotyped animals. · Selection accuracy of EBVs increases substantially when compared to pedigree and 0.5 genomic relationship weightings. Within TACE, EBVs are derived from several sources of information, including pedigree, trait measurements and genomic information. One important consideration for current day evaluation is the weighting applied to genomic relationships versus pedigree relationships. Understanding the relationship between animals is imperative for all genetic evaluations, which can be determined at the pedigree (i.e. animal) or genotype (i.e. DNA) level. Determining relationships at the DNA level generally provides more precision. For example, Figure 2 shows an assumed relationship of 0.25 of animals with a common grand sire through the pedigree, or 25% shared DNA. With the benefit of genomic information however, we can get a much more accurate picture, and in this stylized example the genomic relationships vary from 0.23 to 0.27.
Further, using genomic relationship allows connection to other animals (and their performance data), that are not connected through pedigree. For example, recognition to shared DNA from animals in Angus Australia refence population program, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program, and the associated hard-to-measure traits (e.g. fertility, abattoir carcase, meat grading, feed intake).
relationship weighting, particularly for young, genotyped animals. An example of this is shown in figure 3 for the 200 day weight EBV. Validation of this enhancement shows the increase in genomic relationship weighting (to 0.95) provides a substantial increase in selection accuracy, less bias, and more stability across all EBVs, when compared to both traditional EBVs (pedigree based) and single step EBVs with a genomic relationship weighting of 0.5 (Figure 4).
Figure 2 – Pedigree and Genomic relationship to a common grand sire (Source: AGBU).
The genomic relationship weighting value (known as “lambda”) is currently applied at 0.5 (i.e. 50% to genomic relationship and 50% to pedigree relationship), which was the optimal level when the TACE Single Step genetic evaluation was introduced in 2017. With over 300,000 genotypes now available for TACE (and growing), this weighting factor was the focus of a review over the past 12 months by scientists at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit at the University of New England. Based on this review, the weighting on genomic relationships has been increased to 0.95. This means the genomic relationship between animals will have a larger influence on an animal’s EBVs calculation, compared to the pedigree relationships, for those animals that have both pedigree and a genotype available. This change reflects the robustness of modern genotyping platforms available to breeders, and the use of genotypes in assigning and verifying pedigree through parentage tests. With the genomic relationship weighting factor increased to 0.95, the enhanced EBVs, when compared to the EBVs at the current 0.5 weighting, show some re-ranking, however the correlations are strong and positive on a population level. Across the EBVs, the correlations range from 0.978 to 0.995 for sires and 0.962 to 0.976 for 2 year-old bulls. Additionally, there is a similar spread in values observed across the EBVs. Importantly, there has been a noticeable and significant increase in EBV accuracy resulting from the increase in genomic
Figure 3. 200 Day Weight EBV Accuracy comparison between pedigree and single-step analysis at 0.5 weighting (brown) and 0.95 weighting (green) (Source: AGBU)
· Categorical (aka threshold) to continuous (aka linear) trait model. · Docility EBVs remain reported on the same scale. · Significant re-ranking of EBVs has been observed, at both the individual and population level, along with slightly less spread in the EBVs. · EBV accuracy has increased, particularly for young, genotyped animals. · Selection accuracy is substantially higher. Selection for temperament is consistently a high or the highest priority for most cattle producers when selecting bulls. In response, Angus Australia members have been active in collecting docility scores which underpin the TACE Docility EBV evaluation, allowing accurate genetic description of Angus animals. Angus Australia members have collectively contributed to an overall database with 298,583 docility scores on Angus animals, with more than 24,000 animals scored each year since 2018 (Figure 5). Importantly, a significant proportion (42%) of those animals also have a genotype available for genetic evaluation, which increases to >70% in recent observation years.
Figure 4 – Selection accuracy comparison between pedigree, single-step with 0.50 lambda, and singlestep 0.95 lambda across all multi-trait EBVs Source: AGBU
For further information on the methodology used to calculate validation selection accuracy refer to Johnston et al (2023) “BREEDPLAN Single-Step Genomic Evaluations Delivers Increased Accuracies Across All Breeds and EBVs”, Proc. Assoc. Advmt. Anim. Breed. Genet. 25: 111 – 114. As an additional note, this enhancement applies to the EBVs provided to TACE from the BREEDPLAN pipeline. For singlestep EBVs provided through alternative pipelines (e.g. Structural Soundness EBVs through AGI, or RBVs through Angus Australia) the genomic relationship weightings have been set at the higher level of 0.9 to 0.95. 1.2 Incorporation of Genomics in Docility Key Points: · Pedigree to single-step (pedigree plus genomics)
Figure 5 – Docility Score Recording Trends for TACE *Note – in 2023, to October 31st 2023 only.
To enhance the Docility EBV evaluation, an obvious area is to transition from a pedigree to a single-step (pedigree plus genomics) relationship model. This brings the Docility EBV evaluation in-line with all other TACE EBVs, being genomically enhanced. For the single-step enhancement to occur, the docility score evaluation was also changed from a categorical (aka Threshold) to a continuous (aka linear) model. This means each of the nine possible docility scores (i.e. 1 to 5, with half scores) will be included in the evaluation, rather than being grouped in distinct categories. This also ensures the single-step Docility EBV evaluation can be run efficiently to The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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TACE meet commercial schedule expectations. Testing has shown a 20-hour reduction in evaluation time with this enhancement. Importantly, to provide consistency in interpretation, the underlying linear based EBVs have been transformed so the reported Docility EBVs remain on the same scale, being differences in percentage of progeny with acceptable temperament, with higher EBVs being preferable. The enhanced Docility EBVs, when compared to the current EBVs, show significant re-ranking, at both the individual and population level. For example, the Docility EBV correlations for sires with at least 75% accuracy (n=2,275) is 0.87 and 2021 drop bulls with at least 50% accuracy (n=19,581) is 0.65. A slight reduction in the spread in Docility EBVs has also be observed. Testing has shown that the EBV changes are mainly the result of transitioning to a genomically enhanced single-step evaluation, rather than the change to the underlying linear model. Docility EBV accuracies have substantially increase because of this enhancement, particularly for young, genotyped animals (Figure 6). For example, for a genotyped animal with a current Docility EBV accuracy of 50% accuracy, an increase to approximately 70% should be observed.
Figure 6 – Docility EBV accuracy have increase as a result of the enhancements (Source: AGBU).
Additionally, validation shows a substantial increase in selection accuracy (improvement from 0.4 to 0.6 being a 50% increase), less bias, and more stability for the enhanced Docility EBV, when compared to the current pedigree based EBV.
This section outlines enhancements that have been made to three of the RBVs currently published in TACE. These have been made possible through the significant increase in associated phenotypes that have been recorded and submitted for genetic evaluation in recent years (Figure 7). Of note is the increase in the recording of the mature cow body compositions traits in recent years off the back of the “Breeding Better Breeders” initiative including the publication of the associated RBVs. 2.1 Cow Body Composition RBVs Key Points: · Significantly more animals have an RBV displayed the Mature Body Condition and Mature Cow Height. · The variance components, including the heritabilities, for both traits have been re-estimated. · Genomics is now included through a single step evaluation model for both RBVs. · Some individual animals have shown RBV re-ranking, however the correlations are strong and positive on a population level, while RBV accuracy has generally increased. Three significant enhancements have been made to the calculation of the RBVs for Mature Body Condition (MBC) and Mature Cow Height (MCH). The first enhancement is the use of new software for RBV estimation.
16
This new software allows all relevant data to be analysed (i.e. pedigree, phenotypes and genotypes) resulting in RBVs on more animals (Table 1). The second enhancement involves updated variance components including heritabilities. These genetic parameters underpin the RBV evaluation (like all EBVs) and are required to be updated periodically to ensure they match the contemporary data and animals available for breeding. This is like the variance component re-estimates that were applied to the TACE EBVs in the December 2022 annual enhancements. The updated heritabilities for Mature Body Condition and Mature Cow Height are included in Table 2. The third enhancement being the transition from a pedigree to a single step evaluation model. This provides model consistency across all EBVs and RBVs. This is possible through the increase in genomic testing observed (Figure 1) and with the associated reference population size i.e. genotyped and phenotyped animals (Table 3). Trait
#
MBC
22,980
MBH
10,237
CT
13,799
Table 3 –Reference Population Size (i.e. Genotyped and Phenotyped Animals)
Table 1 – Animals with RBV published pre and post enhancement.
RBV*
Pre-enhancement
Post-enhancement
MBC
69,140
1,223,312
*Animals with a published RBV that meets the minimum 25% accuracy threshold.
MCH
32,682
1,348,859
CT
32,363
840,287
MBC = Mature Body Condition, MCH = Mature Cow Height, CT = Coat Type.
2. ENHANCED RESEARCH BREEDING VALUES Angus Australia provides several Research Breeding Values (RBVs) as a pathway to understanding and enhancement, prior to becoming a recognised Estimated Breeding Value (EBVs). TACE currently includes six RBVs including Mature Body Condition, Mature Cow Height, Coat Type, ImmuneDEX, MSA Marbling and Shear Force.
Figure 7 – Recording trends for Coat Type, Mature Body Condition and Mature Cow Height by observation year.
OLD
NEW
Trait
# Records
Heritability*
# Records
Heritability
MBC
4,915
0.10
38,111
0.21
MCH
2,952
0.49
16,831
0.52
CT
3,044
0.28
9,195
0.20
Table 2 - Variance components estimated between the old and new analyses for MBC, MCH and CT *Note – Old heritability estimates for MBC and MCH were based on pedigree models. All NEW heritability estimates are based on single-step (combined pedigree and genomic relationship) models.
2.2 Coat Type RBVs Key Points: · Significantly more animals have an RBV for Coat Type displayed. · The variance components, including the heritabilities have been re-estimated. · Some individual animals have shown RBV re-ranking, however the correlations on a population level are strong and positive, while RBV accuracy have generally increased. Two significant enhancements have been made to the calculation of the Coat Type (CT) RBV. The first enhancement is the use of new software for RBV estimation. This new software allows all relevant data to be analysed (i.e. pedigree, phenotypes and genotypes) resulting in CT RBVs on more animals (Table 1). The second enhancement involves updated variance components including heritabilities. The updated heritabilities for Coat Type are included in Table 2. For further information on the Coat Type RBV variance component research please refer to Samaraweera et al (2023) “Genetic evaluation of coat type for Australian Angus” Proc. Assoc. Advmt. Anim. Breed. Genet. 25: 290 – 293
3. GENETIC EVALUATION EFFICIENCY AND MAINTENANCE In addition to the enhancements noted above, several other enhancements have been implemented. These enhancements are less significant but form an important part of the ongoing maintenance and efficiency gains of the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. 3.1 Calving Ease EBV Analysis Efficiency Updated software was implemented to improve the efficiency of the single-step calving ease analysis. Testing has shown that this enhancement will reduce the time taken to run the full single-step calving ease analysis from 2.8 days to 1.3 days. This software enhancement has no noticeable impact on the Calving Ease EBVs, however changes to the genomic relationship weighting (section 1.1) may result in Calving Ease EBV changes for some individual animals. 3.2 Days to Calving EBV Software Modification Software modifications have been implemented to better handle Days to Calving data, particularly for females that have been transferred (changed ownership) and with mating records in more than one herd. Importantly, this enhancement will ensure the Days to Calving EBV more accurately reflects records over the lifetime of the animal. This may lead to a change in EBVs for some animals, though is a more accurate representation of the data.
3.3 Maintenance of genomic pipeline The pipeline for including genomic information into the calculation of EBVs have been updated as standard, including: · Re-estimation of the reference haplotype library: The reference haplotype library that is used when converting (imputing) the raw genotypes from different genotyping platforms into a standard set of SNPs for use in the genetic evaluation has been updated. Some changes in EBVs may be observed for animals with low density genotypes (i.e. <20K) or their close relatives as a result of this enhancement. · Incorporation of additional SNPs: The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are used in the genetic evaluation have been updated to include additional SNPs from the latest genotyping platforms. · Re-estimation of the allele frequencies: Allele frequencies are used to assess whether an animal is sufficiently related to the genomic reference population. The genomics pipeline enhancements have resulted in only minor changes in EBVs and EBV accuracies.
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 17
Welcome To The World Angus Evaluation Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement
Angus Australia commenced participation in the World Angus Evaluation on the 14th October 2023. As the name suggests, the World Angus Evaluation (WAE) is a globally focussed genetic analysis of Angus cattle. It will combine data sources (phenotypes, genotypes and pedigree) from the American Angus Association, Canadian Angus Association and Angus Australia with the results being Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), which are like Estimated Breeding Values (EBV), for a specific list of traits on Angus sires. The WAE initiative is facilitated by Angus Genetics Incorporated (AGI), which is a subsidiary of the American Angus Association (AAA). Scott Wright, Angus Australia’s CEO explained that it makes absolute sense for the Angus community to work closely together on common initiatives that benefit Angus breeders across the globe, including Angus Australia members. “Joining the WAE ensures Angus Australia meets a strategic objective to enable the genetic benchmarking of Australian and New Zealand animals, that are registered with Angus Australia, with other major Angus populations around the world,” Mr Wright said. Mr Wright added “We expect the WAE to further invigorate the international trade of Angus genetics, including the targeted marketing of Angus genetics from the Southern Hemisphere into North America”. Angus Australia’s General Manager of Genetic Improvement, Mr Christian Duff explained the main aim of the WAE is to enhance the selection and genetic benchmarking of Angus sires in the global Angus population through one evaluation on a common evaluation platform. “The WAE is made possible due to the genetic evaluation expertise at AGI, and the willingness for innovative collaboration between the worlds three largest Angus breed associations”, Mr. Duff added. “The first set of WAE EPDs on Angus Sires was published on the 14th October 2023 via a WAE specific online search facility. The sire lists will then be updated on a quarterly basis,” Mr Duff added. “The long-term research underpinning the WAE, led by AGI, commenced in 2018 involving thorough analysis to determine the feasibility of a joint evaluation. Multiple test evaluations and validation procedures were performed to ensure that phenotypes are compatible across databases, and that environmental differences such as age and contemporary groups are properly modelled,” added Mr Duff. 18
WORLD ANGUS EVALUATION
Mr Duff importantly explained, “Angus Australia’s involvement in the WAE will not replace our bi-weekly TACE program. Regionally calibrated EBVs and Indexes from TACE will remain the focus point for every-day Angus selection by our Australian and New Zealand members.” Further information about the WAE in included on the following pages
Background In 2018 the World Angus Secretariat (WAS) discussed an initiative to pursue a global Angus evaluation. Following this, the American Angus Association, alongside Angus Genetics Incorporated (AGI), stepped up to explore this idea. What started as a WAS initiative quickly shifted to a strategic partnership among the three largest Angus Associations: The American Angus Association, Angus Australia and the Canadian Angus Association. With this partnership in place, a multiple year research project was employed to understand the feasibility of a World Angus Evaluation. Multiple test evaluations and validation procedures were performed to ensure that phenotypes are compatible across databases, and that environmental differences such as age and contemporary groups are properly modelled. An important step in the feasibility stage was to understand the relationship between animals across the three populations. To provide an effective evaluation, the populations must have overlap or links with each other through pedigree and genomic relationships. Figure 1 represents the overlap in the populations based on the genotype of animals. This plot shows a large cluster of dots that represent individual animals from all three countries, which shows how closely the individual populations overlap. Individual colours, or countries are not clustered together by themselves, which supports that even though these animals have been in different herd books, and countries, the relationships among these animals are strong. This means the data being shared is valuable to inform genetic predictions of animals in differing countries.
Figure 1. Represents the overlap in genotyped animals in the World Angus Evaluation (black = USA, green = AUS, blue = CAN, and purple = NZ animals registered in the Angus Australia herd book)
The first major implementation step in describing global Angus genetics was released in 2019, when the three associations released a joint evaluation for both foot angle and claw set EPDs (or EBVs). This global collaboration was expanded with 11 additional traits on the 14th October 2023. Importantly, participating in the WAE ensure Angus Australia is meeting a strategic objective “to enable the genetic benchmarking of Australian and New Zealand animals, that are registered with Angus Australia, with other major Angus populations around the world”.
Understanding EPDs An Expected Progeny Difference (EPD), is the genetic prediction of how future progeny of each selection animal are expected to perform relative to the progeny of other animals. EPDs are expressed in units of measure for the trait, with plus or minus. EPDs are like Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), in that they are estimates of genetic differences. However, EPDs focus on describing progeny differences, while EBVs focus on describing the genetic differences in the selection candidates (e.g. sires and dams). Simply, an EPD is half an EBV, all other things being equal (EBV/2=EPD). There are thirteen EPDs published from the WAE covering calving ease, growth, carcase and structural soundness.
The specific EPDs and their descriptions are: Calving Ease Direct (CED), is expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first-calf heifers. It predicts the average difference in ease with which a sire's calves will be born when he is bred to first-calf heifers. Calving Ease Maternal (CEM), is expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first-calf daughters. It predicts the average ease with which a sire's daughters will calve as first-calf heifers when compared to daughters of other sires. Birth Weight (BW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires. Weaning Weight (WW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires. Yearling Weight (YW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires. Scrotal Circumference (SC), expressed in centimetres, is a predictor of the difference in transmitting ability for scrotal size compared to that of other sires. Maternal Milk (Milk) is a predictor of a sire's genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires. In other words, it is that part of a calf's weaning weight attributed to milk and mothering ability. Claw Set (Claw) is expressed in units of claw-set score, with a lower EPD being more favourable indicating a sire will produce progeny with more ideal claw set. The ideal claw set is toes that are symmetrical, even and appropriately spaced. Foot Angle (Angle) is expressed in units of foot-angle score, with a lower EPD being more favourable indicating a sire
will produce progeny with more ideal foot angle. The ideal is a 45-degree angle at the pastern joint with appropriate toe length and heel depth. Carcass Weight (CW), expressed in pounds is a predictor of the differences in hot carcass weight of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Marbling (Marb), expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Ribeye Area (RE), expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Fat Thickness (Fat), expressed in inches, is a predictor of the differences in external fat thickness at the 12th rib (as measured between the 12th and 13th ribs) of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Note: 1. Additional EPDs may be added to the WAE in the future. This will depend on further R&D to assess technical feasibility including phenotype compatibility. 2. Due to the production system specific nature of Selection Indexes, no standard Selection Indexes will be published at this stage. 3. Most EPDs will be listed in an imperial unit of measurement (e.g. pounds not kilograms). Please refer to the description of each EPD.
WAE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Why is Angus Australia participating in the WAE? Angus Australia is participating in the WAE for the following reasons: · Collaboration: The world Angus community working closely together on common initiatives will benefit Angus breeders across the globe, including Angus Australia members. · Strategy: Angus Australia achieves a strategic objective to enable the
genetic benchmarking of Australian and New Zealand animals, that are registered with Angus Australia, with other major Angus populations around the world. · Selection: Enhance the selection and genetic benchmarking of Angus sires in the global Angus population through one evaluation on a common evaluation platform and language (or currency). · Capability: Angus Australia has the required expertise, relationships, data (quality, quantity primarily because of dedicated, performance focussed members) and data pipelines to participate in the WAE. · Trade: Further invigoration to the international trade of Angus genetics, including the potential for the targeted marketing of Angus genetics from the Southern Hemisphere into North America. Additionally, the significant influence of North American genetics on the Angus Australia population is well understood. For example, in 2023, within the 20 most widely used sires with registered progeny (in 2023 and 2022), 10 were US bred sires. Out of the remaining 10 Australian bred sires, 6 were sons of US bred sires. This shows why participation in the WAE is important to allow more informed selection from the North American population. - How do I take part in the WAE? Angus Australia have worked with AGI to set-up a pipeline that allows data (pedigree, phenotypes and genotypes) to flow seamlessly for inclusion in the WAE. The data members collect and submit to Angus Australia for inclusion in TACE, will automatically be included in the WAE, if it meets specific criteria. These criteria are relatively broad so you should expect most data that is included in TACE, for the specified traits, to also be included in the WAE. One exception being performance data on some crossbred or composite Angus animals (e.g. MBR recorded that are <75% Angus) that is analysed in TACE, cannot be included in the WAE, as it is calibrated for straightbred Angus only. Angus Australia advises members to continue to record information (pedigree, genotypes and phenotypes) under the Angus Australia and TACE protocols (i.e. do not change recording practices to cater for the WAE). The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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- Which EPDs traits are published from the WAE? There are thirteen EPDs published from the WAE covering calving ease, growth, carcase and structural soundness. The specific EPDs are: · Calving Ease Direct (CED) · Calving Ease Maternal (CEM), · Birth Weight (BW) · Weaning Weight (WW) · Yearling Weight (YW) · Scrotal Circumference (SC) · Maternal Milk (Milk) · Claw Set (Claw) · Foot Angle (Angle) · Carcass Weight (CW) · Marbling (Marb) · Ribeye Area (RE) · Fat Thickness (Fat) - What is the difference between an EPD and EBV? Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) is the genetic prediction of how future progeny of each selection animal are expected to perform relative to the progeny of other animals. EPDs are expressed in units of measure for the trait, plus or minus. They are the usual language for genetic descriptions used in the North American beef industry. EPDs are like Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), in that they are estimates of genetic differences. However, EPDs focus on describing progeny differences, while EBVs focus on describing the genetic differences in the selection candidates (e.g. sires and dams). Simply, an EPD is half an EBV, all other things being equal. - Why are WAE accuracies generally lower than TACE accuracies? The accuracy values calculated from the WAE are known as Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) accuracies. Like EPDs, BIF accuracies are the usual language for accuracies used in the North American beef industry. Compared to the accuracy values we see from TACE (known as Traditional accuracy), BIF accuracies are generally lower, particularly for young animals, and are slower to increase in value as more data (e.g. own phenotypes, genotypes, progeny phenotypes etc) becomes available. The difference in scale is simply a function of different methods to calculate the same thing. Like pounds compared to kilograms or inches compared to centimetres. For those more technically minded, this is further explained at Accuracy - BIF Guidelines Wiki (beefimprovement.org) The relationship between TACE and BIF accuracies are shown in Figure 1. For 20
example, BIF accuracy of 0.2 (20%) is equivalent to a TACE accuracy of 0.6 (60%).
Figure 1 – Relationship between TACE (Traditional) and WAE (BIF) Accuracy
- Will sires rank the same comparing their WAE EPDs to TACE EBVs? You should expect sires to rank similarly, but not exactly the same when comparing WAE EPDs to TACE EBVs, for the same trait. This is a result of significantly more data (from North America) included in the WAE, along with some differences in the analysis models and trait definition (e.g. carcase traits are age adjusted in the WAE, but weight adjusted in TACE). For example, for a sample group of Angus Sires with 200 or more progeny registered with Angus Australia (n=1062), the WAE EPD to TACE EBV correlations for Weaning Weight, and Marbling IMF is 0.96 (figure 2) and 0.87 (figure 3) respectively.
are important to your breeding objective. This can be achieved by comparing the specific EPDs for two or more sires or comparing the EPDs of an individual to benchmark values like the WAE EPD average and percentiles table. For example, sire A has a weaning EPD of +80 lb. and sire B has a weaning EPD of +50 lb. If you randomly mate these bulls in your herd, you can expect sire A's calves to weigh, on average, 30 lb. more at weaning than sire B's progeny (80 50 = 30). Angus Australia strongly recommends that the TACE EBVs and Indexes remain the main focus point for every day selection for Australian and New Zealand producers, as they are calibrated specifically for this region. - How do I access the WAE results and how often are they updated? WAE EPD results are accessible through an online sire benchmarking search tool which is available via the Angus Australia website (https://www.angusaustralia com.au/genetic-evaluations/world-angus evaluation )
Figure 2. Relationship between WAE Weaning Weight EPDs and TACE 200 Day Weight EBVs for 1062 Angus Sires with 200 or more Angus Australia registered progeny
Figure 4. WAE Sire Search Tool
Figure 3. Relationship between WAE Marbling EPDs and TACE IMF EBVs for 1062 Angus Sires with 200 or more Angus Australia registered progeny
- How should I use the WAE EPDs in selection? WAE EPDs can be used similarly to TACE EBVs in selection. That is, to compare the genetics of sires for specific traits that
This search tool (figure 4) allows users to set EPD thresholds and other search criteria to directly compare sires from the American Angus Association, Canadian Angus Association and Angus Australia. Only sires will be listed on this site (i.e. no females or non-parent animals will be included at this time). Sires will appear in the search facility based on the following criteria: · Weaning Weight accuracy of at least 0.45 · 5 or more weaning weight progeny · Have had 2 or more calves included in the herd book in the last 2 years.
Following the initial release on October 14th 2023, sires will be updated in the search tool four times per year in the months of: · March · June · September · December Please note: · the sires included on the WAE search tool will update quarterly, but as data from all three countries flow into the WAE routinely, the EPDs on the sires are updated on a weekly basis · The update will generally occur early in the months listed above. - Will bi-weekly TACE EBVs still be available? YES. Angus Australia’s involvement in the WAE will not replace our bi-weekly TACE program. Regionally calibrated EBVs and Indexes from TACE will remain the focus point for every-day Angus selection by our Australian and New Zealand members. - What’s next for the WAE? Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and Angus Australia will continue to explore the feasibility for additional EPDs to be included in the WAE.
If technically feasible (e.g. trait consistency, modelling), new EPDs will be added to the WAE. It is also a possibility for other countries (e.g. other Angus Associations) to be included in the World Angus Evaluation. Suitable candidate Associations are those with well-established data pipelines with alignment of the traits and tools being used across countries.
How Did Australian Sires Perform In The World Population? One benefit of being involved in the World Angus Evaluation is that it allows the genetic benchmarking of the Angus Australia recorded population (i.e Australian and New Zealand Recording herds) at the World level. For example, the WAE sire search tool includes approximately 15,000 sires, with 10% of these being Angus Australia registered animals, being bred in either Australia or New Zealand. From this list, when ranking by EPD, Table 1 shows the number of Angus Australia registered sires in the ‘top’ 300 for each published EPD. On a proportional basis, this shows that Angus Australia registered sires perform genetically at a high level for several traits
including Scrotal Circumference, Claw Set, Foot Angus and Marbling. To see information on specific sires refer to the WAE Sire Search tool from the Angus Australia website ((https:// www.angusaustralia.com.au/geneticevaluations/world-angus-evaluation)
EPD
# Angus Australian registered Sires in 'Top' 300
Calving Ease Direct
30
Birth Weight
20
Weaning Weight
3
Yearling Weight
3
Scrotal Circumference
88
Claw Set
182
Foot Angle
72
Milk
23
Carcase Weight
3
Marbling
82
Rib Eye Area
8
Fat Depth
24
Table 1. Number of Angus Australia Registered sires, bred in Australia or New Zealand, in ‘top’ 300 WAE EPD list (14th October 2023)
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Sire Benchmarking
Cohort 14 of the ASBP is here Liam Mowbray, R&D Specialist
Twenty-nine (29) new bulls have been selected as the Cohort 14 sires of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP). These bulls were selected from over 60 nominations representing 3 different countries – Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America.
The Cohort 14 sires average in the top 10% of the Angus breed for $A and $A-L indexes, and consist of 23 Australian bred sires, 4 New Zealand bred sires, and 2 American bred sires. Dr Liam Mowbray, Angus Australia’s Research & Development Specialist explained, “We’ve just finished artificially inseminating 1650 Angus females across our 6 cooperator herds in the eastern states in a range of different environments. Each sire was inseminated to approximately 55 females, with the aim to achieve around 25-30 progeny to represent each sire in Cohort 14.” “The objective of the ASBP is to grow the comprehensive Australian Angus reference population using contemporary Angus cattle that represent a diverse range of pedigrees and genetics,” Liam said. The ASBP progeny are comprehensively phenotyped and genotyped from birth to slaughter in the steers and birth to first calf in the heifers. Across the 14 ASBP Cohorts, there have now been 466 modern Angus bulls enter this industry leading research and development project. Most importantly it provides extensive genotypes and phenotypes for the Australian Angus Reference Population, with particular emphasis on hard-to-measure traits such as feed intake, methane emissions, immune competency, carcase and eating quality traits. The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) is a major R&D initiative of Angus Australia with support from industry partners such as Meat & Livestock Australia, University of New England, CSIRO, Rangers Valley, Stockyard, John Dee Abattoir, Vetoquinol, Neogen and Zoetis. A listing of the Cohort 14 sires, and previous cohort sire lists are available from the sire benchmarking catalogue list on angus.tech 22
Top Left to bottom: Knowla Top Notch T72 PV, Boonaroo Q63, Sterling Confidence Plus 804 PV, Wrigley Supreme S2 PV, Stokman Solution
SCAN HERE to view Sire List
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 23
+7.9
+0.2
AJC S957
NGAPUTAHI R160
+6.9
+1.4
RENNYLEA Q1077
ESSLEMONT TESLA T2
+6.2
DEVANAH TOLEDO T48
+7.4
+3.2
HAZELDEAN RENEGADE R265
GANDY FAIR N SQUARE T2
+7.2
BOOROOMOOKA NEWLY S267
+0.2
+5.6
DULVERTON SMART MISSILE S068
TE MANIA ROCCO R795
+10.1
WRIGLEY SUPREME S2
+3.0
+9.4
BOONAROO GENIUS Q63
RIGA TAVERN T58
+4.9
KAKAHU S132
+7.5
+7.9
SEVEN HILLS STERLING S52
HOOVER ABOUT IT
+11.8
STOKMAN SOLUTION S329
+4.8
+4.9
STORTH OAKS ZEPHYR S19
STERLING CONFIDENCE PLUS 804
-5.9
HARDHAT M518 TATUM T2
+7.4
+5.2
ALLOURA SYNERGY S14
LANDFALL SUMMIT S1944
+0.6
MURDEDUKE PHEASANTRY T115
+0.5
+0.4
MANEROO PARTNERS S093
AISTHORPE LM TORNADO T10
+4.3
HILLS VIEW SAM S13
+3.1
+2.6
KNOWLA TOP NOTCH T72
GLENISA PATENT S073
-1.2
DUNOON QUICK DRAW MCGRAW Q1163
CE DIR
+6.3
+2.6
+3.3
+1.4
+4.9
+7.2
+5.3
-2.8
+3.9
+4.4
+10.3
+9.8
+5.8
+1.4
+5.5
+2.9
+8.5
+5.0
+4.0
+5.9
+6.1
+7.7
-2.0
+5.9
+3.0
-5.0
+3.1
-0.5
-1.8
CE DTRS
-7.8
-11.2
-4.6
-5.2
-1.0
-6.6
-6.1
-5.7
-4.5
-1.1
-5.4
-4.1
-1.9
0
-7.1
-2.7
-2.6
-5.6
-1.6
-4.9
-10.2
-8.2
-9.5
-7.7
-5.0
-3.1
-4.9
-7.9
-4.7
GL
+1.8
+2.9
+1.8
+2.8
+1.3
+1.4
+3.4
+5.2
+4.7
+4.5
+2.4
+2.9
+2.9
+3.8
+0.6
+1.9
+2.7
+0.5
+2.9
+2.9
-0.6
+2.8
+3.7
+2.7
+4.6
+4.8
+3.7
+3.8
+4.1
BWT
+57
+56
+40
+62
+49
+62
+53
+60
+62
+62
+53
+51
+54
+49
+49
+59
+61
+47
+58
+56
+50
+64
+60
+63
+53
+62
+58
+59
+55
200
+96
+103
+86
+117
+98
+110
+108
+108
+113
+108
+96
+100
+98
+100
+89
+102
+112
+88
+100
+101
+96
+117
+100
+110
+104
+100
+113
+107
+101
400
+125
+126
+116
+145
+130
+136
+141
+133
+136
+134
+127
+127
+128
+132
+115
+131
+144
+111
+128
+125
+124
+153
+130
+139
+128
+125
+149
+142
+136
600
+101
+67
+100
+132
+81
+89
+121
+117
+118
+113
+73
+110
+96
+115
+92
+105
+96
+105
+87
+108
+72
+103
+125
+126
+124
+109
+134
+140
+105
MWT
+14
+21
+22
+12
+25
+19
+23
+17
+17
+20
+25
+15
+21
+23
+22
+12
+24
+20
+21
+13
+19
+26
+18
+10
+23
+15
+19
+11
+21
MILK
-7.7
-7.2
-5.2
-3.2
-3.1
-5.7
-5.9
-5.4
-4.5
-4.1
-7.5
-6.0
-5.4
-4.0
-4.6
-3.6
-9.8
-7.7
-3.6
-2.8
-8.5
-5.4
-3.2
-6.0
-8.3
-6.7
-3.6
-4.3
-2.9
DTC
+4.3
+1.6
+1.6
+4.1
+1.8
+1.8
+2.1
+3.9
+2.3
+4.2
+2.3
+2.2
+1.7
+1.7
+2.7
+2.4
+4.2
+1.4
+3.1
+1.7
+2.8
+3.3
+0.8
+3.3
+3.3
+3.3
+2.3
+3.6
+3.6
SS
+27
+37
+35
+31
+24
+15
+19
+8
+17
+34
+25
+26
+25
+34
+35
+31
+5
+27
+39
+27
+12
+20
+29
+20
+19
+27
+20
+29
+18
DOC
+0.19
+0.46
+0.36
0
+0.59
+0.15
+0.54
-0.31
-0.3
+0.03
+0.34
+0.75
+0.52
0
+0.74
-0.46
+0.55
-0.54
-0.35
+0.07
+0.84
+0.50
+0.24
+0.58
+0.94
+0.37
+0.18
-0.63
+0.63
NFI-F
+76
+74
+50
+82
+79
+77
+73
+81
+76
+74
+67
+79
+82
+69
+70
+70
+90
+62
+75
+70
+71
+80
+68
+87
+71
+76
+74
+80
+70
CWT
Table 1 - ASBP Cohort 14 Sire List. TACE EBVs and Indexes from December 2023 Analysis
+2.6
-0.6
+6.7
+9.6
+10.8
+11.7
+10.3
+8.4
+2.7
+5.8
+8.2
+16.5
+6.4
+6.4
+6.6
+7.2
+7.6
+1.5
+8.0
+11.2
+11.0
+2.3
+6.3
+6.9
+5.1
+14.8
+5.3
+7.5
+9.5
EMA
-0.6
+3.8
+1.0
-1.9
+1.8
+1.0
+2.5
-0.4
-0.7
-1.6
+2.8
+0.6
+2.7
-1.1
+1.5
-1.1
-1.6
+2.7
-3.8
-1.8
+1.1
-0.6
-1.9
-0.7
+0.5
-3.1
+0.7
-1.6
-0.6
RIB
-1.1
5.1
-1.4
-0.8
+2.7
+0.3
+2.6
-1.5
+0.9
-0.7
+1.7
0
+3.3
-1.4
+0.9
+0.5
-1.2
+3.6
-4.4
-3.3
+0.9
+0.7
-1.2
-2.1
+0.3
-4.3
+0.7
-1.4
-2.3
P8
-1.0
-1.1
+0.1
+0.6
+0.2
+0.3
-0.3
+0.7
-0.4
+0.4
-1.1
+1.6
-0.3
+0.1
+0.1
0
+0.7
-0.4
+0.3
+1.3
+0.6
-0.6
-0.2
+0.3
-0.8
+1.6
-0.6
+0.8
-0.1
RBY
+7.4
+1.2
+5.9
+2.4
+2.6
+2.6
+4.3
+2.1
+1.9
+3.1
+7.8
+5.5
+1.4
+3.2
+4.2
+3.0
+4.7
+3.0
+4.6
+3.4
+2.8
+3.8
+3.9
+3.3
+6.3
+3.4
+3.9
+2.8
+5.9
IMF
267
251
204
230
236
286
256
226
222
233
302
293
229
195
228
232
334
222
240
238
286
271
185
255
245
264
219
219
217
$A
445
399
347
408
383
450
445
385
391
391
466
466
390
352
382
391
525
394
383
401
446
445
321
442
425
416
399
396
355
$A-L
Updates aplenty at the Efficient Beef Open Day Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer
In collaboration with the University of New England (UNE) and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Angus Australia recently hosted the Efficient Beef Open Day. The Efficient Beef Open Day was host to over 100 attendees and provided updates on various research and development projects currently being undertaken involving Angus cattle around Australia, including the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP), the Southern Multibreed Project and the Low Methane Beef Program. “We're here at University of New England in Armidale for the Efficient Beef Open Day,” said Dr Liam Mowbray, Angus Australia Research & Development Specialist. “We've had some great updates from speakers on all things beef efficiency. We've been hearing about the Low Methane Beef Program, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program, the Southern Multi Breed Project and some meat science updates.” For producer Gavin Newman, Newlyn Park Angus, SA, the Open Day gave some insight into the research going into the increasingly important growth area in the industry. “What farmers are often working towards is efficiency and getting your efficiencies as good as you can, because the more beef you can produce at the least number of emissions, really is the way to go,” he said. “It's encouraging to see that there are ways and developments being made to help us work towards that.” The event kicked off with a presentation from Dr Tom Granleese, NSW DPI and Associate Professor Sam Clarke, UNE, who gave updates from the Low Methane Beef Project, and the preliminary results culminating from the work that has been undertaken in the project following the first year of recording both in pasture and in feedlot. After highlighting some the results found over the course of the project, Associate Professor Clarke mapped out what the project looks to achieve from the findings in the future, “As these results are preliminary, we will continue to update them as more results come in. “ “We will continue to record individuals over the next few years to try and get the numbers up to where they need to be to be a more usable and refined level, so that we have some precision around estimates of how much variation is genetic and how much variation is just environmental, we can estimate the correlation between traits, and the correlation with weight and feed intake.” 24
The next presentation was held by Dr Brad Walmsley, Livestock Research Officer, AGBU, who gave an update on the Southern Multibreed Project, which is designed to bring multibreed reference data to facilitate multibreed genomic evaluation. Looking over the recent milestones that the project has achieved, and its preliminary results Dr Walmsley said, “The project includes nearly 7000 calves and 456 different sires. We’re managing 50 traits in the project and after calving this year it means we've taken over 100,000 individual phenotypes across the project. “Six of those traits are non-standard BREEDPLAN traits that we're looking at trying to develop to go into BREEDPLAN, and that includes full linkage projects such as that sire and immune competence. “We’re at the stage now for the birth, calving ease and weaning traits that we're actually able to start to push that data to ABRI to allow them to start to integrate them into the different breed evaluations as they stand now.” The group was also addressed by Dr Liam Mowbray who gave an update on the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program, including Cohort 11 Carcase data, Cohort
12 Net Feed Intake and focuses for the coming years. Following this, Vytelle Australia Regional Director Australia / New Zealand Andrew Donoghue addressed the group regarding Vytelle’s involvement in the various projects featured during the event through the Vytelle Units (formally GrowSafe Units). He also provided insight into the work the Vytelle is undertaking around the world. “Vytelle is a global company feed intake wise, it has the capacity to feed test 170,000 animals annually around the globe and IVF wise Vytelle now has 16 global labs, of which the most recent one was opened in Brisbane a couple of months ago.” “Our locations in Australia were based on feed efficiency to start with and are now growing really quickly with the IVF side and using what we call satellite donor centres spaced out nicely to make that more accessible to all breeders that don't have the scale to do their own.” “The important stuff is genetic progress as it's one of the solutions to sustainability and we can do a lot more in the beef industry. We know globally that sustainability and the focus on sustainability in traits such as
reproduction, fertility, efficiency are going to be table stakes moving forward when it comes to the whole production chain and who's operating it and where our product ends up, so it's a really important, really high focus moving forward for the consumer and for the end users.” Speaking further on the IVF side of the business, Mr Donoghue said, “Everyone's aware of the repro technologies. AI has obviously well and truly been around for a long time, as long as ET. “With IVF, the reliability has limited its uptake in the past, however the reliability of IVF is getting better and better and it's now a stage where you can get a lot more reliable results and produce a lot more embryos, a lot more calves, more easily and quickly than traditional flushing. He continued, “So you are still getting the same impact from the dam and the sire for your reproduction, getting very similar conception rates between the two technologies, the big things are you can come in more often with IVF to make embryos and you can also keep cow in production. “The genetic gain you get from technology such as IVF compared to natural mating and AI, it's talking five times the speed of
genetic game to traditional AI and natural mating.” The final presentation of the day was by Dr Emma Lynch, UNE, who gave a presentation on meat science and research into meat quality currently being undertaken through the L Gen 3000 project, which is run alongside the Southern Multibreed Project in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture, the Irish Cattle Beef Federation, NSW DPI, Texas Tech University, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, University of Queensland, University of Sydney and Meat and Livestock Australia. “The first aim of this project was to look at developing a global eating quality reference data set from which genomic estimated breeding values can be calculated from multiple breeds,” said Dr Lynch. “Our next thing was can we look at the effectiveness of this genomic data in predicted eating quality outcomes." She continued, “The last thing we have to do is a comparison because we all like knowing what our breeding values are here in Australia compared to the rest of the world and certainly how that can correlate.”
Highlighting the different variables that research understands can affect the eating quality of meat, Dr Lynch gave insight into the work being undertaken in their project in order to establish whether an EBV can be developed for eating quality and what work in this space is currently being undertaken through a number of different research tests from the meat of animals coming out of the Southern Multibreed Project. “We obviously are taking all the MSA data, but we also took samples for iron and shear force and run that through the lab. All those samples were aged for 14 days postmortem before they were processed,” she said. “Then we had samples for our consumer sensory analysis as well, because we need to be able to get some more eating quality data to be able to pop back into model.” Sampling some the meat coming out of this research was the Open Day attendees, who were all served a steak lunch produced from the project. “For lunch, we were served some sirloin steak which has come directly from the Southern Multibreed Project, and we got to then look up which individual animal that the steak came from and the data that was associated with that, so it was really awesome to have a nice eating experience and then find out what genetics that was and where it's come from,” said Dr Mowbray said. Thanks to much needed rain in the New England region, the Open Day was relocated to the UNE campus, which also allowed the group access to the methane chambers at the Centre for Animal Research and Teaching. The methane chambers found at the UNE facility are some of the largest in the world, and in turn are widely used internationally for leading research and development in the space of methane emissions.
Gavin Newman
“Last up, we got to have a really in-depth tour of the methane testing facility here at UNE, learning all the latest and greatest tech in methane testing and where that's heading as an industry,” said Dr Mowbray. Guiding the tour was Associate Professor Fran Cowley UNE, who highlighted the research being undertaken in the facility. “What we are mostly using the chambers for is around testing nutritional interventions or infeed supplements to actually inhibit methane production in the rumen.” The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 25
BULLS WHO MEAN
BUSINESS! BALDRIDGE
HEAT SEEKER H925
• Heat Seeker H925 is a product of arguably one
of the best Y69 descendants in the breed being Baldridge Isabel E048, who has an incredible record of progeny sales.
• He is wide from the ground up with extra pin width, body density and superior structure.
• Heatseeker bends the curve with his +2.4BW
and +144 600D EBV’s whilst keeping mature cow in check with a MCW EBV of +89.
• Heat Seeker is a genetic standout ranking in the top 5% for all Angus indexes in Australia. Conventional and Male or Female Ultraplus sexed semen now available.
Koupals B&B Idenity Mill Brae Identified 4031 Mill Brae Pro Blackcap 1092 Connealy Confidence Plus Baldridge Isabel E048 Baldridge Isabel Y69
December 2023 TACE EBV’s
Calving Ease
Growth
Fertility
CE Dir
CE GL Bwt 200 400 Dtrs
600 MCW Milk DTC
EBV
6.0
0.9
2.6
63
106
136
73
19
-4.4
ACC
65%
54% 82% 85%
86%
85%
84%
82%
%
18
69
7
11
15
87
HART
-7.2
15
20
Temp
Feed
Carcase
Structure
Selection Index
SS
DOC
NFI-F
Cwt
EMA
Rib
PB
RBY IMF
Foot Leg Claw Angle Angle
2.1
23
-0.27
84
14.6
-2.0
-3.8
0.7
3.3
0.73
0.92
0.80
80%
41% 82%
75%
62%
79%
78%
75%
73%
68%
80%
67%
67%
51%
34
55
34
9
9
2
87
94
36
21
32
36
3
48
NETWORK
$A
$A-L
$282
$420
1
5
• One of the high demand bulls of Spring 2023, Hart Network has proven to be very popular amongst Australian Angus breeders. • An exceptional young Connealy Clarity son who now ranks as one of the top $Value indexing sires available in Australia. • Network is the top seller from the 2023 Hart Angus bull sale and premier son of the great Hart Whitney 9518. • Network was pursued by several A.I. organizations. Foot quality is a highlight to this ultra-complete, multi-trait improver. Cherry Creek Land Grant Connealy Clarity Breshie of Conanga 6988 Hoover No Doubt Hart Whitney 9518 Hart Whitney 3206
December 2023 TACE EBV’s
Calving Ease
Growth
Fertility
CE Dir
CE GL Bwt 200 400 Dtrs
EBV
3.6
5.1
3.8
74
129
144
89
14
-6.0
ACC
58%
46% 80% 84%
85%
83%
82%
79%
%
38
27
72
1
1
7
68
-3.3
44
Feed
Carcase
Structure
Selection Index
SS
DOC
NFI-F
Cwt
EMA
Rib
PB
RBY IMF
Foot Leg Claw Angle Angle
2.7
24
-0.05
91
14.3
0.8
0.0
0.2
3.8
0.76
0.84
1.02
78%
34% 80%
70%
58%
77%
76%
72%
70%
65%
79%
72%
72%
72%
69
20
32
23
4
2
30
44
67
13
32
20
46
600 MCW Milk DTC
STGenetics Australia 26
Temp
27
Beef Sales Manager Nigel Semmens P: 0477 404 373 E: nigel.semmens@stgen.com OFFICE FREE CALL: 1800 793 465
$A
$A-L
$335
$506
1
1
THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO
Cr eate it
DNA Services
Member Service Matters
Registrations
Adam Allingham – Member Services Manager
As we enter the holiday season and look ahead to the new year, it is a fitting time to reflect on the past year's achievements and challenges.
The year 2023 has presented us with numerous challenges, but it has also highlighted the extraordinary efforts put forth by our dedicated members. As the Angus breed is renowned for its strength, adaptability, and consistent quality, these qualities are equally reflected in all the individuals that make up our Angus Australia family. As we approach the end of the year, the MSO team would like to recognize the tireless work that you, our members, have poured into your herds and the breed. Your dedication to Angus, your commitment to improving genetics, and your efforts to uphold the breed's integrity are truly commendable. Summer, with its sweltering heat and dwindling pastures, presents its unique set of trials for our members. Angus cattle, while renowned for their resilience, still need careful attention to thrive during the hottest months, with heat stress and reduced feed availability being common challenges. However, I want to assure you that Angus Australia is here to support you as you navigate through the summer season. I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and I look forward to working with all of you in the new year!
Export Angus cattle exports have seen a significant resurgence in 2023, with a particular focus on meeting increased certification requirements. This has been a key area of attention for both myself and our dedicated Member Service Officer, Sarah Scott. Throughout the year, both Sarah and I have been working diligently, in close collaboration with our members and
export company staff, to uphold the integrity and quality of Angus cattle destined for international markets. I am grateful for Sarah’s unwavering commitment and dedication to this aspect of our operations. One common challenge that has come to our attention repeatedly in the export process is related to lapsed memberships. We kindly remind all our members to ensure their memberships are up to date when using these export services. Your attention to this detail is crucial in ensuring a seamless and efficient export process and avoiding any unnecessary delays or complications.
Registrations A friendly reminder to our members to submit your 2023 registrations if you still need to do so. For those who have already submitted, we request you dedicate some time to address any outstanding animal registrations that may have not been attended to yet. Late registration fees can accumulate swiftly when least expected, and we all wish to avoid unnecessary extra charges. If you are uncertain whether you have any incomplete or pending registrations, I urge you to reach out to our member services team at your earliest convenience for clarification. Your proactive approach will help ensure a smooth and cost-effective registration process.
DNA Services The demand for DNA testing services at Angus Australia continues on a remarkable growth trajectory, with a total of over 66,000 genomic tests and more than 84,000 genetic condition test requests received so far this year.
Export
This substantial surge in testing activity has presented a considerable challenge for our diligent Member Services team and our dedicated DNA coordinator Katie Carlon, and I express my gratitude to them for their dedication and efforts over the past year. Should you have any enquiries pertaining to your current DNA orders, require information on DNA processing procedures, seek clarification on turnaround times, wish to access order forms, or have general questions, we encourage you to connect directly with Katie. Katie is readily available for your assistance and can be contacted via phone or email. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to ensuring your DNA testing needs are met with the highest level of service and professionalism. Katie Carlon Ph: (02) 6773 4618 E: Katie.carlon@angusaustralia.com.au
Contact Should you have any issues regarding Membership, Registrations, Transfers, Performance Recording, DNA, Export Certification, the Angus Australia website/ AngusTech or any general enquiries please call and speak to one of our Member Service Officers or myself either by email or phone 02 6773 4600. I’m always happy to hear from members, please feel free to email: adam.allingham@ angusaustralia.com.au. Best regards, Adam Allingham Member Services Manager
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 27
Member Services
Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services Angus Australia, in collaboration with our partners, Neogen Australasia and Zoetis Animal Genetics, offer members a comprehensive range of DNA services for utilisation within their Angus breeding enterprise. The provision of DNA services is part of Angus Australia’s commitment to ensure members and their commercial customers have access to world leading genetic evaluation technologies, and associated tools for genetic improvement, which will ultimately enhance the value and profitability of Angus genetics throughout the beef supply chain. The DNA services that are available have a wide range of applications, such as the verification of parentage information,
the identification of carriers for recessive genetic conditions, improved accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus seedstock animals, and more accurate selection of replacement Angus females in commercial breeding programs. Developing a strategy for utilising the DNA services that are available within your breeding program can be daunting, but a number of staff at Angus Australia are available to provide assistance, along with staff at Neogen and Zoetis.
Contact staff at Angus Australia today on (02) 6773 4600 to discuss your DNA service requirements. Information is also available by contacting staff at Zoetis on 1300 768 400, or Neogen on (07) 3736 2134.
Angus Australia – DNA Services - Zoetis Animal Genetics Genomic Tests
Genetic Conditions
Zoetis HD50K for Angus
$51.45
Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)
$25.85
Add Parentage Verification
Included
Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)
$25.85
Add Core Genetic Test Panel1
$24.75
Developmental Duplications (DD)
$25.85
Add Full Genetic Test Panel 2
$41.25
Dwarfism (DW)
$25.85
Add Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) Add Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) Add Developmental Duplications (DD) Add Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH) Add Coat Colour (RG) Add BVDV (PI)2
$8.25 $8.25 $8.25 $8.25 $8.25 $9.90
Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)
$25.85
Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)
$25.85
Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)
$25.85
Osteopetrosis (OS)
$25.85
Horns (HH)
$31.35
¹ Includes AM, CA, DD & NH, 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821), 3 TSU samples only
Parentage Verification Base Panel (280 SNPs)
Angus HeiferSELECTTM
$42.65
Add BVDV (PI)4 4
Genetic Traits
TSU samples only
Coat Colour (RG)
$25.85
Myostatin (NT821)
$25.85
Full Genetic Test Panel 5
$53.35
Genetic Conditions
Included
DNA Sample Types
Included
Hair, Semen, Tissue or Tissue (TSU)
Genetic Traits 7 7
6
Genomics NOT included, 6 Includes AM, CA, DD, DW, HH, MA, NH, OH, OS, RG and Myostatin (NT821)
ANGUS
for Northern Australia 28
Included
$9.90
Stand Alone Full Genetic Test Panel
5
Add Parentage Verification
$29.15
No charge
All fees and charges are GST inclusive. Transactions for overseas members will be charged in $AU, with GST deducted.
Angus Australia – DNA Services – Neogen Australasia Genomic Tests
Genetic Conditions
Angus GS
$48.15
Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)
$26.70
Included
Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)
$26.70
$24.75
Developmental Duplications (DD)
$26.70
Add Full Genetic Test Panel 2
$41.25
Dwarfism (DW)
$26.70
Add Developmental Duplications (DD)
$8.25
Horns (HH)
$26.70
Add Coat Colour (RG)
$11.00
Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)
$26.70
Add BVDV (PI)
$9.90
Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)
$26.70
Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)
$26.70
Osteopetrosis (OS)
$26.70
TM
Add Parentage Verification Add Core Genetic Test Panel
1
Includes AM, CA, DD & NH 2 Includes AM, CA, DD, NH, DW, OH, OS, MA, HH, RG, and Myostatin (NT821 only) 1
Angus HeiferSELECT
$42.65
TM
Add BVDV (PI)
$9.90
Genetic Traits
Parentage Verification Base Panel (543 SNPs)
Coat Colour (RG) Myostatin (6 variants) 5
$31.30
Add Parentage Verification
Included
Build SNP Profile 4
5
$242.00
Hair Semen Tissue Tissue (TSU)
Stand Alone Full Genetic Base Panel $73.15
Genetic Conditions
Included
Genetic Traits
6
Included
7
Includes NT821, C313Y, E226X, F94L, NT419 and Q204X variants
DNA Sample Types
Involves building an animal’s SNP profile from the genotypes of their progeny. Requires availability of genotypes for a minimum of 10 progeny, plus genotypes of the progeny’s other parent/s. 4
Full Genetic Test Panel 5
$25.85 $25.85
5 7
$3.30 $11.00 $11.00 No charge
Genomics NOT included, 6 Includes AM, CA, DD, DW, HH, MA, NH, OH, OS, RG and Myostatin (NT821)
Angus Australia – DNA Services – Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Fees Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (10 pack)
$12.00
Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (100 pack)
$120.00
Transfer DNA profile to another DNA lab
$5.50
Parentage Discovery
$66.00 p/hr
Base Animal Surcharge
$27.50
1
Incorrect Hair Collector Kit Surcharge 1 2
$2.20
2
Surcharge covers access to the Angus Australian genomic reference population in th TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Applied to hair samples not provided in an Angus Australia Zoetis hair collector kit
Are you looking for information about utilising Angus genetics in the Northern parts of Australia? For information resources, case studies, support materials and much more regarding the use of Angus genetics in the northern most areas of Australia, check in with the Northern Focus location now!
· Improved fertility
· Hybrid vigour
· Polledness
· Market flexibility
· All round balance
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 29
Member Services
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TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Analysis Dates The submission deadlines for inclusion in each TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) analysis during 2024 are outlined in the table below. All submissions must be received by Angus Australia before 5pm on the submission deadline for guaranteed inclusion in the analysis. Submission Deadlines for TACE Submission Deadline Analysis
Animal Registration & Structural Scores
Performance Data
Results Available (Indicative)
Mid January
December 22
January 2
January 17
February
January 8
January 15
January 31
Mid February
January 24
February 1
February 16
March
February 8
February 15
February 29
Mid March
February 21
March 1
March 15
April
March 8
March 15
March 28
Mid April
March 25
April 2
April 17
May
April 8
April 15
April 30
Mid May
April 23
May 1
May 17
June
May 8
May 15
May 31
Mid June
May 24
May 31
June 17
July
June 7
June 14
July 1
Mid July
June 24
July 1
July 17
August
July 8
July 15
July 31
Mid August
July 24
August 1
August 16
September
August 8
August 15
August 30
Mid September
August 23
August 30
September 17
October
September 9
September 16
September 30
Mid October
September 23
October 1
October 17
November
October 8
October 15
October 31
Mid November
October 24
November 1
November 15
December
November 7
November 14
November 27
Mid December
November 15
November 22
December 9
January
November 29
December 6
December 23
Note: The dates for the availability of results are indicative only. They are provided to assist with planning but should not be considered as guaranteed dates.
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Talking Genomics Understanding The Random Shuffle of Genes Andrew Byrne, Senior Technical Product Specialist, Neogen Australasia
Genomic testing is widely considered the most significant transformational technology in livestock breeding since the introduction of Estimated Breeding Values, or EBVs, with genomic information now routinely incorporated into beef, sheep and dairy genetic evaluations around the globe. To understand the value of genomic testing for the prediction of breeding value in these genetic evaluations, one must first understand how genes are inherited from one generation to the next. An animal’s genes are contained within its DNA, which is bundled into chromosomes. Livestock have pairs of chromosomes, with the number of chromosome pairs in an animal’s DNA varying across the different species (table 1). For example, cattle have 30 pairs of chromosomes, or a total of 60 chromosomes. One chromosome in each chromosome pair is inherited from the animal’s sire, and one from the animal’s dam.
The manner in which chromosomes are passed from one generation to the next is often described as the progeny receiving a random sample of the sire’s genes, or mendelian sampling, and with the number of possible combinations, the genes passed on in no two sperm are exactly alike. The same number of possible combinations is true for each egg produced by a dam, meaning the number of possible chromosome combinations inherited by animals from their parents is literally in the billions.
Job Quarter 1 2022 vs 2023 TableStats 1: Number of chromosome pairs by species
Perhaps this is your favourite set of embryo flush mates, your brothers and sisters, or your children. The dissimilarity between full siblings may be striking, for example, one may be short and the other tall, one may have light hair and the other dark hair, or one may be laid-back and the other excitable.
Species
Chromosome Pairs
Human
23 pairs
Cattle
30 pairs
Sheep
27 pairs
Goats
30 pairs
Pigs
19 pairs
When the animal reproduces, for example, a sperm is produced by a sire, one of the chromosomes in each pair is selected at random and passed on to the progeny. So, when a sperm is produced, the selection of chromosomes that are passed on is similar to flipping a coin numerous times (i.e. 30 times in cattle, 27 times in sheep), with a different combination of heads and tails returned each time a new sperm is produced. If we label the chromosomes the sire inherited from his father as blue (paternal) and the chromosomes inherited from his mother as pink (maternal), the number of possible combinations of the sire’s paternal and maternal chromosomes that can be passed onto the progeny is illustrated in Figure 1.
Think for a moment about your favourite set of full siblings, being brothers or sisters with the same parents.
The similarities and dissimilarities between full siblings are due to differences in the chromosomes that they have inherited, and the environment they have experienced. So what does this mean for breeding values?
Delving into this in more detail, the number of possible chromosome combinations that can be passed on in cattle is 1,073,741,824 (i.e. 230), while in sheep the number of possible chromosome combinations is 134,217,728 (i.e 227). And this number ignores the exchange of segments between paternal and maternal chromosomes that occurs in a biological process called recombination.
In their simplicist form, the estimated breeding value (EBV) calculated for an animal can be thought of as one half of the sire’s breeding value, plus one half of the dam’s breeding value, plus the mendelian sampling term. The mendelian sampling term represents the animal’s difference from the average of its parents’ breeding values and is due to the random sample of genes and chromosomes that the calf inherited. EBVCALF = ½ EBVSIRE + ½ EBVDAM + mendelian sampling term In a traditional, pedigree based genetic evaluation, there is no data available when an animal is born, so the Mendelian sampling term can not be estimated, and the animal’s EBV is reported as the parent average. This is often referred to as the ‘mid-parent’ EBV value. As performance data is subsequently collected on the animal, and the animal’s progeny, the mendelian sampling term can be estimated, and the animal’s EBV either increases, decreases or remains unchanged, reflecting the random sample
32
of genes that the animal has inherited from its parents. But this approach has limitations and it can be problematic collecting effective performance information on the animal to enable the mendelian sampling term to be estimated. For example, traits that are difficult or expensive to measure, traits that can’t be measured prior to the animal entering the breeding herd, traits that have a low heritability, or animals that are in small contemporary groups. This is where genomics now provides considerable value. In a genetic evaluation that incorporates genomic information, such as the industry single step genetic evaluations that are conducted in the beef and sheep industries in Australia and New Zealand (e.g. BREEDPLAN, Sheep Genetics), predominantly for seedstock animals, genomic data provides an insight into the random sample of chromosomes that an animal has inherited, which enables an
estimate to be made of the Mendelian sampling term early in an animal’s life. For example, in the real world example provided in Figure 2, based on averages, the animal would be expected to share 25 percent of its genes with each of its grandparents. But, due to the random shuffle of genes and chromosomes, this percent can vary greatly. Genomic testing reveals that the animal shares 25.8 percent of their genes with their paternal grandsire (orange chromosome pair), and 15.4 percent of their genes with their maternal grandsire (green chromosome pair). Knowledge of the chromosomes that an animal has inherited via genomic testing, and the resultant ability to better estimate the mendelian sampling term, results in the availability of more accurate and reliable EBVs for animals. To further discuss the development of a genomic testing program for your livestock breeding program, contact staff at Neogen Australasia.
Reference: ‘The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD’ - https://beef-cattle. extension.org/the-random-shuffle-ofgenes:-putting-the-e-in-epd/
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
| 33
Boonaroo Genius Q63 - Sons sell
130 ANGUS BULLS 34
BOONAROO ANGUS
Auction: Friday February 16th, 11.30am (vic time) Field days: Saturday Feb 3rd, “Clifton”, Hamilton Monday Feb 5th, “Boonaroo”, Casterton Fully vaccinated, registered, genomics tested, birth weighed, fertility tested, structurally guaranteed. Enquiries to Shane and Jodie Foster 0475 239 687 or 0487 133 824 www.boonaroo.com.au
Carcase success in Perth Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
The wins keep coming for Angus and Angus influenced cattle in carcase competitions taking out a number of major awards across the live and carcase judging at the 2023 Perth Royal Show. Murdoch University led the charge in the live judging with Reserve Grand Champion exhibit and also the Reserve Champion heavyweight animal was a 477kg, Limousin-Angus steer. Murdoch University also had the Champion lightweight with a 381kg Limousin-Angus heifer, Reserve Champion lightweight with a 371kg Limousin-Murray Grey heifer and a 578kg Angus steer, won Reserve Champion extra heavyweight. Carcase judging saw Murdoch University continue their winning ways taking out Reserve Grand Champion and Champion lightweight carcase, with a 384kg Limousin cross Angus steer that recorded a P8 of 9mm, rib of 7mm rib and EMA of 82cm2 to record a score of 91.21 points. Reserve Champion mediumweight carcase award went to WA College of Agriculture - Denmark with a 443kg Limousin-Angus cross steer with a P8of 7mm, rib of 6mm rib and EMA of 86cm2.
WA College of Agriculture - Denmark, also won Champion heavyweight carcase with a 506kg Limousin-Angus cross steer that had a P8 of 9mm, rib of 6mm rib and EMA 88cm2. To wrap up their success, WA College of Agriculture - Denmark, took out the Reserve Champion heavyweight carcase award as well, with a 520kg SimmentalAngus, P8 of 7mm, rib of 6mm rib and EMA of 88cm2.
Top: Reserve Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Heavy Weight Led Steer-Heifer, bottom: Cattle Carcase Awards. Images: Showcase by Branded Ag
Grand Champion Carcase for Angus at Melbourne Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
A purebred Angus steer took out the coveted Grand Champion Carcase in the 2023 Melbourne Royal Show Beef Carcase Competition. Exhibited by Grant High School and bred by G & E Glasgow, Claremont Angus, Woolsthorpe Vic., the carcase first took out both the Champion Export carcase, as well as Champion Schools Carcase. With a live weight of 584kg and a hot score carcase weight of 319kg, the carcase had an MSA Index of 63.51. In the live judging, a 558kg, March 2022 drop Angus cross steer exhibited by Jones Farms Moorooduc Vic was awarded Reserve Champion Export Steer of heifer. In the live judging, a 558kg, March 2022 drop Angus cross steer exhibited by Jones Farms Moorooduc Vic was awarded Reserve Champion Export Steer of heifer. LIVE JUDGING Reserve Champion Export Steer or Heifer: Angus cross STEER BONANZA 2nd: The Riverina Anglican College, Limousin x Angus DOMESTIC CARCASE 2nd: Lochlyde Pastoral Co, Angus x Simmental
3rd: Black Diamond Speckle Parks, Speckle Park x Angus HEAVY DOMESTIC CARCASE 3rd: St Pauls College, Angus 4th Black Diamond Speckle Parks, Speckle Park x Angus EXPORT CARCASE 1st: Grant High School, Angus 2nd: Limitless Cattle Co, Simmental x Angus 4th: The Riverina Anglican College, Limousin x Angus
Top: WA College of Agriculture - Denmark, won the awards for champion and reserve champion heavyweight carcasses collected by students Ayla McMaster (second left), Ella Smith and Lara Burrow, with, Nutrien Livestock WA manager Leon Giglia (left) and RASWA competition and event co-ordinator Jack Martin, bottom: Grace Henderson with Murdoch University’s 477kg reserve grand champion and reserve champion heavyweight steer. Images: Farm Weekly
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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A B
C
D
E
D F
G
H
Around the Shows Perth Royal - A: First Breeders Group of 3 Bulls Interbreed Competition, exhibited by Tullibardine Angus, B: First Breeders Group of Three Interbreed, exhibited by Venturon Livestock, C: All Breeds Supreme Senior Champion Beef Female and Senior Champion Angus Female, Tullibardine Fiona R47, exhibited by Tullibardine Angus, F: All Breeds Supreme Junior Champion Beef Bull and Junior & Grand Champion Angus Bull, Venturon Timeless T73, exhibited by Venturon Livestock. Images: Farm Weekly Royal Melbourne Show - D: Supreme Junior Champion Beef Breed Bull and Junior & Grand Champion Angus bull, Moorunga Raindance T25, exhibited by Moorunga Angus, E: Reserve Supreme Junior Champion Beef Breed Heifer and Junior Champion Angus Female, Flemington Dandaloo T49, exhibited by Flemington Angus, G: Supreme Champion Angus Exhibit and Senior & Grand Champion Angus Female Merridale Clydie Q24, exhibited by Merridale Angus , H: Supreme Senior Champion Beef Breed Bull and Senior Champion Angus Bull, Hollywood Smokin’ S57, exhibited by Hollywood Angus. images: Showcase by Branded Ag 36
Angus success on Myendetta Matt Sherrington, Queensland Country Life
The Mills family in southwestern Queensland has enjoyed consistent success with Angus since introducing the breed to their commercial beef cattle business 14 years ago. Reece Mills and his partner Erin Cosgrove run the operation with his parents Aubrey and Kay Mills, while raising their children, Grace, George, and Isabelle. Myendetta is an aggregation of five properties, totalling 48,000 hectares of freehold land, fronting the Diamantina Developmental Road, and intersected by the Mitchell Highway, 30km southwest of Charleville, Qld. The family also farm 10,000ha between Moree, NSW, and Goondiwindi, Qld. The family purchased Myendetta in 2010, with the other properties added to their holdings since. Their land is highlighted by 40km of Warrego River frontage, featuring 14,000ha running back from flood out coolibah country, growing strong stands of Mitchell grass, to brigalow, gidgee, wilga, and sandalwood country where a dense stand of buffel grows, the balance being soft red mulga, box and kurrajong country where native grasses, buffel and herbage grows in season as well as a plentiful supply of low edible mulga. The Mills began utilising Angus bulls to put across their Brahman-based cow herd when they bought Myendetta, though today Angus blood is dominant. "We're currently running 2400 females, and of those close to 2000 would be at least 75 per cent Angus. We're looking to replace the remaining 400 breeders with home-bred Angus heifers within the next year. We're striving to make the entire herd, black and polled," Reece Mills said.
above 90pc. Any cows that preg-test empty or fail to wean a calf are culled, with home-bred heifers kept as replacements. "We recently sold a line of empty cows averaging 662kg off low mulga, which topped their section at Dalby." Mr Mills said one of the primary keys to their operational success has been the control provided through having quality infrastructure. He said the adaptability and versatility of the Angus hold great appeal. "Their homozygous black and polled genetics are very appealing. We find that Angus weaners show great growth and length attributes and are sought after by backgrounders and feedlotters." The Mills generally target the Woolworths, Pure Angus, and 75pc Angus feedlot markets with their steers, post-weaning off oats at 12 to 14 months old and weighing 380 to 400kg, but they couldn't get their oats crop planted in time this year. To counter this issue they recently sold 490 Angus and Angus-cross 8 to 10-month-old steers through the Dalby Saleyards, with some of their pens topping the sale at 382c/kg, while their heaviest line from the draft averaged 327kg. The Mills control join for three months, split between spring and autumn calvings, with heifers joined at 12 months old. "We pregnancy test every year and aim to keep our conception and weaning rate
"We're in the business of producing kilograms of beef so we aim to ensure each kilogram is as profitable as possible while being produced sustainably. We have 160km of exclusion fencing, the majority of our internal fencing has been replaced, we have close to 50km of internal laneways connecting nearly all of our paddocks to two sets of professionally designed and built centrally located cattle yards, and all of our water is capped and piped from four bores. "This all allows for ease of management to ensure only our most productive females are retained and we have never had to destock due to dry weather." Mr Mills said they had a great start to spring, though below-average rainfall fell in summer and autumn. "The country has dried off, but we have a big body of dry feed, and the low edible mulga is coming into its own now, as it does this time every year, we have our cattle transitioning onto that."
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Breeding the best at Esperance
The Graham family runs a mixed farming enterprise spanning 6000 hectares at the coastal localities of Monjingup and Dalyup, west of Esperance in Western Australia, with Dalyup manager Scott Watkins and three farm employees. Their Angus breeding herd sits at 2500 females (including heifers), grown from humble beginnings and on business values instilled in Wes by his late father George (tragically killed in a car accident when Wes was 22 years old and on agriculture exchange in Texas) of seizing opportunities and the importance of relationships.
Kane Chatfield, Farm Weekly
The Graham family moved to their new half-cleared home at west Esperance from the Mallee region in Victoria in the early 1960s and set about expanding their holdings to the north. The family also owned Black Flag sheep station, just north of Kalgoorlie. Following the death of their father in 1985, Wes and his brothers Rory and Steve decided to run their own farming operations and are also still farming today at Salmon Gums and Wittenoom Hills respectively. "Dad was looking for opportunity and based his family close to Esperance and basically went back to Mallee farming at Salmon Gums," Mr Graham said. "He was a hard worker and wanted to farm all different things, even to come here in the '60s and still farm 100 kilometres away. "Esperance was built on people like dad who were prepared to leave their roots and develop the region. "He had a succession vision for my brothers and I which was before its time, he always said you will be your own boss before you realise which gave us confidence when we left school. "Before I went away on an ag exchange I found those years working beside dad very valuable." In the early years the Grahams were running a mixed herd of 300 mostly Angus breeders, with bulls sourced locally and from the late '80s European breed sires were introduced which would ultimately lead Wes down the Angus path. "With the arrival of Euro breeds, crossbreeding became popular and after trialling a couple of different breeds, I 38
realised to have a good crossbreeding herd you have to have a good straightbred herd so I decided to go down the straightbred line and produce good Angus," he said. "An old adage I've carried is if you're going to breed one, breed a good one and selection for quality in my breeding program stemmed from there." Wes said he felt to get genetic diversity he was prepared to travel to source bulls without bias from large and small WA stud breeders which he continues to do today. "I could see the Angus Society was starting to modernise and compete with the Euro breeds, building the breed with a bit more size and carcase traits," he said. "The Kojonup bull trials were happening around these times and they struck my interest with what Angus was doing." "From the crossbreeding days, I feel spreading genetics is a good insurance policy and always looking for new genetic lines is like crossbreeding with the hybrid vigour effect through broad genetics," he said. "I felt diversity was the best option and I was prepared to travel to buy bulls, including from small studs which can produce top quality animals like the big studs." Mr Graham said as he expanded his holding, he went from selling baby beef off mum through the '90s to value adding and taking the calves through to finishing off grass as yearlings to utilise the bigger acreages. The Grahams shifted from an autumn to winter calving in the early 2000s and during a couple of tight feed seasons later in the decade, adversity would plant the seed of a successful 12-year relationship
with Ivan and Jill Rogers, Kylagh Feedlot, Tammin. "Changing to a winter calving did change the dynamics, it's great from a feed requirement basically calving onto green feed but it does limit your finishing capabilities of yearling cattle," Mr Graham said. "In a tight year I sent around 200 steers to Ivan on a custom feed and 200 to Denbarker on agistment. "It gave Ivan the opportunity to see how my steers performed and they went really well on feed while the steers on agistment experienced a dry season and I had to quit them earlier than I would have liked to market them and take a discount as they weren't finished and too heavy to feed. "And that's what headed us down the custom feeding relationship with Kylagh Feedlot." The Grahams wean their calves in February-March and background them until they reach about 350kg liveweight before the cattle go on a custom 100day feed program from June onwards for Coles Finest premium beef label aiming to average 300kg dressed weight. Mr Graham said the relationship with Ivan Rogers was possibly the best thing that had happened to them from a cattle business point of view. "Over the years I carried on the tradition of dealing direct with all the butchers and felt it's important to have a good relationship with the next person along the line," he said. "The success of our business is carrying the animal through to the end product, it's tried and true and a comfort factor when you get to a point you're producing quality beef for a quality contract.
"Ivan is a very good operator, honest and loyal and our relationship is a win/win for both of us. "He had trouble finding his product for the winter period so I filled the void with my winter-drop cattle. "And more recently when cattle had been harder to find, he can call me and I'm prepared to send them 25-30kg lighter and be on feed for an extra 20 days to help his in/out system, so it goes both ways." The Grahams also sell 200-300 surplus heifers annually to the Rogers for their Wagyu breeding program. Mr Graham said backgrounding was widely understated in the industry but an important part of their system. "There isn't necessarily any profit in backgrounding but I do it for my own long term benefit," he said.
"I believe it's important for animals to learn to graze well and work for their feed which is a positive for the feedlot. "I'm not trying to put much weight on the cattle from weaning to the feedlot, but producing an animal with the ability to do more than 2kg per day on feed. "It's the same with sheep, you're setting them up for a strong crack at the growth period, they've got maturity, frame and can just produce meat." Replacement breeding heifers are selected at weaning as opposed to before joining which Mr Graham attributes to selecting on maternal traits of the herd as well as growth. He said growth for age was still king, but by selecting off mum, you see early growth, a good looking animal, conformation and do-ability, while also assessing the cow through days to calving,
early drop, getting in back in calf, milk and mothering ability. Mr Graham said in ordinary feed seasons he learned a lot about compensatory gain in genetics and how they influenced his cattle's performance in the feedlot. 300kg dressed weight within 100 days," he said. "To think they could catch up 50kg plus 200kg they would normally put on through the growth period was incredible, doing 2.5 -2.6kg per day and influenced by climate. "And it gets back to selection, I'm not selecting them to be heavy weaners, I'm selecting them to perform well right through to the end product." In regards to bull selection, Mr Graham said EBVs were a great guide, along with visual appraisal, and he looked for top percentage of breed for growth, carcase
Wes Graham (left), WJ & FJ Graham and Monjingup Angus, west Esperance and Angus Australia Board Member, Andrew Kuss, Allegria Park Angus stud, Esperance, with some of the Graham family’s mature Angus cows and MayJune 2022-drop Angus calves.
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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weight and the ability of the animal to get to target weight at a younger age. "With the climate conversation, targeting animals that are going to finish at a younger age is going to also be a positive from an environmental perspective," he said. The Grahams carry a battery of between 60 to 70 bulls and run a small nucleus herd of 50 breeders as a cost-effective way to breed their own heifer joining bulls to cover 400 heifers. To utilise genomics, they registered these breeders as the Monjingup Angus stud. "It's a stud that backs my commercial business only and the genomics add to EBVs for more accuracy in my bull breeding," he said. "These bulls have to be in the top 10 per cent of the breed, we don't mate heifers to average bulls because the production of their 320-330 progeny has to be profitable also." The Grahams also crop 1200 hectares annually to canola, lupins, wheat and barley and oats to produce between 20003000 hay rolls for the autumn feed gap. They also run the Monjingup Poll Dorset stud and mate 2500 commercial ewes to their own Monjingup rams.
some of our Angus breeding given we are a long way from the rest of the State." Mr Graham said the Angus Society was a market leader in creating a better product. "There are a lot of passionate producers involved in the society, past and present, that have been Australia-wide leaders in the Angus breed," he said.
Esperance Elites Early this year Wes and Fran Graham put up 10 Angus heifers as part of the in the 2022/23 edition of the annual Farm Weekly/WA Angus Breeders Win 10 Angus heifers and Nutrien Ag Solutions Merchandise Package Competition. In its 16th year, the lucky winners were Rob and Lois Johnstone, Napier WA. Mr Graham said it was a privilege to be involved in this year's competition. "I've been reluctant to supply the heifers because of their later winter calving but they're only young once and someone will have the opportunity to take them forward to their mating time for future years," Mr Graham said. "It's an honour for Fran and I and the team that the Angus Society would consider us to give someone the opportunity with
It's not the first time the WA Angus Society has recognised Wes Graham for his commitment, contribution and passion to the Angus breed when he became the first commercial producer to be awarded the prestigious Strathtay Trophy in 2018. When presenting the award, then WA Angus Society chairman Tony Sudlow said Mr Graham was a worthy winner of the award for his continued support of the Angus breed and WA Angus stud breeders. "Wes is very passionate about his breeding program and the Angus breed," Mr Sudlow said. "He runs one of the State's biggest purebred Angus herds and his depth of knowledge of the breed's genetics is excellent and probably better than a lot of stud breeders. Mr Graham said it was a great honour to win the award and showed how important the whole industry was. "I enjoy the game of breeding the best Angus I can," he said. "Quality is the most important thing and if you produce a quality product you need to start with a quality product and that is why I started travelling the State looking for the best Angus genetics. "I believe every WA Angus stud has the ability to produce top animals today and I like to support them."
Angus Bull Sale Tuesday 19 March 2024 Powranna TLX complex
Interfaced with
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus brings market diversity Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
Located on 1,500 acres in the Gloucester region of New South Wales, ‘Merewether’ is operated by Jamie Andrews, alongside his wife and two children. Running around 300 cows in a self-replacing herd, the ‘Merewether’ business primarily revolves around a feeder steer program, with the steers then finished on a property located nearby.
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Since coming into the business twelve years ago, Mr Andrews has overseen the progression of the business from a bullock operation, with the inclusion of Limousin and Hereford bloodlines, to the slow inclusion of Angus influence, which started with the gradual introduction of Angus cows into the operation. Since this began, the percentage of Angus cattle in the herd has increased, and currently sits at about 80%. Of the choice to integrate Angus genetics into their operation and why, Mr Andrews said, “Genetic diversity. There are so many different Angus sires out there which can cater for many different markets, and we can be pretty specific with where we want to go with ours, so that diversity is really beneficial.” As per the markets the ‘Merewether’ herd feed into, Mr Andrews provides feeder steers into JBS Caroona Feedlot at 450kg, selling around 200 head a year through this program. Considering the female herd is selfreplacing, each year around 20-40% of heifers are retained back into the mob, with the remaining heifers sold through the local market. Cull cows from the herd are sold through to local abattoirs at Wingham. When selecting genetics for their operation, Mr Andrews is searching for bulls that serve a result for the dual purpose of getting females back in calf and having maternal traits for their replacement heifers, and producing progeny that hits the requirements for their feeder steer market. “In an Angus bull, you're probably looking for about five traits,” said Mr Andrews. “600-day weight is very important to us, as is IMF. Fat content and scrotal size helps as well with the bulls and all of that is leaning towards a dual purpose in regard to getting females that will go back in calf because we retain them, but also trying to hit that feeder steer market.” He continued, “With the heifers, calving ease is a huge thing that we do require. Not so much with the cows because if they have a calf, they go through into the herd. “If they have any calving issues, we cull them as a heifer, which assists us in maintaining an improvement in calving ease.” The Angus portion of the female herd at Merewether serves as a cow cooperator herd in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. Through this involvement, 150 cows and heifers from the ‘Merewether’ herd were Artificially Inseminated (AI) over a ten-day period in 2023 to sires from Cohort 14 of the program. “To be a part of the ASBP is a bit of an honour to be able to contribute to the
improved benchmarking program for Angus Australia,” said Mr Andrews. When asked about the benefits for him as a producer to be involved as a cowherd in the ASBP, Mr Andrews said, “I think there's certainly genetic improvements that we should get through our heifers. “The ability to look at different studs and their bulls and actually see that firsthand, how those animals reproduce, how they hit the ground, how they develop through our heifers and that can help us make decisions into the future with our own breed lines and where we want to improve.” When it comes to the breeding philosophies and management practices undertaken at ‘Merewether’, Mr Andrews said the following, “In the management of our herd, we use rotational grazing. I find that very beneficial in recovery of the plants and certainly helps your soil ground covers improve. Genetically, we're looking for probably higher IMF and fats in the cattle. That certainly helps us at the feedlot stage and also with our heifer conception rates in this country, which is just a little bit harder to get things fattened on. “We look to use about 30 cows to one bull and once again, look for that high IMF and certain other traits that we chase in the youngest gene pool.” When looking at what they identify as success within their herd, Mr Andrew’s highlighted the key drivers of production for the ‘Merewether’ operation. “The key driver for us are cows in calf. If you can keep above 90%, that is probably the main driver of production and income in us for our business, so that's really important. “To do that it's needling all your cows at the right time, doing the drenches and maintaining good animal health with our cows and heifers,” he said. “The other key driver is finishing those feeder steers at around 15 to 18 months and getting them right, which is something we continue to work on.”
The landscape of the ‘Merewether’ property is made up of quite acidic country. The grey loam soil on ‘Merewether’ is approximately three inches of topsoil and bedrock underneath. Due to this makeup, the pasture type requires some further attention, with lime used to counter the acidity found in the soil. Mr Andrews highlighted that environmental challenges impact their operation alike many in the industry, however emphasized the importance he now places on preempting unfavorable production conditions and implementing strategies to assist in countering, where possible, the negative impacts on his business. “Everyone's been impacted by the drought, particularly the 2019 drought, but this year has been a bit stiff as well. We've had of six months with 35mm, so it's been difficult,” he said. “However, it's about planning for that, and we implemented a drought plan early on which was getting rid of any latent cows, selling steers early and opening up a few opportunities to put cattle in different properties through agistment, all which has worked well. “Also, we are feeding cattle at the moment in our spring herd who are calving down or have calved down just recently. Water can also be an issue, but we're certainly trying to shore that up with pump systems and some big dams.” Looking to the future of the ‘Merewether’ business, business growth and genetic improvement is what Mr Andrews will be striving for. “I'd like to see our business in the future get up to around 400 head and continue with the feeder steer market,” said Mr Andrews. “I find that a very profitable part of the business.” “Also, I would like to continue improving our reputation within the district, so that people see us to have high quality heifers, high quality steers to sell, and people will chase after them through reputation, through good genetics, and through good farm management that people can see.”
When reflecting on the role he has in the industry and what everyday brings him, Mr Andrew had some excellent concluding words. “The best part of the job is just being in the environment that we live in,” he said. “It's a beautiful part of the world. I enjoy being outdoors and am always spending as much time as I can outdoors so that's the best part. And just seeing genetic improvements in your cattle. “Stressful days are when you're doing preg testing, but when you have a good day, it's fantastic as well.”
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Angus Youth
Cadetship shows how NH Foods produces the “Joy of Eating” Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
The Angus Foundation NH Foods Cadetship launched as part the Angus Foundation Industry Cadetship Program in 2023 was designed to provide the recipient with an authentic and valuable experience of the industry and NH Foods Australia’s core activities: breeding, feedlotting, production, marketing, and sales. Over the course of four weeklong placements, the 2023 cadet, Chloe Plowman of Kingaroy, QLD, experienced this as she made her way through the various areas that make up the diverse NH Foods business, working behind the scenes at Wingham Beef Exports, Oakey Beef Exports, Whyalla Feedlot and the NH Foods Headquarters. Kicking off her cadetship, Chloe headed to Wingham Beef Exports (WBE), located on the mid north coast of NSW. “I started with a site tour through the plant starting at the boxed production right through to livestock being delivered. I learnt about halal and non-halal cattle, the chillers and carcase tagging terminology and processes performed in regard to maintaining quality and accuracy of the end products,” said Chloe. “My time spent in the boning room allowed me to see how a carcase is fully broken down and out of this I was fascinated with the use of technology to determine the fat content in a piece of meat as well as the automations of boxing this product.” “Technology within the whole plant is amazing, it also has the ability to track a body through the whole process which Quality Assurance (QA) ran me through as well as what their main roles are and what they are looking for to ensure that quality of the product is the best it can be,” she said. “I also spent time with an MSA grader who gave me insight and more knowledge on meat colour, fat colour, ossification, marbling, fat measurements and the EMA size.” Rotating her way through the businesses, Chloe spent her next week working behind the scenes at Oakey Beef Exports, Oakey, QLD, which expanded on what she learnt when working at WBE and included insight into the production of the Verified Black Angus Beef brand Angus Reserve. “When I attended Oakey Beef Exports, I experienced different activities which are performed in an abattoir such as workplace health and safety, livestock, HR, first aid, load out, packing and again QA in the boning room,” she said. “It was amazing to see the Angus cattle which are in the Angus Reserve program coming through the abattoirs and to see them live, then to their carcase in the 44
chiller, to the boxed product in packing and at the same time the quantity of meat being processed, boned, packed, stored and then loaded into shipping containers or trucks for both domestic and exporting trade on a day-to-day basis.” “Again, the technology that is used especially the new freezer facility and automatic packing machine which takes away from physical labour is first class.” After taking in what she could at Oakey, Chloe headed to Texas, QLD, and settled in for a week working at Whyalla Feedlot. Already at a 55,000 head capacity with work ongoing to expand the size of the business, the feedlot opened Chloe’s eyes to the scale of the Angus influence in feedlot settings. “As an Angus breeder, this was amazing to see pens and pens of black cattle on feed. Throughout the week I was involved in different areas such as breeding, inductions, vet, feeding and dispatch which has provided me with an understanding of how the feedlot operates on a day-to-day basis.”
To conclude her cadetship experience, the final week of her placement saw Chloe head to North Sydney to spend time with the team at the NH Foods Headquarters. “At the NH Foods Headquarters the first day consisted of spreading awareness of R U OK Day and having a cooked lunch by Chef Jason Roberts. My time spent in the office has tied off the whole process of NH Foods including sales, production, documentation, shipping and marketing,” she said. The opportunity allowed her to understand the importance of stakeholder engagement for large scale beef production businesses like NH Foods. “What was really fascinating to me was the exporting sales to US, China and Japan and the way of communication and relationship building between the salespeople and their customers,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to sit in on an NH Foods sales team meeting (which included the abattoirs), a Chinese customer meeting and a meeting with a customer from Auckland. Production also expanded my
...as the marketing teams says, “We are not just farmers, we are food producers” and it is all about “the joy of eating”
knowledge in how they are communicating back to the plant with innovations and projects for improvements and what calculations they are looking at for each site and how they interlink with one another.” Looking back at what she learnt from the four weeks of work experience she accumulated during her cadetship, Chloe said, “Overall, participation in this cadetship has provided me with a broader knowledge and experience in feedlotting and the red meat industry that I will be able to utilise throughout my future in the beef industry,” said. “It has also made me aware that there are so many more aspects of the business than what a producer would actually be aware of and most importantly as the marketing
teams says, “We are not just farmers, we are food producers” and it is all about “the joy of eating”.” Not only did the experience provide the opportunity to build her knowledge and understanding of the processes and inner workings of NH Foods, but it also provided Chloe the opportunity to build her professional network. “I have met so many new people and made so many connections at each site that I hope to stay in touch with for years to come,” she said. In addition to her placement at NH Foods, the cadetship experience also included the opportunity to attend the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course, an intensive
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five-day workshop conducted on the college campus in Geelong that assists participants in building skills that enable them to undertake a leadership role in their industry or community, competently represent their industry or community in decision-making forums and understand and address the issues facing rural industries and rural communities. Speaking of her time taking part in the course, Chloe said, “I met the other Angus Foundation cadets and have formed friendships with them as well as other attendees of the course from all over Australia.” “It was a great week where we were taught the fundamentals of what leadership is and then how to put this into practice in life, as everyone can be a leader no matter your job title. The stories and perspectives which the guest speakers spoke about were truly inspiring and gave us so many take away points.” On reflection of her overall experience from the NH Foods Cadetship, Chloe highlighted how it has affected her personal and professional development, as well as her understanding of the role NH Foods plays in the beef supply chain. “Thank you to the Angus Foundation for providing this opportunity to myself and also to NH Foods and all the employees for welcoming me onboard and giving me insight into the business to learn the dayto-day activities for each site.” “This experience has expanded my knowledge and understanding about the beef industry, in specific the role which NH Foods plays from producing, processing, exporting and marketing beef to be the “joy of eating”.” She continued, “I really encourage all young people to take advantage of these types of programs, if it is a scholarship, workshop or cadetship, they are all providing unique opportunities where you not only learn so much but make so many connections with others that you would not have made otherwise.” The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Youth
Get ready to Roundup! Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Australia’s country music capital will play host to the 2024 NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup January 10th to 14th, when 166 Angus Youth members will descend on the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
More information
Returning to January for the first time since 2020, the Roundup once again promises to provide competitors with a number of competitions aligned with cattle preparation, handling, showing and judging, as well as significant educational sessions and team building activities, designed to encourage and inspire the next generation to remain active in the beef industry. Roundup coordinator, Toni Nugent said that while the essence of the Roundup will remain as is, the structure of the program has slightly changed, with the Roundup coming forward by a day. ‘The Gala Dinner will be held on the final night with the inclusion of awards presentations as part of the dinner. Thursday will be the NH Foods Joy of Eating Day, with our naming partner, NH Foods Australia’s Whyalla Beef Educational Day taking roundup participants through all aspects of the red meat supply chain, from the paddock to plate.’
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NH Foods Australia is again partnering with Angus Australia for the naming rights for the Roundup and brings with them their knowledge of the full beef supply chain experience. ‘It’s wonderful to again partner with NH Foods for our 2024 Angus Youth Roundup. The team will share their expertise from across the red meat supply chain as part of the NH Foods Joy of Eating day, taking participants from the on-farm production, through to processing and the enjoyment of eating beef products.’ With the count down on and the finishing touches being added to the planning and the program, the 2024 NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup Committee cannot wait to welcome the participants and their families and the many sponsors and supporters of this industry leading event. ‘We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Tamworth in January for the best Roundup yet, said Toni!’
To stay up to date with all the live action during the NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup, make sure you are following the Angus Youth Social Media channels. For more information on the 2024 NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup scan the QR Code.
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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59TH YEAR OF DEDICATED ANGUS SEEDSTOCK BREEDING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BEEF INDUSTRY
‘Boots on the Ground’ Annual Spring Bull Sale Friday 16th August, Drillham, Queensland BRED TO GROW FAST & WEIGH HEAVY WITH EXTRA CARCASE WEIGHT, YIELD AND FEED EFFICIENCY. . Profitable for the Cow/Calf Producer . Profitable for the Backgrounder . Profitable for the Grass Fed Bullock Producer . Profitable for the Feedlotter . Profitable for the Processor
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Creating a visual identity Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
In 2022 Jemima Nugent, Tarcutta NSW was awarded the Angus Australia Business Branding Award as part of the Roundup Awards Program. The award is designed to help an Angus Youth Member either with a business or in the process of starting their own business to create a visual identity for their brand. The recipient of this award receives a branding package. Jemima used this prize to develop assets for her photography business, aptly named, Jemima Nugent Photography. Photography is a strong passion of Jemima’s that started for her when she was fourteen. ‘My art teacher is a professional photographer and she taught me how to create conceptually and technically strong photos. I initially started taking me camera to cattle shows and taking photos around the grounds and in the ring, which then turned into people beginning to notice me and asked me to come and take photos for them. I’ve done jobs including family photo shoots and photographing people’s livestock and pets,’ said Jemima. From these humble Jemima has been able to turn that love into a business
opportunity that sees her taking lifestyles portraits to landscape photography and marketing. ‘I want to be able to capture beautiful moments for people to cherish. I love the freedom experienced when taking photos. Through photos I can express so many thoughts, feeling and ideas.’ Jemima applied for the Angus Australia Business Branding Award as part of the 2022 NH Foods Angus Youth National
Roundup and applied for the Business Branding award with the aim to grow her small business. ‘I was lucky enough to win the award, which allows me to showcase what I love doing, who I am and what I’m about. The process of designing the logo with Angus Australia was a carefully thought out one with great communication. The logo accurately represents my business and doesn’t segregate me to one industry, I love it.’
Charlotte and Jemina Nugent at the 2022 NH Foods Angus Youth National Roundup. Image: Showcase by Branded Ag
Jemima Nugent Photographer
Tothecapture ten thousand words usand words in blink of a moment e a t i blink ve Studi inCrthe ofo a moment.
Photos by Jemima Nugent
Phone. 0403 867 030 Email. jemimanugentphotography@gmail.com @jemima.nugent.photography
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Youth
Turning an interest in cattle into a career in the beef industry Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Seedstock cattle producer and Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips was recently selected as the recipient of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA) Arthur Rickards Young Breed Leaders Scholarship. The Scholarship provides a vehicle for a representative from the registered cattle breeding sector to conduct a study tour to investigate the latest cattle breeding trends internationally. Alongside his wife Emma Phillips and son Angus, 3, Jake runs a Murray Grey and Angus seedstock operation, Phillips Cattle Company, at Walla Park, SA. The presentation of the Scholarship to Mr Phillips took place during the ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop, which was held in Brisbane, QLD, from the 24th – 25th of October. As a former alumnus of the Angus Youth program and the person leading the current Angus Youth program though his role as Angus Australia Extension Manager, Jake has a passion for supporting young people who wish to forge careers in the beef industry. As such, through the Scholarship Program, Jake will now partake in a customized tour, which he plans to utilize to investigate better ways to get first generation farmers into the industry at large, as well as seedstock production. Jake is a first-generation farmer himself and has a great story to share with other aspiring farmers about how he was able to forge a career in the beef industry and in doing so hopes to inspire others. ‘I first had an interest in agriculture growing up as a young child, spending time on family and friends’ cattle stations, I was fairly exposed to country life and regional areas, so I had an interest in agriculture, but didn't actually come from a farming family,’ he said. ‘From that interest I went to an agricultural high school, which is actually in the middle of Adelaide, and it was during high school that I got a particular interest in the different parts of agriculture I was exposed and the one that I became obsessed with was beef cattle.’ Jake noted that a lot of young people get their interest in beef cattle from showing steers with their schools, but while he appreciates that that was part of his journey, it was thanks to the fact that the school had a breeding herd that he discovered a real passion and interest in breeding and genetics, AI programs and the whole production cycle of the year. ‘It was from that interest that I then began working in that part of the industry on 50
Jake Phillips with Angus Australia Extension Officer, Nancy Crawshaw
different properties for different cattle studs, primarily through the Adelaide Hills. I pretty much started out as an inexperienced farmhand and worked my way through to effectively looking after and managing different aspects of their programs.’ During this time Jake went on to do a Bachelor of Agriculture at The University of Adelaide and purchased some of his first cows, along the way getting involved in youth programs, primarily the Angus Youth and Murray Grey Youth Programs. ‘I became involved with those programs as much as I possibly could, not only as a participant but also on management and organising committees.’ The South Australian Junior Heifer Expo was another program that had a huge impact on Jake’s career progression. ‘I attended the Expo for four years and in 2009 I won the Senior Champion Herdsperson title which was a threemonth study tour to North America which was when I went from, ‘this is really a good interest’ to actually knowing I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ ‘Following that I effectively ramped up the involvement that I've had with the beef industry and carved out a career over the last 15 years with all sorts of things in the beef industry, from genetic evaluation at ABRI, to carcase grading and looking after the MSA supply chain while working at MLA for various processors and different parts of the industry.’ ‘I was a cattle buyer for five years buying prime and feed lot cattle on the East Coast, based out of Naracoorte in South Australia and then also spent three and half years in the processing plant in management positions from food safety to animal welfare, to importing country requirements.’ Jake now works for Angus Australia as the Extension Manager and has been in that role for two and half years.
In the background, while his career has taken him across the supply chain in its entirety, Jake and his wife Emma have brought their own property, 60 acres near Naracoorte, and invested in their own stud cows, none of which was inherited. ‘I am not sure if it's the harder way or an easier way, but we certainly had to do it from scratch, it's a deep passion that we have, and it complements what we do in our careers.’ When asked about the people, mentors or leaders in the industry that have helped Jake along the way, the first one that came to mind was one of his high school teachers, Cath Evans from Urbrae High School. ‘She was particularly hard on me in terms of my cattle handling and how I’d go about feeding the cattle or judging the cattle. She was a really tough judge, if I'm being honest. But I think the hard skin she gave me effectively encouraged me that hard work will beat talent all the time.’ ‘I came into this industry with no talent and no experience, so I had to work harder than anyone else if I wanted to achieve something, so she was very encouraging of that.’ Fast forwarding, Jake went from purchasing his first Murray Grey cow to purchasing his first Angus cows and has been very thankful to those that have supported him and looked after his cattle during this time when he didn’t have a property of his own to have those cattle. ‘The ability for those established studs to allow me to have one or two cows there while I was building my career and building my numbers, that was really amazing and an inflection point for me going from someone with an interest, to actually having some skin in the game.’ Having people support him and help him out where needed, whether it be financially, providing sires for joining or
though giving their time has been pivotal for Jake. ‘I could talk forever about the value of mentoring, but at some stage someone probably actually has to go out of their way to help you by financially standing you up and that might not be a significant amount of money, it might actually just be their time that's really important,” he said, ‘the ability for someone to allow you to have a cow on their place and support you to go and find the time and the money to get the next one.’ ‘That I think is the difference between school kids coming out with interest and then young adults actually owning a few cows, that point there is the hardest to work through.’ Jake’s involvement in cattle youth programs was a driving force behind his passion and helped him to discover his place in the Angus family. ‘My first involvement with Angus Youth was applying for the Michigan State Scholarship sponsored by Semex, which I applied for with support from the South Australian Angus Group and travelled to Sydney Show for the interview. While I wasn't awarded that scholarship, what it did open me up to is the world of the Angus family, the Angus Youth movement and all of the different other opportunities.’ Following this experience Jake attended the Angus Roundup in Glen Innes in 2011, heading over with other South Australian competitors. ‘I didn't know too many people at all, so that was a real eye-opening experience to see that there were close to 200 young people that were very capable and enthusiastic.’ ‘All I really knew was the South Australian heifer show and to have a world like that where a single breed was so well supported and where a lot of the young people were so capable, that was really quite inspiring.’ Jake was fortunate at that Roundup to come away with the TransTasman Exchange, the Senior Herdsperson title and the opportunity to become an Angus Youth Ambassador. ‘While I walked away with some accolades, I actually walked away with some support and endorsement to keep going. Encouragement I suppose, is the word.’
A pivotal moment for Jake during this process was when he was interviewed by Hugh Munro from Booroomooka Angus and Peter Parnell, CEO of Angus Australia at the time. ‘Peter asked me what attracted me to the Angus breed because I didn't come from an Angus background. I told him that I felt that the Angus cows were the most relevant beef cows for the Australian beef industry. And that's why I was there, to learn about the Angus cows.’ ‘Peter responded to me to say that the reason he joined the Angus world was the same, that he actually really enjoyed the Angus cows, but it was the people that made him stay in the breed. And if I fast forward, 13 years, I agree with that. It was the cows that brought me to Angus, but it’s the people that are the reason that I've stayed in the Angus breed.’ When questioned as to what the driving force behind applying for the Arthur Rickards Young Breed Leaders Award was, it was the fact that the award was a grant to organise something around the recipient's interest. ‘Other than having a child I have effectively devoted every minute of every day to learning about and contributing to the beef industry. There are not too many things that I haven't investigated or looked at or gone to, both though employment and personally.’ Based on his experience in forging his path, one of the burning aspirations or challenges that Jake sees is that while there are many opportunities in agriculture for young people to get involved in, it is actually really quite a limiting or challenging industry to get involved in past being an employee. ‘When I looked at the Arthur Richards Scholarship application, because Arthur Richards actually gave me my first job out of Uni and because it was based on devotion and commitment to the Australian beef industry and commitment to helping young people in the beef industry, it really jumped out to me.’ ‘There's probably nothing I enjoy more than helping young people in the beef industry, and I'm very fortunate to be able to do that in my work life, but also just as much if not more in my personal life.’ Jake acknowledges that he has great access to breeding and genetic technology
Top: Jake, Angus and Emma Phillips, bottom: Jake Phillips with Carol Grylls after winning the TransTasman Exchange
and some of the best cattle breeders in Australia on a regular basis and so wants the beef industry to be able support people who to go from having an interest and passion to having a life in it. ‘I am inspired that we do have the right people in the industry to help young people, so it's just about hopefully joining the dots between those young people that come with the right passion and the right attitude. We must help them find where the opportunities are to carve out the right careers,” he said. ‘So I applied for the scholarship because there's not a great deal of scholarships and opportunities available to beef industry people that are over the age of 30, but more importantly, I feel like
I'm at a maturity level now where I have experienced quite a number of things in the beef industry and I've really got crystal clear clarity about what I wanted to get out of this and be able to take what I learn and pay it forward to other people.’ Jake plans to use the scholarship to travel through North America and share his learnings. He wants to find the answers to questions like how the beef industry is operating? How do people make farming decisions?.. How do people get into cattle ownership?.. How do people go from managers to owners? All the questions that people in the Australian beef industry are asking every day. The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Youth
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I came into this industry with no talent and no experience, so I had to work harder than anyone else if I wanted to achieve something
‘This will include things like Denver National Western Stock Show, time at Kansas State University, the American Angus Association, the University of Illinois, the United States Cattlemen's Congress in Orlando, FL and attending the cattlemen's college educational sessions there.’ ‘There will also be a two-week road trip through the southeastern states and then up to the Dakotas and Montana.
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‘The trip will involve a combination of industry events, educational conferences and property, ranch and business visits.’
These will all be largely ranch and business visits with the theme to all of the visits being either first generation ranchers or smaller farming family operations that are expanding in today's environment.’ In doing this trip, Jake wants to look at what skills or processes people are putting in place to be able to do that. Is it off farm income? Is it diversification of what they're doing on the ranch? Is it collaborators or share farming, is it different finance opportunities. He wants to know the whole range of things that different operations are putting together to enable them to expand.
‘The reason I'm looking at those kinds of segments around first generation or small farming family enterprises is obviously from a personal aspect, but more so I think that that is of interest literally to thousands of young people in the Australian beef industry. I know that even though it's myself with the opportunity to go and try and find some answers in that space, I do feel there's a lot of people behind me that will be very interested.’
Diana Wood, Erica Halliday, Jake Phillips, Simon Quilty
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www.achmea.com.au 1800 724 214 info@achmea.com.au
navigating another drought FINDING STRENGTH IN CONNECTION By Dr Ben Rockett and Mark Vayro, with specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Australia. South-East Queensland beef farmer Mark Vayro is facing one of the many difficult decisions brought about by drought; whether to sell off his herd at a fraction of its value or pay high prices to buy in feed. Whichever option he chooses, he loses. For now. He knows he’s navigating challenges that are temporary. Things will get better. Until then, he’s focused on navigating through another drought and keeping his family and his family farm going. A farmer at heart, Mark also works for specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Australia and sees many farmers facing similar challenges. Mark knows the current reality is difficult, and it will likely get more difficult for a while, but he also knows that a positive mindset and social connection are vital tools to help work through the tough times. Connection is a remedy for and a protective factor against feeling overwhelmed by stress. Psychologist Dr. Ben Rockett specialises in trauma recovery and advocates the advantages of fostering social connections during adversity. By actively supporting your community, you simultaneously nurture your own mental well-being. Together, Mark and Ben share some insights on how you may identify stress within yourself and others. Because if you can recognise the signs, you may more easily be able to support yourself and others.
What you can do to support yourself: • Be aware of how you’re feeling – check in with yourself. • Be active (not just work active) and see if others can join you for regular walks or exercise. • Exercise moderation in alcohol consumption. • Prioritise your sleep – insufficient sleep will further raise the cortisol (stress hormone) levels in your system. • Take time each day to be still and focus on your breathing – just a few slow and deep breaths may be enough to positively influence your focus. • Watch your favourite comedy – laughter brings wonderful benefits to your mental and physical health. What you can do to support others: • Be aware of who you haven’t heard from in a while – reach out and connect with them. • Prioritise social connection – go see them, call them, get them over for a cuppa. • Help someone else in your community – it can lift your focus from your own situation and provide a range of psychological benefits, including a stronger sense of belonging. By fostering a strong sense of connection through community support and solidarity, farmers, along with their families and communities, can find the strength needed to face the day-to-day challenges and look forward to better times ahead.
About Ben Rockett Dr Ben Rockett, PhD is a psychologist whose practice is focused on trauma recovery. As a dedicated children’s mental health advocate, Ben is deeply involved in voluntary community mental health enterprises that support children, schools, and families across NSW. He is also the Engagement Manager with Achmea Australia, performing an organisational psychology role helping Achmea Australia’s employees reach their full potential. About Mark Vayro As a third-generation landowner, Mark Vayro runs a cell grazing beef cattle and fodder production system in the Lockyer Valley. Mark is also a Business Development Manager with Achmea Australia to deliver on the insurer’s purpose to keep farmers farming. As a passionate rural mental health advocate, Mark is a big believer in giving back to the community that supports him and is actively involved in volunteering including as a rural fire fighter and other community organisations. About Achmea Australia Achmea Australia is part of the Achmea Group, one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands. The Achmea Group has over 10 million clients worldwide and is fully dedicated to farm insurance in Australia.
Stress within yourself and others might show up as: • Irritability or aggression • Feeling a loss of control • Sleep interruption • Fatigue or exhaustion • Sadness and tears • Unusual memory or concentration difficulties. Insurance issued by Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. (Achmea) ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984. The information in this document is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances). This means any advice may not be appropriate for your circumstances. Before using this information to decide whether to purchase the insurance policy, you will need to consider the appropriateness of any general information or advice we give you and how it relates to your specific situation to ensure the insurance cover meets your needs and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from the ‘Downloads’ section of our website achmea.com.au/downloads. For feedback and complaints, visit achmea.com.au/complaints. To view Achmea Australia’s privacy statement, visit achmea.com.au/privacy. Achmea Australia does not warrant that the information contained herein is accurate, reliable, complete or up to date, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, disclaims all liability of Achmea Australia and its Associates for any loss or damage suffered by any person by reason of the use by that person of, or their reliance on, any information contained in this document or any error or defect in on this document, whether arising from the negligence of Achmea Australia or its Associates The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024or otherwise. | 53
Angus Youth
SmartBeef – Advancing the feedlot industry Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
October saw Angus Foundation SmartBeef Scholarship recipients Hamish Smith, Victoria and Emily Scrivener, New South Wales, take part in their scholarship opportunity, heading to Tamworth, NSW, to attend the two-day industry conference event. SmartBeef, which took place on the 11th – 12th of October, serves as the grain fed beef industry’s technical conference and draws together feedlot operators and their staff, nutritionists, veterinarians, regulators, service providers and others involved in the grain fed beef supply chain. “SmartBeef 2023 provided an excellent platform for gaining knowledge on the advancements in the ideas and technologies utilised within the feedlot industry,” said Emily. “It was also an invaluable opportunity to network with individuals who are passionate about the future of Australian feed lotting and who strive to produce quality, consistent beef.” Spanning over two days, the event kicked off with a pre-conference function, celebrating the ALFA Industry Awards Dinner. “The Wednesday evening began with pre dinner drinks and the chance to meet some of the many people attending SmartBeef,” said Hamish. Emily continued, “The ALFA Industry Awards Dinner was an inspirational event which recognised the ideas and visions of both individuals and communities within the feedlot industry. The ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award winner Timothy Brennan emphasised the importance of ground level leadership programs as a mitigation strategy for the issue of staff retention and labour shortages. “Jacob Leak and Maddison Fryer, award grand finalists, brought their ideas of shortages in the supply chain and the importance of shade structures during winter, to the table. Their video presentations demonstrated a passion for the future of lot feeding and the potential avenues of improvement within the industry. “The ALFA Community Heroes Award acknowledged the active involvement of feedlots in local communities and their
dedication to environmental stewardship,” she said. “Stockyard Beef facilitates the development of young Australians through pathways to both improved agricultural education and employment opportunities within the sector, and it was great to see their efforts recognised. “The night not only showcased the dedication of all individuals to the industry, but also the sense of community and comradeship.” With the event officially underway, day two of the conference saw the delegates head to Elders Killara Feedlot, Quirindi. Reflecting on what she took from the sessions during the feedlot program, Emily said, “A highlight for me was Identifying the Issue, a thoracic ultrasound demonstration, delivered by Dr Tony Batterham, which stepped through the process of diagnosing Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). “The demonstration also highlighted how the incorporation of hands-free assisted reality headsets can contribute to improved health and welfare management practices, with an increase in overall efficiency within the feedlot. “The technology is applicable in a range of practices, with this session focussed on its beneficial use as a form of telehealth in Pen Riding surveillance, a step to improved accuracy when diagnosing BRD,” she said. Moving into the Navigating the Pens session, delegates were shown a practical session showcasing the soon – to be launched Feedlot TECH online training course. “Navigating the Pens involved a livestock handling demonstration, run by Ryan Brown from Smithfield Cattle Company, who played an integral role in the development of ALFA’s Pen Riding Fundamentals online course,” said Emily. “The demonstration provided a snapshot into the course, focussing on the basic principles of pen riding that lead to
Hamish Smith, Emily Scrivener, Andrew Talbot Elders Killara Feedlot 54
effective and efficient monitoring and movement of animals.” “The livestock handling demonstration was also very insightful particularly when considering that I was personally more accustomed to using motorbikes than horses,” continued Hamish. Following these demonstrations, the group moved onto a number of rotational sessions covering different efficiencies put in place within feedlot environments. “Monitoring the Bunk, presented by Dr Stuart McCarthy from Manabotix, featured the latest commercialised Bunk Scanner that boasts advanced precision and accuracy when determining the amount of feed remaining in cattle feed bunks and showed automated bunk management is possible,” said Emily. “The benefits of using bunk scanning technology on large scale feedlots soon became obvious due to its consistent, accurate and fast nature in comparison to a person manually checking the bunks to see how much feed is left,” added Hamish. Showcasing onsite manure turning, screening and organising machinery, the groups were then shown how Killara is utilising this machinery to increase efficiencies, explaining the scientific benefits this compost management system. “It was interesting to see the compost machine in action as it turned the windrows of manure, allowing for aeration of the compost which allows the microbes in the compost to grow and decompose the manure,” said Hamish. “In particular, I found it informative that there were certain heat and moisture specifications that must be met in order to sell the compost to landscapers,” he said. Of the session, Emily said, “David Barnes showcased Killara Feedlot’s new manure processing equipment in the compost processing rotation. Discussed was the ability for the machinery to increase efficiencies, for example reducing turning time from 60 minutes to just eight, and the ways in which Killara on-sells the by-products.” The final session saw the conference learn about partial and covered housing research currently being undertaken in the sector. Emily said, “Dr Matt van der Saag, teamed with Andrew Talbot from Killara Feedlot and Alex Smith from Rangers Valley, delivered an informative session on this.
“Reaching for the Roof illustrated the industry's efforts to mitigate Australia’s variable climate with an initiative to provide shade or shelter to all feedlot cattle by 2026. “It was extremely interesting to listen to the differing perspectives on partial and covered housing systems and to learn that 70% of Australian feedlot capacity currently has access to either shade or shelter,” she said. “Now more so than ever, both the animal welfare and production benefits of providing either full or partial shade in feedlots is apparent,” said Hamish. “Nevertheless, for some of the feedlots in cooler and wetter climates there is an obvious balancing act between providing enough shade without providing too much shade that prevents the pens from drying out.” Closing out the conference was the inaugural “SmartBeef Cup” Campdraft Competition, hosted at Killara Feedlot’s very own Wilga Campdraft arena. The competition drew the conference crowd together once more, providing one last opportunity for the delegates to network
MOGUL BEEF AD nov23 A5.indd 1
Hamish Smith, Emily Scrivener, Christian Mulders, ALFA CEO
with the connections made throughout the event. To summarise their SmartBeef experience, both Hamish and Emily were encouraging of others to throw their hat in and apply for the conference opportunity. “Overall, Smart Beef was an excellent experience, and I could not recommend it highly enough to others,” said Hamish.
“I would like to thank the many sponsors that made SmartBeef 2023 possible, it was an exceptional event and I highly recommend future youth members apply for the opportunity, as it is one not to be missed,” concluded Emily.
13/11/2023 3:52 am
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Angus Youth
Applications Now Open For 2024 Genangus Future Leaders Program: Investing In The Future Of The Beef Industry Angus Australia and specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Australia are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program (GenAngus) in 2024. Adding to the excitement, for the very first time GenAngus will be hosted in New Zealand.
GenAngus stands as a beacon of youth leadership in the agricultural sector. It is the flagship program of the strategic alliance between Angus Australia and Achmea Australia and has been helping to steer the development of young Angus breeders since 2019. Heading into its sixth year, GenAngus has supported more than 50 young members of the beef industry, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to help advance their careers in the beef industry. In previous years, successful participants from Australia and New Zealand have gathered in Sydney and Adelaide for a three-day intensive workshop aimed to boost their knowledge and confidence in launching or further developing a beef enterprise. Being held in Christchurch, the 2024 program will enable participants to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s rich Angus heritage and benefit from the local agricultural and cultural perspectives that align with the core values of the GenAngus program.
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Nancy Crawshaw, Angus Australia Extension Officer, said hosting GenAngus in New Zealand will allow participants to gain insight into the Maori culture and values, where they can learn how these can be adapted in farm and business management. “GenAngus has been designed to challenge participants’ way of thinking and allow them to learn from some of the best agribusiness professionals in New Zealand and Australia, to take their business to the next level,” Nancy said. “The program aims to lead participants on a journey to discover what is needed to develop a high performing culture in a farming business and how to maintain it over time.” Emma Thomas, Achmea Australia Chief Executive Officer emphasised the importance of investing in the next generation of beef leaders today to successfully navigate future challenges. “In the face of rapidly changing and uncertain times, it is essential to have
leaders who are driven by purpose and possess a mindset of adaptability,” Emma said. “Through the innovative GenAngus program, our goal is to ignite the potential of tomorrow’s leaders, empowering them to transform challenges into opportunities and build a resilient future for the beef industry.” "By investing in the next generation of beef industry leaders, we foster their individual success in their respective beef enterprises and also strengthen the resilience of our regional communities,” Emma said.
Apply Now Angus Australia members aged 18-40 are invited to apply for the 2024 GenAngus Future Leaders Program, which will take place from 28 to 31 May 2024 at Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch, New Zealand. Applications will close 29 January 2024.
Program aim The intensive three-day GenAngus program, led by industry experts, will provide participants with valuable insights to help start their own beef cattle enterprise or take their existing businesses to new heights.
ANGUS FOR EVERY SYSTEM
Topics covered The program covers key business skills to support their success, including: · Mindset · Business benchmarking · · Marketing · The beef outlook · Breeding and genetics · Finance · Insurance · Risk mitigation · Succession planning
Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria: · Aged between 18 – 40 years old · Member of Angus Australia (Junior or Full) · Demonstrate commitment to the beef industry and Angus breed · Currently run a beef business or about to enter into a beef business · Show potential to benefit from participating in GenAngus · Demonstrate a desire to develop their business and leadership skills Apply Now · Have a vision for future achievements for their existing or new beef business · Possess a willingness to learn
How to apply: Scan QR Code or visit www.angusaustralia.com.au. Applicants must complete a set of application questions and shortlisted candidates may undergo an interview.
About Achmea Australia Achmea Australia is part of the Achmea Group, one of the largest financial services providers in the Netherlands. The Achmea Group has more than 10 million clients worldwide and is fully dedicated to farm insurance in Australia. www.achmea.com.au | info@achmea.com.au | 1800 724 214
SALE 8/2/24 Quality Bulls & Embryos Beef Week Open Day Friday Feb 2
www.maryvalestock.com.au | Matt Vogt 0407 959 837
Scan to check upcoming sale catalogues
The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Youth
Libby is headed State side! Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
Angus Australia is pleased to announce that the 2023 Kansas State University Scholarship has been awarded to Victorian Libby Falkiner. Supported by the Angus Foundation, the Kansas State University Scholarship is designed to allow a young beef cattle enthusiast the chance to study at one of the best agricultural universities in the USA. Libby will become the seventh recipient of the scholarship, and the first since 2019. As part of her scholarship experience, Libby will spend a semester abroad attending Kansas State (K State) and in addition to experiencing a tailored oncampus study program and quintessential college events, will have the opportunity to experience parts of the US beef supply chain from leading seedstock operations, cow calf operations, through to feedlots and the end supply chain. With beef cattle the key focus at K State, Libby will experience the university’s seedstock and commercial herd, feedlot, feed mill, brilliant teaching facilities and staff, and will assist in K States seedstock bull sale, working alongside other students in all aspects of the sale. Angus Australia Extension Manager Jake Phillips looks forward to having Libby represent Angus Australia internationally, following her selection from a number of standout applicants. “We received great support for this year’s scholarship, following its absence from our program for a number of years. Through this application process, we are very encouraged for the future of the beef industry to have such high caliber people wanting to continue their personal and professional development,” said Jake. “We are incredibly proud to award this scholarship to Libby and pleased to have her representing Angus Australia at K State. Libby has displayed a keen interest in expanding her knowledge and learning within the beef industry and investigating this on an international level.
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“I look forward to keeping up with Libby once she commences her time abroad and seeing what she takes from her time experiencing all of what K State and United States beef industry more broadly has to offer. We thank the staff at Kansas State University led by Dr Dan Moser, long-time friend and partner of Angus Australia, for assisting in the making this opportunity available.” As for recipient Libby, she is incredibly excited to head off to K State in the New Year. “The scholarship has been on my radar for many years, and I was incredibly excited to hear about its post pandemic revival!” she said. “Since opening its doors in 1863, Kansas State University has cemented itself as one of America’s finest agricultural schools and I’m keen to explore the methodology that leads to the development of such motivated, curious and balanced ag enthusiasts. “It was also super exciting to chat with Jake Phillips and Dan Moser about the potential ways as a successful recipient I can form stronger connections between the Australian and American Angus Societies through research and networking.” She continued, “It’s not often as a student that you have the capacity to develop such a tailored academic program, the significance of these unique circumstances is not lost on me! “I am looking forward to wholeheartedly embracing life in Manhattan and aspire to capitalize on opportunities both in and out of the classroom. The contacts this scholarship provides opens so many doors. “To think I will be able to visit studs and see some sires in the flesh that I’ve previously chatted with my Dad about over
sale catalogues and EBV data is a super exciting prospect.” To keep up to date with Libby’s K State journey, tune into the Angus Youth social media pages in 2024! Following the completion of her scholarship experience, a report of Libby’s time abroad will be shared on the Angus Australia website.
About Libby: Libby Falkiner grew up in South-western Victoria on a mixed farm featuring an Angus Seedstock operation. Her upbringing provided a brilliant introduction to the many aspects of cattle breeding and farm life and has ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine with a key focus on large animals. Now in her fourth year of Vet at CSU in Wagga, Libby has become increasingly aware of the need to build upon the experience she gained through her rural upbringing and expand her skills around the broader aspects of beef production. She aspires to one day to work alongside farmers in a veterinary role that delivers a more complete service to the rural community she enters. Libby hopes through her experiences in the States that she is able to develop a stronger understanding of the global food supply chain and how best use her experiences and tertiary education to serve our resilient rural communities back home on Aussie soil.
Who Headed to Tocal? Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
The 2023 crop of Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Scholarship recipients were selected in October, and the Angus Foundation is pleased to inform that Millie Moore, Libby Falkiner, Edwina Hall and Sophie Hanna and Riley Badenoch all represented Angus Australia at the course, which took place December 4th – 6th. Organised by Angus NSW, the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course is widely recognised as the most practical and hands on beef cattle selection course of its kind. The course covers a wide range of topics ranging from using EBV’s, structural conformation and selection of market utilising Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus breeds and their crosses and will help participants through developing practical skills and information. Furthermore, the course brings together likeminded individuals, presenting networking opportunities for attendees.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture through Charles Sturt University by distance, Edwina has her own small Angus herd and a 200ha property. In 2021, Edwina participated in the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, crediting the program for expanding her mindset in business and increasing her confidence. Edwina’s role within the family business sees her responsible for the grazing management and animal husbandry at ‘Four Winds’. She sees the Tocal Beef Assessment School as an opportunity to strengthen her skillset, ensuring her continual progression within the family business.
Following their completion of the course, each of the recipients will each provide a report detailing their experience of the course and what they took away from it. Angus Australia Extension Officer Nancy Crawshaw looks forward to hearing from the recipients regarding their take homes from the course. “Each of this year’s recipients came from a different background in the industry and were each looking to further their understanding of cattle selection so that they are able to build their skill sets and be more well-rounded members of the industry.” “Each year, the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course provides a practical and hands-on approach to cattle selection, and I look forward to seeing how our recipients prospered in the environment and broadened not only their knowledge and understanding of the cattle selection, but also their professional networks through the experience,” she said. Millie Moore Millie Moore grew up on a hobby farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula, SA, which kicked off her love of beef cattle. From there, she attended an agricultural high school and went on to complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences in Adelaide, graduating in 2019. Millie has since commenced a role in pasture agronomy and seed sales, as well as purchasing a few beef cattle of her own and engaging in a range of industry opportunities. She is passionate and aims to take every opportunity to learn more about beef. Millie was excited to grow her networks and knowledge at Tocal, which she can apply to her own operation as well as the broader beef industry.
L-R: Millie Moore, Libby Falkiner, Edwina Hall, Sophie Hanna and Riley Badenoch
Libby Falkiner Libby Falkiner grew up in South-western Victoria on a mixed farm featuring an Angus Seedstock operation. Her upbringing provided a brilliant introduction to the many aspects of cattle breeding and farm life and has ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine with a key focus on large animals. Now in her fourth year of Vet at CSU in Wagga, Libby has become increasingly aware of the need to build upon the experience she gained through her rural upbringing and expand her skills around the broader aspects of beef production. She aspires to one day to work alongside farmers in a veterinary role that delivers a more complete service to the rural community she enters. Libby hopes that by adding the practical skills that she learnt at the Tocal Beef Assessment School to the knowledge she is gaining from her tertiary education, she will understand in greater depth the many aspects associated with productive, profitable and sustainable beef production. Edwina Hall Edwina is a third-generation beef farmer from Flinders Island (TAS), where she works alongside her parents on their family property ‘Four Winds’.
Sophie Hanna Sophie Hanna is a passionate, driven and enthusiastic agricultural science graduate who aspires to contribute the advancement and continued prosperity of Australian agriculture. Sophie’s love for agriculture and rural communities stems from her family’s commercial Angus beef cattle farm at Walwa in Northeast Victoria, where her interest and involvement continues. Currently, as a Livestock Officer with Riverine Plains, Sophie connects with industry leaders, innovative research, and proactive farmers to integrate and extend technical insights and empower advancement of production and sustainability. Sophie was excited to expand her practical beef assessment skills and industry knowledge at the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course. Riley Badenoch Riley Badenoch is a 24-year-old from Mount Gambier, South Australia. Riley grew up on a sheep and cattle farm, which ignited his passion for agriculture. After completing school, Riley pursued a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, which sparked his interest in high-intensity production systems. This interest led him to work with a large cattle company on King Island, Tasmania, where he honed his skills in rotational grazing and cattle management. Seeking more knowledge and experience, particularly in genetics, Riley then joined Raff Angus, a fully organic certified stud, where the Raff family has been instrumental in advancing his agricultural career to this day. Look out for their reports in the New Year!
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Angus Youth
Young Breed Leaders Workshop opens doors and encourages collaboration Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
During the month of October, two Angus Australia delegates headed to Brisbane to take part in the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA) Young Breed Leaders Workshop. Angus Foundation Scholarship recipients Sean Wright and Chloe Plowman both attended the workshop event, which is designed to draw together young leaders from Australian beef breeds. Running over two days, the program is designed to engage, develop and prepare participants to build a solid network of skilled future leaders of our beef industry. “The 2023 ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop was a fantastic event, one which I am glad to have been selected to attend as a representative of the 2023 Angus cohort,” said Sean, who hails from Banana, QLD, where his family owns Ramsey Creek Brangus and Ultrablacks. “The event was filled with networking, collaborative thinking, informative material, great guest speakers, and good times for all involved.” Echoing these sentiments was Chloe Plowman, who works within the industry as a Junior Real Estate & Livestock Agent in Kingaroy, QLD, while also working within her family operation, Ruby Ridge Angus. “It was a great two days catching up with existing friends and meeting so many new people, who all share the same interests across different breeds,” she said. The event covered a number of presentations that challenged and leant into the different perspectives of those attending. It also highlighted the stories of industry members and their progression to be where they are today. “This workshop allowed me to understand how leadership works within the beef industry with the guest speakers sharing their stories,” said Chloe. “It was great to hear from Jon Wright and Christian Coffey who both have different experiences. Jon shared his innovation of Blue E which is an Angus x Shorthorn herd and the encounters he has experienced, whereas Christian shared his story of how he has developed in his career and life with his family. “Another very inspirational speech was given by Gemma Noller, whose resilience is amazing. To experience injury after injury in the lead up to the Olympics for Rugby 7’s, and still doing everything she could to be there with and for her team,” she said. The workshop also brought together the delegates, all of whom represented various breeds and sections of the beef industry, 60
Chloe Plowman Sean Wright
in activities designed to emphasise collaboration between those attending. “It was a very collaborative two days with many group activities, which allowed us to engage with each other and see other people’s perspectives on a topic and talk about why they believe that,” said Chloe. “Across the whole room we all shared an equal opinion that all the different breeds should be working together as an industry to build the beef brand.” Reflecting on these activities and what collaboration could mean for the industry, Sean highlighted lessons he took from his time spent in the workshop environment. “I believe the key take home message for myself was the need for more cooperation between breeds and their respective societies for the betterment of the overarching beef industry,” said Sean. “With challenging times ahead and so many conflicting arguments outside the beef industry, the need for solidarity and communication between members of the beef industry has never been so important. “This extends to not only a financial standpoint but also to our ability to uphold our social licence to operate and show consumers a sustainable future. We need to shift the stereotype of one breed being superior to another with an attitude for collaborative data collection and information sharing to streamline the flow of evidence to consumers,” he said. “This is incredibly important I believe in Australia and New Zealand where at a global export market level, our beef is considered a premium product.”
When turning his attention to what those in the industry can be doing within their day-to-day operations, he continued, “I believe another important concept from the workshop to mention is the importance of increased uptake of technology, particularly in the northern beef industry to make more informed decisions around genetics, selection, and herd profitability. “This in itself directly links with our ability to communicate a story with consumers on a global stage through information capture and data sharing. With most of Australia’s cattle being from northern Australia, this uptake of technology is imperative for our industry's’ success,” he said. “Potential selection traits discussed at the workshop included dry matter intake efficiency, nitrogen usage efficiency, fertility and in our high-end branded products potentially flavour profiling, all of which have significant potential for exponential uptake across multiple breeds and in particular the Angus breed.” For both Sean and Chloe, the event opened avenues and encouraged them to continue their leadership and developmental journey within the agricultural industry. “I would once again like to extend my thanks to Angus Australia for the opportunity to attend the ARCBA Young Breed Leader Workshop and eagerly look forward to being involved within the breed again in future,” said Sean. “Overall, this workshop has definitely given me insights into leadership in beef and where I see my future being more involved within the breed,” said Chloe. “I would highly recommend to any Angus Youth Member looking to get involved and learn about leadership in the industry to apply for this scholarship next year.”
Want to support the future of the beef industry in 2024? The Angus Foundation is once again asking for members to consider donating the proceeds of an animal or genetic lot they are selling during 2024 to ensure the Foundation can continue to provide opportunities that will accelerate and enhance the Angus breed into the future During 2023 $56,000 was raised from the proceeds of heifers sold at the final on property sale for Dulverton Angus and the Knowla Livestock Sale. This is on top of proceeds raised from the Voluntary Foundation Levy and Angus National Conference Auction. When interviewed following the sale of their Foundation heifer, Knowla Livestock co principal James Laurie stated that the proceeds of their heifer were going to the Angus Foundation with the means to establish an overseas scholarship, and highlighted that hopefully this heifer may find a way to again support the Angus Foundation down the line. “It’s been a great thing and if you talk to Jason Strong (co purchaser), and I’ve known him a long time, he was keen to get back and support it (the Angus Foundation) because he was a recipient of the Illinois scholarship back in the day. We’ve got young people coming through at the moment that are really benefiting from the Angus Foundation, so we are really proud to get behind and support it.” Cooper Clarke of Northwest Pastoral Angus, the winning bidder for the Knowla heifer saw her as a standout, with the contribution to the Angus Foundation a bonus. “With the money for the purchase going to a good cause, making opportunities potentially for me in the future going down the path with Angus, it’s something I really look forward to in the future and it builds our operation at home.”
Someone with a deep understanding of the impact opportunities provided through the Angus Foundation and its benefactors is Angus Australia President and Board Chairperson Erica Halliday, who herself was a product of the Angus Youth program and a beneficiary of scholarship opportunities afforded through the program. “This were very generous offers from the Laurie family and Dulverton Angus. “The reason that they are donating to the Foundation is for Angus Youth and for all the programs and the scholarships, awards and bursaries that they conduct every year. People like Greg Chappell, Jason Strong and myself have all been part of those programs.” Touching on the reach and impact of the opportunities provided through the Angus Foundation, Erica continued, “At the ‘Beyond the Beef’ Zoetis Angus National Conference earlier this year, we actually had a panel of both people that had won scholarships, awards and bursaries in the past or been a part of Angus Youth and it was mind blowing. They were the most creative, inspirational young people and this is what we’re raising the money for, to get young people back into the beef industry and keep doing all the great things that they’re doing.” For more information on the opportunity to support the Angus Foundation by the donation of an animal or genetic lot (proceeds), please contact Angus Australia Extension and Youth Manager, Jake Phillips 0401 261 217 jake.phillips@angusaustralia. com.au.
THE ANGUS FOUNDATION Supporting Youth Development, Education and Research Programs The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Foundation
The Angus Foundation, Accelerating and Enhancing the Angus Breed Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
Critical objective 5 for Angus Australia is to ‘Attract, develop and retain talent to accelerate and enhance the Angus breed’. One of the Key Outcomes under this objective is to ‘Develop Future Leaders – through scholarships, training programs and internships, encourage and develop individuals commencing their careers in the beef industry.’ Throughout the course of 2023, the Angus Foundation has been doing exactly this by providing a myriad of educational opportunities for young beef industry leaders through the scholarships, awards and bursaries that are on offer. These programs are designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry, to provide professional development opportunities for young beef breeders, and to assist in conducting research, development and educational programs for the benefit of Angus breeders and the wider Australian beef industry. Congratulation to everyone that has been a beneficiary of the Angus Foundation in 2023.
2023 Foundation Beneficiaries Adam Allingham – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Riley Badenoch - Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course John Barnett – Neogen Production Tour Philip Bayly – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program
Victoria Bennet – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Zeke Bennet – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program James Blyth – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Ed Bradley – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Josephine Cox – AuctionsPlus Cadetship Libby Falkiner - Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course & Kansas State University Alex Ferguson – TransTasman Travel Bursary Lori Fogarty – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Georgia Graham – Neogen Production Tour Edwina Hall - Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Sophie Hanna - Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Natalia Harris – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Corey McKinnon – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program
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Peter McNamara – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Millie Moore - Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Sarah Nesbitt – Neogen Production Tour Annia Palmer – Angus National Conference Scholarship Chloe Plowman – NH Foods Australia Cadetship & ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop Hannah Powe – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Tom Pumpa – Neogen Production Tour Will Richards – Achmea Australia Cadetship Alkira Riley – Neogen Production Tour Emily Scrivener – SmartBeef Hamish Smith – SmartBeef Tyla Sparks – Neogen Production Tour Tom Taheny – Achmea GenAngus Future Leaders Program Cooper Walsh – Neogen Production Tour Sean Wright - ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Workshop Charlie Wrigley – Neogen Production Tour
A: Alex Ferguson, B: Annie Palmer, C: Chloe Plowman, D: Emily Scrivener and Hamish Smith, Photo: Kate Stark, The Land , E: Edwina Hall, F: Josephine Cox, G: Riley, H: Sophie Hanna, I: Libby Falkiner, J: Millie Moore, K: L-R Corey McKinnon, James Blyth, Natalia Harris, Zeke Bennet, Adam Allingham, Victoria Bennet, Philip Bayly, Tom Taheny, Lori Fogarty, Hannah Powe, Ed Bradley and Peter McNamara, L: Tom Pumpa, Sarah Nesbitt, Tyla Sparks, Alkira Riley, Georgia Graham, John Barnett, Cooper Walsh and Charlie Wrigley, M: Will Richards, N: Sean Wright
FOUNDATION DONATION PARTNERS (Animal Donation) Dulverton Angus Jason Strong and Knowla Livestock Knowla Livestock Northwest Pastoral Angus
FOUNDATION DONATION PARTNERS (Angus National Conference) AgriGene Angus Australia Ben Nevis Angus Brad Gilmour Breeder Genetics Brooklana Angus Candy Mountain Cattle Company Eastern Plains Angus Emu Angus Jack’s Creek Koojan Hills Angus Merridale Angus, Granite Ridge Angus and Goolagong Angus Shacorrahdalu Angus & Bridgewater Angus Showcase by Branded Ag StGenetics Target Livestock & Marketing
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Angus Foundation
Voluntary Foundation Levy A & D Lane A & L Deans A & L McLean A & R Nicholls Pastoral Company A & R Pastoral A & R Sempell Partnership A & S Sundblom A C & J A Robinson A C & T M Bourke Family Trust A D J McDonald A G & J A Nitschke A G Landy Pty Ltd A G Simpson A J & J E Miskle A J & S L Ryan A J Aitken, T J Barry & J Kelly AJM A J Onus A K Battersby A L & D M Semmens A L Cunich Pty Ltd A M & D M Rattray A M & F Kuss A M Dobson & Son A R & M Mitchell A T & P L Byrne A, BC & DJ Howell A.M.H Hattingh AB & KJ Minter Abbots Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Abeckett's Creek Beef AC & LJ & DJ Forsyth AC & LJ Wood Adam J Fitridge Adameluca Angus Stud Adams UK Corp Adina Grazing AG & JC Murray Agri-Gene Pty Ltd Agyudor Pastoral Co AH & DG Donovan AJ & JR Woodall AJ & M Fish AJ Smith Alan McKenzie Alan Richardson Alan Scott Nominess Pty Ltd Alan Thomas Mitchell Alcoa Farmlands Alex & Christina Matuszny Alkira Allambie Grange Angus Allan Gillogly Allansford Angus Allen McManus Allendale Studs Alloura Angus Stud Alpine Maintenance Pty Ltd Alrambra Pty Ltd Alta Genetics Alto Angus Alto Rural AM & LS Eldridge Family Trust AM & PF Parnell Amanda Croxford Ambition Investments Pty Ltd AMP Ag Pty Ltd 64
Ancona Station - Leswill Enterprises Andami Angus Anderson & Smith Anderson Agri Services Andrew & Anne Hicks Andrew & Cassandra Ledger Andrew & Lauren Winks Andrew & Matthew Andrew Campbell Andrew Cuthbertson Andrew Harries Andrew Hosken Andrew Ingle Andrew Johnson Andrew Kennett Family Trust Andrew McIntyre Andrew Miller Andrew Watson ANDREW WILLIAM MULLER Angus Brand Verification-Test M'Ship Angus, Kaiti, Will& Shane McGregor Anita Poulsen Anita Reynolds Annaleine Angus Anne & Frank Moya Anthony J Higgins Antu Cattle Company Pty Ltd Appleton Angus AR & GR Fawcett AR & JT McClymont AR Beswick & JJ Walsh Arch Bayles Arden Pastoral Co Ardgartan Ardmeen Farms Pty Ltd Ardmore Park Angus Ardno Livestock Trust Ardonachie Aristocrat Angus Arizona Farms Arnold L & Jillian Ham Arramlu Angus Arrow Maker Angus Arthur Ag Arthur J Harrington Arubial Angus AS & J Lyall Ascot Angus Ashcroft & Co AT Adamson & JT Adamson AT Adamson & JT Adamson Atherton Angus Stud Atrium 1 Ltd Australian Country Choice Australian Rural Exports Pty Ltd Austre Ava Luna Pty Ltd B & D McCormack B & H Robinson B & K McKinnon B & K Shepherd B & M Duncan B B Blackley B C A BOOTH & Co P/L
B C Bateman B D & A M Boyd F/T B E & J M Lewis B F & B H Page B Gilmour B J Bermingham & S L Bullen B J Hamblin & Sons B M Griffiths B P Davie B R & J Askew B T & A J Sutcliffe B W & M M Brooker B W Boardman Balamara Bald Blair Pastoral Co Bald Hill Angus Balgille Angus Ballagarang Pastoral Co BallyBo Bangus Station Pastoral Pty Ltd Bannaby Angus Bargibal Pastoral Co Baringa Pastoral Company Barossa Angus Barossa Valley Angus Barr Creek Barragunda Pastoral Co P/L Barry R McCabe Barwidgee Pastoral Co Batalon Batoka Family Trust BB Farms BC & MB Kelly Beefgen New Zealand Beefgen Pty Ltd Belalberi Belcher Pastoral Co Belgrano Pty Ltd Bell Hill Bellaringah Bellco Bellerson Ben Crowe Ben Cruachen Pastoral Ben Fraser Ben Nevis Grazing Co Benalong Grazing Benara Pastoral Pty Ltd Benham Tasmania Benjamin Boulton Ben'Le Bentley Angus Berdue Pastoral Company Bergamin Farm Pty Ltd Bergamin Pastoral Company (Nanjomara) Bergan Park Pty Ltd Berko Pastoral Co Bernard J Harding Bernie Taylor Betts Cattle Co Beverley, Stephen & Mille Hookey Bewmont Stud BF & GP Hand Family Trust Big Valley Pastoral Pty Ltd Bill & Joy Wearn Bill Lenehan
Billabong Beef Company Bimbimbee Bindanna Farms BJ & LE Peel BJ Berridge BJ Buckley Partnership BJ Ingram BK & GR Daniel Black Angus Blackwood Park Pastoral Bluestone Bay Investments P/L BM & LD Ross Bombah Park Angus Bontharambo Angus Stud Boonarkm Boorook Partners Pty Ltd Boortkoi Pastoral Company Boot Hill Grazing Bornholt & Murphy Boss Pastoral Co Bourke Property Trust Bower's Cattle & Agriculture Bowie Beef Bowka Pastoral Bowmans Forest PtyLtd Boyd Lawrence James Hoare BP & BF Grubb BR & EC Lundstrom BR & HA Read BR & SA Smith BR, CJ & GN Haby Brad & Leesa Murray Brad Alp Brad-Leigh International Pty Ltd Bradley & Ann-Maree Pike Braemore Brook Bravado Angus Breeder Genetics Brendan Bogoias Brendan Stevens Brendan Welsh Brendon Stoney Brett A Linke BREWER PASTORAL CO Brian Cummins Brian W Rooney Broadwater Angus Brookvale Brookwood Angus Bruce & Libby Creek Bruce & Sue Griffiths Bruce Fulton Bruce Johnstone Bruce Robertson Bullrush Farm Buringal Grazing Burnfoot Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Burra Pastoral Co Bushy Park Angus Butko Properties Pty Ltd BW & P Rae C & J Barnett C & K Wills C & S Wright C A & K L Meyn C A S Cowcher & Son C E Flanagan & P F Ebert
C H & G K Barlee C H M Pastoral P/L C N G & M L Crocker C R Campo C S Barron C T Standish C W & E M Ford CA Laurie & Sons Pty Ltd Cadarga Springs P/L Caddie Dixon Cadwallader & Company Pty Ltd Caesia Pastoral Trust Calderwood Calga Pastoral Company Calindary Props Callemondah Angus Camelarup Grazing Cara Fagan Caragoola Family Trust Carawatha Pastoral Co CARENDA ANGUS Carmelina Gaspari Carngham Station Carol Durkin Carrington Property Co Carroll Family Cattle Creek Angus Cavan Station CB & SL McLeod CC Seymour & Co Cemaitra Holdings Cenrim Agribusiness CGA Pastoral Company Chale Angus Charlie & Coleen Roberts Cherylton Angus Chesrex Pty Ltd Chiltern Park Angus Chimera Trust Chris & Jane Earl Chris & Jane Earl Chris & Lisa Thomas Chris Goddard Chris Hall Chris Hall Investments Pty Ltd Chris Hill Chris Malcolm - Malcolm Cattle Company Chris Nixon Chris Stapleton Christopher Milligan Chumpot Pastoral Churchill Pastoral Company CIA Mann Family Trust Cienega Pty Ltd Cinchris Pty Ltd CJ & G E Crosby CJ Crosthwaite & AM Walker Clarence Park Angus Stud Clarendon Pastoral Co Clea Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Clear Creek Pastoral Co P/L Clear Springs Pastoral Company Cleveland Pastoral Estates Pty Ltd Cloverleigh PLG Pty Ltd Cluden Newry Pastoral CM & KL Henke CM & TM Best Pleasant Vale Angus Coffin Creek Angus Cold Springs Pastoral Pty Ltd
Coliban Downs Angus Damien & Emily Brookes Colin & Susan Hill Damien Joseph Walsh Colin D Roulston Damien Sotter Colin Davis Damon Englund Colly Creek Pastoral Company Pty LtdDancha Tucker Complete Enterprises Danedite Pty Ltd Comserv No 461 Pty Ltd Daniel Madden Connolly Pastoral Daniel Molloy Conor Mugavin Dargo Partnership Coolamon Grazing Co Darlow Ag Company Pty Ltd Coolana Angus Darren Askew Cooltrans Pty Ltd Darren Crawford Coomete Pty Ltd Darren James Hegarty Coomnakilla Farm Darren White Coonac Angus Darryl & Helen Mummery Coonmoor Pastoral Co Darwonga Investments Pty Ltd Coorabell Estate Angus Dave Halloran Coorumbene Pastoral Co David & Denise Farrugia Coota Park Blue-E David & Helen Goddard Corby Family David & Jan Young-Ferndale Corpach Holdings P/L Bookham Corry's Glen Angus David & Julie Boulton Cottage Creek David Allan Gow Cougar Cattle Company David Bates Coysh Farms David Crombie Craig Wallis David G Stewart Cranston & Sons David Gillies Creese North East David Goodwin Creightons Creek Pastoral Company David Haley Cremona Park David J & Leah J Young CT Carmichael & Son David J Pilkington & Frances T Culgai Toohey Cumbre Stud David John Crowe Curracabark Angus David Lloyd Curraghmore Pastoral David Parfett Currowar Angus David, Hannah & Samantha Bird CW & G White Davilak Pastoral Co D & H Durik Davina Machin D & K McRae Davy Cattle D & KJ Heazlewood DCF Marine Pty Ltd D & M E Badcock Dean Davidson D & S Anstee Dean Lynch D & W D Kelly Deepdale - Seaton Park Ent Pty Ltd D A & M Lumsden Deeside Muirs D Brown Pastoral Co. Degafelga Partners D E & J E Hughan Dempsey Pastoral Co D G & M D Stonestreet Denholm Glen Angus D G & N Hayward Denholm Green Pastoral Co D J & C H Nalder Denis Bassett D J & J E Price Denise Rae D J & L R Brown Denjaetm Pty Ltd D J & M T Conroy Depiazzi Agricultural Company D J Graham Trust Devanah Moonlight Angus D J Robertson Devereaux Corp Ltd D K & H C Campbell DG & HJ Kosch D M & N A Burrow DH & FA Macleay D P Ernest DH & JD Parker D R Patch DH & LJ Cameron D R & D P Hill Partnership Diana Hurley D T & M A Michael DJ & AL Briody D T & R K Martin - Trading as DJ & JA Ingold Woodview DJ & JM Dinning DA & DE Johnson Grazing Co DJ Downie & Co DA Duggan DJ, MT & RT Ferguson Dainty Park DL & CA Jackson Dalbosco Investments Pty Ltd DL & CA Jannings Dales Angus DL & EL Fleming Dalmeny Trust Dockers Plains Pastoral Company Damala Don Blenkinsop Damian Carracher Donald & Michele Dunlop
Donmarlou Pty Ltd Doreen J Edwards Double Dare Angus Doug Hamilton Doug Wasley Doug White Dougal Purcell DR & BJ Payne DR & DJ Roche Family Trust DR & S Gibson Dr Denis Scanlon Dr J H & Mrs J M Leigh Dr John Hendry & Susan Rodger Dr Una Denham DR, J & DA Rowley Draffen Properties Drew Maxwell DS & CG Varker DSK Angus Duddy Angus Dukalskis Farming Duncan Clowes Duncan F Macintyre Duncraigen (Wiremu) Dunkeld Pastoral Durnhart Pty Ltd DW & VJ Grace DW, DEJ, GD, & LB, Redman E & M Notarianni E & S Watt E A Cooke E A Friedrich & Son E B & G Quick E C Throsby Pty Ltd E L Bethel Pty Ltd E M McLean & R G Montgomery E M Mason EA LK & AD Carkeek Eaglesnest Angus East Loddon Pastoral East West Cattle Co Eastern Plains Pastoral Co EC, AM & AJ Pettingill Echo Cottage Pty Ltd Edderton Stud Partnership Eddington Park Eddington Pastoral Edengate Edwina Hall Effingham Pty Ltd Elaine Wellins Elly Anderson Elm Valley Pty Ltd Emerald Park Grazing EN & J Harrison Engler Enterprises Pty Ltd Epasco Farms Esslemont Angus Estate of Brian McKillop Ethen Zamperoni Euabalong Station Eulonga Pastoral Eumeralla Angus Eura Carla Eureka Beef Eurobin Ever Glade Angus F Pessotto & Sons F & C Sofra F & G J Pessotto
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Angus Foundation F & S Angus Gemma I James H & P Green F Conroy & C Nicholson Generation Pastoral Company Pty Ltd H & R Lawson Farrer Agricultural High School Genetic Choice Australia P/L H A & M K Carter Faulkner Lees Pty Ltd Genetics Australia Holding P/L H A Newman & Co Featherstone Angus Geoff Murray H D Middleton Fenwil Geoffrey Roberts H Eldridge & Son Fernbank Park George & Edith Holt H G Reynolds & Sons Pty Ltd Fernhill Angus Stud Gerald Sheahan H G Thompson & Sons Fernside Pastoral Company Gerard Bowman H T Clancy Fernvale Genetics Gerard M Ryan Habbies Howe Pastoral Co Fingal Pastoral GFD Lee Haddon Rig Angus Pty Ltd Finger Pastoral Co P/L GG & EJ Bates Halls Angus Fiona Glover GG & I Darling Hamish & Amanda McFarlane Fisher Ag GH & AJ Burston & Partners Hamish Cumming Flemington Angus GIDLEIGH PASTORAL CO Handley Pastoral Co Forest Lodge Enterprises Gilbrae Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Hannaford Cattle Company Forster & Sons Gillen Securities Pty Ltd Hannah's Rural Contracting Fossil Creek Angus Limited Gippsland Water Agribusiness Hanson Angus Fosters Valley Grazing GJ & KM Tighe Hardhat Angus Four O Eight Angus Pty Ltd Glen Iris Pastoral Pty Ltd Haycock Family Fox Pastoral Glen Park Angus Hayden King Franc Farming Pty Ltd Glenbernie Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Hazlett Braeside Francis & Dawn Boulton Glencoe Properties HB Rural Frank Archer Glendaloch Pastoral Co Pty Ltd HC, LJ, K, Q & S Brown Frank White Gleniffer Angus HDH Brazier Partnership Fraser Partners Bopeep Glenisa Cattle Co Hector Construction & Pastoral French Partnership Glenmore Livestock Helston Park Pty Ltd Full Circle Genetics Glentree Pastoral Henri Deans Furneaux Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Glenwood Pastoral Trust Henry Elliott G & C Galbraith GM & TM Taylor Hester A.A G & D Bartlett Gobba Angus Hewitt Cattle Australia Pty Ltd G & F Paton Golden Arrow Grazing Co HF Fanalone Pty Ltd G & J Elliott Goonamurrah Pastoral Co High Springs G & M Platt-Hepworth Gooram Springs/East Union Pty Ltd Highbury Trading G & N Wilkinson Gooramadda Highlands Angus Stud G & P Ivone Gordon Branson Hill Family G & R Wear Gotha Farm Hillcrest Pastoral Company G & S Batley & Sons Goulburn Park Pastoral Hillgrove Pastoral Pty Ltd G & S Chappell Gowen Family Estates HJ & AJ Cocking Nominees Pty Ltd G & S Vickers GP & D Norman HL Duddy & Sons G & T Hurry Graelbar Pastoral Co Hodgson Agricultural Contracting G A Danks Graeme & Dawn Macaulay Holmes Partnership G A Tickle Graham & Luke Nowell Holstons Pastoral Co G A Varcoe Pty Ltd Graham Fern Holstons Pastoral Company G Cheshire Family Trust Graham Greenhalph Hopkins River Pastoral Company G D Muir Graham Loader Horseshoe Ridge G Dimond & Sons Grampians Angus Hotspur Park G H & J M Stuckey Grandies Angus Howard Nominees P/L G J & D J Koenig Grandview Gundagai Pty Ltd Hugh Andrew & Son Pty Ltd G J & M A Fitridge Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd Huntly Pastoral G K & K L Sisely Grant Family Trust Huntr Agricultural Group Pty Ltd G L Whitehead Pty Ltd Grant Oldfield Hydillowah G M & M A Smith Greendale Hill Angus I & J Scandrett G McInnes Greenhill & Sons I & W Reid G N Petricevich Greenwald Pastoral Co I A & H M Parsons G O & M Brown Greg Bryant Family Trust I B & G G Patch G P Mackie & Co Pty Ltd Greg Mallett I D & S K James G R & J Buller Gregory Allan Brown I G N Paton & Co G, J R & D J Koopman Grifforan Pastoral Co I L & N Wilcox GA & V Redding Grimstead Angus Stud I M & J A Pfitzner Gaetano & Suzanne Turrisi Gripthorpe Farm Ian & Pauline Potter Garras Angus GTL Bowman Ian Byron Collard Garry & Kerry Cain Guest Pastoral Ian C Edney Garvagh Pty Ltd Gumnut Downs Ian J Crooke Gates Performance Genetics Pty Ltd Gundagai Pharmacal Pty Ltd Ian McDuie Gavin Russell Gundungarra Pastoral Ian Oatley Gavin Woodall Gunnong Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Ian Stephenson GB & RE Hage Guy Campbell Ian W Richards GD & SC Jones Gwen F Turner IL & MJ Childs GE & BE Costello H & B Wuersch Independent Breeding & 66
Marketing Service Inglebrae Farm Management Pty Ltd Ironbark Glen Angus Ironwood Farm Pty Ltd IS & H Brown Isla J & H Wall & Sons J & J Woodruff J & K Sunderman J & M & R King J & M Lilley J & SA Carroll Family Trust & L Carroll J & T Callaway J & W Kowalick J A B Pastoral P/L J A Crawford J B Houston & Sons P/L J C & H M Barlee J F & J A Sutton J F & J L Kitschke J G & L A Doidge J H Ryan & Son J H Sambell J H Warren J J Galloway J J A & R L V Boddington J K Irving J M & R S Dixon J M Hiscock & Sons P/L J P & M H Rynne J R & J M Murphy J R & N M Faithfull J T Angus J T Brine & Son J W Crossing & H J Crossing J Webster J.S Grazing JA & WA Maloney JA Peake Jacdavlyn Pastoral Co Jack & Brianna Henshaw Jacor Farms JAD Agriculture P/L Jafam Trading Pty Ltd Jamann Corker Jamecca Plain Pastoral Co James & Georgie Knight James & Matilda Badcock James Butler James Davy James Mollett & Partners James Park Pastoral Co. James Reynolds James Skeer James Vincent Gannon Jamie & Virginia Bond Jamie Grosser Jane Miller & James Miller Janita Farming Jaroto Ag Jarraluka Feedlot Jarrod Phelps, Illa-Langi Jarup Pty Ltd Jason & Alison Strong Jason Pfitzner Jason Stowe Jaylyn Pastoral Co P/L JB & D J Karger JB & HA Kidman JB Angus Stud
JC & J Gardner JC Maling JD & CA Braddock JD Snodgrass Jenabank Pty Ltd Jennifer Coldham Jenny Crawford Jeremy McNamara JF & BM Cochrane JH & JF Harris JI & LI Dettmann Jim & Pam McGregor Jim Delany Jim Fox Jim Tickle JK & ML Kelly JL & BJ Nielsen JM & MA Hallyburton Joanna Bacon Joe Beirs Joe Bendotti John & Joanne Tesoriero John & Karen Smith John & Sue Matthies John Bayly -Waitangi Angus John Bendotti John Brunning & Sons John Daniels John Fitzgerald John Hickingbotham John Hicks John Horne John Lamb Pastoral Co John Ley John Mauric John Monteleone John Murdoch John Phillips John R McKay John Robert Cromb John Robert Harrison John Scally John Tindall John Williamson John Wilson Jordan Ridge Joseph & Natalene Muscat Josh Bristow Joyce C Boyd JR & HJ Holmfield Julia R E Simmons Julie Dennis Julie L McPhie & Alan McPhie Jullundur Farms Justin Richards JV & MT Carroll JW & GC Wilson JWG Dean K & J Pastoral P/L K & M Garrett K A & A C McCormack K A Langley K Finger & Sons K J & J A Bateman K J & T P O'Toole K J Hodby K L EF Shotter K O Angus Stud K R Reed - Chatsbury Kahurangi Angus
Kakahu Angus Kandalee Grazing Co Kangaroo Mountain Company Kapiro (Rangitane) Karaka Angus Karen & Simon O'Connell Kawatiri Angus Kaye Morrison KC & BS Chambers KD Power Pastoral Co Pty Ltd KEA Farms Pty Ltd Keith Hay Keith Soames Kelly Angus Ken Wharton Kenlock Kenneth Geoffrey Bennett Kent Farm Angus Kerripit Partnership KF & AG Dean Khan Yunis Kiah Adelong Kiah Maroo Kidman Angus Kielli Holdings Kilcoy Valinor Pty Ltd Kilkenny Pastoral Killain Investments Kim Gandy Kimbriki Angus King George Angus King Hill Pastoral King Island Farms Pty Ltd Kingsclere Angus Stud Kingston Angus Stud Kintalpa Partners Kintyre Angus Kirala Angus Kirkoola Partnership Kirsty Seabrook Kogo Angus Kogody Farming Co Kohinoor Heights Komako Angus Koojan Hills Angus Koomalla Koombahla (Trust) Angus Kooragulla Angus Korongah Rise Kotupna Grazing Kristine & Lloyd Nock Krystal Fish Kurra-Wirra Pastoral Co KW Battersby Kyabra Station-Union Agriculture Kyeema Springs L & B Tibbett L & C Glass L & H Clohesy L & J Langshaw L & M S Ham L A R & G R Dunn L A Shaw L Bisinella Developments P/L L C Angus L D Ward L E & M L Lloyd L E F & B L Versteegh L J Brennan L J Rijs
L M Pettitt MA & PK Wood L S Johnson Maaoupe Downs Cattle Co L&C Gatti Macka's Lachballin Mackinnon Pastoral Lachlan Bruce McIver Magarry Pty Ltd Lake Ellen Pastoral Magee Family Lake Farm Genetics Mal & Trish Phillips Lakeview Angus Malebo Angus Lallemand Australia Pty Ltd Manandoo Angus Landscape Partnership Mandy & James O'Brien Lane Bros Southern Cross Mandy Gunn Lane Evans Maneroo Farms Pty Ltd Larna Glen Angus Mannus Correctional Centre Larnoo Agricultural Investments P/L Manuka Ridge Pty Ltd Lauren Berecry Mara Family Trust Laurie Mobbs Marc Oltramare LC Worseldine, CB & WP McCormack Marcollat Pastoral Company LD & DP Gommers Marcus & Sharon Kirkwood Leigh Allan Dunn Margaret Beck Leigh Devine & Tony Seymour Marida Yallock Angus Lena & Nardia Galloway Mark & Amanda Brown Leo Bull Mark & Carol Barnett Liam & Mark Mowbray Mark & Kayleen Freeman Lilyvale Grazing Mark Allan Limekilns Pastoral Company P/L Mark Calvert-Jones LINDA NANKERVIS Mark Dyble & Rosemary Porter Linton Park Pastoral Co Mark Hollahan Liscombe Pools Partnership Mark James Whatman Liston Angus Mark McCaskill Lithgow Pastoral Mark Mercieca Little Meadows T/A Golding & Son Mark Middleton Liz Sudlow Mark Shearman LJ, JK, HJ & JA Condon Mark Wright LMB Timmins Pty Ltd Markarna Grazing Pty Ltd Lochaber Partnership Marriott Farming Co Longridge Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Martindale Holdings Roseworthy Longview MAS & AN Green Lucy & Matt Godlee Masterton Pastoral Co Ludlow Grazing Matlock Farm P/S Luke Balkin Matoni Beef Luke Mullane Matthew Booth Lurg Cattle Co Matthew D Hannay Lyn Challis Matthew Mugavin Lyndhurst Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Matthew Nelson M & A J Bell Matthew Young M & B McKimmie - Bar M Pastoral Maurice James Whitehead M & C Fisher Mawarra Genetics M & C Gilmore MB & R Nolte M & H Lucas McNabb Farm Nilma North M & L Jacob McPhee Properties Pty Ltd M & R Clarke McRae Family Trust M & S Reedy ME Elder M A & L L Latham Megan E Richards M A Corrigan & J F Wood Melbourne Polytechnic M A Gilmour Melbury Park Angus M E & G M Crow Melon Pastoral Pty Ltd M G Pastoral Company P/L Mena Pastoral Pty Ltd M J & D J Ryan Meningoort M J & D M O'Brien Merilli Angus M J & E B Roche Merindoc Pastoral M J & J J Lee Merom Pastoral Company M J Blyth & Co Mervyn R & Jeanette M Blyth M J R Price MG & BM Cash M J Richter-Rundell & Family MG & CG Britza M K & S G Davis MG & TJ Wales M L Lee & G M Rachelle MI & DM Twentyman M Lowrey & J Lyall Mibus Bros M Rice Michael Blake M T & R M Welch Michael Brady MA & JK Campbell Michael Carroll The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Foundation Michael Cobiac Michael Gooden Michael Hayes Michael Hopkins Michael J Eales Michael Kelly Michael Mather Michael Parfett Michelle Hollingsworth& Mark McLaren Mick Pratt Middleloch Aberdeen Milong Pty Ltd Milwillah Angus Mingawalla Ag Minnamurra Pastoral Co Minninup Pastoral Co Mintor LLC Mirabella Angus Mirrabooka Trading Misty Valley Angus Mitara Trading Co Mitchell Bennett Mitchell Park Angus Euroa MJ & AJ Pearce MJ & BJ Little MJ & HR Scollard MJ & OJ Hill Partnership Mograni Rural Mokoan Agriculture Pty Ltd Moorambilla Pastoral Co Morella Agriculture Morella Enterprises Pty Ltd Morgan Peterken Morrison Carroll Mort & Co Ltd Mosquito Creek Angus Mount Linton Mount Worth Pastoral Mountain Valley Livestock P/L Mountain Valley Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Mr and Mrs T Sudlow Mr D Newby Mr M Stoney Mr Rodney & Kerry Newnham Mrs Leal Squire-Wilson MT & CP Mullane Pty Ltd Mt Boothby Pastoral Co Mt Eccles Estate Pty Ltd Muraby Angus Murk & Kate Schoen Murrabah Angus Murroa East Pastoral Murrunjai Pastoral Company Musgrave Angus Muster Pastoral Myrtle Farm N J Nolte N & J Umback N & T Galvin N D & K Aylett N H & J Willing & Son N J & S N Smith N K O'Connell N S & S M Moyle N S Brock Nampara Angus Nangwarry Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Naranga Pastoral Co 68
Nareen Station Pty Ltd PJ & JM Leech P C & M D Bruton Narracalca Partnership PJ & TM Woodman P C Lamond Narrangullen Pty Ltd Platts Bros P D & A L Durkin Narranmore Pastoral Co PM Corcoran P E & B J Quilty Nave Pastoral Company Poligolet P H Stewart & Sons ND & YR Gerke Polin Pastoral Co P J & K A Langfield NE & KL Morgan Poltalloch Plains Pasoral P J & R L Sinclair Neale Lavis Pty Ltd Pomany Angus P J Griffin Nellie-Jay Powe Family P J Pollard P/L Netherleigh Farm PQ & PS SUTTON P R & P J Flemming Nevflo Pty Ltd PR & CM & BW Kupsch P Sinderberry & S Wrigley Neville Hallyburton Prospect Downs Farming P, M & S Connolly New Turee Pty Ltd Proudford Agricultural Company Padua Livestock Newbury Pastoral Co Pulitano Pastoral Pty Ltd Pamela Langford Newman Biotech Australia P/L Quarram Grazing Co Panorama Park Family Trust Newstead Station (Paraway Pastoral Co) Panshanger Estate Queenwood Orchards Next Level Angus Quilter Nominees P/L Paraway NG & JD Buckland R & D Gregory & Bradley Gregory Pardoo Cattle Company Pty Ltd Ngaputahi Station R & H Cook Paringa Livestock Pty Ltd NHA & RL Stoney R & J Stewart Parish Rural Pty Ltd Nicholas Hansen R & K Telling Parker Amber Pty Ltd Nick Ellis Parklands Investments Management R & S Cameron Nick Leppin R B & J L Walsh Patrick Rafferty Nickolas Smith R B & W P Harris Paul Rathbone & Michael Seifried Nicole Weston R Boddy & Son Paul Banks Nigel Watson R C & M H Teasdale Paul Bleeser Nioka Pastoral Company R Currie Paul E Graham Trust NJ & MC Wilson R E & G E Bomford Paul Rea NJC & LF Gilmore R E Grebert Paul Scott & Judy O'Keefe Noel Kennedy R G & R Legoe Paul Venturin Nomuula Black Angus R G Thwaites Paula & Chris Riches Norsca Black Angus R I & C E Bradshaw PC & JL Giles North West Flowers & Pastoral Co PD & LH Lewis Pty Ltd R J & P H Simpson Northwest Pastoral R J & T Whiteley Pearce Agriculture Nosraep Enterprises R J Boshammer Pearlbrook Angus NP & JC Jenkin R J McFarlane Pee Dee Creek Angus NT Fleming & Co R M & D M Wolter Pellepar Pastoral Co Nunn Partners R M & P L Wright Pemat Pty Ltd OAKBURN PASTORAL COMPANY R N & M H McInnes Pembroke Pastoral Company Oakdale Pastoral Co R S & N J Warner Pental Island Producers Oakland Park Angus R S Chester Pepper Partnership OB Angus Boggy Creek Farm R U N V S Angus Peppertree Angus Partnership Radford Pastoral Pete Hanratty Old Bambun Grazing Raff Angus Peter & Donna Clarke Old Pine Hill Partnership Rangers Valley Cattle Station Peter & Merryl Johnston Oliver Lindsay Ranui Angus - Lindsay & Maria Peter & Sandra Krause Onalim Nominees Pty Ltd Johnstone Peter Aisthorpe & Jenny Williams Optifarm L P Raymond Slade Peter Brewer Oranga Angus RD & CP Burow Peter Bryant Ornum Angus RD & SE Horspole Peter C Evans Orwell Rocks Angus Stud RDC 1 Peter Donnelly Osprey Angus RDM Angus Peter Howie Oswall Angus RE & SB Giles Peter J Collins Otway Grazing Rebecca & Scott Davis Peter J Sattler Outlook Drive Investments Pty Ltd Peter James Wade Red Hill Agriculture Outwest Angus Red Hills Peter Keary Owen S Barr & Wendy A James Reen Family Peter Kelly Owen W Pedlow Reid & Stevens Pty Ltd Peter Lindsay Oxley Angus RH & MA Nock Peter Pether & Louise Mitchell P & A Foulds RH Omodei & Sons Peter R Hennessy S. C. P & A Hansen Rhodes Pastoral Pty Ltd Peter Ross & Jessica Fletcher P & A Pota Richard & Prue Post Peter Tomkins P & G Wildes Richard Davy Peter W Basford P & J McArthur & Sons Richard Last Peter Williamson P & K Del Mastro Richard Num PH NF DP & ML Moore P & K Reid Richardson & Son Phillip & Colleen Algie P & S Bond Rick Wright Phillip Arthur Stockwell P & S Margery Riddellvue Angus Stud Phillips Cattle Company P A Johnston Ridgeline Ag Pty Ltd Pindari Rural Pty Ltd P A McIndoe Rightime Farms Pinnacle Fine Foods
Rimanui Farms Rissington RJ & JM Barns RJ Rogers & Sons RK & JM Heinrich RK & JS Pryce Rob Hamilton Robert & Nerida Hardy Robert Brian Robert Hill Robert Johnstone Robert Kobold Robert Thomson Robrick Lodge Robyn Boto Robyn Stoney Rocking Chair Farm Rocking Chair Ranch Rocking W Angus Rocky Capisciolto Rocmore Rodd Fryer-Smith Rodney Caplehorn Rodney Schwarz Roger Flower Roger Henwood Roger Matthews Romani Pastoral Company Pty Ltd Ron Barnacle Ron Halicki Ronald Hannan Roo Park Pastoral Rosalie Stud Rose Grange Pastoral Company Rosebank Angus Rosedale Livestock Partnership Rosedale Springs Rosehill Angus Rosevale Angus Ross & Carol Cardile Ross Henderson Ross Jarvis Rossander Properties Pty Ltd Rotherwood Farming Rotomahana (Waihora) Rotowai Angus Rowallan Lodge Pty Ltd RT & BM Grigg Rush Bros Russell Tait Ryan Berry Rytargra Angus S & K Hutchison S & L Owen Pty Ltd S & N Branson S & R Digiorgio & Sons S A & J S W Moore S B Hayward & K L Smith S C & R Flick S Camarri & Co S Hindson S J & E M Cleal S J H & S E Sharman S M Fagan S Mathers Marlo Downs S S & J A Robertson S T Hamilton Farm S Tulloch Scott & Son Sabble Farm SAILS-Southern Australian
International Sally Land Sally Lowe Sally McCarthy Sam Barwick Sam Failla Sam King Sam Redden Sandra Fletcher-Wells Sandra Rush Sandran Pty Limited Sandy & Mick Sherwood Sandy Camp Sandy Creek Angus Stud SBC Farms Scarbah Angus Scenic View Grazing Co Scott A Thiessen Scott Finlay Scott Guthrie Segenhoe Aberdeen Angus Stud Semini Enterprises Pty Ltd Serenity Angus Seven Hills Angus Severn Angus SF & RL Boulton Shacorrahdalu Angus Shamil Livestock Shamrock Hill Stud Shane Eldridge Shane, Victoria & Declan Patten Shannon Falls Pastoral Co Shaw Agri Pty Ltd Sheoak Island Trust Shepwok Downs Sheridan Mcleod Sheron Farm Silverlands Stud Farm Simon Boal Simon Sharrock Siobhan Cowan SL & II Missen Smiths Pastoral Pty Ltd Somerset Angus SP & EJ Vogt Sparcorp Mansfield Spec Australia Pty Ltd Speriby North Pty Ltd SPJ Consulting Pty Ltd Springfield Springfield Station Springside Angus Springvalley Pastoral Sprys SR & JL Roe SR & MC Beasley SR Dalton Sretlaw Park ST Genetics Stellar Livestock Stephen & Anne Reid Stephen & Bianca Ferris Stephen Dunne Stephen Franks Stephen J Simpson Stephen Purcell Steven & Leigh Phelps Stirling Agricultural Company Stonehut Holdings Pty Ltd Stoney Point Performance Angus
Stoney Station Timothy A Boland Strathdownie Estate Timothy Henry Stratton Livestock Tipperary Angus Stud Stromness Titibar Pastoral Pty Ltd Sullivan Family Tivoli Sumatanga Park TJ & JL McKibbin Sunny Point Pastoral Co TJ & MB Waugh Susan Chisholm TJ & M-BMHiggins & SL Higgins Swan Agribusiness Pty Ltd & AE Davis Swanbrook Angus TJ & VM Schmaling Swiss Australian Farm Holding Pty Ltd TLHC Trust T & K Harrington Toa Toa Angus T & K Martin Todmorden Cattle Company T & K Netherway Tom Greenhill T & L Gubbins Tom Jolly T D & S C Hollis Tom Kat Pastoral T Elliott Tom Montalto T G & J E Eddington Tom Peddie T G Bullen Nominees Tom Tassos T H & L Gibbs & Sons Tony Goodwin T J Henwood Family Trust Tony Starr T J Pyne Pty Ltd Toolleen Angus T P & D M Lack Toolong Pty Ltd T.R MOORE Tooperang Beef Cattle T.W. Lewis Toora West Pure Black TA & JM Scott - Table Top Angus Top of The Range Angus TA Field Estates Pty Ltd Tout Family Takajo Pastoral Co TR Geddes Takapoto Angus TR Smith & S Turtle Tamar Valley Angus Trafalgar Angus Tamcal Livestock Tramontana Angus Tangarna Family Trust Treeton Lake Tanjil Valley Welding P/L Tremarton Park Angus Taranee Pastoral Co Trent Walker, Target Livestock Trevor Crow Tarpoly Pastoral Trevor Pascoe Tattykeel Triple Seven Angus Tawarri Pastoral Company Trowbridge BBB Angus Stud TC Gunthorpe Troy Jacka TDP & SE Combes Troy O'Connell Te Mania (NZ) TRT Pastoral Group Te Mania Angus Pty Ltd True North Investments Pty Ltd Terence J Miller Tuite Hill Angus TErry & Alena O'Leary Turrum Angus Terry Salmeri Turvey Family The Cottawalla Pastoral Co Tuscanna The Crescent Project Group Pty Ltd TW Pearson & Son The Estate of E J Grieve Twynam Investments Pty Ltd The Firs Twynem Partners The Racecourse Tyack Pastoral Services The Range Angus Ulladulla Pastoral Company The Station Angus Urban Angus The Trustee for the Roots Family V E & D M Rheinberger Trust Valenti Angus The Zanotto Family Trust Valley Beef Farm Thomas E F Hughes Van Den Brink Partners Thomas Foods International Venturon Livestock Thomas J Ford VH, JA, CM & MG Linke Three Rivers Angus P/L Victoria Park Investments Pty Ltd Three Rivers Livestock P/L Vielun Pastoral Company Tibooburra Angus Stud Villabrae Pastoral Pty Ltd Tillabudgery Angus Village Farm 2016 Ltd Tim and Robyn McNamara Volcanic Angus Tim Bryant W A & R A Kemp Tim Finger W A Missen Tim Hahesy W B & R A Piraner Timanda W J Graham Timber Logistics Pty Ltd W J Henderson Timboon Beef/ Popes Consolidated W K & M A Ferguson Busline W V & S C Presho The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Angus Foundation W Woods Pty Ltd W, G & S Swinburne WA College of Agriculture-Harvey Wacoa-Narrogin Agricultural College Waitara Partnership Waiwhero Angus Wakare Angus Wakefield Angus Wallenbeen Wallingford Angus Wallings Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Wando Estate (H Youngman) Wanganuk Angus Wannon Pastoral Co Angus Wantabadgery Pastoral Co P/L Warby Cattle Pty Ltd Warrawee Killara Stud Warren Fern Water Grass Hill Angus Watershed Partnership Watervalley Pty Ltd Wattle Creek Angus Wattletop Partnership Waverley Station Pty Ltd WD & HD Perkins WE, BB & TWA Petrie Webb Black Angus Weerangourt Partnership Western R B Angus Western Sydney University Westley Angus Westside Angus WG & VJ Bingley Whangara Angus Whipbird Creek Farm
Whitehouse Properties Wickford Cattle Company Wickford Pastoral Co Pty Ltd Wiljam Willalooka Past Co Willaroan Pastoral Willarty Angus Willette Farms William Jansen William McDonald William Peter Carbon William Wilson Williams Victoree Farms Pty Ltd Willow View Angus Win Mapley Winberg Rural C/o Centurion Group P/L Windarra Farm (VIC) P/L Windarra Range Winterlake Pastoral Company Winterthur Pty Ltd Wirrabilla Pastoral Pty Limited Wirribilla Farms Angus Wiseman Grazing Witton Angus Stud WJ & MJ Thompson WJP Gatenby Pty Ltd WK Beohm Wobbly Boot Wolf Ventures Pty Ltd Wongalea Pastoral Woodlands Agriculture Woodrowvale Pastoral Company Woodstock - B Garrett Woolhara Woorinyan Pastoral Co
World Wide Sires Australia WR & PH Smith Wrights Angus Wrigley Cattle Co Wunderee Pastoral Co Wyeromp Pty Ltd Wyllie Group Pty Ltd Wythburn Partnership Wythes Pastoral Company Yadgeno Co Yajambee Farms Yalgoo Partnership Yalkuri Pty Ltd Yamba Angus Yan Yan Gurt Angus Yandra Farm Yarra Valley Angus Yarracorp Australia Pty Ltd Yarralena Grazing Yarrawalla Vineyards Yarumpa Pty Ltd Yencken Pastoral Co Yeodene Cattle Yorkbay Young Guns Angus Yurramie Angus Zac Gleeson Zac Roberts Zack Redpath Zakanaka Angus ZELE Angus Ziller Pastoral Zilm Pastoral Zoetis Australia Zwyj Pty Ltd
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Staff Directory Chief Executive Officer Scott Wright, Chief Executive Officer P: 02 6773 4636 · E: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au · 0428 221 008
Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, General Manager Genetic Improvement P: 02 6773 4620 · M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
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Liam Mowbray, Research and Development Specialist P: 02 6773 4603 E: liam.mowbray@angusaustralia.com.au
Jen Peart, Acting Genetic Improvement Specialist P: 02 6773 4644 · M: 0417 219 405 E: jen.peart@angusaustralia.com.au
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Marketplace Services Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager P: 02 6773 4601 · E: diana@angusaustralia.com.au
Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer P: 02 6773 4635 · E: communications@angusaustralia.com.au
Samantha Hamilton, Senior Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues P: 02 6773 4613 · E: sam@angusaustralia.com.au
Robyn Brazier, Marketing Assistant P: 02 6773 4609 · E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
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Kate Reynolds, Graphics & Multimedia Officer P: 02 6773 4645 · E: kate.reynolds@angusaustralia.com.au
Heather Rocks, Marketing Officer P: 02 6773 4621 · E: heather.rocks@angusaustralia.com.au
office@angusaustralia.com.au | (02) 6773 4600 | Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2024
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Staff Directory Member Engagement Jake Phillips, Extension and Youth Manager P: 02 6773 4625 · M: 0401 261 217 E: jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au
Nancy Crawshaw, Extension Officer P: 02 6773 4643 · M: 043 633 7652 E: nancy.crawshaw@angusaustralia.com.au
Adam Allingham, Member Services Manager P: 02 6773 4602 · E: adam.allingham@angusaustralia.com.au
Tammy McLeod, Senior Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4604 · E: tammy.mcleod@angusaustralia.com.au
Katie Carlon, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4618 · E: katie.carlon@angusaustralia.com.au
Lily Christian, Member Services Officer P: 02 5775 8710 · E: lily.christian@angusaustralia.com.au
Rachael Constable, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: rachael.constable@angusaustralia.com.au
Raelene Mold, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4605 · E: raelene.mold@angusaustralia.com.au
Sarah Scott, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4611 · E: sarah.scott@angusaustralia.com.au
Lou Wood, Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4617 · E: office@angusaustralia.com.au
Corporate Services Elliott Connors, Accountant P: 02 6773 4624 · E: Elliott.Connors@angusaustralia.com.au Carole Johns, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4628 · E: carole.johns@angusaustralia.com.au
Susan Webeck, Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4606 · E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au
Kathryn Duddy, Company Secretary, Human Resources Manager and Assistant to the Ceo P: 02 6773 4614 · E: kathryn.duddy@angusaustralia.com.au M: 0447 332 202
Robyn Kelly, Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4615 · E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au
Christopher de Crespigny, Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 · E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au
Dr Gerard Hammond, angus.tech Software Manager E: gerard.hammond@angusaustralia.com.au
Ryan Birch, Computer Programmer E: ryan.birch@angusaustralia.com.au
Dale Curtis, Computer Programmer E: dale.curtis@angusaustralia.com.au
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Nicky Wallace, World Angus Forum Coordinator P: 02 6773 4616 · E: nicky.wallace@angusaustralia.com.au
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