2019 Winter Angus Bulletin

C e l e b r at i n g

An gu s •••

100

of year s _

ali a r t s Au

AN ANGUS SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA CENTENARY EDITION •••

ANGUS bulletin Winter 2019

te mania angus nORtHeRn BuLL saLe tuesDaY, august 13 FROm 11:30am at saLeYaRDs WaLgett, nsW 100 BuLLs

‘We’re in the business of producing steers that marble and cows that are fertile and functional with great temperaments and longevity. That’s what Te Mania genetics give us.

Good bulls backed up by a great team of people’.

Fraser James – Guy Fawkes Station, Ebor NSW

Tom Gubbins 0429 952 197 Hamish McFarlane 0427 641 606 www.temania.com.au

Angus, Kaiti and Will McGregor

Sam Hunter and Ben Glatz

Brad Gilbert, Jack and Erica Halliday and Jim Conroy

Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show out & about Images: Emily H Photography

Anne & Harris Thompson

NSW, State Committee Chairman Mark Lucas, with NSW Business Recognition Award recipients, Angus & Jeff Kirk, Marissa & Brett Wood and NSW State Committee Secretary, Richard Buck

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019 NSW State Committee members, Peter Trahar & Peter Grieve, with Secretary Richard Buck

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10 Contents Winter 2019 | Volume 36

28 Cover feature image: Image from Monaro Angus Week 1980.

The Annual Monaro Angus Breeders’ Association stud and commercial series grossed more than $600,000 during one of the worst droughts the district has experienced. The series of four stud and one commercial sale drew competition from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

38 1

Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show out & about

2 Contents 5

From the CEO

6

From the President

8

Angus through the ages and beyond!

10 Holy Smoke! The inaugural

Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ

Competition a flaming success!

12 Faces of the Conference

Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350

15 Generous support for the

Angus Foundation Auction

44 42 ASBP Cohort 6 – Sire Wrap-Up 44 Sydney Celebrates 100 years

of Angus Australia 46 A Historic Angus Display at

the 2019 Sydney Royal Angus

Feature Show 47 Sydney champions 48 ‘Meating’ market specs at Sydney 50 Angus Youth take on the

2019 Sydney Royal Angus

Feature Show 52 Oh Steer, that’s some great

looking cattle!

16 Angus breeders urged not to

overlook maternal traits

53 Angus takes out top prizes

in the Sydney Royal Interbreed 56 The Angus Ekka Cocktail Party

W: www.angusaustralia.com.au

20 New decision-support tools

will help drive genetic selection,

Angus conference told

Editor: Diana Wood

25 Angus Through the Ages

provides innovation and

insights for Kate Schoen

P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au

Layout: Ebonie Sadler-Small Printer: printcentre.net.au Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Board of Angus Australia.

Neither the Editor nor Angus Australia takes any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken by readers or others based on information contained therein.

The publishers reserve the right to refuse or cancel without notice any advertisement in a publication issued by them.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

26 Growing Asian preference

for quality beef will underpin

Angus premiums 28 Angus Beef for brunch!

29 #angusthroughtheages snapshots 37 The panel snapshots 38 Breeding Resilient Angus

with ImmuneDEX 41 ASBP Cohort 10 –

Time to Nominate Your

Next Super Sire

54 Around the shows 1970 – 1994 56 Celebrating the centenary

in Tasmania 56 Almost time to celebrate

in Adelaide 57 Come Celebrate #100YearsofAngusAustralia

in WA! 57

58

The Incitec Pivot 2019 Royal Melbourne Angus Feature Show Mark it in your calendars, World Angus Forum 2021 is on its way!

59 SWOT’s next?

61 Practical use of sex-sorted

semen in Angus beef herds

72

99 62 Understanding Angus

Australia’s DNA Services 64 Low density, low cost,

genomic product for mature

Angus females 66 Remaining Vigilant

in the Management of

Genetic Conditions 68 How Accurate is Your Pedigree

– Are You Sale Ready?

70 Genomic Testing - What to

Expect when You’re Expecting 72

Angus Australia and UNE Partnership Delivers Research Breeding Values for Mature Cow Body Condition and Height

104 90 Getting Ready for Roundup 92 And That’s a wrap, Annabelle

Butler returns from K-State 94 Where are they now?

98 Around the saleyards 99 Extreme Heat – and the

adaptability of Angus 100 Arid zone Angus 102 Sandhills, salt lakes & spear traps

– All in a day’s work for Angus 104 Turning an eye to Three Creek

Beef - Angus Australia’s newest

Verified Black Angus Beef brand 106 NVDs – Accepted

Breed Descriptions

76 Don’t dig yourself into a hole

with your breeding decisions

108 Commercial Consistency

with Angus cattle

78 Angus Breeders Getting Benefit

from Angus.Tech Software

110 Eastern Fall Grazing utilising

the hardiness of Angus

79 Improving decisions with

the Mating Predictor

112 Why you should make it

Angus when you restock after

the drought

80 Performance Collection

Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN

117 advertising index Angus Studs 41 Booroomooka Angus 71 Clunie Range Angus 77 DSK Angus 39 Dulverton Angus 80 Kilburnie Angus 19 Knowla Angus BC Millah Murrah Angus 23 Myanga Angus 5

Noonee Angus

7

Pentire Angus

83 Sugarloaf Angus 85 The Glen Angus IBC Texas Angus IFC Te Mania Angus

Commercial Advertising 86 Achmea Australia 51 Agri-Gene

116 From the vault

70 AgriWebb

81 Member Services stats

117 Angus through the Ages

Part 3: 1970-1994

24 Livestock Connect

82 Member Services Matters

121 Out & about 1970 – 1994

84 Are you sale ready?

122 Angus Australia Staff Directory

87 Farm insurer Achmea to back

GenAngus Future Leaders

Program again in 2020 88 Aspiring Breeder Monique

Estrada Wins National Judging

Competition 2019

114 Allflex 76 Mort & Co 4 Neogen 18 NH Foods 73 Rangers Valley 48 Three Creek Beef 27 Upper Murray Seeds 79 Vetoquinol 14 Virbac 60 Zoetis Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Australas

FOR ANGUS. BY ANGUS.

ANGUS uLD

LOW DENSITY, LOW COST, GENOMIC testing FOR MATURE ANGUS FEMALES

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Angus Australia · 02 6773 4600 · office@angusaustralia.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019 Hannah Bourke, Beef Genomics Territory Manager, Neogen Australasia · 0447 299 096 · hbourke@neogen.com

from the CEO

Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer

Report from 100th Angus Australia AGM and Board meeting conducted on 23-24th May 2019 The 100th Angus Australia Annual General Meeting was conducted in Albury on Friday 23rd May 2019, followed by a meeting of the Angus Australia Board.

At the Annual General Meeting, President Brad Gilmour tabled the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Angus Society of Australia and Controlled Entities, the Director’s Declaration, and the Independent Auditors Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2018; and, declared Dr Laurie Denholm as the successful candidate in the recent National–elected Director ballot.

The President advised that considering the newly elected Director, and those Directors with continuing terms, the 2019 Angus Australia Board would consist of the following elected–Directors: Mrs Erica Halliday, Mr Sam White and Dr Laurie Denholm from NSW; Mr Brett Piraner from Queensland; Mr Andrew Kuss from Western Australia; Mr Brad Gilmour and Mr Hamish McFarlane from Victoria; Mr Jock Hughes from Tasmania; and, Mr Perry Gunner from South Australia.

The President acknowledged the contributions of retiring Directors, Mrs Libby Creek and Mr Jim Wedge. Mrs Libby Creek served as a State-elected Director from South Australia for the last 8 years. During this period, Mrs Creek made an enormous contribution to the Board, including performing the role of Board Chairman during 20172018, and as a member of numerous Board Committees, including most recently as Chair of the Strategy and Risk Committee. Mr Jim Wedge served as a National-elected Director for 2 years and particularly made significant contributions as Chairman of the Board’s Commercial Supply Chain Committee.

The President acknowledged the thirteen members recognized with 50 years continuous membership during 2018, including Degafelga Partners, Vic; Inglewood

Estate, NSW; Yalkuri Pty Ltd, SA; Truro Angus, Vic; Mackie & Co Pty Ltd, WA; I Collard, WA; M Schlicht, Vic; H & R Lawson, Vic; John MacLachlan Pty Ltd, Vic; D Scanlon, SA; W & J Crossing, NSW; Fingal Pastoral, Tas; and H & D Richards, Vic. In addition, it was noted that a further 25 members were recognised during 2018 for their 25 years continuous membership.

At its subsequent meeting, conducted on the 23-24th May 2019 the Board again elected Mr Brad Gilmour as President (Board Chairman), and Mr Sam White as Vice-President.

The Board passed the following resolutions: · “Angus Assured”sale catalogues will be discontinued and replaced with the Angus Australia Sale Catalogue Member Agreement. · A new Regulation 6.23 be introduced “It shall be a requirement for the registration of calves in the HBR, RAR, APR, ACR or MBR who have been bred by AI or ET and whose sire is born after 1/1/2018, that the sire must be tested for any genetic conditions recognised by the Society for which commercially available tests are available”; and, Regulations 6.23 to 6.50 renumbered accordingly. · A new Regulation 17.1 be introduced “Requests for DNA services will only be accepted by the Society if the request is provided in an approved format, and the DNA samples are provided in a form accepted by the Society”; and, Regulations 17.1 to 17.11 re numbered accordingly.

The next Board meeting will be conducted on the 26-27th July 2019 in Sydney.

Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer 28th May 2019

29TH ANNUAL BULL SALE

WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 50 robust yearling sons of Emperor, Command, Loch Up L133 and Dark Knight Netta Holmes Lee 0409 651 806 · www.nooneeangus.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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from the president Brad Gilmour, Angus Australia President

The last few months have been very busy for Angus Australia members and staff. Season wise, there are a small percentage of winners, but the majority are still committed to grinding it out until spring. With little or no feed, and pasture growth at a snail’s pace, the ongoing decision as to how deep to cut into their herds or flocks must be causing great heartache.

World Angus Secretariat meeting, Uruguay

March saw the World Angus Secretariat in Uruguay, preceded by a week of farm tours on both commercial and stud properties. What a fantastic event, with 150 international and 300 local producers and Angus enthusiasts turning out every day, no matter what region of Uruguay we found ourselves in.

If there was ever an example of matching production and type to your lands capability, Uruguay has perfected it. Using no fertilizer to boost production, crop rotation and moderate framed, easy doing cattle were the order of the day. They don’t have, nor do they need the diversity of types that we have at our disposal to match the differing environments and markets we experience in Australia. Most herds had a mixture of both red and black Angus cattle. The eagerness of all countries present at the World Angus Secretariat to work together and share data for the progress of the Angus breed worldwide was inspiring. It was also very evident that Angus Australia has a lot to offer in this genetic and technical space.

Save the date World Angus Forum Australia 2021 Monday 19th April – 4th May Sydney – Canberra – Toowoomba – Rockhampton

You can find a piece of Australia anywhere in the world

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Sydney Royal Show – Angus Feature Breed

April 11th saw the beginning of Angus Week at the Sydney Royal Show, with large numbers of Angus steers, bulls and females presented for judging. It was a sight to behold. The Angus only Grand Parade on the Friday night of the show, led in by a full highland pipe band, was a strong message to give the city dwellers as to which breed has numbers and quality to keep them well fed on beef.

Congratulations to Tim Lord and his Feature Show Committee, it was a fantastic gathering of Angus cattle and producers. NSW Chairman, Mark Lucas and Secretary, Richard Buck, not only kept everything on time, but hosted a sold out cocktail event on the Saturday night.

Richard announced that after 25 years as Secretary of the NSW State Committee, he would be stepping down from that position. That will be a record that will surely never be broken. From all Angus breeders, Richard, a huge thankyou and job well done. The hospitality area at the Sydney Show was a gathering place for Angus members to recoup and view the display of memorabilia gathered from our 100 years since the first registrations began.

May 2019 – “Angus through the Ages” National Conference, Albury

The conference commenced with the inaugural Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition. What a great event for all involved - the local public, Australia’s best BBQ chefs, verified brand owners, and the suppliers of Angus cattle to verified programs - and didn’t the meat smell fantastic and taste delicious.

This was a great beginning to the next two days of keynote speakers, who covered the whole chain from

Preparing the BBQ for lunch 4/500 guests at "Frigorifico Modelo" in the Tacuarembo region of Uruguay

Show and Sale Bulls and Females on dis "Las Rosas" Florida region Uru

breeding to marketing, wholesale, retail and what our future consumers will demand.

For those unable to get away from the demands of hand feeding, keep an eye out for all the presentations on the Angus Australia website. One of our core reasons we exist is to give members the latest information and skills enabling you to make informed decisions on profitable and sustainable breeding of Angus.

The National Conference also saw the first release of the ImmuneDEX research breeding values from the ASBP program, developed through collaboration with CSIRO.

May 2019 – Angus Australia AGM

Congratulations to re-elected Director Brett Piraner, QLD, and newly elected Directors Perry Gunner, SA, and Dr Laurie Denholm as a National Director. We know they will have a lot to contribute to the Board over the next 2 years.

A huge thankyou to retiring Director and past Chairman, Libby Creek, for her 8 years of tireless service to the Angus Board and breed; and, also to Jim Wedge, who spent 2 years as Chair of the Commercial Supply Chain Committee, and whose knowledge and guidance in the marketing area was invaluable. Both Libby and Jim made very significant contributions during their time on the Board.

7th Annual On Property

BULL SALE

10th AUGUST 2019

25 BULLS 8 REGISTERED HEIFERS Reference Sires include: PC Kodiak K171, Double AA Old Post, LD Capitalist 316

Pentire Andre Lightweight Champion Angus Steer Sydney Royal and member of Stanhill (2nd place) Grand Champion Female at Female and Bull Show Punta del Este

splay at Estancia uguay

2018 Top Priced Bull

PENTIRE MACGYVER M42 JUSTIN RICHARDS

Cobbelaro's lined up after running 2,500 head, in age groups past for inspection at "Frigorifico Modelo"

0429 950 766 · www.pentirestud.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

Adrian Richardson, La Luna Bistro, Kent Anderson, Zoetis, Anthony Puharich Vic’s Premium Quality Meat & Victor Churchill Butchery, Jason Strong, Meat & Livestock Australia, Sam White, Bald Blair Angus and Jon Condon Beef Central, on stage during the panel session, ‘Look how far we’ve come and where we’re going – an insight into the evolvement of Angus cattle and beef across the last 100 years’

Angus through the ages and beyond!

Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Angus may be the most sought after cattle and beef around the world, but the message is clear, we cannot rest on our laurels!

As a breed we need to drive change, continue to lead, work as a well rounded team, to tell our story with a well branded message, utilise the technologies that are available when making breeding decisions, protect the Angus ‘brand’ and most importantly listen to what the end user, the consumer wants.

But with innovative and dedicated breeders that are willing to adapt and utilise the tools that are made available to them from genomics to marketing and branding, backed by the support Angus Australia provides, it would appear that the next 100 years of breeding Angus cattle in Australia and producing the worlds’ most well recognised beef, can continue to thrive.

Almost 250 delegates made it to the border town of Albury in southern New South Wales to celebrate #Angusthroughtheages, a look at how far the Angus breed has come and what we can look to in the future, as Angus Australia celebrated 100 years since the formation of the Angus Society of Australia, in May 1919.

Delegates were treated to a veritable delight of activities and world class speakers presenting on topics designed to provoke thought and challenge the current ideals.

Kicking off the celebrations was the inaugural Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ competition, which brought together some of the best pitmasters across Australia, cooking the best Verified Black Angus Beef from NH Foods, with their Angus Reserve brand, Jack’s Creek Black Angus, Three Creek Beef and Rangers Valley Black Onyx.

Moving into the conference session topics covered, leaders in technology, how has Angus beef adapted to ‘meat’ consumer expectations, managing genetics and reproduction in a commercial herd, staying ahead of the game and the Angus breeds’ place in domestic and international markets.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

The panel session, duly led by Jon Condon of Beef Central saw, Sam White from Bald Blair Angus, Guyra; Jason Strong, MLA Managing Director; Kent Anderson, director of animal genetic technology services with Zoetis in the United States; celebrity chef Adrian Richardson from La Luna Bistro, North Carlton, Melbourne and Anthony Puharich from Vic’s Premium Quality Meat & Victor Churchill Butchery, Sydney, take to the stage and challenge not only the audience, but each other as to what it is Angus breeders should be doing to continue to make their mark on the marketplace.

The panel highlighted the need to be focused on looking to the future and the strong take home message that we need to remain at the forefront of adoption of technology to maintain the leading position of Angus in the supply chain, with the words quality, consistency, marbling and value based marketing coming to the forefront.

In amongst the technical sessions, a gala dinner was held with Adrian Richardson delighting the crowd with the ‘Art of sausage making’ and almost $13,000 was raised for the Angus Foundation.

During the dinner guests were treated to the delights of Verified Black Angus Beef, with NH Foods Angus Reserve beef cheeks and Jack’s Creek Black Angus Beef eye fillet, served.

Delegates were also provided with many networking opportunities with other producers and industry service providers during the trade show. On display were the latest technologies and products associated with progressive beef production.

In closing the conference, Angus Australia’s CEO Dr Peter Parnell, described the event as a, ‘Very appropriate celebration of 100 years of Angus. It is certainly worth celebrating the success of the Angus breed and the contribution of your breed association Angus Australia to this success’.

Angus national conference

‘The very clear focus of Angus Australia over the past decade has been to provide industry leading services to our members and the industry to enhance and promote the value of Angus’.

Dr Parnell highlighted that consistent with this focus, the theme of this conference has been on looking at what Angus Australia and its members need to do to continue the success of Angus into the next century.

He challenged breeders to think about the changes they might consider making to future breeding decisions, marketing and promotional strategies, and how they are going to maintain knowledge to keep at the top in this increasing complex business of breeding great cattle commanding premiums in the market.

Thank you to our

Conference sponsors

Australasia

studstocksales.com

NH Foods Angus Reserve beef cheeks with parmesan polenta, roast baby Dutch carrot creamy white s and asparagus with sweet shallot jus

Jack’s Creek Black Angus eye fillet with crushed peas, mushroom ragout, Kumara rosti, red current jus and baby watercress

Speaker, The Land's, Sue Cannon with Angus Australia's Marketing Assistant, Robyn Brazier

Angus Australia's President, Brad Gilmour with conference speaker, Adrian Richardson, La Luna Bistro. Image: studstocksales.com

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

Holy Smoke! The inaugural Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition a flaming success!

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

The first ever Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition kicked off before the first light of day on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019.

The invitational event featured nine of the best pit masters and crews from around Australia with more than 180 delegates in attendance enjoying entertainment and even better food, marking a roaring success for the opening event of the Angus through the Ages National Conference.

Cooking and preparations for the final hand ins began in the early hours of the morning with each team preparing their cuts with their various secret recipes, serving an array of different flavours and variety to the event goers.

Each team served up 4 different cuts of beef supplied by the Verified Black Angus Beef brands. These included Three Creek Beef tri tip, Rangers Valley Black Onyx beef cheeks, NH Foods Angus Reserve brisket and Jack’s Creek Black Angus strip loin, to 12 judges and everyone to enjoy The Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition was sanctioned by the Australasian BBQ Alliance and was unique, not only for its association with all Verified Black Angus Beef brands, but for the fact that it was a beef only competition.

Grand Champion team went to Grilla’s in the Mist, Millthorpe, NSW. Made up to two mates, Gareth Smith and Chris McGill, the team has been together since 2016 and the took out their second Grand Champion on the night.

Chris of Grilla’s in the Mist said they were overjoyed to take out the competition.

“This was some big company we are in here, some big teams. It’s been a fantastic event, one of the best we have been to. All the crowd was fantastic and really supportive.”

Three Creek Beef

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Liz Pearson, Angus Australia's Commercial Supply Chain Manager with the Grand Champion team Grilla's in the Mist Chris McGill and Gareth Smith, Brad Gilmour and Jess Pryles.

Image: studstocksales.com

“This is our second grand champion; we’ve been close a few times but with the company and the bit of banter we had beforehand with a few of the teams we were over the moon to win this. It’s something completely different to what we are normally used to.”

“You look at the Angus name and this BBQ is a big thing to be involved with. We are privileged to be invited to this, it’s great just to turn up, but to take it out we are not going to forget this for a long time.

“Thank you to Angus Australia and the sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without the supplied Angus beef we had, every piece of it was beautiful.”

The Reserve Champion was awarded to Full Throttle Bar B Q of Newcastle, NSW. With demonstrations throughout the night hosted by Hardcore Carnivore Jess Pryles, the crowd was treated to professional insights into the art of barbecuing.

Rangers Valley Black Onyx

NH Foods

Angus national conference

Angus Australia Commercial Supply Chain Manager Liz Pearson said that the delegates were treated to a BBQ competition unlike others in Australia, with an all beef menu.

“We had nine of Australia’s best teams cooking up four of the best Verified Black Angus Beef brands in Australia.”

“There were so many people here, and everyone has really enjoyed it. Everyone has had a good time and we plan to make this an annual event.”

“It was great giving punters the chance to try the best Angus beef in Australia, by the best pitmaster’s with the absolute confidence this product is pure Angus and it’s endorsed by Australian Angus farmers.”

"

It’s great to have the introduction of this new and exciting event whilst celebrating 100 years...

Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

"

Results Grand Champion- Grilla’s in the Mist Reserve Champion – Full Throttle Bar B Q 3rd Angus Reserve Barbeque Crew 4th Aussie Pit Boys 5th Smokin Hot ‘N Saucy 6th Tex Aus BBQ View the 7th Rollin Smoke BBQ BBQ Competition video here 8th Piggy 9th Smokeface Grillahs

Thank you to our

BBQ Competition sponsors

Many thanks go to the teams who took part and the generosity of the platinum sponsors Jacks Creek Black Angus and NH Foods Angus Reserve and meat sponsors Three Creek Beef and Rangers Valley’s Black Onyx for underpinning this highly successful inaugural event and without whom this would not have been a reality.

These Verified Black Angus Beef brands strive to bring the best Angus product to market by working closely with Angus Australia within the Angus Brand Verification program and push the boundaries to bring the best Angus product to the consumer, in turn protecting and promoting the Angus breed.

The Angus Reserve Brisket being prepared for the judges by the Angus Reserve BBQ Team. Image: Ben Galli Photography

Angus Reserve

Hardcore Carnivore, Jess Pryles wowing the crowd during one of her demonstrations. Image: Ben Galli Photography

Jacks Creek Black Angus

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

Angus Reserve BBQ Team Member and General Manager, Wingham Beef Exports, Grant Colemand with Angus Brand Verification Officer Richard Braund at the Veriried Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition*

Kim Sultana at the ABS Australia trade stand*

Josh Collins, Kenny Sabir and Caleb Love at the AgriWebb trade stand*

faces of the

Adrian Richardson, Angus Australia Commercial Supply Chain Manager Liz Pearson, Albury Entertainment Centre Chef, Peter Hart, Sam Burke and Anthony Puharich at the Gala Dinner*

12 AngusMeredith Bulletin —Ashton winter 2019 Jess PAge Samson and at the Upper Murray Seeds trade stand*

Damien Halloway, ProWay, with Amy Bell-Hine, CSIRO at the ProWay Livestock Equipment trade stand*

Angus national conference

Hamish Cooke and Hannah Bird at the AuctionsPlus trade stand*

Struan and Monika Pearce, studstocksales.com with Angus Youth Consultative Committee Member, Hannah Powe (centre), at the Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition

Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ Competition Reserve Champion team, Full Throttle Bar-B-Q members Mick Tyrell, Louie Hollier Hollier, Matt Danton and Paul Huston, with Angus Australia President, Brad Gilmour and Hardcore Carnivore, Jess Pryles*

conference

*Images: studstocksales.com

Sam Burke, MLA, Sue Pearson from Guyra NSW, Kelly Payne, MLA and John Pearson from Guyra NSW at the Gala Dinner

Sophia Edwards and Julie Pocock at the Vetoquinol & Repro360 trade stand*

Angus Australia’s Graphics & Multimedia Officer, Ebonie Sadler-Small, Angus Youth Development Officer, Candice LIddle, Communications Angus Bulletin winter 2019 PAge 13 & Officer, Cheyne Twist, Marketing Assistant, Robyn—Brazier and Marketing Communications Manager, Diana Wood at the Gala Dinner*

Angus national conference

GET YOUR CATTLE

PERFORMANCE READY WITH MULTIMIN

“Multimin has proven its worth for some of my clients and reinforced the importance of investing for the future.”

Dr Enoch Bergman, Swans Veterinary Services, WA

Multimin® Injection makes your cattle ‘performance ready’ by boosting immunity and fertility. Applied at weaning and dry off, and before joining, Multimin ‘tops up’ levels of essential trace minerals required for optimal health and performance. Scientific studies in Australia and across the world has shown that Multimin can improve fertility and immune function.1-4 Visit au.virbac.com or contact Virbac Customer Support on 1800 242 100 to find out how Multimin can get your cattle ‘performance ready’.

1. Virbac Bulletin trial protocol No.— 578-15.

2. Swaney2019 et al. (2014), WBC, Cairns. 3 Ferreira et al. (2016), WBC. Dublin. 4. Ball (2016), AVA Proceedings, Adelaide. Benefits outlined in the above studies are not registered label claims. ®Multimin is a registered trademark of Virbac. VIR19108 PAge 14References:Angus winter

Angus national conference

Generous support for the Angus Foundation Auction Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Thanks to the generosity of attendees and dinner guests, the National Conference Angus Foundation Auction was a roaring success.

Raising over $13,000, the Angus Foundation Auction was held on Thursday, May 23rd during the Angus through the Ages National Conference Gala Dinner.

The 15 auction lots ranging from Angus genetics, an Angus hide and Verified Black Angus Beef went to bidders from around the country, with sincere thanks going to those who generously donated various items to the auction. Without their support, the auction would not have been possible.

The auction conducted by Sam Gordon from Landmark Paull & Schollard, was also live online, interfaced by conference supporters AuctionsPlus.

All proceeds from the auction go to the Angus Foundation, a mechanism designed to support youth development, education and research to benefit the Australian beef industry.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), managing Director Jason Strong, introduced the auction to the crowd, touching on his history with the Angus Youth program and how his involvement with the program and mentors such as Greg Chappel, drove his career in the beef industry.

‘The broad teaching and impact that Angus Australia has made to Angus Youth and the results from the program are a benefit to the whole industry,’ said Mr Strong.

‘The relationships and connections we build through these programs are for life and it doesn’t matter if it was yesterday or last year, these are something you carry for your whole life.’

Angus Australia CEO Peter Parnell, Byron Wolfe of Thompson Longhorn (purchaser of the Angus hide) and Jason Strong, MLA Managing Director

Auction Item

Donated By

Purchaser

Lot 1: Angus Hide

Angus Australia

Thompson Longhorn

Lot 2: Victor Churchill Class

Anthony Puharich

Anna Gubbins

Lot 3: 10 Straws - KO 2240 Next Step N106

Agri-Gene

Perry GunnerStoney Point Angus

Lot 4: 4 Elite Embryos Esslemont Latisha L111 x Pathfinder Genesis G357

Esslemont Angus

Riddellvue Angus

Lot 5: 10 Straws Brown MTN N131

Victoree Angus

Gene Flow

Lot 6: 2 Elite Embryo Esslemont Nophie N15 x Clunes Crossing Dusty M13

Esslemont Angus

Knowla Angus

Lot 7: Victor Churchill Class

Anthony Puharich

OGA Agency

Lot 8: 4 Elite Embryo Esslemont Lemon L5 x Te Mania Emperor E343

Esslemont Angus

Travis Wilkinson Kyah Park Angus

Lot 9: 10 Straws- Victoree Nobu N106

Victoree Angus

Gene Flow Pty Ltd

Lot 10: 20 StrawsEsslemont General L115

Esslemont Angus

Travis Wilkinson Kyah Park Angus

Lot 11: The Drover Book and Bald Blair Cheese Board

Bald Blair Angus

Jason Strong

Lot 12: 2 x Jacks Creek Black Angus Striploin

Jacks Creek

Genetics Australia

Lot 13: 5 x Bags of Rangers Valley Black Onyx Beef Cheeks

Rangers Valley

Mecardo

Lot 14: 5 x Bags of Rangers Valley Black Onyx Beef Cheeks

Rangers Valley

Anthony Puharich (Donated to the Albury Entertainment Centre kitchen)

Lot 15: 4 x Three Creek Beef Tri Tips

Three Creek Beef

OGA Agency

Lot 16: Donation

Anthony Puharich

Guests at the Gald Dinner to celebrate 100 Years of Angus Australia.

Image: studstocksales.com

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

Angus breeders urged not to overlook maternal traits James Nason, Beef Central

Internationally renowned New Zealand geneticist and animal breeder Professor Dorian Garrick had some pats on the back for Australian Angus breeders at the Angus Through the Ages conference in Albury.

Professor Dorian Garrick is the Chief Scientist and Director of the Al Rae Centre at Massey University in New Zealand.

But this was followed with a sobering warning that breeders were selecting too heavily on terminal sire traits at the expense of important maternal efficiency traits.

He offered the below example of data showing the genetic trend of weaning weight and yearling weight in the American Hereford industry from 1975 to 2015.

Angus breeders had made “tremendous improvements” in terminal sire traits over the past 30 years which had led to higher weaning weights, higher yearling weights and higher carcase weights, and increased the value of their product.

An average 2017-born Angus steer earned $103/ head more than a 1980 steer in the United States.

(Importantly though not all of that benefit was captured by cow-calf operators, with some captured by feedlotters and processors).

However, they were falling short on key maternal traits that are becoming increasingly important as society demands more efficient production and a smaller environmental beef hoofprint.

With bigger cattle has come increased feed costs. The cost of feeding the average Angus daughter in the US in 2017 was $57/head more than the average Angus daughter in 1980. And all of those costs are carried by the cow calf operator.

“So collectively I would say the cow calf operator, the genetic change that has occurred since 1980 has not been what I would consider to be improvement,” Dr Garrick said.

“The cloud has moved, it has moved hugely, but it has moved more in a terminal sire direction and not enough in a maternal cow direction.”

Dr Garrick has had a distinguished 37 year career as an animal breeder at Massey University in NZ and also at various universities in the United States including Cornell, Colarado State and Iowa State. He is a global authority on livestock improvement through pedigree selection, genetic and genomic evaluations and the development of cross breeding model predictions.

After rising sharply from 1980s through to the 1990s the rate of ascent clearly slowed somewhat.

Dr Garrick said that bend illustrated the emergence of ultrasound testing in the 1990s, which led to the prediction of merit for carcase characteristics in the American Hereford herd.

“Up until that time selection was primarily on growth, so when Hereford breeders chose to move the cloud they now had the opportunity to put more emphasis on improving the carcase merit and less emphasis on growth, and we can see that here as a bend in that curve for growth rate.”

Similar data for American Angus from 1980 to 2015 demonstrated that Angus breeders had not changed their attitude about growth in the same way.

Weaning weight, yearling weight and carcase weight have gone up and up over the same period:

His key message to the audience in Albury was that the beef industry needs to improve the efficiency of beef production, which involves focusing on number of traits not being given adequate consideration at present.

Dr Garrick said improved efficiency could certainly be achieved with well-designed genetic selection programs, but had to be focus on total merit indexes.

And the change would need to be led by innovative breeders and entrepreneurs.

Dr Garrick said a rear-view mirror analysis of objective measurement data in a herd or across an entire breed provided a clear demonstration of what was being prioritised in selection decisions.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

The trend toward bigger and bigger carcases was being driven not by the abattoir or processor end but way back in the bull selection process, a couple of generations animals were born.

It was being driven by American Angus Association dollar indexes such as the one below showing that average 2017 feedlot offspring earned $103 more at slaughter

Angus national conference

due to improved postweaning performance and carcase characteristics than 1980 offspring.

While that had been a fantastic performance on those terminal traits, other genetic trends showed the cost of feeding an average Angus daughter in 2017 compared to 1981 was about $57 more feed per year.” Clear breeding goal essential

Dr Garrick said professional animal breeders can design a breeding program based around the goal a breeder wants to achieve. Every breeder should be able to describe their breeding goal in the time it takes an elevator to rise a single floor.

As an example one dairy breeding client in New Zealand used to have a goal defined by “profit per hectare”, but now defines their goal in terms of “profit per 4.5 tonnes of dry matter”. (Why 4.5 tonnes of dry matter specifically?

That is the average amount of dry matter a dairy cow in New Zealand averaged across breed and her share of replacements eats in a year.)

“So they recognise we’re in a pastoral production system, and some cows are bigger and eat more, and some cows are smaller and eat less, but the goal is profit per unit of food consumed,” he said.

The next step is to define what needs to change to advance your animals toward your goal. This involves identifying the list of traits you want to change and the relative emphasis of each of those traits which then defines an index to summarise the merit of those animals.

That informs which individual measures are required to produce the relevant EBVs and which animals need to be measured and how the breeding program is structured.

A final step was to do an economic analysis to look at the overall benefit and costs. “I could easily double the rate of improvement in any industry I have ever had anything to do with, but the costs of implementing those improvements could be more than the benefits that flow right through the system. So in my job and probably in your jobs as well it is all about compromise, and only spending the money where we know that we get a good return on that investment.”

You are doing a good job of selecting for the income traits – particularly growth and some of the things that affect eating,” he said.

“What are the things you could do a better job of selecting on? Well I would argue it is everything else.

“So why aren’t these other traits being adequately considered? Well I think part of the problem is that you are not selecting on the total merit indexes.”

While most breeders would say they are selecting on total merit indexes, he said a rear vision mirror look often showed that was not the case.

“In particular the one that tends to get missed out a lot is the maternal system traits,” he said.

“You are not measuring enough of the less tangible attributes, the things that can’t be measured in a production system.” This included attributes such as carcase merit on a breeding animal, or ones that were too expensive or labour intensive to measure such as age of puberty.

“If you asked me about the value proposition among the bull breeding sector I would say the big problem with beef industries globally is there are too many animals being recorded and not enough traits being recorded,” he said.

The changing regulatory environment was also underlining the importance of maternal traits. Cattle producers in New Zealand for example must now comply with specific urine nutrient excretion limits. It

Dorian Garrick, Massey University. Image: studstocksales.com

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference is anticipated dairy markets will increasingly ban dairy products produced from animals that are genetically horned, because they have to be dehorned in ways that social media indicates is not appropriate.

Traits producers could to be a better job of selecting included reproduction, longevity, healthfulness, feed efficiency, animal welfare and environmental hoofprint.

Social media and online forces continued to highlight a perceived lack of efficiency of beef production. Critics of beef production regularly point to figures indicating it takes 25kg of feed to produce 1kg of beef, by far the least efficient of all animal proteins. (People in the beef industry understand that much of that intake is food nothing else would eat, but consumers making a purchase decision still see it as beef being worse than any other animal protein on that score).

“You can move the cloud in anyway you like, so if you wanted to make your goal to improve to improve the protein efficiency of beef production, we could make huge improvements in this particular characteristic, but that is not what you are going to achieve by accident by selecting on things like yearling weight,” Dr Garrick said.

50 years ago most people ate beef and lamb every day and chicken on special occasions. Now that trend had largely reversed. These per capita meat consumption trends highlighted the success the poultry and pig

industries have achieved in using genetic selection programs to make chicken and pork production as efficient and cost effective as possible.

“One of the reasons that we haven’t been able to achieve the same things here is we have been focusing too much on those terminal sire characteristics and not enough on those whole systems aspects,” Dr Garrick said.

“So in summary we really need to improve the efficiency of beef production, and we need to be seen to be trying to improve the efficiency of beef production and particularly that means reproductive efficiency, birth to finish efficiency, and doing so involves a number of traits, many of which we’re not adequately considering.

“Selection is a proven and cost effective mechanism for doing this, but it needs to be based on whole system indexes, not just say a feedlot index.

“Genomics allows us to get predictions of these things in all kinds of ways we couldn’t do in the past, but we need to do it in a way that doesn’t give us market failure, and rewards the individuals that invest in those activities.

“And if we are going to do this it is not going to be led by people like me who talk about it, it is going to be led by people like you who do it.

“It needs to be led by innovative breeders and it needs to be led by those among you that are entrepreneurs who can see business opportunities for these kind of things.”

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

New decision-support tools will help drive genetic selection, Angus conference told Jon Condon, Beef Central

The skills acquired by the ‘master seedstock breeder’ will continue to play a vital role in genetic improvement in cattle over the next ten years, but new and emerging decision-support tools will allow him or her to make better, more informed and more efficient breeding decisions.

That’s the view Dr Kent Anderson, director of technical services with Zoetis Animal Genetics, who spoke at last week’s Angus Through the Ages conference in Albury.

The noted US animal geneticist was tasked with doing some crystal-ball gazing about where cattle genetics and genomics progress might head over the next ten years, to 2030. Here’s a summary of his views:

Blockchain

Dr Anderson said conference delegates had no doubt started to see the headlines about how the use of blockchain technology is integrating all sorts of food supply chains, where an animal’s information enters an electronic ledger, and then different people along the supply chain can extract information from the ledger, as well as contribute information.

“While that may seem far-fetched today, by 2030 I would image we will have a lot of these beef supply chains up and operational using blockchain, including back at the seedstock level,” he said.

The beef industry was moving from a time when we were a segmented supply chain that included seedstock, cow/calf, stocker or backgrounder, lotfeeder, packer, distributor, retailer and consumer. Today the chain is much more streamlined, more united and more willing to share and use information (including genetics) to make the whole chain more efficient.

Genetic opportunities:

Dr Anderson congratulated Angus Australia for its implementation of single step analytical software into Angus BREEDPLAN, the ‘state-of-the-art’ way to blend all of the information including pedigree, phenotype as well as genomic information, driving accuracy for young non-parent animals.

“It means EBVs are more dependable, and there’s less risk and fewer mistakes in selection and mating decisions.

“When a producer asks us what the benefits are of selling or buying bulls that have been genomically-tested, we use progeny equivalents to attempt to answer the question,” he said.

Dr Anderson made a comparison with conventional, non-genomic enhanced genetic evaluation, in how many offspring (daughters or carcases) would otherwise be required to achieve the same level of accuracy as what genomics was delivering immediately.

As this table shows, for most traits across material, growth, efficiency and carcase, the progeny equivalents – the additional accuracy that the marker provides – jump-starts the EBV such that it has accuracy similar to what otherwise would require the better part of a first calf crop with phenotypes contributing to the evaluation, he said.

“The question is, by 2030, what might be the progeny equivalence and how accurate might animals get? This is obviously dependent on the rate of adoption of the

Kent Anderson, Zoetis. Image: studstocksales.com

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Angus national conference technology and the submission of additional phenotypes, and the assembly of markers that are all the more informative.

“It’s really been this whole notion of achieving the better part of a calf-crop in progeny equivalence that has driven the adoption of genomic technology in the US,” Dr Anderson said.

Currently across the different beef breeds in use in the US there were about 800,000 animals with genotype information, and obviously Angus was leading the way with more than 540,000, distributed among animals located nationwide.

Thinking differently about accuracy

Dr Anderson suggested that by 2030, seedstock breeders might think ‘differently’ about accuracy.

“Will accuracy matter, because young, tested animals will have effectively ‘high’ accuracy – reducing generation interval,” he said.

‘Currently, as a breeder I am one who is moderate in my tolerance towards accuracy, meaning I would normally pick a combination of bulls that are proven – and then maybe a few that are not yet proven for carcase and daughter traits, but are proven for calving ease and growth.

“In 2030, I think the aspiration that we should all have as breeders and breed associations would be to have our technology deliver effectively high-accuracy for non-parent animals – whereby accuracy may not matter so much.”

As a precursor to this, he used the US dairy industry as an example.

The average age of AI sires in the latest 2018 crop of Holstein bulls was one-third younger than it was just six years ago.

“So the dairy industry is obviously using a lot more young, genetically-elite sires earlier – decreasing the generational interval, and speeding genetic progress.

They are doing that through more accurate predictions on young, superior animals,” he said.

Additional trait predictions

Dr Anderson also touched on predictions for additional traits that might be needed in 2030 to best describe

difference in the profitability of animals – a topic covered in some detail in Dr Dorian Garrick’s earlier conference presentation.

He categorised these into three categories: • Health Events: Respiratory disease, heart failures (late-term feedlot deaths); Scours, Pinkeye, Foot-rot, etc; Survival – birth to weaning, yearling, harvest • Maternal Fitness/Adaptability: Fertility/Longevity, teat/udder quality, cow body condition score; Maternal behaviour (mothering at time of calving), calf vigour; Environmental tolerances (Altitude (PAP), Brisket disease, fescue, heat/humidity (hair shedding scores), cold, etc.

• Bull durability & specific complementarity: Probability of survival/service through “X” breeding seasons; Reasons for premature death/culling (i.e. failed semen test, structural soundness.)

“We think there is opportunity to evaluate animals for more maternal fitness and adaptability across a wide variety of traits,” he said.

Another category of traits – “open ground, yet to be ploughed,” – was the notion of being able to select for the do-ability of bulls, to last for more breeding seasons and produce a lot of calves, and not break down over structural or semen quality issues.

“I would challenge you, as breeders, to add to this list of possible traits. You no doubt have observed things over the years that are important – so by all means engage with your breed association to scope those new traits, that you can collect in volume to give you more insights to the traits that might better describe your profit function.”

Respiratory disease resistance

Of all the traits highlighted above, respiratory (BRD) was the highest on the priority list, Dr Anderson said.

He said he had ‘real confidence’ that the whole idea of selecting cattle for immunity was going to work for the beef industry. “I’m delighted to hear of the investment that Angus Australia has made in this sort of work in Angus cattle.”

He showed results from a validation study for calf wellness traits in susceptibility to respiratory disease in dairy animals. “Although only lowly heritable, these Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference things really do respond to selection, and are associated with observed phenotypes for the traits.”

In the dairy example used to illustrate his point (graph below), the group of animals with the worst genetic merit for susceptibility to respiratory disease also had the highest incidence of BRD. Conversely, the highest genetic merit animals for BRD resistance had the lowest incidence of disease.

“We see results like this over and over again across all of the cow and calf wellness traits – and we’re excited about the prospects,” Dr Anderson said.

wellness and production traits – see graph below), the industry is getting very sophisticated. Sexed heifer semen is used to produce genetically elite females for replacement, using the top end of their cows. And then – so as not to produce a lower genetic value dairy animal – they are strategically mating the bottom portion of their distribution to beef sires, to make them more valuable as a beef x dairy feeder animal.”

“We’re moving to the point now where the major US studs are selling more beef semen into the dairy industry than they are into beef herds. We think that’s an opportunity into the future to enhance efficiency across the whole beef/dairy supply chain,” Dr Anderson said.

Basic science investment still needed

Dr Anderson said he also thought that some basic science investment was needed to pave the way to 2030.

In 2018, Zoetis invested in developing a whole reference genome – a complete DNA sequence – of an Angus animal. Previously many of the DNA markers were derived from a mixed breed research animal from Montana.

“One thing that has paved the way for wellness traits in dairy industry has been developing a Holstein complete DNA sequence,” he said. “We’re hopeful that completing that for Angus will be insightful for beef, as well, as we develop predictions for new, difficult, expensive and hard to measure traits in the future.”

Another feature that was helping rapid genetic progress in the US dairy industry was the sheer quantity of data.

The number of genotyped dairy animals now approached three million head.

“As it relates to the economic profit function, the dairy industry has turned around the negative response in reproduction in recent years, and has now sustained improvement in profit,” he said.

Precision animal management

Dr Anderson said by the year 2030, new technologies that were just now coming on line would make the collection of animal phenotypes more automated, and make the submission more streamlined “We’re working with a technology called SmartBow in dairy, and another called Advex applied to feeder cattle in feedlots, whereby an RFID eartag monitors all kinds of things about the animal. They can tell the duration of rumination, the duration of eating at the bunk; and which dairy animals are in heat.

“Our forecast is that we are moving, within a very short time period to what we call precision animal management. The parallel would be precision farming, where you marry-up GPS with soil maps, plant population and tailored fertiliser programs. We see the same thing coming down the turnpike for both dairy and beef cattle.”

Some other interesting developments were already emerging in dairy cattle.

“The dairy industry is getting very sophisticated in the way it manages its cow inventory. Using the industry’s Dairy Wellness Profit Dollars index, where animals are ranked according to their profitability (including both PAge 22

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Decision support tools

Beyond the actual predictions and the expansion of traits for which we might have predictions in 2030, Dr Anderson suggested that the way in which the industry used the predictions was also likely to become more sophisticated – even though breeders only have two things at their disposal to improve the profitability of animals: selection and mating.

“I think we will see decision-support tools that enable us to optimise these things, and help the master breeder make those decisions better and more efficiently.

“I’d challenge breeders to think about what are those things are that they can select for that are truly going to maximise their profit function between now and 2030, and beyond.

“Hats off to Angus Australia for the work they have done on multi-trait economic selection indexes. I think these are a saviour in trying to take a lot of information on a lot of different traits – and the economic ramifications they contain on costs as well as revenue from production – and putting them into one number that can be used as a screening tool for animals that represent the best profit function.”

“Beyond the indexes you have the individual traits you can fall back on to select those particular sires for propagation in your program to help both with the overall profit function, as well as improving individual trait weakness.”

“One of the components of the MateSel software is to work with breeders to really nail down their desired breeding objective, defining which index best represents the profit function for the breeder and their customers; what levels

Angus national conference of inbreeding are tolerable; and what threshold levels of individual traits are of most value.

“Answering those questions, and marrying it up with the MateSel software really helps breeders to optimise that blend between the profit function described by the index, tolerable levels of inbreeding and desired levels of individual trait performance.

“I only see the future between now and 2030 as becoming more and more dependent on the use of decision support technology like this – because of the vast array of information we have to try to digest in our selection decisions.”

“Just 200 cows potentially mated to 15 candidate sires means that there is 3000 different possible outcomes to evaluate. It’s not at all that we are trying to threaten or take away the work of the ‘master breeder’ on both visually evaluated traits as well as those things that are just synergistic in the bulls we choose, but these tools simply help us become more efficient, because they will give us the sire that is the most optimum, as well as the ranked back-ups, so we have that at our disposal to think about as we build our breeding plans and make our final sire selection decisions.”

By 2030, the industry would also become more sophisticated in the way it delivered genetic information to commercial users of Angus genetics, and how knowledge from decision-making tools like HeiferSelect

in turn would inform ‘wiser, smarter’ bull buying decisions from seedstock providers, Dr Anderson said.

“Imagine the day when your biggest commercial bull customers know all about the strengths and weaknesses of their cow inventory. They could come to you, and running MateSel with all the bulls in your sale catalogue, you could provide them with a prioritised list of those that are the best complement – that best synergised with the strengths, and corrected any weaknesses in that commercial herd, and make the best bull buying decisions possible.”

By 2030, it was also possible that phenotypes from tested commercial herds might contribute to genetic evaluation, especially for traits like reproductive traits, he said.

Will bull breeders be able to provide commercial clients with a prioritised list of bulls that complement their cow herd?

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Angus national conference

Angus Through the Ages provides innovation and insights for Kate Schoen Candice Liddle, Events and Youth Development Officer

Joining the delegates at the 2019 Angus Through the Ages National Conference was Kate Schoen from Corowa, New South Wales.

The Angus Foundation, through is scholarships program, provided Mrs Schoen with the opportunity to attend all events associated with the Angus through the Ages National Conference in Albury on the 22nd-24th of May, including the Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ, Gala dinner and the conference itself.

The aim of the scholarship was to increase Mrs Schoen’s knowledge of the Angus breed and the wider beef industry, give her the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals and develop her personal skills.

Many Angus Australia members are aware of Mrs Schoen’s commitment to the Angus Youth program, as she is a massive advocate for the youth program and in particular the Angus Youth Roundup.

Alongside her husband Murk, Mrs Schoen manages Schoen Pastoral, an intensive mixed farming operation made up of different enterprises including irrigated and dryland winter and summer cropping, prime lamb, stud and commercial cattle as well as opportunistic trading of cattle and sheep.

The Schoen’s established Aarden Angus in 2017, and now own 20 stud females. Together they are looking to expand this element to become a key part of our farming business.

Mrs Schoen kicked of the conference Wednesday night by attending the Verified Black Angus Beef BBQ where she was quickly put to good use by helping out one of the BBQ contestants serving their beautifully cooked beef to the attendees.

‘I found this a great opportunity to learn a bit more about how to cook the beautiful Verified Black Angus Beef products and see inside the world of competitive barbequing,’ she said.

‘I don’t think that I have ever eaten so much beef in one sitting,’ she added.

Moving on to the first day of conference, jammed packed with informative speakers who shared their knowledge and insight into the Angus Breed and the greater beef industry, Mrs Schoen was looking forward to engaging in the sessions on offer.

‘I found Angus Street from AuctionsPlus, speaking on evolving your brand to be one of the standouts,’ Mrs Schoen said.

‘Angus shared some key points on what has driven the evolution of AuctionsPlus with some excellent take home messages,’ she added.

‘Another standout speaker for me was Kent Anderson of Zoetis on Genomics into the future.’

‘I really look forward to implementing genomics into our business and building strong knowledge around it,’ said Mrs Schoen.

Kate Schoen & Candice Liddle, Events and Youth Development Officer

‘The final session for the day was the panel session which was a thought-provoking experience that was a great lead up for some great discussion with fellow delegates that evening,’ Mrs Schoen said.

The Gala dinner on Thursday night was also attended, which provided yet another fantastic Verified Black Angus Beef meal, which really showcased the end product beef breeders are all striving to produce.

The final day of the conference was again broken into multiple sessions, making it hard for Mrs Schoen to choose between the topics, but being driven to promote her business and stud she made the choice to attend the sessions focused around promotion, marketing and PR. ‘I enjoyed the topics, around leadership, identity and marketing, the sessions provided some excellent tips in setting yourself apart in the marketplace, of which I look forward to implementing,’ said Mrs Schoen.

‘The final session on markets really tied together the big picture of Angus in the marketplace looking at where we sit in the global market and what was the actual Angus premium, and what was it worth.’

‘We are very lucky to be involved in a breed with such a bright future, it makes it hard to see why people would choose otherwise,’ she added.

In summing up her experience at the National Conference, Mrs Schoen highlighted, ‘The national conference as an event that shouldn’t be missed if you have an interest in the Angus breed or the beef industry as a whole, I would encourage anyone to attend.’

‘The opportunity to gain knowledge is only one part, adding to that, the real networking of likeminded people from all sectors was invaluable,’ she added.

‘Moving through the funnel of the Angus Youth program, as I have done in the past has set me up with the skills to take full opportunity the conference.’

‘This will be an event that I would like to attend again and again, and would encourage more young people to make the effort, as you won’t be disappointed,’ she concluded.

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Growing Asian preference for quality beef will underpin Angus premiums Jon Condon, Beef Central

The trend among emerging Asian markets like China towards seeking higher quality meat as their economies mature will serve to underpin premiums for Australian Angus cattle in the future, delegates attending the 2019 Angus Australia annual heard.

Robert Hermann, head of Ruralco’s markets intelligence service provider Mecardo, provided a summary of current price premiums for Angus cattle during the conference, and where they might go in future.

While there had been some fluctuation, he suggested Angus cattle premiums had averaged 25c/kg since mid-2015.

“We’re in a really fortunate position in the Australian beef industry. We have this massive, and growing population to our north, with half the world’s population in our vicinity,” he said.

“And as they get richer, the tendency is to eat more beef. In China, households earning $35,000 or more are expected to double over the next four years. History has shown that when countries transition from third-world to first-world economic status, they consume more protein, fats and carbs.”

“Now we have these big populations in Asia moving in that direction. That’s a real positive,” Mr Hermann said.

“These export markets are absolutely the future of our industry in Australia.”

He said the big difference (in livestock value) between the current drought circumstances and the 1970s droughts was the current high beef demand from export markets which was supporting livestock pricing.

Using China as an example, Mr Hermann pointed out the growth that had been seen into China in the first quarter this year, relative to mature markets like Japan and Korea.

Especially evident has been the growth in chilled (proxy for quality) over frozen exports. Australian chilled beef exports to China for the year to April reached almost 6400 tonnes, up 160pc or almost 4000t on the same four months last year.

“That huge population in China is getting to know that Australia has quality meat,” Mr Hermann said.

“They are becoming aware that we have not only a baselevel beef protein, but that we also have quality meat, and Angus fits into that category. It took China less

than a decade to match South Korean import volumes out of Australia, and when coupled with the growth in population and annual income, we have someone on our doorstep, banging away, saying give us some product.”

25c/kg premium evident for Angus

In seeking to measure Angus premiums, Mecardo uses AuctionsPlus trading as the best measurement of breed performance for price.

“It’s really the only sale channel where the breed is recorded accurately, against prices,” he said.

Comparing 100pc Angus genetics cattle (steers and heifers 200-400kg liveweight) against other cattle with no Angus content on AuctionsPlus since 2015, Mecardo found the Angus premium averaged 25c/kg liveweight.

For 70 percent of the period since July 2015 (brown panel in the graph published here), the Angus premium had been between 12c/kg and 38c/kg liveweight.

“In percentage terms, the average Angus premium has averaged 8pc for those same cattle, and for most of the time has ranged between 5pc and 13pc,” he said.

“Whether you view this as a discount for other breeds or a premium for Angus, it’s nice to be where the breed currently sits.”

Future trends

Mr Hermann raised a number of perceived ‘risks and opportunities’ in maintaining the Angus breed premium for livestock going forward.

One of these was the guarantee of provenance, including genetic assurances, where the animal came from and what its production history was. “It’s a risk if Angus breeders we don’t provide it, but its also an opportunity, if breeders can create that transfer of traceability to deliver that consumer comfort and confidence in the product.

Robert Herrmann and Peter Parnell, Angus Australia CEO

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

“Another risk is quality assurance. One of the risks with an industry brand like ‘Angus’ is that everybody is in. But if you want to extract the true value over the longer term, you have to be able to describe what the benefit and

Angus national conference value is. The opportunity is to define those parameters – how you can guarantee that every time somebody selects your product, they get the right outcome. If it’s a bad outcome, then the brand is damaged, and runs the risk of consumers not seeing the benefit. Delivering quality assurance, and defining those quality parameters is something that brands (like Angus) need to think about.”

Mr Hermann said the advancements in objective measurement for meat quality also represented a risk and opportunity for Angus, while ever it was ‘in front’ of other breeds in price premiums.

“If anybody else can say (using objective measurement) that their qualities are the same as yours, then they are going to catch up, premium-wise,” he said.

“The opportunity in that is for Angus to continue to refine and move the Angus brand and its premium forward.

When you are at the front of the race, it’s much easier for others to catch you – but if you think that what you’ve done in the past is going to be enough to keep you at the front in the future, it’s a risk.”

During questiontime, a conference delegate asked whether the Angus brand was likely to become more ‘fractured’ over time.

“I’m pretty sure that not all Angus is Angus, and not all Angus is good Angus,” Mr Hermann said.

“In the end, you will be as good as your lowest contributor. That tells me that if you want premiums to

keep moving ahead – because the entire beef industry is trying to get where Angus is – then perhaps what you need to do is start identifying who the leader is. I suspect that is already happening with breeding, so why not with your marketing?”

“But with provenance, traceability and quality assurance, you have the opportunity now to say, yes, we have a great breed and product, but within that, we have a product (backed by QA, traceability and provenance) that is even better. And without telling the customer, they have to pay more for it.”

“You need to be able to control the quality of a brand.

Up to now, I suspect Angus’s competition (in the higher quality beef space) was not that great. But that won’t be the same forever, and so you will need to step-up, using some of these tools.”

Robert Herrmann presenting. Image: studstocksales.com

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference

Angus Beef for brunch!

Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager You will not come across two men more passionate about red meat than, Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA), corporate chef, Sam Burke and master butcher, Kelly Payne whom delighted conference delegates with their two man show to demonstrate portioning and preparing an Oyster Blade primal into the ultimate brunch dish, BBQ Verified Black Beef Flat Iron, sautéed greens, Basturma salted poached egg, crispy beef bacon, Chimmi Churri, with blistered Heirloom tomatoes

Verified Black Angus Beef Flat Iron steak, sautéed greens, Basturma salted poached egg, crispy Beef Bacon, Chimmi Churri, with blistered Heirloom tomatoes Ingredients

· 10 x 150g flat iron steaks · 25g Ras El Hanout spice mix · 40ml extra virgin olive oil · Salt and pepper

Method

Sam Burke and Kelly Payne, MLA with Liz Pearson, Angus Australia

The two have a passion for bringing beef to the forefront and want nothing more than for consumers to celebrate and showcase this great Australian product around the world as they work with big food service players across the many different sectors - catering companies, quick service restaurants, pubs and hotels, cruise ships, airlines and aged care.

Their aim? To ensure red meat holds its place on their menus. That means making certain these businesses have success at every step with the beef they serve up.

A priority has been to showcase how secondary cuts of red meat like beef brisket and rump cap could provide innovative, tasty and affordable dishes.

“It’s about total carcase utilisation so we can land at the right meal costs to make these organisations profitable and keep red meat front and centre,” Sam said.

Flat iron steaks are sliced from an oyster blade and often described as the “poor man’s tenderloin” which sells for around half the price of sirloin.

Here’s how you can enjoy your very own Verified Black Angus Beef brunch.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Steaks should be at least 21mm thick.

Pat dry with kitchen paper before cooking.

Take the steaks out of the fridge 10 minutes before you cook them.

This takes the chill out of the steak allowing it to cook evenly, stopping the meat tightening and becoming tough.

If using a pan, it should be heavy-based.

Season the steaks lightly with salt and pepper.

Oil, then sprinkle with Ras El Hanout spice mix.

Cook to internal temperature of 580C, then rest for half the amount of cooking time.

Chimmi Churri (Serves x10) Ingredients

· ½ bunch coriander finely chopped · ½ bunch parsley finely chopped · 10g dried oregano · 125mls red wine vinegar · 125mls extra virgin olive oil · 4 finely diced garlic cloves · Zest and juice of 1 lemon · 1 finely diced red chilli · salt and pepper

Method

Combine the coriander, parsley, oregano, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest and chilli in a small bowl – season to taste with salt and pepper.

Accompaniments for plate up

· 1 punnet blistered cherry Heirloom tomatoes · balsamic glaze · 3 poached eggs · 200g sautéed spinach · 500g grilled Beef Bacon · Basturma salt Place rested steak on the plate, top with sautéed spinach, add blistered balsamic cherry tomatoes and place poached egg and grilled beef bacon on top and dress with Chimmi Churri.

Angus national conference

#angusthroughtheages snapshots Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

Angus Australia President Brad Gilmour opened the 2019 #angusthroughtheages conference highlighting how hard it is to imagine what farms were like 100 years ago and that we are lucky to have technology at our disposal to have been able to develop the Angus breed.

‘Angus is the leading beef breed around the world, and due to the hard work and foresight of Angus breeders and Angus Australia, and their willingness to adopt new technologies through the last 100 years, Angus is synonymous with consistent quality around the world.’

The program for the conference engaged with all areas of the supply chain, as Angus Australia celebrated ‘Angus through the ages’.

Here we look at what the speakers had to say.

Take charge, tell the story and use your own narrative – Adam Arndell, C7Even

For Adam Arndell public relations or PR is about deliberately managing the spread of information between your business and the public. However he did note that when relying on others to tell your story, you are not always in control.

A topic that is at the forefront of the agricultural world, as farmers increasingly find themselves in a position of defence. ‘In the agriculture space its more about damage control, unfortunately we are constantly in damage control in the agricultural industry from a PR perspective.’

However according to Adam, it’s not all doom and gloom as he highlighted that we are in control and have the opportunity to, ‘Flip that and start telling the positive stories.’

‘As farmers, we need to build our own PR, we need thought leadership – share insights and ideas, a unique point of view, that provokes new ways of thinking, spark discussions and debates and inspire actions.’

For Angus breeders thought leadership can be broken into three areas, industry thought leadership where you give commentary around changing breed traits, consumer consumption, market access and social license; product thought leadership where you talk about your genetic traits, farm systems, meat quality and animal health and well being and organisation thought leadership, touching on your history, results, awards and vision.

We were put on this planet to eat beef! - Adrian Richardson, La Luna Bistro

View the conference videos here

Images: studstocksales.com

For Adrian Richardson he loves the simple stuff and that is where meat comes in, you don’t need to do much to ‘fluff it up and make it fancy’.

Adrian’s love of meat drove him down the path of a passion for beef and very early on he ensured that he sourced the best quality beef he could buy and utilised dry ageing as a further enhancer.

Adrian, has up to 2,500kg of beef hanging and ageing at any one time.

‘People want quality, the punters want something different and special and they are prepared to pay.’

According to chef Adrian Richardson, beef and Angus go hand in hand, ‘It is a very well recognised brand, with great recognition in the marketplace.’

“Angus is generally what people are buying, it has a really good name and it is generally the breed people talk about when they mention beef, beef and Angus go really well together’.

‘Genetics and clever management mean that Angus beef can marble.’

Adrian also highlighted how important it is for producers to be telling their story, a theme that seemed to keep popping up across the conference.

‘Media is a great way to influence the way people eat and these days punters ask a lot more questions in restaurants, so it is good to tell your story when selling a product,’ said Adrian.

‘The media has a big role in changing how we eat, the punters are becoming more and more educated and they want to know the story of where the beef came from, they want to make an informed decision’.

At the end of the day, they are looking for good flavour, tenderness and juiciness.

In summing his presentation up, Adrian wants Angus breeders to remember, ‘Quality and consistency of quality is the most important thing in beef production.’

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Angus national conference Natalie Isaac, Meat & Livestock Australia

When it comes to producing beef, Australia may be one of the smallest beef producers (4% of total world production), but plays a big role in beef exports (17% of global beef exports).

‘The opportunity for Australian beef lies in differentiating itself from commodity beef’.

According to Natalie, Australia must focus on the premium consumer.

‘Australian beef is well positioned in the global market, we are a country that is preferred’ The top three criteria overseas customers are looking at when it comes to assessing quality when buying a steak include, the particular country, particular brand and particular breed of cow, and unsuprisingly for conference attendees, Angus has the most awareness.

Natalie highlighted that consumers look for quality guarantees, safety certification and naturalness on a pack when deciding to buy.

‘Consistent quality, tender meat that is safe to eat from a well-cared for animal is what can differentiate your premium beef from commodity beef’.

Australian Angus Beef has an indispensable role in the BBQ world Jess Pryles, The Hardcore Carnivore

For Jess Pryles, cook, author, TV host and Hardcore Carnivore, her expertise lies in all things red meat and having educated herself in the field of meat, and particularly beef, how to cook it, the difference between grass and grain fed, how does aging affect meat etc, Jess provided conference delegates with an insight to how Angus beef contributes to the world of BBQ. Jess this is one of her favourite roles, getting to act as a conduit between the BBQ and the beef communities. ‘I get to spread the gospel of BBQ to people like yourselves who produce the incredible raw ingredient that is everything to the BBQ process,’ Jess told delegates.

BBQ was born from the necessity to turn less desirable cuts into something saleable and something palatable, but despite these origins, the new generation of barbecuers have learnt that the quality of the producer makes a tremendous difference to the outcome.

‘The great BBQ restaurants ensure they use high quality and well marbled beef and quality and palatability are the hallmarks of Angus cattle and the careful genetics programs associated with it,’ said Jess.

‘Thanks to the genetics, marbling and physical size of Angus cattle, Angus beef has come to enjoy the premier spot of the beef choice among Australian BBQ pitmasters and restaurants.’

In BBQ competitions, despite everything that goes into creating the ultimate BBQ dish, where judges are known to take just one bite, Jess highlighted that they key is starting with a great base, ‘Long term grain fed Angus brisket provides the richness of flavour and luxurious mouth feel that teams are looking to provide the judges.’

The beef and BBQ relationship is symbiotic, BBQ provides the beef industry with opportunities for value adding and the romance and world wide obsession with ‘que’ has created a whole new market for beef consumption, ‘As it grows, the Australian BBQ industry will continue to rely more than ever on the quality hallmarks of Angus beef.’

Be there, be useful, be quick - Sue Cannon, Australian Community Media

Australians love the internet, from a population of 24 million, 20 million people are online and 18 million people are on social media and when it comes to livestock producers almost 100% of people are online.

On average beef producers spend 2.2 hours per day online and 76% of searches happen on a mobile.

Sue Cannon, Digital Solutions Specialist with Australian Community Media highlighted that having your business online means being mobile optimised. ‘Mobile has changed the way we act and react to life, they want immediacy of action, have high expectations for an easy experience and are more loyal to their needs than a particular brand.’

‘At the end of the day, the only place on the internet where you can control what is being said about you is on your website.’

In highlighting how beef producers can ensure they remain relevant in the digital age, Sue PAge 30

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Angus national conference noted that it’s important to in • Build brand awareness – using traditional forms of advertising, magazine, newspaper, internet, brochures etc, but be consistent and make sure your brand is there when people are looking for it • Be there for research and comparison – it is important that people can find you in those moments that matter to them when they go online • Purchase – ensure you are still in front when people are ready to purchase • Retention – ensure you can keep those purchasers Therefore Sue noted that it’s important to remember that we live online, consumer behaviour has changed and so must our marketing strategies, be there, be useful be quick, connect with your customers in the moments that matter and finally have a solid foundation for digital marketing strategy, what does your online presence look like?

Assisted reproduction for commercial herds - Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol

At the end of the day, commercial breeders want to be making the most of their elite females, and Vetoquinols’ Dr Sophia Edwards presented conference delegates with the options they have with assisted reproduction.

Sophia looked at real life commercial beef producers as examples of how people are engaging elite genetics within their commercial herd.

She noted that, ‘At the end of the day you can split your female herd into elite cows, multipliers and production.’

But in order to split our cows there is a need to utilise genetic selection tools to accurately identify where your females sit in your herd ‘You need to know what genetics you want to multiply and where you want to invest before you go looking into assisted reproduction, but artificial breeding and genetic selection go hand in hand.’

The breeding techniques highlighted included embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which were all about maximising the genetics of the donor female and artificial insemination (AI) or fixed time AI and natural mating which are all about maximising the genetics of the bull.

Using these techniques across the female herd, breeders should be considering, ET, IVF and AI for their elite females, for their mulitpliers, AI or natural mating or even using them as recipients and for their production females natural mating or as recipients.

Looking at commercial beef herds in Queensland as an example, Sophia noted that their aim has been to get the best carcases they can.

‘They have identified the difference in them producing a carcase from out of average genetics as opposed to elite genetics is actually quite substantial in terms of value.’

High fertility drives profit - Dr Shane Thomson, Holbrook Vet Centre

According to Dr Shane Thomson, fertility is the ability for a cow to become pregnant, but it goes further, and includes being able to calve unassisted and raise a calf to weaning, early in the calving period, every 12 months, starting as a 2 year old heifer.

‘Fertility is not high pregnancy rates, it is the conception pattern, the ability to have a large number of calves born early in the calving period.’

Shane highlighted that fertility drives profit by increased averaged age and weight of calves, majority of calves being in the ideal calving window, matching pasture growth with feed demands, increase ongoing performance of females.

There are also other considerations like improved management efficiencies, eg management of calving, calf marking, weaning and marketing of even sale groups Using an example of the same 100 cows, managed two different way, a 6 week joining versus a 10 week joining, generated a $70 differential, based mostly on the weight.

For Shane the main benefit of high fertility is that, ‘starting females as early calvers is the biggest step to managing an early calving herd.’

And how do you improve fertility? ‘Understand and work towards breeding targets, understand and manage conception pattern and put your hand up an manage your herds fertility’.

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Angus national conference ‘It is important to note that fertility has a very low heritability, it’s about making correct management decisions and placing selection pressure on reproductive performance.’

All of which is influenced by the management of females, bulls, disease and pregnancy.

Shane noted that there are a number of risks associated with high fertility which include: • Short joinings put increased pressure on the breeding program • Longer joinings often saw disease come and go with the joining • Increased risk means we need to manage to prevent lost income through program failures • Most sub-fertility problems investigated involved new bulls or bulls in a single sire joining situation But at the end of the day it is all about identifying and mitigating these common risks and ensuring the correct management practices are in place.

Genetics play a big role in profitability - Jo-Anne Harper, Rivalea Australia

Jo-Anne Harper from Rivalea Australia gave conference delegates a look ‘over the fence’ and into the genetic management in the pig breeding industry.

Rivalea is a company with seven owned farms and strategically placed contract farms.

They produce 64 million kilograms of pork each year and run 24% of Australia’s pigs. Pork consumption is about 28kg per person, per year in Australia In highlighting Rivalea’s production system, it was interesting to see that Rivalea manages their female pigs, in much the same way as highlighted by Dr Sophia Edwards, with a pyramid split into nucleus production (or elite females), where all the genetic evaluation occurs with purebred pigs; multiplication production (or multipliers) used for F1 production and selection of cross bred females and commercial production (production females) which produces the slaughter production pigs.

The role of genetics in pig production comes down to the fact that Rivalea is a producer of pork and their profits are driven by its ability to reduce the cost of pork production.

‘By focusing on the two areas of improving slaughter progeny performance and improving breeder efficiency we are able to improve our profits.’

In order to improve breeder efficiency, Rivalea look at reproductive traits like number of pigs born alive, average piglet birth weight, sow longevity, survival, teat count, 21 day litter weights and weaning to conception interval.

The production traits that are looked at include back fat, average daily gain and e-coli resistance.

To improve slaughter progeny performance, Rivalea looks at the production traits of back fat, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and e-coli resistance; carcase traits include meat colour, ph of meat at 24 hours post slaughter and the indirect trait of insulin like growth factor.

Artificial Insemination (AI) plays a big role for Rivalea and is responsible for the genetic improvement across the company.

Rivalea operates an in house genetic evaluation which uses all the data they collect to produce estimates breeding values and one figure ($EBV), used to rank animals (within the same breed) for selection.

When it comes to selection for their breeding program, Rivalea uses a combination of EBVs, physical soundness and inbreeding rules.

And just like Angus breeders are in pursuit of that number 1 bull, ‘We are always in pursuit of the number 1 pig.’

What about the cows? - Dr Sam Clark, University of New England

‘Angus breeders have been making a lot of genetic progress and a lot of genetic gain for a long period of time.’ Which according to Dr Sam Clark, has been done for a purpose, to improve animals, meat quality, yield and growth.

But what about the cows? Looking at recording statistics, there are very few cow production traits that have been recorded.

For Sam this is ‘especially important if we are wanting to try and breed our cows in different environments with different energy requirements’.

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Angus national conference Breeders need to look towards the future and have a better breeding program, and as such in conjunction with Angus Australia Sam highlighted that research is being conducted into the efficiencies of the cow herd.

Looking into other traits that have been recorded, mature cow body condition and mature cow height have been collected along with the mature cow weights.

‘Combine these with how heavy the cows are we might be able to start to unravel how efficient a cow can be.’

These traits are important in production systems because cows use stored energy to stay alive and energy to get in calf.

Looking at the collected data, ‘We want to know if there is genetic variation for mature cows, are the traits correlated to each other or other traits, and when we are making selection decisions we need to know what effects this will have on herd production’.

‘At the end of the day we want to make sure that what we are predicting is genetic and not management related.’

Sam highlighted that because cows can change over time, we may need to consider taking measurements at a certain time or have to do it at multiple time points.

In order for breeders to get involved, ‘Measurement of mature cow traits is needed, the impact of time of measurement is still unknown, so we need to look at recording at both joining and weaning.’

With the overall aim of the project to determine if ‘The cows with higher or lower body condition tend to have more calves or less calves.’

Recording protocols have been put together by Angus Australia for breeders to refer to and reference populations for genomic technologies are needed.

‘So, if you are going to the effort to record all those traits it may worthwhile genotyping those individuals as well, for reference to make better predictions for the future.’

Providing a reference population from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project – Christian Duff, Angus Australia

The Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) was developed with the objectives of providing progeny test data on modern Australian Angus bulls; assemble data for the validation and refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN; and build a reference population of genotypes and phenotypes for genetic analysis and research and development.

Steer progeny are recorded from birth through to slaughter where meat samples are collected for analysis.

Female progeny are recorded from birth through to when they are joined as yearlings and the birth of their first calf.

Each cohort takes between 3-3.5 years from joining to seeing the steers come out of a long fed program.

Christian highlighted that in the 10 years since the ASBP began, the objective of building a reference population, has become the most relevant.

‘It enables Angus breeders to take full advantage of genomic technologies. We can only utilise the genomic tools effectively, as a group of breeders if we have a good reference population. That is cattle that are well recorded with a genomic profile and also have the hard to measure commercially relevant traits recorded.’

In determining whether or not the ASBP is proving a good reference population, that is representative of the population from which breeding animal selection occurs, Christian highlighted that cohorts 1-9 had seen 321 sires, with 9,409 progeny born.

4,500 steers have been phenotyped comprehensively from birth to slaughter and a similar number of heifers have been phenotyped from birth to first parity. All sires and progeny have genomic profiles.

From the 321 sires, 90,876 progeny have been registered with Angus Australia, (not just from ASBP herds) across 808 member herds. 171 of the ASBP sires have 100 or more progeny registered with Angus Australia.

Highlighting that the reference population is related to the general Angus population.

Looking at the Mid-May 2019 BREEDPLAN analysis, 18% of the animals evaluated came from the ASBP. Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference Additionally the ASBP records other traits that are not yet included in the BREEDPLAN analysis, including; immune competence, MSA grade traits, shear force, fatty acid profile, carcase grading camera, methane emission, heat tolerance, flight time, coat score, structural scores and muscle scores The importance of building this reference population means that we can look to get higher accuracies for these hard to measure traits.

‘If we want higher accuracies, we need more animals in our reference population, we really are at the tip of the iceberg for the hard to measure traits, we need more data to keep moving along.’

In summary, the ASBP, with Angus breeders, are building a very effective reference population, particularly for hard to measure, commercially important traits; underpinning current genetic analysis and future opportunties for genomic technologies for Angus cattle breeding; BREEDPLAN EBVs work; and looking to the future we need to continue to build the reference population and look at new research breeding values.

Introducing ImmuneDEX - Brad Hine, CSIRO

In beginning his presentation, Dr Brad Hine noted that his aim was for delegates to understand that, ‘Selecting for productivity is not the same as selecting for health and fitness.’

Much of Brad’s work at CSIRO centers around reducing the use of antibiotics in food producing animals, because there is increased consumer awareness and concern regarding the use.

In beef breeding herds, ‘If we continue to select for production and ignore health and fitness, we are going to reduce the capacity of our animals to resist disease.’

‘While restrictions on the use of antibiotics in food producing animals, will reduce our ability to treat disease.’

So what can we do as an industry?

According to Brad, 'we need to develop lots of different strategies in combination, around genetics, environment and management.’

From a genetics perspective, the ImmundeDEX technology will be a long-term strategy trying to improve the genetic ability of animals in our herds to resist disease.

Breeders should also develop strategies to reduce the environmental pathogen load and look at finding alternatives to antibiotic use.

With all of this in mind, the conference was used to introduce ImmuneDEX, an index which predicts the ability of an animal to mount an immune response under stress. It describes an animal’s immune competence, which we expect will reflect their broad disease resistance and will allow Angus producers to place selection emphasis on immune competence for the first time.

More information on ImmuneDex can be found on pages 38-39.

Angus reserve takes pride of place for Costco – Marcel Moodley, Costco

Costco Australia has been selling Angus Reserve supplied by NH Foods' Oakey plant on Queensland's Darling Downs in its outlets since 2013 and Marcel Moodley said the decision had been a major winner.

Costco Australia has sold almost $150 million worth of Angus Reserve with sales continuing to increase.

For Costco, Angus Reserve fitted neatly with its philosophy of offering quality products.

Costco aims to buy the best quality products at the lowest prices possible.

'We are quality driven, first and foremost."

Marcel said that the grainfed Angus Reserve brand was delivering consistent quality "every day of the week".

"Angus (beef) will be in Costco as long as I am there," he said.

So why Angus? Marcel sang the praises of Angus beef, for the consistent quality, consistent branding, consistent pricing and the premium breed of 100% black Angus.

And into the future, as Costco expands to China in August, they will be selling Angus beef from Australia also.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Angus national conference Be an adventurer in business - Angus Street, AuctionsPlus

Angus Street gave delegates an insight into the AuctionsPlus business and how they began trading livestock electronically pre internet, pre world wide web and pre blockchain.

It is a business that has grown and developed across the ages and remained a relevant cog in the beef industry.

Angus highlighted that it was AuctionsPlus ability to adapt to change, that has seen the company thrive.

In the business world it is important to be an adventurer, because they are excited about change.

‘These are the people standing on the edge of a cliff, excited about taking the plunge into the unknown, curious about how they will land, unsure how they will get there, but all in all ready to jump.’

‘For the livestock sector to thrive, we need to be the adventurer, because if we don’t evolve we will die.’

As Charles Darwin said, ‘It’s not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one that is most responsive to change.’

According to Angus ‘Brands outlive products, your brand is the DNA of your business, it is the soul that embodies your organisation, it is not a logo or an advertisement.’

‘But regardless of how strong your brand is, people buy from people.’

Therefore trust was highlighted as the most critical point that drove the evolution of the AuctionsPlus brand, as well as purpose, people and transparency which has driven the evolution of the brand.

But why should the beef industry care about trust?

‘Because we share responsibility, everyone in this room is responsible for driving trust, integrity, transparency, living the brand of the Angus breed, of the cattle species and of the red meat sector.’

And to ensure we can continue to build on this trust and evolve as a brand, Angus noted how important it is to build a champion team within your organisation and that without collaboration, you cannot be exponentially better.

To finish his presentation, Angus presented a quote from Maya Angelou, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

Your brand is who you are - Diana Wood, Angus Australia

‘We brand and tag our cattle so they are instantly recognisable, but are we doing the same for our businesses?’

This was the question that Diana Wood asked conference delegates in the hope that they would consider what they are doing to ensure they have brand recognition in the marketplace.

Diana highlighted that marketing, branding and communications go hand in hand and should be part of an overall strategy that we have to sell our product.

‘But keep in mind that your brand is so much more than a logo on your hat or t-shirt'.

When developing your brand, Diana noted that you need to consider that your brand is the sum total of how your brand looks, feels, speaks to people and sometimes how it even sounds, tastes and even smells.

‘Branding and communications is important, because a lot of time effort and money goes into developing our product, so it makes sense that a lot of time, effort and at least a little bit of money should go into branding.’

Diana noted that if you have a quality business, you need a quality brand to promote your business.

‘First impressions make a really big difference in business, so if you have a brand that is instantly recognisable that is a strong start in engaging with your customers.’

For Diana, your brand is how you distinguish yourself in the marketplace and you need to focus on quality, consistency and style.

‘In order to sell ourselves we need people to remember us, so what does your brand convey to potential customers?’

‘How does your brand make people feel? Remember, at the end of the day, your brand is who you are.’

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus national conference Protect brand Angus - Anthony Puharich, Vic's Quality Meats

High-profile Sydney butcher, Anthony Puharich warned Angus breeders to protect the hard-won reputation of their beef as a premium quality meat.

As owner and butcher-in-chief at Vic's Premium Quality Meat and Victor Churchill Butchery in Sydney, built from a small family business to one of the largest wholesalers of beef in the industry, the business has built a reputation on quality, of which the Angus breed and Angus brand has been a cornerstone of.

Anthony said that truth in labelling, food provenance and traceability were going to be major issues in the coming decade as consumers became more educated and more interested in where their food had come from and how it was produced.

"The thirst for more information from consumers is phenomenal."

He highlighted that consumers have an obsession with quality, consistency, marbling, provenance, traceability and the story.

The Angus brand and breed has been at the forefront of changes in the beef industry and has massively benefited, but there are still risks that need to be considered.

‘Angus is the envy of all the other cows in the paddock, there is a growing momentum from other breeds to challenge the place of the Angus breed in the industry.’

Anthony’s major concern is around brand dilution,’ Angus is everywhere from McDonald’s to a premium steak restaurant.’

The hard work by breeders to grow a high-quality product could be lost "with a single stroke of the pen" by chefs and butchers falsely claiming the beef on their menus and in their shops was Angus.

He said preventing this mislabelling was the single most important issue for the longevity of Angus beef's premium place in the retail beef market Opportunities for the breed include pushing into the high-quality branded grass fed market, with a strong genuine demand for premium grass fed products being driven by the perception that grass fed beef is healthier.

Anthony also highlighted the need to focus on the farmer and promote that story, because without the beef breeders, there would be no brands, no butchers and no chefs. As consumers want to know more and more about where their beef comes from, this will be an important part of the story.

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Ebonie Sadler-Small, Graphics & Multimedia Officer: design@angusaustralia.com.au | 0428 518 880 | www.angusaustralia.com.au PAge 36

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Angus national conference

the panel snapshots

Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager Closing out the first day of the #angusthroughtheages conference was a panel session featuring seedstock producer Sam White from Bald Blair Angus, Guyra; MLA CEO Jason Strong, MLA CEO; Kent Anderson, director of animal genetic technology services with Zoetis in the United States; celebrity chef Adrian Richardson from La Luna Bistro, North Carlton, Melbourne and Anthony Puharich from Vic’s Premium Quality Meat & Victor Churchill Butchery, Sydney. Facilitating the panel was Beef Central’s Jon Condon.

The focus for this sessions was Look how far we’ve come and where we’re going – an insight into the evolvement of Angus cattle and beef across the last 100 years

Adrian Richardson

Anthony Puharich

‘When you see the word Angus, you expect to eat good quality beef.’

“An environment like this (the Angus conference) is great, you are listening to what I am talking about when I’ve purchased meat and what I am looking for and that goes back to you guys and you guys are thinking, okay that is what they want, let’s work on that sort of stuff, let’s work on getting really good quality, which is what we’re after.

“That is what I am after, the quality, so it gives you the idea it is not necessarily size or shape, it is that quality, eating texture, quality enjoyment, that is the thing I am after and it is the thing I hope you guys (as breeders) pick up on.”

Kent Anderson

‘At the end of the day breeders are very independent, I don’t see a day that every breeder will have the same breeding objective.’

'A combination of factors had contributed to the spectacular growth in marbling in the US cattle herd, including breeders selecting for it and driving genetic change, the increase in the composition of Angus genetics in the national US cow herd, and also non-genetic factors such as price grids being driven by a combination of yield measurements and quality grade, based on marbling.

Everyone is aiming towards those grids, trying to build genetically designed cattle that hits the sweet spot of the grids and commands premiums.”

Images: studstocksales.com

Which saw the panel spend time discussing the disconnect between most players along the beef supply chain and the ongoing impact this was having on sharing the rewards for producing and delivering high quality product to consumers.

What they said:

‘We need to celebrate our farmers more, they are hardworking and innovative and deserve better recognition. They are the real heroes of the food we eat.’

‘Brand verification is one of the most important aspect for Angus Australia to focus on.’

“The market wants marbling, and the customer is demanding marbling. They see it as a true indicator of quality and eating quality. If you don’t change with the market you are at risk of being the Nokia, the Kodak of the meat industry”.

Jason Strong

‘A shift to value based marketing could see a move to producers breeding more Angus cattle with higher marbling.’

"The standing of beef producers among consumers is very positive, more than 90pc of households are regular beef eaters.’

'MLA promotion is working well and the standing of beef producers among consumers has never been higher.’

Sam White

‘Adaptability will be key in the feature, breed associations with leadership and innovation will continue to thrive.’

‘The challenge is getting timely information (back from the consumer end), to allow the commercial sector to make bull purchasing decisions, that will affect their productivity.'

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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sire benchmarking

Breeding Resilient Angus with ImmuneDEX Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager

In a world first for the beef industry, collaborative research undertaken by Angus Australia and CSIRO has resulted in the development of a new breeding index, the ImmuneDEX. ImmuneDEX is a genetic description of an animal’s ability to react to an immune system challenge (i.e. disease), an important component of an animal’s overall resilience.

Angus Australia and CSIRO have worked closely together to immune competence test calves from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP), with part of the research co-funded by the Australian Lot Feeders Association and Meat and Livestock Australia.

To develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value, immune competence phenotypes were collected and analysed on approximately 3000 Angus steers and heifers at weaning. This information, combined with genotypes (DNA Profiles) was analysed to determine genetic parameter estimates (heritability’s and correlations) and to produce Research Breeding Values for immune competence traits.

to industry, this development is a definite stride forward for Angus breeders and the broader beef industry.”

Dr Brad Hine, Research Scientist at CSIRO explained the perspective long term benefits of the ImmuneDEX research findings.

“We know if we continue breeding with a sole focus on production a consequence will be inadvertently increasing susceptibility to disease and associated antibiotic use.”

“We envisage that ImmuneDEX will provide a longterm strategy to help address this problem by allowing the producer to put selection emphasis on the immune competence of animals and put that into our selection thinking to breed animals that are both productive and have a better ability to resist disease challenges.”

Christian Duff, Angus Australia’s Strategic Projects Manager, said that the work undertaken to develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value was a successful collaborative effort between those at CSIRO and Angus Australia.

“It has been excellent working with CSIRO on this project” Mr Duff added. “While there is still more research to be undertaken to further develop the ImmuneDEX breeding value and validate its potential to deliver health benefits

In this research, immune competence was assessed on ~3000 ASBP weaners by combining measures of antibody-mediated immune responses (Ab_IR), through a blood test, and cell-mediated immune responses (Cell_IR), through a skin reaction test. Pathogens, like the bacteria and viruses associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), differ in the way they infect the host animal. For instance, many bacteria live outside host cells while viruses replicate within host cells. The immune system tailors how it responds to different pathogens with extra-cellular pathogens most effectively controlled

by Ab_IR and intracellular pathogens most effectively controlled by Cell_IR.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

While still in its early research stages, the information now available through the ImmuneDEX breeding value will assist beef producers make decisions about what the best animals are to breed from into the future with the goal of improving animal health while simultaneously improving productivity.

A list has been compiled of the sires (n=165) in the ASBP ranked on their ImmuneDEX value according to the research undertaken on their progeny. The list is available at www.angusaustralia.com.au in the Research menu area. A listing of the top 25 ImmuneDEX ASBP sires is available on page 40.

Understanding the Science

Individuals identified as having a balanced ability to mount both a Cell_IR and Ab_IR response are expected to exhibit broad-based disease resistance against a wide range of pathogens. For this reason, an index value (ImmuneDEX) has been developed which combines research breeding values (RBV) for the Cell_IR and Ab_IR traits into a single value.

The process by which the ImmuneDEX value is generated ensures appropriate weightings are given to component

sire benchmarking

traits so that high ImmuneDEX animals have a balanced response, and genetic gains in both traits are driven at similar rates.

The ImmuneDEX value, and it components, are moderately heritable (similar to yearling weight) and negatively (but weakly) correlated with some of the production traits (e.g. carcase weight and eye muscle area). Additionally, ImmuneDEX is favourably (but weakly) correlated with the stress and temperament related traits.

Importantly, on a subset ~900 steers from this study, disease incidence during the feedlot feeding period was examined. Prior vaccination and minimal mixing with unfamiliar animals at feedlot entry provided a low disease risk environment in the study. Nonetheless, animals with superior immune competence phenotypes had significantly fewer health-related mortalities, and incurred substantially lower health related costs during feedlot finishing.

Understanding the ImmuneDEX Value

The ImmuneDEX value provides an estimate of genetic differences between animals for overall immune competence, a key component of resilience. Its enables Angus breeders to place selection emphasis on immune competence and resilience traits, while continuing selection for other traits of importance within their breeding objective.

Higher ImmuneDEX values indicate an animal is expected to produce a higher proportion of progeny with an enhanced ability to resist disease challenges and therefore have lower disease incidence. Lower ImmuneDEX values indicate an animal is expected to produce more progeny with a higher incidence of disease and associated production losses.

It is important to note that the Research Breeding Values for AB_IR and Cell_IR that underpin the ImmuneDex values are subject to greater potential change than EBVs routinely reported as part of the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation and should be used with some caution in animal selection decisions. ImmuneDEX values, and the component Research Breeding Values for AB_IR and Cell_IR, may change as improvements are made to the analytical models that are used, and as additional performance information is collected and methodologies for assessing resilience traits continue to evolve.

For further information, please contact Angus Australia’s Strategic Project Manager, Christian Duff, on (02) 6773 4620 or christian@angusaustralia.com.au

DULVERTON

BULL SALE MONDAY 29TH JULY 2019, 1PM FEATURING: Sons of Esselmont Lotto L3 Sons of Te Mania Kilkenny K912 Sons of Dulverton Jackpot J267 Sons of Carabar Gunsmoke Sons of proven heifer bull Dulverton Kiwi K100

72

BULLS ON OFFER

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www.dulvertonangus.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019 Rib +0.8 Rib +1.1 +0.8 ‐1.7 +1.1 ‐0.3 ‐1.7 ‐1.4 ‐0.3 +2.6 ‐1.4 ‐1.8 +2.6 +4.2 ‐1.8 +0.2 +4.2 ‐0.6 +0.2 +1.7 ‐0.6 ‐3.8 +1.7 +1.6 ‐3.8 ‐2.8 +1.6 ‐0.4 ‐2.8 +0.6 ‐0.4 +1.6 +0.6 +0.2 +1.6 +0.0 +0.2 ‐0.7 +0.0 ‐0.1 ‐0.7 ‐0.6 ‐0.1 +2.0 ‐0.6 ‐2.4 +2.0 ‐2.7 ‐2.4 +0.0 ‐2.7 +0.0

Rump +3.6 Rump +2.0 +3.6 ‐3.2 +2.0 ‐0.8 ‐3.2 ‐1.6 ‐0.8 +1.2 ‐1.6 +0.0 +1.2 +2.6 +0.0 +0.1 +2.6 +2.8 +0.1 ‐1.8 +2.8 ‐2.0 ‐1.8 ‐1.7 ‐2.0 ‐2.1 ‐1.7 ‐0.7 ‐2.1 +0.0 ‐0.7 ‐0.1 +0.0 ‐0.2 ‐0.1 ‐0.2 ‐0.2 ‐1.9 ‐0.2 ‐1.1 ‐1.9 ‐1.4 ‐1.1 +0.0 ‐1.4 ‐6.3 +0.0 ‐1.9 ‐6.3 ‐0.2 ‐1.9 ‐0.2

RBY ‐2.8 RBY ‐0.3 ‐2.8 +1.6 ‐0.3 +1.2 +1.6 +0.0 +1.2 ‐2.1 +0.0 +1.9 ‐2.1 ‐0.5 +1.9 +0.0 ‐0.5 ‐1.2 +0.0 +2.2 ‐1.2 +1.3 +2.2 ‐0.9 +1.3 +0.8 ‐0.9 ‐0.3 +0.8 ‐1.8 ‐0.3 +1.1 ‐1.8 +2.0 +1.1 +1.7 +2.0 +1.6 +1.7 +1.1 +1.6 +1.2 +1.1 ‐0.6 +1.2 +4.6 ‐0.6 +1.5 +4.6 +0.4 +1.5 +0.4

IMF +4.9 IMF +1.6 +4.9 +1.7 +1.6 +2.1 +1.7 +3.2 +2.1 +0.1 +3.2 +2.1 +0.1 +1.6 +2.1 +1.9 +1.6 +2.7 +1.9 +1.3 +2.7 ‐0.1 +1.3 +2.2 ‐0.1 +2.0 +2.2 +2.1 +2.0 +5.2 +2.1 +1.8 +5.2 +1.2 +1.8 +2.7 +1.2 ‐0.1 +2.7 ‐0.8 ‐0.1 +1.6 ‐0.8 +2.7 +1.6 ‐1.1 +2.7 +2.5 ‐1.1 +1.7 +2.5 +1.7

* Average for ImmuneDEX is based on the average ImmuneDEX value for 3,223 animals in the analysis.These being ASBP progeny measured for immune competence and their sires.

The BREEDPLAN EBV averages are the average EBVs of the 2017 drop calves.

DISCLAIMER The ImmuneDEX values contained within this publication were calculated from data supplied to Angus Australia by members and/or third parties. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data, Angus Australia, its officers and employees, assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the RBVs, nor the outcome (including consequential loss) of an action taken based on the information presented in this publication.

DISCLAIMER The ImmuneDEX values contained within this publication were calculated from data supplied to Angus Australia by members and/or third parties. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data, Angus Australia, its officers and employees, assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the RBVs, nor the outcome (including consequential loss) of an action taken based on the information presented in this publication.

ID Name Cohort RBV Acc Prog ABI CED 200 400 600 MCW Milk SS DOC Cwt EMA ASBP Mid May 2019 Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs HKFK146 PARINGA RED PILBARA K146 6 +70ImmuneDEX 92% 20 +115 +1.5 +30 +59 +56 +16 +7 +1.7 +0 +37 +4.1 ID Name Cohort RBV Acc Prog ABI CED 200 400 600 WDCK314 COONAMBLE KEVIN K314 7 +50 88% 14 +129 +0.7 +50 +92 +122 MCW +106 Milk +19 SS +4.0 DOC +12 Cwt +69 EMA +4.7 HKFK146 PARINGA RED PILBARA K146 6 +70 92% 20 +115 +1.5 +30 +59 +56 +16 +7 +1.7 +0 +37 NFWL039 GLENAVON REVENUE L039 7 +49 85% 11 +118 ‐2.5 +52 +98 +125 +103 +25 +0.9 ‐7 +79 +4.1 +8.0 WDCK314 COONAMBLE KEVIN K314 76 +50 88% 14 +129 DKKJ516 HARDHAT GM AGRONOMIST Y21 J516 +48 93% 23 +96 +0.7 ‐4.0 +50 +45 +92 +83 +122 +99 +106 +73 +19 +15 +4.0 +1.3 +12 ‐10 +69 +56 +4.7 +8.7 NFWL039 GLENAVON REVENUE L039 7 +49 85% 11 +118 ‐2.5 +52 +98 +125 +103 +25 +0.9 ‐7 +79 HBUK267 ANVIL KOKODA K267 7 +44 92% 21 +139 +1.1 +53 +96 +124 +101 +23 +2.4 +6 +74 +8.0 +4.7 DKKJ516 HARDHAT GM AGRONOMIST Y21 J516 63 +48 93% 23 +96 ‐4.0 +45 NZEB11 WAITAWHETA B11 +44 88% 14 +50 +2.9 +22 +83 +55 +99 +66 +73 +40 +15 +15 +1.3 +0.8 ‐10 +6 +56 +25 +8.7 ‐3.2 HBUK267 ANVIL KOKODA K267 7 +44 92% 21 +139 +1.1 +53 +96 +124 +101 +23 +2.4 +6 +74 EDUJ41 DENHOLM GLEN G10 BARTEL J41 6 +43 96% 39 +135 +5.2 +43 +82 +97 +57 +25 +2.5 +15 +42 +4.7 +9.3 NZEB11 WAITAWHETA B11 37 +44 88% 14 +50 +2.9 ‐3.2 SMPK22 PATHFINDER KOMPLETE K22 +42 93% 24 +109 +5.8 +22 +38 +55 +76 +66 +89 +40 +67 +15 +25 +0.8 +2.2 +6 +4 +25 +66 +7.5 EDUJ41 DENHOLM GLEN G10 BARTEL J41 6 +43 96% 39 +135 +5.2 +43 +82 +97 +57 +25 +2.5 +15 +42 +9.3 HKFE27 PARINGA IRON ORE E27 2 +41 86% 12 +122 +3.4 +39 +73 +97 +103 +16 +2.3 +28 +75 +7.4 SMPK22 72 +42 93% 24 +109 +89 +123 +67 +25 +4 +66 NZE16932009490 PATHFINDER KOMPLETE K22 TE MANIA QUANTUM 09 490 +40 80% 8 +121 +5.8 ‐3.4 +38 +53 +76 +89 +117 +0 +2.2 +2.7 +17 +70 +7.5 +2.6 HKFE27 PARINGA IRON ORE E27 2 +41 86% 12 +122 +3.4 +39 +73 +97 +103 +16 +2.3 +28 +75 +7.4 NXTD154 TWYNAM D154 2 +40 67% 5 +126 ‐4.6 +50 +93 +120 +113 +14 +2.3 +8 +72 +13.0 NZE16932009490 22 +40 80% 85 +121 +89 +117 +0 +2.7 NZE14738009934 TE MANIA QUANTUM 09 490 MERCHISTON EXPEDITION 934 +40 67% +100 ‐3.4 ‐6.5 +53 +59 +113 +158 +123 +153 +13 +4.3 +17 +9 +70 +71 +2.6 +0.6 NXTD154 TWYNAM D154 2 +40 67% 5 +126 ‐4.6 +50 +93 +120 +113 +14 +2.3 +8 +72 NGXE617 BONGONGO E617 2 +39 88% 14 +105 ‐0.6 +42 +84 +104 +97 +16 +1.2 +16 +67 +13.0 +2.0 NZE14738009934 MERCHISTON EXPEDITION 934 22 +40 67% 5 +100 NBHF318 CLUNIE RANGE FERRARI F318 +39 90% 17 +131 ‐6.5 ‐1.3 +59 +56 +113 +99 +158 +131 +153 +114 +13 +16 +4.3 +2.0 +9 ‐2 +71 +97 +0.6 +4.1 NGXE617 BONGONGO E617 27 +39 88% 14 +105 ‐0.6 +42 +97 +16 ECMK63 BANNABY REALITY K63 +39 90% 17 +105 +3.2 +44 +84 +78 +104 +105 +107 +12 +1.2 +2.0 +16 +17 +67 +59 +2.0 +3.9 NBHF318 CLUNIE RANGE FERRARI F318 2 +39 90% 17 +131 ‐1.3 +56 +99 +131 +114 +16 +2.0 ‐2 +97 NXOE91 AJC E91 6 +38 90% 17 +146 +4.6 +47 +76 +111 +95 +18 +1.9 ‐12 +58 +4.1 +4.5 ECMK63 BANNABY REALITY K63 73 +39 90% 17 +105 +3.9 NZE1036 KAKAHU MISSION 1036 +38 79% 8 +133 +3.2 ‐1.7 +44 +47 +78 +85 +105 +120 +107 +105 +12 +14 +2.0 +2.1 +17 ‐2 +59 +62 +10.6 NXOE91 AJC E91 67 +38 90% 17 +146 +4.5 DKKK15 HARDHAT GM GRASS KING Y21 K15 +38 90% 17 +96 +4.6 ‐4.1 +47 +46 +76 +83 +111 +98 +95 +68 +18 +13 +1.9 +0.6 ‐12 ‐6 +58 +59 +10.0 NZE1036 KAKAHU MISSION 1036 3 +38 79% 8 +133 ‐1.7 +47 +85 +120 +105 +14 +2.1 ‐2 +62 +10.6 USA17328461 G A R SURE FIRE 7 +38 92% 22 +158 +3.4 +50 +91 +109 +86 +17 +4.0 +8 +69 +8.6 DKKK15 72 +38 90% 17 +96 +98 +108 +68 +13 ‐6 +59 NZE17683004790 HARDHAT GM GRASS KING Y21 K15 KAHARAU CLASS 790 +37 66% 5 +90 ‐4.1 ‐4.4 +46 +45 +83 +81 +110 +5 +0.6 +1.5 +10 +43 +10.0 +7.0 USA17328461 G A R SURE FIRE 7 +38 92% 22 +158 +3.4 +50 +91 +109 +86 +17 +4.0 +8 +69 QFCF23 GK 26 FEDERER F23 6 +37 93% 23 +66 ‐8.4 +53 +87 +108 +89 +7 +0.9 +25 +50 +8.6 +1.9 NZE17683004790 KAHARAU CLASS 790 27 +37 66% 5 +90 +5.0 ‐4.4 +45 +5 +1.5 NHZJ140 HAZELDEAN JAIPUR J140 +37 91% 20 +123 +38 +81 +77 +110 +110 +108 +94 +29 +2.9 +10 +35 +43 +73 +7.0 +4.9 QFCF23 GK 26 FEDERER F23 66 +37 93% 23 +66 ‐8.4 +89 +7 +0.9 AMQH64 BROOKLANA HI TOWER H64 +37 92% 20 +125 ‐3.8 +53 +50 +87 +97 +108 +136 +130 +17 +2.1 +25 +15 +50 +73 +1.9 +5.8 NHZJ140 HAZELDEAN JAIPUR J140 72 +37 91% 20 +123 GMJF20 THE GLEN CAVALIER F020 F20 +37 85% 11 +111 +5.0 +2.2 +38 +43 +77 +76 +110 +104 +94 +89 +29 +20 +2.9 +1.9 +35 +16 +73 +57 +4.9 +8.6 AMQH64 BROOKLANA HI TOWER H64 67 +37 92% 20 +125 +97 +136 HIOL21 AYRVALE LEGACY L21 +36 85% 11 +143 ‐3.8 ‐2.2 +50 +58 +108 +147 +130 +127 +17 +21 +2.1 +0.5 +15 +14 +73 +91 +5.8 +9.7 GMJF20 THE GLEN CAVALIER F020 F20 2 +37 85% 11 +111 +2.2 +43 +76 +104 +89 +20 +1.9 +16 +57 Average* +31 +114 +0.2 +44 +81 +106 +91 +15 +1.8 +4 +59 +8.6 +5.5 HIOL21 AYRVALE LEGACY L21 7 +36 85% 11 +143 ‐2.2 +58 +108 +147 +127 +21 +0.5 +14 +91 +9.7 * Average for ImmuneDEX is based on the average ImmuneDEX value for 3,223 animals in the analysis.These being ASBP progeny measured for immune competence and their sires.

Average* +31 +114 +0.2 +44 +81 +106 +91 +15 +1.8 +4 +59 +5.5 The BREEDPLAN EBV averages are the average EBVs of the 2017 drop calves.

Top 25 ImmuneDEX (Research Breeding Value) Sires from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program ASBP ImmuneDEX Mid May 2019 Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs

Top 25 ImmuneDEX (Research Breeding Value) Sires from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program Top 25 ImmuneDEX (Research Breeding Value) Sires from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program

sire benchmarking

sire benchmarking

ASBP Cohort 10 –Time to Nominate Your Next Super Sire Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager

It’s time to nominate sires for the next joining round of the Angus Sire Benchmarking program (ASBP) to produce the Cohort 10 progeny.

One of the aims of the ASBP is to generate progeny test data for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction.

This joining program will commence in mid-September 2019 and is expected to involve approximately 2,000 cows across several co-operator herds.

The benefits of bulls entering the ASBP include: • Close genetic linkage to the ASBP reference population ensures research outcomes, particularly in the genomics area, will have high relevance to your herd.

• Be involved in cutting edge Angus research in areas such as genomics, eating quality image technology and testing for immune competence.

• High density DNA profiles will be stored for current use (e.g. sire verifications, single-step BREEDPLAN analysis) and future research.

• Receive high accuracy EBVs, particularly for hard to measure traits such as net feed intake, abattoir carcase data and female reproduction.

• Receive progeny average values and sire ranking from within the ASBP, including traits such as MSA Index and MSA Marbling Score.

• Involvement in Australia’s largest beef cattle progeny test program including large contemporary groups.

Approximately 40 bulls will be selected for the 2019 joining program with the aim to join each bull to at least 50 cows by fixed time AI. The bull selection criteria will

be based on genetic diversity, breeding values, selection indexes and their relationship to sires already used in the ASBP. While over 30 sires have been nominated so far, further sire nominations are welcomed before Monday August 5th, 2019; however preference will be given to early nominations.

For further details on the ASBP and to nominate bulls for Cohort 10 visit the Angus Australia website www. angusaustralia.com.au For all questions in relation to the nomination process or the ASBP in general please contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

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250 HBR BULLS

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www.booroomooka.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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sire benchmarking

ASBP Cohort 6 – Sire Wrap-Up Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager

The collection and analysis of the full suite of performance data for Cohort 6 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has been completed. This most recently included abattoir carcase grading outcomes for the steer progeny, and fertility information for the heifer progeny.

Cohort 6 includes 1,238 progeny from 41 Angus sires. Of the sires, 40 are Australian bred and one from the USA. A summary of the phenotypes and genotypes (i.e. genomic profiles) collected in Cohort 6 and analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN and/or ASBP progeny performance reports is reported in table 1.

The full analysis results are available from the ASBP section on the Angus Australia website by way of updated Progeny Performance reports (figure 1).

This report, available for each ASBP Cohort, includes BREEDPLAN EBVs, progeny averages and sire rankings.

Alternatively, you are also able to access, search and sort through the data available on the ASBP sires via the ASBP online catalogue (https://angus.tech/catalogue/ asbp) or ASBPSELECT online facility (https://angus.tech/ enquiry/animal/asbp) A summary of the top performing sires from Cohort 6 is tabled on the following page. This table lists the top 10 Cohort 6 sires for the Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and a range of progeny average values from birth to slaughter based on their progeny within the ASBP. For further information on interpreting the values in the table refer to the introductory notes in the ASBP Progeny Performance reports available from the Sire Benchmarking section of Angus Australia website (www.angusaustralia.com.au).

The ASBP is a major initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir.

The objectives of the ASBP are:

1. Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction.

2. Generate data for the validation & refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN. 3. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development.

To meet the project objectives Angus Australia aims to join an average of 40 sires a year to approximately

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Figure 1 – The Results for ASBP Cohort 6 are Available in Progeny Performance Reports

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

2,000 Angus cows to achieve a minimum of 25 progeny (50:50 steers and heifers) per sire using the fixed time AI program supported by Vetoquinol and using the CueMate devices. The Angus cows are located across several commercial focussed co-operator herds spanning Northern to Southern New South Wales and Victoria.

The Angus sires that enter the ASBP are nominated by Angus Australia or New Zealand Angus members. A list of all bulls that have entered the ASBP can be viewed in the catalogues listing page on the Angus Australia website.

Their progeny are comprehensively performance recorded for calving ease, growth, temperament, heifer reproduction, structure, feed efficiency, abattoir carcase and beef quality attributes.

For all ASBP related questions contact Christian Duff, Angus Australia Strategic Projects Manager M: 0457 457 141 or email: christian@angusaustralia.com.au Table 1 – Summary of data (phenotypes and genotypes) collected and analysed on progeny of ASBP Cohort 6 Sires Trait

#

Comment

Genotypes – Sire

41

Average 58,394 SNPs

Genotypes - Progeny

1238

Average 29,144 SNPs

Calving Difficulty Score

1130

Birth Weight

1130

Gestation Length

1080

200 Day Weight

1215

400 Day Weight

1085

600 Day Weight

819

Days to Calving

389

Docility Score

1215

Scan EMA

1165

Scan IMF

1165

Scan Rib Fat

1165

Scan Rump Fat

1165

Foot Angle - Front

1112

Claw Set - Front

1112

Foot Angle - Rear

1112

Rear Legs - Hind

1112

Rear Legs - Side

1112

Net Feed Intake

557

Steers Only

Carcase Weight

551

Steers Only

Carcase EMA

550

Steers Only

Carcase IMF

551

Steers Only

Carcase Rib Fat

549

Steers Only

Carcase Rump Fat

541

Steers Only

Retail Beef Yield

143

Steers Only

MSA Ossification

543

Steers Only

MSA Marbling Score

543

Steers Only

MSA Index

543

Steers Only

Heifers Only

+171

+145

+114

Birth Wt (kg)

36.2

37.6

NURJ136

WDCJ266

AMQJ64

VHWJ13

NORK163

NGMK9

BSCK61

NXOE91

BOWK2

CSWJ26

HCAF49

WJMJ27

NRZH028

NURJ136

NORK163

VCCK026

HKFK146

EDUJ41

BSCK61

VHWJ13

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Av. (41 Cohort 6 Sires)

Sire

1

Rank

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Av. (41 Cohort 6 Sires)

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019 278.4

WJMJ27

280

278.4

278.4

278.3

278.3

278.3

278.1

278.0

277.5

277.3

277

GL (days)

431.9

441.2

448.6

448.7

449.7

450.5

452.8

453.9

455.1

460.9

476.7

BSCK61

NXOE91

SGMH22

WJMJ27

VHWJ13

NXTJ122

AMQJ64

QFCF23

SKOJ6

HIOG11

Sire

CWDH42

NURJ136

CWDJ17

AMQH29

WDCJ266

NRZH028

NORK178

DKKJ518

NORK163

QRFJ347

Carcase Wt (kg) Sire

SKOJ6

AMQJ64

SJKJ42

NURJ14

NGCJ267

NRZH028

HCAF49

ECMJ137

NURJ136

NORK178

Sire

SKOJ6

NXTJ122

NURJ14

AMQJ64

BSCK61

SGMH22

QRFJ347

WDCJ266

WJMJ27

VHWJ13

Sire

213.5

218.1

218.4

219.3

220.5

220.7

221.6

221.9

222.0

223.4

223.9

200 day wt (kg)

91.6

93.5

94.0

94.5

95.0

95.4

96.2

96.7

97.4

98.0

100.4

NGCJ267

SGMH22

AMQH64

SKOJ6

WDCJ266

BSCK61

VHWJ13

HIOG11

WJMJ27

AMQJ64

Sire

NXTJ122

NRZH028

CWDJ17

CSWJ26

NGMK9

AMQH64

NXOE91

HKFK146

NURJ136

ECMJ56

Carcase EMA (cm2) Sire

611.0

622.6

623.9

624.2

628.5

629.2

629.6

634.6

636.9

639.0

642.7

600 day wt (kg)

8.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.9

10.6

10.6

11.0

11.1

11.2

11.6

Carcase IMF (%)

NIWJ202

CWDJ17

NGMK9

NMMK42

NURJ136

SKOJ6

NXOE91

NRZH028

AMQJ64

VCCK026

Sire

CSWJ26

SGMH22

NRZH028

ECMJ56

NXTJ122

WDCJ266

NGCJ267

HKFK146

NURJ136

NXOE91

Sire

296.0

291.9

291.7

290.0

288.7

288.6

288.2

287.5

287.4

287.1

284.9

DTC (days)

501.1

537.7

539.2

545.6

546.4

552.8

554.1

554.6

577.1

603.1

619.8

65.2

WDCJ266

-3.8 -3.8

EDUJ41 NORK178

-3.5

-3.8

-3.8

-3.9

-3.9

-4.0

-4.1

-4.1

-4.2

-4.2

-4.5

-4.6

NFI-f (kg/day)

DKKJ516

CWDH42

VCCK026

ECMJ137

AMQJ64

QRFJ347

NIWJ202

SJKJ42

BHRH744

BOWK2

BSCK61

Sire

65.2

VHWJ13

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.4

65.4

65.5

65.7

65.8

65.8

65.8

66.7

MSA Index

DKKJ516

WJMJ27

HKFK146

CWDJ17

NRZH028

SGMH22

NXTJ122

NURJ136

NGCJ267

NXOE91

MSA Marbling Score Sire

*Angus Breeding Index - June 2019 Trans-Tasman Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.

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

36.2

36.1

36.0

35.9

35.8

35.7

35.1

34.7

34.7

+147

+147

+148

+148

+152

+152

+153

+156

ABI* ($)

Rank Sire

Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) – Cohort 6 Top 10 Performing Sires

sire benchmarking

PAge 43

Sydney Celebrates 100 years of Angus Australia Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

The 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show Angus feature show marked a memorable celebration for Angus breeders, as the NSW State Committee used the event to celebrate 100 Years of the Angus Society of Australia.

Almost 170 Angus animals went into the main arena at the Sydney Showground for the Angus only Grand Parade

As well as the various judging events that were held during the show there were a number of other memorable moments to come out of the event.

Record Angus Entries

Almost 300 head of Angus were paraded before Scottish Judge, William McLaren, Netherton Angus, Perthshire Scotland. The biggest showing of Angus cattle ever in Australia.

Angus Only Grand Parade

The Friday night prior to judging an Angus only Grand Parade was held in the main arena with close to 170 exhibits out on display. The Sydney crowd were given an insight into the history of the Angus breed in Australia and the programs being run by Angus Australia.

The occasion was also marked by a presentation by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales to Angus Australia, acknowledging 100 years of the Angus Society of Australia.

Centenary of Angus Australia NSW Celebration

Held on the night between the Angus bull and female judging days the Angus feature show welcomed enthusiasts from across the world to the centenary celebrations. Hosting 300 people who came together to the see the quality showing attendees enjoyed an evening together to celebrate the past and the present of Angus Cattle and Angus Australia.

Angus Feature Show event organiser, Tim Lord, is pictured with NSW State Committee members Carol Grylls, Annie Scott and Angus Australia Marketing and Communications Manager, Diana Wood at the Centenary of Angus Australia NSW Celebration event

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors: International Animal Health Products · Elders · Angus Australia · Denholm Glen Angus · NSW State Comittee The Land · Promised Land Angus Gold Sponsors: Millah Murrah Angus · Circle 8 bulls · Spring Hill Highland Angus · Ben Nevis Angus · ABS studstocksales.com · Killara Feedlot · Talooby Angus Silver Sponsors: K.O Angus · Reiland Angus · Bannaby Angus · Holbrook Breeders · Talooby Red Angus · Platinum Angus

PAge 44

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Images: Emily H Photography

Membership awards: At the membership awards presentations were (L to R) Peter Parnell CEO Angus Australia,Flora & Mack Lee-Warner (Bydand Angus), James Laurie (Knowla Angus), Peter Grieve (Talooby Angus), Michael Parfett (Mundarra Angus), Dimity & Ross Thompson (Millah Murrah Angus), Caitlin James (Springvale Angus), Theo Onisforou (KO Angus), Libby James (Springvale Angus), Angus Onisforou (KO Angus), Greg Fuller (Pine Creek Angus), Christie Kennedy (Pine Creek Angus), Kylie & Randall Carlow (Kidman Angus), Brad Gilmour (President Angus Australia)

NSW 25 & 50 Year Membership awards

A number of NSW members were awarded 25 and 50 Year Membership awards during the Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show Celebrations.

Acknowledging 100 years of the Angus Society of Australia. Pictured are NSW State Committee Chairman, Mark Lucas, Angus Australia President, Brad Gilmour, Sydney Royal Easter Show Assistant Ringmaster, Duncan McIntyre, RAS of NSW President, Robert Ryan OAM and RAS of NSW Cattle Committee Chair, Greg Watson

Karen and William McLaren, came from Scotland for William to judge the Angus Feature Show

50 years as registered Angus Australia members: Mr P.R. Grieve, Talooby Angus, Rylstone Pine Creek Pty Ltd, The Shield, Cowra Goonamurrah Past Co, Millah Murrah, Bathurst Mr J. Parfett, Mundarra, Blayney Eastern Plains Past Co, Eastern Plains, Guyra Clea Past Co. Pty. Ltd, Clea, Captains Flat 25 years as registered Angus Australia members: Springvale Past. Co., Coolah C A Laurie & Sons Pty Ltd, Knowla, Moppy Kidman Angus, Gilgandra Byland, Aberdeen K O Angus, Kangaloon Waverley Station, Gundy Mrs E.M.Mason, Tumut GE & PJ Williams Kanangra Park, Kooringal Middle Creek Cattle Co., Singleton C J Bales, Melns, Hall TA & JM Scott, Table Top Angus, Table Top Sinderberry & S Wrigley, Mooogenilla, Condobolin F B Graham Pty Ltd, Crawford, Tumorroma H & B Wuersch, Coonabarabran

(Silver continued) New England Breeders Association · Zoetis · The Cattle Shop · Genetics Australia Bronze Sponsors: Agri-Gene · Billaglen Angus · Booragul Angus · Bovine Scanning Services · Crosby’s Angus DJ & CF Christie P/L, Embryo Transfer Services · East West Angus · EJ Angus · Forres Angus · Gilmandyke Angus Hollywood Angus · J & C Angus · Karoo Angus · Killain Angus · Knowla Livestock · McGregor’s Angus Profit PLUS – Advanced Beef Genetics · Semex · The Litigation Law Firm · Tickalara Angus Chrome Sponsors: D & K Lotz · H & L Ramage Pty Ltd · Kaleid Angus · Outwest Angus · Raff Angus · RDM Angus · Scarbah Angus Skyfall Angus · Trowbridge BBB Angus · Venturon Livestock · Waitara Angus · Wargundy Angus Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 45

A Historic Angus Display at the 2019 Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

The Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show Bull and Female judging took place on the 13th and the 14th of April, with over 320 exceptional animals on display, despite the rough conditions over recent times.

View the full results here

Best Angus Angus Exhibit Black Diamond 5R Kodiak N411 exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud

The judging was quite a spectacle, with many commenting on the sheer number of exhibits taking part, a testament to the dedication of the breeders and their teams.

International judge William McLaren proceeded over the events. Hailing from the Netherton Stud, Perth, Scotland, Mr McLaren put his 28 years’ experience in judging cattle into use over the 45 classes.

The bull judging was the first to take place on Saturday, April 13, with plenty of excellent Angus cattle on display.

Grand Champion Angus Bull was awarded to the Senior Champion Bull Black Diamond 5R Kodiak N411, exhibited

by Pine Creek Angus Stud, whom were recognised for celebrating their 50 years as members of Angus Australia and in 2019, continued their showing legacy at this year’s feature show.

The champion bull weighed in at 924kg, and scanned with 11 millimetres of rump fat, eight millimetres of rib ft and an EMA of 131.

Mr McLaren said he was ‘Very correct, long and had extension throughout’.

Reserve Champion Senior Bull was awarded to Tattykeel Global M14 exhibited by Tattykeel Pty Ltd. Champion Intermediate Bull went to Killain Mustang N4 exhibited by Killain Angus, with Intermediate Reserve Champion Bull going to KO 2240 Next Stop N106 exhibited by KO Angus.

Calf Champion Bull went to PC Perpetrator P024 exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud, with Reserve Champion going to RDMG Sudden Shock P1 exhibited by RDM Angus.

The pair of bull’s class winners were Yamba Angus.

PAge 46

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

In what was another excellent display of Angus cattle on day 2, the female classes saw up to 20 animals per class with Mr McLaren having plenty to deliberate from.

There were 19 female classes over the course of day.

The Grand Champion Female was awarded to the Senior Champion Female, 27 month old Tattykeel Blackcap Essence M26, with calf at foot, exhibited by Tattykeel Pty Ltd. Mr McLaren said it was a hard decision between the females in the line-up for senior champion female but he went for the younger pair that had calved under two.

"I love the moderate frame of this female and she is smooth, soft and easy fleshing," Mr McLaren said.

"She has a lovely udder under her and she moves well, with a great heifer calf at foot."

The Calf Champion female went to Black Diamond Miss Paspaley P401 exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud with RDMG Blackcap Essence P2 exhibited by RDM Angus awarded Reserve Champion.

The Intermediate Champion Female was awarded to Yamba Keen N153 exhibited by Yamba Angus. Reserve Champion was PJ Wilcoola N28 exhibited by P, J, T & L McLauchlan.

Senior Reserve Champion Female was awarded to KO Dream K66 exhibited by KO Angus Stud.

The pair of female’s class champions were Pine Creek Angus Stud.

The Best Angus Exhibit was awarded to the Grand Champion Bull, Black Diamond 5R Kodiak N411, exhibited

by Pine Creek Angus Stud.

Images: Emily H Photography

Sydney champions

Calf Champion Female - Black Diamond Miss Reserve Calf Champion Female - RDMG Paspaley P401 exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud Blackcap Essence P2 exhibited by RDM Angus

Calf Champion Bull - PC Perpetrator P024, exhibited by Pine Creek Angus Stud

Reserve Calf Champion Bull - RDMG Sudden Shock P1 exhibited by RDM Angus

Intermediate Champion Female - Yamba Keen N153 exhibited by Yamba Angus

Reserve Intermediate Champion - PJ Wilcoola N28 exhibited by P, J, T & L McLauchlan

Intermediate Champion Bull - Killain Mustang N4 exhibited by Killain Angus

Reserve Intermediate Champion Bull - KO 2240 Next Stop N106 exhibited by KO Angus

Senior & Grand Champion Female Tattykeel Blackcap Essence M26 exhibited

by Tattykeel Pty Ltd

Reserve Senior Champion - KO Dream K66 exhibited by KO Angus Stud

Senior & Grand Champion Bull Black Diamond 5R Kodiak N411 exhibited

by Pine Creek Angus Stud

Reserve Senior Champion Bull - Tattykeel Global M14 exhibited by Tattykeel Pty Ltd

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 47

‘Meating’ market specs at Sydney Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager

The Sydney Royal Purebred Steer and carcase show and Sale saw quality steers from all breeds coming up against each other, with Angus steers again exerting their dominance when it comes to eating quality.

Champion Lightweight Steer

The Stan Hill Trophy Team

The live purebred steers portion of the show was judged by Ben Davies, Meadows, South Australia, while the carcases were assessed by Jeff House of Jeff House Livestock.

A large number of purebred Angus steers were exhibited across all classes, with success throughout all weights.

In particular during the live judging, Angus took out the Champion Lightweight Open Steer, Reserve Champion Lightweight Open Steer and Reserve Champion Heavyweight Open Steer.

Waitara 8204, exhibited by Waitara Partnership and bred by Waitara Angus, took out the top honour in the lightweight competition with Champion lightweight open steer. Waitara 8204 is sired by Waitara Traction M143 and out of a Waitara commercial cow. Waitara 8204 weighed in at 351 kilograms with 7 millimetres of rump fat and 6 millimetres of rib fat.

The Waitara steer was also the highest selling steer on a 4/kg basis during the auction when he was knocked down for a whopping $22/kg and purchased by Mr D’s Traditional Meats.

Reserve Champion Lightweight Steer

An Angus steer also took out the reserve honours, with Mr Chris Knox and Ms Helen Alexander awarded Reserve Champion Lightweight steer with DSK Xcaliber P75 bred

by DSK Angus. DSK Xcaliber 75 was sired by Youngdale Xcaliber 32X and out of a DSK Angus cow. The steer weighed in at 384 kilograms, with 10 millimetres of rump fat and 8 millimetres of rib fat.

Following the carcase judging this same steer went on to win the Champion Virtual Taste Test Carcase.

The heavyweight Reserve Champion was awarded to Angus exhibit 1208 bred and exhibited by MW & MM Brooker. The steer weighed in at 544 kilograms, with 11 millimetres of rump fat and 10 millimetres of rib fat.

In the carcase judging all up Angus steers won Champion Virtual Taste test, came 2ndin the Stanhill Trophy for team of 3 purebred steer carcases, were awarded 6 Silver Medals, 9 Bronze Medals, placed 1stin the Virtual Taste Test 6 times, 2nd7 times and 3rd7 times.

The Stanhill Trophy Team was made up of two steers from BW & MM Brooker and one steer from Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S.

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PAge 48

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Images: Emily H Photography

results CLASS: 3 – Heavyweight School Steer 501kg and over 1st Virtual Taste Test & 4thon the hoof – Scone High School, 536kg Angus steer, sired by Eastern Plains Equator K158 bred by BW & MM Brooker 2nd Virtual Taste Test & highly commended on the hoof – Frensham, 512kg Angus steer, sired by Hazeldean Hayseed H173 and bred by Sandra & Matt Ireson 3rd Virtual Taste Test – Scone Grammar School, 566kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp F Purple F23 & bred by BW & Brooker

CLASS: 4 – Lightweight Open Steer 350kg – 370kg Champion Lightweight Steer & 2nd Virtual Taste Test – Waitara Partnership, 351kg Angus steer, sired by Waitara Traction and bred by Waitara Angus Silver Medal, 3rd on the hoof, 2nd lightweight carcase 4A & 2nd Stanhill Trophy– Justin Richards & North Bullagreen P/S, 364kg Angus steer, sired by Sugarloaf Tiger G4 and bred by North Bullagreen P/S 3rd Virtual Taste Test & highly commended on the hoof – Coonamble High School Bovine Appreciation Club, 351kg Angus steer, sired by Hazeldean Koto K747 & bred by Coonamble High School

CLASS: 5 – Lightweight Open Steer 371kg – 384kg Champion Virtual Taste Test Carcase & Reserve Champion Lightweight steer – Chris Know & Helen Alexander, 384kg Angus steers, sired by Youngdale Xcaliber 32X and bred by DSK Angus 2nd Virtual Taste Test & 4th on the hoof – Chris Knox & Helen Alexander, 374kg angus steer, sired by DSK DHP Lonzo L133 and bred by James Pengilly 3rd Virtual Taste Test & 2nd on the hoof – Chris Knox & Helen Alexander, 373kg angus steer, sired by DSK DHP Lonzo L133 and bred by James Pengilly

CLASS: 6 – Lightweight Open Steer 385kg – 400kg 1st Virtual Taste Test & 1st on the hoof – Killain Angus, 399kg Angus steer, sired by Killain Alaska K18 and bred by Killain Angus Bronze Medal, 2nd lightweight carcase 6A & 3rd on the hoof – Pymble Ladies College, 397kg Angus steers, sired by Bowmont King K306 and bred by Knowla Angus

CLASS: 7 – Middleweight Open Steer 401kg – 429kg 1st Virtual Taste Test & 3rd on the hoof – Scots All Saints College, 411kg Angus steer, sired by Bongongo Africa J306 and bred by Sunny Point Pastoral Company 2nd Virtual Taste Test, Bronze Medal & 4th on the hoof – Western Sydney University, 403kg Angus steer, sired by RDMG Patron K14 and bred by Western Sydney University Silver Medal, 2nd middleweight carcase 7A & 2nd on the hoof – BW & MM Brooker, 408kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp F Purple F23 & bred by BW & Brooker Bronze Medal – Killain Angus, 419kg Angus steer, sired by Killain Alaska K18 and bred by Killain Angus

CLASS: 8 – Middleweight Open Steer 430kg – 459kg 1st Virtual Taste Test & 5th on the hoof – Chris Knox & Helen Alexander, 457kg Angus steer, sired by DSK LFW Larceny L45 and bred by Patrick Purtle 2nd Virtual Taste Test, Silver Medal, 1st middleweight carcase 8A & 4th on the hoof – WG & JA Watt, 453kg Angus steer, sired by Mundoo Giddy-Up G22 & bred by Mundoo Angus Bronze Medal – Scots All Saints College, 437kg Angus steer, sired by Bongongo Intensity L933 and bred by Sunny Point Pastoral Company Bronze Medal & 3rd on the hoof – Justin Richards, 445kg Angus steer, sired by Pentire Gladiator G2 and bred by Pentire Angus

CLASS: 9 – Middleweight Open Steer 460kg – 480kg 1st Virtual Taste Test – Scone High School, 476kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp B.Yel B125 and bred by BW & MM Brooker Silver Medal & 3rd Virtual Taste Test – Knwola Livestock, 472kg Angus steer, sired by Bowmont King K306 and bred by Knowla Livestock

CLASS: 10 – Middleweight Open Steer 481kg – 500kg Bronze Medal & 2nd Stanhill Trophy – BW & MM Brooker, 489kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp F Purple F23 & bred by BW & Brooker 3rd Virtual Taste Test – Wellington High School, 489kg Angus steer, sired by Hollywood Jingo J47 and bred by Hollywood Angus

CLASS: 11 – Heavyweight Open Steer 501kg – 529kg 2nd Virtual Taste Test & 2nd on the hoof – Lochclyde Pastoral Co, 524kg Angus steer, sired by J & C Jester and bred by Lochclyde Pastoral Co Silver Medal, 2nd heavyweight carcase 11A & 1st on the hoof – KO Angus Stud, 524kg Angus steer, sired by LD capitalist 316 and bred by KO Angus Bronze Medal – Oakhill College, 528kg Angus steer, sired by Glenavon F189 and bred by James Hooke Bronze Medal – Scots All Saints College, 502kg Angus steer, sired by Tattykeel Harvestor L3 and bred by Tattykeel Bronze Medal – Devanah Moonlight Angus, 514kg Angus steer, sired by Ayrvale Genetic G11 and bred by NJ & JM Southorn

CLASS: 12 – Heavyweight Open Steer 530kg – 560kg Reserve Champion heavyweight steer, Silver Medal, 2nd Stanhill Trophy & 3rdheavyweight carcase 12A– BW & MM Brooker, 544kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp F Purple F23 & bred by BW & Brooker 2nd Virtual Taste Test – Scone Grammar School, 554kg Angus steer, sired by Main Camp B.Yel B125 and bred by BW & MM Brooker 3rd Virtual Taste Test & 5thon the hoof – Kinross Wolaroi School, 532kg Angus steer, bred by Kinross Wolaroi School

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 49

Angus Youth take on the 2019 Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

The 2019 Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show Angus Youth Events saw participants from around Australia (and the world) come together to compete and showcase the future of the Angus breed and their immense talents and expertise.

The Angus Youth events took place on Thursday, April 11 in the Hoecker Area. A program of Junior Paraders, Bred and Owned and Junior Judging took place during the day, with the Herdsmans competition judged over the course of the Feature Show.

The judges for the competitions were all past Angus Youth participants with Donna Robson, Flemington Limousins, Adelong NSW overseeing the junior judging, Scott Myers, Myers Livestock, The Rock NSW, the paraders, and Hayden Green, Summit Livestock, Uranquinty NSW, the bred & owned classes.

angus youth Results JUNIOR PARADERS Junior Paraders Class 1 1st: Sam Garvin

2nd: Miley O’Brien

3rd: Thomas Seaton Cooper

4th: Georgina Megan Raff

5th: Olivia Thompson

Junior Paraders Class 2 1st: Thomas Duddy

2nd: Josephine Green

2nd: Josephine Green

3rd: Matilda Slater

4th: Emerald Onisforou

5th: Nellie Jenson

Junior Paraders Class 3 1st: Casey Halliday

2nd: Lily Seaton-Cooper

3rd: Emma-Leigh Green

4th: Benjamin Duddy

5th: Charlie Slater

Grand Champion Bred & Owned animal went to, KO Dream K66, exhibited by Angus Onisforou, with Candice Liddle Angus Youth Development Officer and Jono Nicholls

Champion Junior Parader

Reserve Champion Junior Parader

Casey Halliday

Lily Seaton-Cooper

Class 4 1st: Lochie McLauchlan

2nd: Kate Swain

3rd: Kahlissa Wykes

4th: Sophie Halliday

5th: Adam Wilkie

Sam Garvin and Miley O’Brien after their Junior Paraders Class

Tiffany McLauchlan was awarded Grand Champion Herdsman, while brother Lochie won Reserve Senior Champion Parader and exhibited the Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female, PJ Dream P04

PAge 50

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Images: Emily H Photography

Senior Paraders

JUNIOR JUDGING:

Youth Junior Judging

1st: Miranda Raithel

2nd: Tiffany McLauchlan

Champions: Matilda Salter

Reserve: Josephine Green

3rd: Nathan Leach

4th: Mitchell Dundas

3rd: Emma-Leigh Green

4th: Benjamin Duddy

5th: Charlie Salter

5th: Dianna Meulendyks

Champion Senior Parader

Reserve Champion Senior Parader

Senior Junior Judging

Miranda Raithel

Lochie McLauchlan

Champion: Miranda Raithel

Reserve: Georgia Laurie

Grand Champion Parader

Reserve Champion Parader

3rd: Stephanie Davies

4th: Stephanie Hennings

Casey Halliday

Miranda Raithel

5th: Nathan Leach

BRED AND OWNED

Judging Grand Champion: Miranda Raithel

Angus Bred & Owned Female

HERDSMANS

Champion: KO Dream K66, exhibited by Angus Onisforou

Champion: Adam Wilkie

Reserve Champion: PJ Dream P04, exhibited by Lochie McLauchlan

Encouragement Awards: Miranda Raithel and George Harbourne

3rd: PJ Wilcoola N28, exhibited by Tiffany McLauchlan

Junior Champion: Sam Garvin

4th: KO Dream N43 exhibited by Emerald Onisforou 5th: Circle 8 Rosebud P016 exhibited by Annabelle Seaton-Cooper

Res Champion: Sophie Halliday

Junior Reserve Champion: Lily-Seaton Coope

Encouragement Awards: Millie Thompson and Casey Halliday Grand Champion Herdsman: Tiffany McLauchlan

Angus Bred & Owned Bull Champion: Wongalea Black List N22, exhibited by Lauchlan Ware Reserve Champion: J&C Pud P55, exhibited by Sophie Halliday 3rd: Circle 8 Rearview Mirror P105, exhibited by Lily Seaton-Cooper 4th: Banquet Dream N420, exhibited by Hamish Branson 5th: Greenleaf On Duty P121, exhibited by Will Harborne

Angus Bred & Owned Grand Champion KO Dream K66 exhibited by Angus Onisforou

Junior Judge Overjudge, Donna Robson with Grand Champion Junior Judge, Miranda Raithel, Nebraska USA. Miranda was also crowned Grand Champion Parader earlier in the day

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$5 per straw to RURAL AID for each straw sold of

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 51

Oh Steer, that’s some great looking cattle!

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Thursday marked the first day of the 2019 Sydney Royal Angus Feature Show events, with the Angus Steer Show kicking off the Feature Show.

Top Left: Champion Heavy weight steer Main Camp 196 exhibited and bred by BW & MM Brooker Middle: Middle weight Grand Champion steer Main Camp 71, exhibited by BW & MM Brooker Top Right: Lightweight Champion Steer Andre exhibited by Justin Richards bred by North Bullagreen

The Angus Steer Show saw competitors from around Australia coming together to take part.

Judged by Bryce Whale of Glenliam Murray Greys, Glen William NSW, the Angus Steer Show had almost 60 Angus steers competing in lightweight, middleweight and heavy weight classes.

Of the competition, Mr Whale said, “The top end of all the classes was very strong, and they’ll be very competitive tomorrow going up against the Euros and the other British cattle here, so it was very interesting judging job today.”

Grand Champion Angus Steer was awarded to the middle weight champion steer Main Camp 71, exhibited by BW & MM Brooker. Main Camp 71 weighed in at 489 kilograms with eight millimetres for rib fat and nine millimetres for rump fat.

Regarding his choice for the Grand Champion Steer, Mr Whale said the following.

“He’s a really moderate steer, he’s really compact, he is thick right through to the chine, he’s well buttered.”

“I think there is a lot of points in him as a carcase, his fats are in spec, his distribution is fairly even, he is a super balanced calf. He is not extreme in frame, but I don’t think we need that because he is in his market spec and right where we need him to be.”

The Stan Hill Trophy team was selected by Mr Whale, made up of the champion steers from each class. The Stan Hill Trophy Team for 2019 was made up of Main Camp 71, exhibited by BW & MM Brooker, Main Camp 196, exhibited by BW & MM Brooker and Andre, exhibited

by Justin Richards and bred by North Bullagreen.

PAge 52

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Results Grand Champion: Main Camp 71 exhibited by BW & MM Brooker bred by Main Camp

Lightweight Results: Champion: Andre exhibited by Justin Richards bred by North Bullagreen Reserve Champion: Waitara 8204 exhibited by Waitara Partnership 3rd: DSK Xcaliber P75 exhibited by CR Knox and HD Alexander bred

by DSK Angus

Middleweight: Champion: Main Camp 71 exhibited by BW & MM Brooker bred by Main Camp Reserve Champion: Pentire Pretzel exhibited by Justin Richards bred by Pentire Angus 3rd: Main Camp 201 exhibited by BW & MM Brooker bred by Main Camp 4th: Henry exhibited by Scone High School bred by Main Camp

Heavyweight Champion: Main Camp 196 exhibited by BW & MM Brooker bred by BW & MM Brooker Reserve Champion: 155 – Scone High School exhibited by Scone High School bred by Main Camp 3rd: KO 316 Capitalist P54 exhibited by KO Angus bred by KO Angus 4th: Limitless Hot Shot exhibited by Limitless Cattle Co bred by BoonARKM Angus

Images: Emily H Photography

Angus takes out top prizes in the Sydney Royal Interbreed Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Up against the best cattle on display at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Angus champions held strong against fine competition, appearing in the top line of all classes.

Two Angus groups came out triumphant, with Tattykeel Ltd Pty, Oberon, awarded the Interbreed Breeders Group with their team of a heifer with calf at foot and two bulls and Yamba Angus, Orange, who took out the interbreed heifer with the junior champion female, Yamba Keen N153.

Beating 10 other quality breeds in their section, Tattykeel Ltd Pty was awarded the Gordon Fuller Memorial Perpetual Trophy with their Breeders Group win.

The judge of the Breeders Group Interbreed was Mr Alistair Day of Allendale, Bordertown.

Mr Day said the following of the winning Tattykeel group, “We have an Angus Group led off by two, two and half bulls or there abouts, very impressive bulls.”

“They are structurally very good, a lot of meat in them, carrying plenty of condition for my liking and they are carrying very well. They have a moderate female, but the calf she is rearing is outstanding so that’s the main thing and correct. A very nice group.”

In the Champion Heifer Section of the Interbreed competition, Judge Ben Noller said that when choosing his top line choices, he was looking for a specific type, focusing on functionality and efficiency, ensuring they were structurally sound and able to put the weight on with appropriate fat cover.

On his interbreed champion, Yamba Keen N153, Mr Noller said, “With the Angus female when you get in behind her she has a lot of width through that hip to pin and she carries it all the way through her top line, right down into the hind quarter up into the twist and right down into her hock.”

Interbreed Heifer Yamba Keen N153 exhibited by Yamba Angus

“She super soft, super easy fleshing and she’s got all those angles from hip to pin and really clean lines. She really took my eye when she entered the ring.”

The Interbreed wins capped off two very successful show performances by both the Tattykeel and Yamba Angus teams.

In the Angus Judging Tattykeel Pty Ltd were also awarded the Breeder’s Group, Reserve Champion Senior Bull, the Grand Champion and Senior Champion Female, Dam’s Progeny as well as a number of minor placings.

Yamba Angus were awarded the Angus champion pair of bulls, Intermediate Champion Female and Junior Champion Female as well as a number of minor placings.

Interbreed Breeder Group Tattykeel Pty Ltd Images: Emily H Photography

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 53

Around the shows 1970 – 1994 3

Ben Nevis Crusader W38, Senior & Grand Champion Bull & Best Angus exhibit, 1980 Sydney Royal Show, exhibited by Ben Nevis Angus 1989 Royal Melbourne Show

3

2 Brisbane Royal 1972 1989 Royal Launceston Show

1

Glen Bold Polly C17 Junior & Grand Champion Angus female, 1984 Adelaide Royal Show, exhibited by V.A Lyons Ltd, Glen Bold Stud PAge 54

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

5

Merrigrange Melbourne 1993 - Angus Australian Journal 1994

Senior & Grand Female Launceston & Hobart 1984

Merrigrange Vicky D114, Grand Champion Angus female, 1989 Sydney Royal Show, exhibited by Merrigrange Angus Stud

1

4

Senior & Grand Bull & Junior Bull EKKA 1992

Te Mania Poundmaker X10, Senior & Grand Champion Angus bull, 1981 Adelaide Royal Show, exhibited

by Sir Ewen Waterman, Strathalbyn, & Mr John Gubbins, Coolana

6 Senior & Grand Bull Perth 1984

KEY:

1. Australian Angus Journal 1970 - 2. Australian Angus Journal 1973 3. Australian Angus Journal 1990 - 4. Australian Angus Journal 1993 5. Australian Angus Journal 1985 - 6. Australian Angus Journal 1985 Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 55

Image: Farm Weekly

The Angus Ekka Cocktail Party Angus Australia and Queensland Angus State Committee invite all members to join them in celebrating the Angus centenary at the Angus EKKA Cocktail Party.

The event will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 8th August, following the Angus breed judging, at the Paddock Bar, Ridges Hotel, Ekka Showgrounds, and includes complimentary finger food and beverages.

No admittance will be allowed without a booking.

Numbers are strictly limited and bookings must be made by 4th August 2019 using the online booking form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFGRKG2.

For further enquiries please contact Jennie Hill, Secretary Qld State Committee on (07)4665 8115.

Celebrating the centenary in Tasmania Angus Australia and the Tasmanian Angus State Committee invite all members to join them in celebrating the Angus centenary.

The Tasmanian State Committee will join the centenary celebrations of Angus Australia with events happening at the Launceston Show on October 10th and the Westbury Show on November 9th.

More details to come, visit www.angusaustralia.com.au

Almost time to celebrate in Adelaide The South Australian celebration for 100 Years of Angus Australia is drawing closer.

Hosted by the South Australia State Committee, the Beachport Liquid Minerals Angus Feature Show will kick off Saturday, September 17th.

Featuring an international judge from the USA, the feature show will have $1,000 in cash and vouchers winnings per class and breakfast supplied every morning.

One of the highlights of the event will be the Thomas Foods International & Di Giorgio’s Family Wines Angus Dinner on Saturday September 17th after the Angus judging. For further information regarding the upcoming celebration please see www.angusaustralia.com.au.

Platinum Sponsors Beachport Liquid Minerals · Angus Australia

Event Highlights: Sunday 1 September 9am- Royal Adelaide Show Steer Judging Saturday 7 September 9am - Beachport Liquid Minerals Angus Feature Show 6.30pm- Thomas Foods International & Di Giorgio’s Family Wines Angus Dinner Sunday 8 September 10am – Breed Championships – Interbreed Judging 10am – South Australian Angus Branch AGM

Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors: Pro-Stock Livestock · Thomas Foods International

Silver Sponsors: Hazeldean Litchfield · Landmark · Coopers Animal Health · Stoney Point Angus Princess Royal Station · Boehringer Ingelheim · Swan Brothers Bronze Sponsors: Kingarth Angus · Roseleigh Angus · Lanark Angus · Elders · Heiniger

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Auction Sponsors: Hyacinth Jewellery

Friend Sponsors: Yerwal Estate · HB Rural · Glentanner Angus Images: Emily H Photography

Come Celebrate #100YearsofAngusAustralia in WA! The Western Australia State Committee invites you to join them for Black Friday!

The committee will celebrate the centenary of Angus Australia with a special field day on September 13th, 2019.

To be held at the Gingin Bull Saleyards and Recreation Centre, the field day will kick off at 9.30am WST with a structural assessment in the ring and veterinary discussions on various topics.

Following the informative sessions, a luncheon will be held with guest speakers from Angus Australia and WA Food Ambassador, Don Hancey doing a sundowner session, ‘Cooking with beef’..

On Saturday September 14ththe WA Annual Forum will be held atTthe Vines, allowing for an informal get together

for seedstock and commercial Angus producers, from 9am – 12.30pm WST, showcasing the latest research and development frm Angus Australia.

Further information regarding this exciting event to celebrate #100YearsofAngusAustralia will be made available closer to the date. Members are encouraged to keep an eye on the Angus Australia website for updates as they become available.

For more information, contact WA Angus Chairman, Mark Hattingh 0419 399 557

the Incitec Pivot 2019 Royal Melbourne Angus Feature Show The Incitec Pivot 2019 Royal Melbourne Angus Feature Show is not far away, with the centenary celebrations taking place from the 22nd – 29th of September.

The Victorian State Committee will be hosting a plethora of events over the course of the show, with the purebred Angus steer competition, Angus Youth Program, an elite female auction, a special celebration dinner and of course the Angus judging.

The event will also be associated with the Black Dog Ride. The Black Dog has been travelling the country since July 2009 to raise awareness for depression and suicide prevention.

In the lead up to the Incitec Pivot Angus Feature Show, a donated Little Meadows Angus heifer will be traveling throughout WA to assist in raising awareness, making her way to Victoria to be auctioned at the Angus Feature Show. All proceeds from the heifer made at the auction will go to the Black Dog Ride.

Naming Sponsor: Incitec Pivot

Entries for the event close July 26, 2019. Ensure that you are aware of all news and important information about the Incitec Pivot Royal Melbourne Angus Feature show by keeping updated on www.angusaustralia.com.au.

Event Highlights:

Sunday 22nd September: Purebred Angus Steer Competition Thursday 26 September 2.00pm- 4.00pm – Angus Youth Program Sunday 29 September 9am- Angus Feature Show Judging – Judging Ring One 4.30pm- Angus Feature Show Auction 6.30pm – Angus Centenary Celebration Dinner Monday 30 September 5.00pm - Beef Cattle Interbreed

Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Victorian Angus State Committee

Gold Sponsor: Angus Australia

Silver Sponsors: Greenham · Genetics Australia · Auction Plus · Rabobank · Adameluca Angus · Shearwell · Datamar Bronze Sponsors: Agri Gene · ABS · Western Vic Region · Elders · Landmark Class Sponsors: Boonaroo · Pinora Angus · Bovine Scanning Services · The Cattle Shop · Performance Feeds · Ridley Feeds · Kingfield Angus · Merridale Shady Park & Shadwell Park · Gilmour Quirk Pastoral · Nationwide AB · S & M Handbury · NERAG · Profit Plus Genetics · Lifewise financial Solutions · PJ Cattle Co · Blue Lake · Banquet · GCL Supplies · Pine Creek · Black Diamond Donation Sponsors: Fire pit · Jarobee Angus · Bolton Girls Angus · HM Angus · Franc Angus · Stud Beef · Toolong Past Limitless Show Supplies · W & J Milne · Digiorgio Wines

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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world angus forum

Mark it in your calendars, World Angus Forum 2021 is on its way!

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

With the World Angus Forum just under two years away, planning and organising is well underway for the massive event, set for late April to early May 2021.

For the first time since the enormous success of the 1997 World Angus Forum hosted by Angus Australia, the two-week event will return to Australian shores, with an extensive program in store for delegates.

The Forum will begin with a welcome function in Sydney, followed by a pre-tour winding through the central west of New South Wales, showcasing world class Angus properties along with one of Australia’s best-known food and wine regions.

The main event will see a technical forum hosted in the nation’s capital of Canberra, ACT, where delegates will be privy to all things Angus, here and abroad, as well as looking into what technologies we can expect to be taking us into the future in the agricultural world.

Following the Forum, the post tour will trip from Toowoomba, Qld to Rockhampton allowing delegates to experience the northern beef precinct and the work of Angus producers in the northern areas of Australia. The tour will round up at Beef Australia 2021, the southern hemispheres largest beef exposition.

Chair of the World Angus Consultative Committee, Mark Gubbins of Coolana Angus, Victoria, looks forward to this amazing event, which will allow Australia to display its quality Angus beef on the world stage.

“The World Angus Forum will be an excellent opportunity for producers from around the world to come together to discuss the Angus breed,” Mr Gubbins said.

“To have the opportunity to host this international event here in Australia will allow us to showcase the work of producers here, their adoption of the technology and new age practices available to them and how we developing the Angus breed and quality end product available for consumers around the world.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the World Angus Forum 2021, with the opportunity of partnering and exhibiting at the Forum giving your organisation a unique opportunity to promote your brand and key messages to delegates from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise and influence across Australia and internationally.

For enquiries regarding partnering for this event, please Rhiannon Cremasco, Partnership & Exhibition Sales Manager at sponsorship@arinex.com.au or on +61 2 9265 0700.

Over the course of the coming years, more and more information will be made available regarding the upcoming event.

To ensure that you are over the latest updates regarding the World Angus Forum 2021, further information will be made available at http://worldangusforum2021.com/ or on www.angusaustralia.com.au.

WELCOME FUNCTION IN SYDNEY: Renowned for its stunning harbour setting, temperate climate, and world class restaurants

PRE TOUR THROUGH CENTRAL WEST NSW: Showcasing world class Angus properties and one of Australia’s best known food and wine regions

APRIL - MAY

TECHNICAL FORUM IN CANBERRA: Australia’s capital city, the heart of the nation and home to many of Australia’s inspirational landmarks and renowned cultural attractions

POST TOUR, FROM TOOWOOMBA TO ROCKHAMPTON: Experience our northern beef precinct, culminating in Beef Australia 2021, the southern hemisphere’s largest beef exposition

21

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Join us for the

WORLD ANGUS FORUM April - May 2021, Australia

www.worldangusforum2021.com

PAge 58

Hosted by the Angus Society of Australia

marketing

SWOT’s next?

Ebonie Sadler-Small, Graphics & Multimedia Officer In the last bulletin we looked at the humble SWOT analysis and how it is one of the most simple yet insightful marketing tools you can use. Once you have completed your SWOT analysis you are left with a heap of information which can be overwhelming and leave you thinking; what next?

Now you have broken down what your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are, it's time to turn these concepts on their head and create an actionable strategy.

Introducing the TOWS

The TOWS exercise helps to create links between the four different categories in a SWOT analysis. Here you will combine different categories to help you understand ways to give you a competitive edge or see how you can decrease the negative effects of a threat.

Taking action

It's time to make connections between the different categories: · Strengths to opportunities: This is your opportunity to identify what gives you your competitive edge and explore ways to use your skills or assets to reach your goals and take advantage of potential opportunities. · Strengths to threats: Here you look at using your strengths to minimise threats, for example; utilising software to help keep track of data instead of relying on paper which can be destroyed easily and accidently. · Weaknesses to opportunities: Look at weaknesses such as a low budget and limited technological ability as a business opportunity to outsource the

best help available or brainstorm a creative bang-for buck approach. · Weaknesses to threats: You will need to work on reducing your weaknesses to minimise the potential of them becoming a threat. For example if your weakness is limited technical knowledge and the threat is emerging technology, an appropriate solution could be to undertake training to help you with your computer skills so that you don’t get left behind your competitors.

From creating these links you are able to develop actionable goals or strategies. For example, in the case of strength to opportunity; you may have a have a background in marketing, so you are able to save money and resources and create your own marketing campaign and manage your own social media. Or in the case of weaknesses to opportunities you could look at scheduling your social media posts ahead of time to accommodate for being time poor during the work week.

There are free templates online that can help you map this information out in an easy to comprehend and simple manner.

By using the TOWS analysis you can identify strategic options for your business by breaking it down into smaller, easier steps.

External factors Strengths

Internal factors

Internal, positive

Threats

Internal, negative

Strength-Opportunity strategies

Strength-Threats strategies

Internal, positive

What strengths can be used to maximise potential opportunities

How can you use the business strengths to minimise any threats identified?

Weaknesses

Weakness-Opportunity strategies

Weakness-Threats strategies

What action(s) can you take to minimise the potential weaknesses?

How can you minimise the businesses weaknesses to avoid threats?

Strengths

Internal, negative

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 59

THE SCIENCE OF SELECTION The advanced genomic selection tool for Australian Angus breeders

The new HD 50K for Angus is the latest innovation in genomic technology Get reliable solutions sooner: Increase the accuracy of EBVs and indexes for young Angus bulls and heifers Select, mate and market Angus seedstock with greater confidence Identify your best young sire/dam prospects Obtain accurate parent verification ZOETIS IS THE LEADING INNOVATOR — BUILD A HISTORY WITH THE COMPANY CREATING THE FUTURE HD 50K is available to Angus Australia members who are enrolled in Angus BREEDPLAN To take your breeding decisions to the next level call: 1300

768 400

Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2018 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. August 2018. ZL0982.

PAge 60

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Practical use of sex-sorted semen in Angus beef herds Dr Sophia Edwards, Business Unit Manager (Australia & New Zealand), Vetoquinol Australia Pty Ltd

Sex-sorted semen has been commercially available for use in Australian Beef and Dairy herds for over 10 years.

The technology although not new, has seen many improvements through this time, creating semen doses that can generate pregnancies with commercially acceptable results.

A common mistake made when practitioners and breeders use sex-sorted semen is assuming that standard protocols and management practices for AI or fixed-time AI (FTAI) will generate adequate results. Our knowledge of the sex-sorting technology and synchrony protocols, enables us to deliver some advice on best practice implementation of sex-sorted semen into AI programs in a commercial setting.

The focus on research into sex-sorted semen protocols has been centred on heifer programs, as this group of animals continues to be the preferred choice for AI in most beef herds. A new generation synchrony program called the J-Synch protocol was established by Professor Gabriel Bo’s research group in Cordoba, Argentina. The concept of the J-Synch protocol (Figure 1) is to extend the proestrus period. The proestrus period, for the purposes of synchrony protocols, is defined as the period from the time of Cue-Mate® removal and prostaglandin F2a (PG) injection, to the time of FTAI. The J-Synch protocol features a 72 h proestrus period (Day 6 to 9), enabled by a shortened Cue-Mate® insertion period to 6 days. In a standard protocol that features a Cue-Mate® insertion for 7 or 8 days, the proestrus period is 54 h.

In this new concept, the increase in proestrus period promotes follicular growth, which is associated with better ovulation rates, more fertile ovulations, and better corpus luteum (CL) development, which all contribute to an increase in pregnancy rates to FTAI. Field studies in a commercial setting based in South America have seen an increase in pregnancy rates to FTAI by approximately 5%.

The challenging aspect of utilising sex-sorted semen in AI programs, particularly with respect to FTAI is that the lifespan of the semen in the reproductive tract tends to be compromised as compared to conventional semen. It

is therefore paramount that the females are inseminated as close to ovulation as possible. Adding some checks and balances into the J-Synch program, means that we can ensure that we are inseminating at an appropriate time. However, it also allows breeders to enjoy the benefits of FTAI such as no observation of heat, and submission of 100% of the mob. The Repro360 website has an interactive explanation of how to implement this protocol: https://www.repro360.com.au/forvets/ commonprotocols. The J-Synch protocol is modified (Figure 2) by the application of a heat detection aid at the same time as the Cue-Mate® is removed. 72 h after the removal of the Cue-Mate any heifer that has had their heat detection aid triggered is FTAI with the sex-sorted semen and finishes the program. Any heifer that has not had their aid triggered is injected with GnRH at this time.

At the 84 h time point, all heifers that received a dose of GnRH are then FTAI irrespective of the status of their heat detection aid. These additional steps ensure that heifers are inseminated at the best possible time, whilst maintaining a practical approach.

If you would like to discuss more about how sex-sorted semen can be used in your herd, don’t hesitate to contact the Repro360 hotline on 1300 163 056 or email 360australiaexpert@vetoquinol.com

We would like to acknowledge Professor Gabriel Bo, Instituto de Reproduccion Animal Cordoba (IRAC), for supplying content for this article.

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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GENOMIC TESTING

Understanding Angus Australia’s DNA Services Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

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 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.

Angus Australia – DNA Services - Zoetis Animal Genetics

Genomic Tests

Genetic Conditions

Zoetis HD50K for Angus

$51.45

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$22.55

Add Parentage Verification

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$22.55

Add Core Genetic Test Panel

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$22.55

Add Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$10.45

Add Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$10.45

Dwarfism (DW)

$22.55

Add Developmental Duplications (DD)

$8.25

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$22.55

Add Dwarfism (DW)

$8.25

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$22.55

Add Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$8.25

Add Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$8.25

Add Myostatin (NT821)

$8.25

Add Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH)

$10.45

Add Osteopetrosis (OS)

$8.25

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$8.25

Add BVDV (PI)2

$9.90

1

1

Includes AM, CA, DD & NH

2

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) $22.55 Osteopetrosis (OS)

$22.55

Genetic Traits Coat Colour (RG)

$22.55

Myostatin (NT821)

$22.55

TSU samples only

Angus HeiferSELECTTM

$48.50

Hair

No charge

Semen

No charge

$25.85

Tissue

No charge

Included

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Parentage Verification Base Panel (280 SNPs) Add Parentage Verification

DNA Sample Types

Use AngusSELECT to find Angus animals and tap into the unlimited potential of Angus genetics PAge 62

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

GENOMIC TESTING

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Neogen Australasia

Genetic conditions

Genomic Tests Angus GSTM 1

$51.45

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

$22.55

Included

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

$22.55

Add Core Genetic Test Panel

2

$24.75

Developmental Duplications (DD)

$22.55

Add Full Genetic Test Panel

3

$41.25

Dwarfism (DW)

$22.55

Add Developmental Duplications (DD) $8.25

Alpha-Mannosidosis (MA)

$22.55

Add Coat Colour (RG)

$8.25

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

$22.55

Add BVDV (PI)

$9.90

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH) $22.55

Add Parentage Verification

Osteopetrosis (OS)

1

A discount of $3.30 will be applied for TSU samples

2

Includes AM, CA, DD & NH

3

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

Genetic Traits

Homozygous Poll

Angus uLD 4 4

$40.45

TSU samples only 6

Parentage Verification $27.00

Add Parentage Verification Build SNP Profile

Coat Colour (RG)

$22.55

Myostatin (6 variants) 6

$22.55

Homozygous Poll

$22.55

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

DNA Sample Types

Base Panel (543 SNPs)

5

$22.55

Included $220.00

5

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.

Hair

No charge

Semen

$11.00

Tissue

$11.00

Tissue (TSU)

No charge

Angus Australia – DNA Services – Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Fees Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (10 pack)

$12.00

Angus Australia DNA Hair Collectors (100 pack)

$120.00

Transfer DNA profile to another DNA lab

$5.50

Parentage Discovery

$66.00 p/hr

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

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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GENOMIC TESTING

LOW DENSITY, LOW COST, GENOMIC PRODUCT FOR MATURE ANGUS FEMALES Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

Angus uLD, an ultra-low density, low cost genomic product that has been developed in collaboration between Neogen Australasia and Angus Australia specifically for genomically testing mature seedstock females, became available to Angus Australia members during April 2019.

Understanding the Angus uLD

The Angus uLD product uses an ultra-low density DNA test to assess the genetic makeup of mature Angus females at approximately 15,000 locations across the animal’s genome (known as SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms) to obtain a genomic profile for the animal.

The resultant genomic profile can be used for parentage verification of the female and her progeny, plus to add valuable information to the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for not only the female, but also her relatives.

The Angus uLD is available exclusively to Angus Australia members for a limited time and has been developed for use by those members who wish to undertake one-off genotyping of their mature breeding herd so that they can obtain maximum benefit from genomic technology, both now and into the future.

Benefits of Angus uLD

Genotyping mature Angus females with Angus uLD has several benefits, including: • More reliable EBVs: Angus uLD adds valuable information to the Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs that are calculated for the female, and her relatives • Parentage verification of the female: Subject to the availability of a SNP profile for the female’s sire and or dam, DNA verification can be conducted to confirm the parentage of the female, improving the integrity of not only the female’s pedigree, but also the integrity of any genetic condition and Angus BREEDPLAN EBV information that is displayed.

• Parentage verification of progeny: DNA parentage verification can be conducted to confirm the parentage for any of the female’s progeny that are genotyped, improving the integrity of not only their pedigree, but also the integrity of any genetic condition and Angus BREEDPLAN EBV information that is displayed for them.

• Eligibility for Angus Parentage Assured program: The ability to conduct full parentage verification for the female’s progeny makes any future sale catalogues eligible for the Angus Parentage Assurance program.

Differences between Angus uLD and Other Genomic Products

Angus uLD is a low cost, ultra-low density product that is suitable for testing mature Angus seedstock females only.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

By comparison to the higher density Angus GS and HD50K for Angus products that evaluate an animal’s genome for 49,000 and 37,000 SNPs respectively, Angus uLD evaluates 15,000 SNPs. Reliable results will still be produced from the Angus uLD, but it should not be viewed as a replacement for the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products.

The Angus uLD has been designed for members who may now have commenced genotyping either all, or a subset of their current calves, but have not genotyped their cow herd. Angus uLD enables those members to undertake a one-off genotyping of their mature breeding herd so that they can obtain maximum benefit from genomic technology, both now and into the future.

Angus uLD is not suitable for genotyping sires or calves, which should be genotyped with either of the higher density Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products.

Ordering Angus uLD

Angus uLD can be ordered exclusively from Angus Australia for a cost of $40.45 (inc GST) by completing a DNA Services Order form. Order forms are available for download from the Angus Australia website, or by contacting staff at Angus Australia.

Angus uLD is available for a limited time only, with testing available until April 30th, 2020.

Collecting DNA Samples for Angus uLD

Angus uLD can only be conducted from tissue sampling units (TSUs), as marketed by Allflex.

TSUs involve the use of specialised equipment that takes an ear notch, places it in a collection tube that contains preservative, and seals the collection tube.

TSUs are available for purchase from Neogen Australasia on (07) 3736 2134, or from local rural merchandise stores.

Further Information

Further information about the Angus uLD product is available from staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600, or Neogen Australasia’s Beef Genomic Territory Manager, Hannah Bourke on 0447 299 096.

GENOMIC TESTING Angus uLD - Commonly Asked Questions 1.

2.

Can any mature Angus female be tested with Angus uLD? Angus uLD testing can only be requested for mature Angus females that are active on the female inventory of the Angus Australia member who is requesting the testing.

Is the Angus uLD suitable for testing sires or calves?

No. Sires or calves should be tested with the higher density Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products.

3.

Should mature Angus females previously tested with another genomic product be tested with Angus uLD? The Angus uLD product is an ideal option for upgrading the genomic information that is available for females that have been previously genotyped with a base parentage panel.

Angus females previously genotyped with the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products, or their predecessors should not be tested with Angus uLD.

4.

Angus uLD is only available for a limited time. How long will Angus uLD be available for?

The Angus uLD product will be available until April 30th, 2020.

Angus uLD should not be viewed as a replacement for Angus GS or HD50K for Angus, but has been designed specifically to enable Angus Australia members who may not have genotyped their female breeding herd to undertake a one-off genotyping of their mature breeding herd so that they can obtain maximum benefit from genomic technology, both now and into the future.

5.

Is Angus uLD compatible with other genomic products?

Angus GS is fully compatible with all other SNP based genomic products, including base parentage panels offered by both Neogen and Zoetis, and higher density genomic products such as Angus GS and HD50K for Angus, and their predecessors.

6.

What type of DNA samples can be collected for testing with Angus uLD? Angus uLD can only be conducted from tissue sampling units (TSUs), as marketed by Allflex. TSUs involve the use of specialised equipment that takes an ear notch, places it in a collection tube that contains preservative, and seals the collection tube.

TSUs are available for purchase from Neogen Australasia on (07) 3736 2134, or from local rural merchandise stores.

7.

8.

9.

How much additional accuracy will Angus uLD add to the EBVs of my females?

Angus uLD will add similar accuracy to the EBVs of females as when they are tested with either the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products.

If a group of females are tested with Angus uLD, no change would be expected in their average EBVs, but some re-ranking will occur, with the EBVs for some females increasing, and the EBVs for others decreasing. An increase in the spread of their EBVs (i.e. standard deviation) would also be expected.

What happens if a female fails parentage verification? Will she be deregistered?

If testing with Angus uLD identifies an error in the pedigree of a female, Angus Australia staff will investigate the matter and try to identify the correct parentage for the female. This will normally involve conducting parentage verification against other sires joined in the herd in that year, which will enable the parentage of the female to be corrected in most cases.

In cases where the parentage of the female can not be resolved, as per Angus Australia’s Regulations (clause 17.10 & 17.11), if the female is born before 1/1/2018, the animal’s registration status and that of her progeny will remain unchanged. A suffix of “E” will however be added to her name identifying a possible issue with her parentage information.

Can genetic condition testing be conducted from the same DNA sample?

Genetic condition testing can be requested in association with Angus uLD using the same DNA sample, but will incur the same cost as when the genetic condition testing is requested as a standalone test, being $22.55 per genetic condition.

As a result, if genetic condition testing is also required, it is recommended that members undertake the testing as an add-on to either the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products, which in most cases will be a cheaper option.

10. What is the cost of Angus uLD? Angus uLD can be ordered exclusively from Angus Australia for a cost of $40.45 (inc GST).

11. What is the turn-around time for Angus uLD? The turn-around time for testing with Angus uLD is similar to the turn-around time for Angus GS or HD50K for Angus testing. Members should allow 4 weeks from when samples are dispatched for the completion of the genotyping, and up to an additional 3-4 weeks for the inclusion of the genotypes into Angus BREEDPLAN, subject to analysis cut-off dates.

12. Who should I contact to further discuss testing with Angus uLD? Further information about the Angus uLD product is available from staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600, or Neogen Australasia’s Beef Genomic Territory Manager, Hannah Bourke on 0447 299 096.

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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GENOMIC TESTING

Remaining Vigilant in the Management of Genetic Conditions Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

Genetic conditions or defects are caused by DNA abnormalities and are present in all species, including beef cattle, with over 400 genetic conditions having been identified across different beef breeds, ranging from lethal genetic conditions where calves do not survive, through to genetic conditions with minimal economic impact.

Ten different genetic conditions are currently recognised within Angus Australia’s Regulations, with Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH), Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA), and Developmental Duplications (DD) being the conditions that people will be most familiar with.

The commitment of Angus Australia’s members to the management of these genetic conditions has proven to be very effective, and the number of cases reported of animals affected by each respective condition is now not only very low, but the incidence of carrier animals within the registered Australian Angus population for each condition has reduced considerably (see Figure 1).

As a consequence, the number of animals being DNA tested for each genetic condition has reduced dramatically in recent years (see Figure 2), and the management of genetic conditions now relies considerably on Angus Australia’s weekly gene probability analyses, and the determination that untested animals are free by inheritance.

While this situation is a great credit to Angus breeders, it does introduce some risk as the gene probability results being published for untested Angus animals are reliant on the accuracy of an animal’s pedigree information, and the existence of any historic pedigree errors will result in the calculation of potentially misleading gene probability results.

This risk was highlighted in September 2018 when the American Angus Association released a notice announcing that a widely used AI sire in the United PAge 66

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States, 3F Epic 4631, had been identified as being a carrier for NH, despite being previously thought to be free by inheritance.

While of little consequence in Australia as semen from 3F Epic 4631 had not yet been imported, Angus Australia has also recently had several similar cases, albeit of considerably less consequence, where animals previously thought to be free by inheritance have subsequently been identified as being a carrier for one of the genetic conditions.

So while the incidence of carriers for known genetic conditions within the registered Australian Angus population now sits at relatively low levels, it is critical that Angus seedstock breeders remain vigilant in the management of genetic conditions within their breeding program.

The Angus Australia Board has introduced a new Regulation from June 1st, 2019 that requires any AI sire who is born after 1/1/2018 to be tested for any recognised genetic condition for which a genomic test is commercially available before it will be possible to register their progeny. This currently includes the 4 most common genetic conditions, AM, CA, DD and NH, along with dwarfism (DW), alpha mannosidosis (MA), osteopetrosis (OS) and oculocutaneous hypopigmentation (OH).

Additionally, while not a requirement of registration, Angus seedstock breeders are strongly encouraged to ensure all sires joined in paddock matings, along with all donor dams, are at a minimum, DNA sire verified, and ideally fully DNA parent verified, prior to use in their

GENOMIC TESTING

seedstock breeding operation, along with being DNA tested for the 4 most common genetic conditions, being AM, CA, DD and NH. Conducting DNA parentage verification, along with DNA testing for these 4 genetic conditions reduces the risk of inadvertently using a carrier within your breeding program that you would otherwise incorrectly assume to be free by inheritance based on the gene probability analysis results. DNA parentage verification is best conducted for sires and donor dams by genomically testing with either the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products. Both products are available for a cost of $51.45 (inc GST). Testing for AM, CA, DD and NH can be added when testing with either product for an additional cost of $24.75 (inc GST).

Consideration should also be given to testing sires joined in paddock matings and donor dams for the 4 other genetic conditions for which a genomic test is available, being DW (Dwarfism), MA (Alpha Mannosidosis), OS (Osteopetrosis) and OH (Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation), along with other genetic traits for which genomic tests are available, such as red gene, myostatin, and homozygous polled.

Testing for these 7 traits can be added when testing with Angus GS for an additional cost of $16.50 (inc GST), meaning the full suite of 8 genetic conditions and 3 genetic traits can be added to Angus GS for a total additional cost of $41.25 (inc GST).

To further discuss the management of genetic conditions in either a seedstock or commercial Angus breeding program, please contact staff at Angus Australia.

Take Home Messages

• The commitment of Angus Australia’s members to the management of recessive genetic conditions has proven to be very effective • While the incidence of carriers is at relatively low levels, it is critical that Angus seedstock breeders remain vigilant in the management of genetic conditions within their breeding program • From June 1st, 2019, any AI sire who is born after 1/1/2018 must be tested for any recognised genetic condition for which a genomic test is commercially available before it will be possible to register their progeny.

• Angus seedstock breeders are strongly encouraged to ensure all sires joined in paddock matings, along with all donor dams, are at a minimum, DNA sire verified, and ideally fully DNA parent verified, prior to use in their seedstock breeding operation, along with being DNA tested for the 4 most common genetic conditions, being AM, CA, DD and NH. • The genetic condition status should be prominently displayed for all Angus seedstock animals offered for sale.

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GENOMIC TESTING

How Accurate is Your Pedigree – Are You Sale Ready?

Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

Many readers will be aware of a well publicised ruling in the NSW District Court in March whereby a seedstock Angus producer was ordered to pay a sum of $200,000 with regards to a bull that was purchased from their sale that subsequently failed parentage verification.

While it is understood that the ruling is subject to appeal at the time of writing, this case, along with several outof-court settlements that Angus Australia is aware of, highlight the responsibility that all seedstock producers have when presenting pedigree information on animals that they are offering for sale.

Errors in the parentage recorded for an animal compromises the reliability by which the information presented accurately describes the sale lot. Not only is the integrity of the pedigree information compromised, but also the integrity of the Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and genetic condition status that are displayed for the animal.

The following article outlines some steps that Angus seedstock producers can take to minimise the chance of parentage errors occurring, and in turn, to mitigate the potential risk posed by the sale of an animal with a parentage error.

It is important to note that these recommendations are provided as general, non-legal in nature advice, and do not relate to the specific case mentioned above.

Seedstock producers would be well advised to obtain independent advice, legal or otherwise, for their own specific circumstances.

1. Accurate Record Keeping: While it should be assumed as a given, it is important that seedstock breeders take due diligence to maintain accurate joining and calving records, which in turn, will facilitate the maintenance of accurate parentage information for their animals. A small percentage of errors are inevitable, but those members who are organised, with good recording practices in place, have greatly reduced probability of experiencing errors in the parentage details that are displayed for their sale lots.

2. DNA Sire Verify All Sale Lots: It is strongly recommended that all lots offered for sale are at a minimum, DNA sire verified, and ideally, fully DNA parent verified (i.e. both sire and dam) prior to the sale. This is particularly important for high value stock, or bulls that can subsequently have a major impact in the herd of the purchaser.

DNA parentage verification can be conducted by genotyping all sale lots with a base parentage panel of $25.85 (inc GST), and will either confirm that the sire and/or dam has been correctly identified, or alternatively, enable the sire and/or dam to be amended prior to sale.

It is essential when collecting DNA samples for parentage verification that very diligent sampling protocols are in place to ensure the animal from which the sample has been collected is accurately

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identified. Any errors in the animals to which samples are allocated will result in errors in any subsequent DNA sire verification that is conducted from hose samples.

3. Display Parentage Verification Status of Sale Lots: Whether the parentage of each sale lot has been confirmed via DNA testing, and consequently the inherent risk of a parentage error existing, should be transparently displayed in all sale catalogues and advertisements via the display of a suffix at the end of each animal’s name.

The display of parentage verification status as a suffix to an animal’s name is now a requirement within Angus Australia’s Regulations, with suffixes as follows: PV both the animal’s parents have been verified

by DNA SV the animal’s sire has been verified by DNA DV the animal’s dam has been verified by DNA # DNA verification has not been conducted E DNA verification has identified that the animal’s sire and/or dam may possibly be incorrect, but

this can-not be confirmed conclusively 4. Ensure Sale Offerings Qualify as Angus Sire Assured: It is strongly recommended that all sale offerings qualify, as being, at a minimum, “Angus Sire Assured” within the Angus Parentage Assurance program, and are clearly identified as such through the display of the appropriate logo in all sale catalogues and advertisements, The Angus Parentage Assurance program was introduced in November 2018, and highlights sale or semen catalogues listed on the Angus Australia website where DNA testing has been conducted to verify the parentage of all lots being offered for sale.

Catalogues qualify as being “Angus Sire Assured” when all lots have been DNA sire verified, while catalogues qualify as being “Angus Parentage Assured” when all lots have been DNA parent verified, confirming both the sire and the dam are correct.

5. Utilise Angus Australia’s Sale Catalogue Services: It is recommended that sale catalogues and advertisements be compiled using data files supplied

by Angus Australia.

Amongst a range of sale catalogue services, Angus Australia can supply files containing up to date pedigree and EBV details for all sale lots. Requesting and utilising files provided by Angus Australia is a useful way of minimising potential transcription errors when compiling information for sale lots, ensuring that all information is correct at the time of publication.

GENOMIC TESTING 6. Display of Disclaimers: Whilst the recent NSW District Court ruling has made it somewhat unclear as to how much legal protection is offered by written disclaimers when errors are subsequently identified in the information presented on sale lots, nevertheless, it is recommended that a written disclaimer should be clearly displayed in all sale catalogues, that reads similar to the following: Animal details included in this catalogue, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, are based on information provided by the breeder or owner of the animal. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided in this catalogue was correct at the time of publication, neither the vendor, Angus Australia or the selling agents assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken based on this information.

7. Consider Additional Genomic Testing: While genotyping with a base parentage panel is sufficient for DNA parentage verification, consideration should be given to an alternative, better approach, which is to genomically test all sale lots with either the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products prior to the sale.

While the cost of this option is higher than a base parentage panel (~$50 versus $25.85), genotyping with these products provides not only parentage verification, but will also improve the reliability with which the EBVs that are presented describe the genetics of the sale lots.

Consideration can also be given to testing sale lots for any known genetic conditions, however is unlikely that this would be necessary in most circumstances.

8. Customer is King: While following the steps outlined in the beforementioned recommendations will assist to minimise the chance of parentage errors occurring, and in turn, to mitigate the potential risk posed by the sale of an animal with a parentage error, there is no replacement for the maintenance of a good relationship between vendor and purchaser.

As in any business, maintaining a good relationship with the customer, being the purchaser of the sale lot, will go a long way to resolving any issues, be it parentage errors or otherwise, that may inadvertently arise.

Should you have any questions, or to further discuss the responsibility that seedstock producers have when presenting pedigree information on animals, please don’t hesitate to contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 for assistance and advice.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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GENOMIC TESTING

Genomic Testing - What to Expect when You’re Expecting Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer

Genomic testing has boomed in recent years driven by continual development within the space and a clear benefit for producers utilising the technology.

The genomic testing pipeline is currently optimised to ensure members are provided with the quickest turnaround from sample collection to results. The 6-8 weeks from submission of a test request to the availability of EBVs including genomic information captures a number of processes which ultimately take time.

Taking the sample

The first part of the genomic testing journey begins on farm with the collection of a DNA sample. Typically, this is in the form of a clump of hair from the tail of the animal or a tissue sample collected with a TSU from the ear. Getting this step right, ensures sufficient DNA, of a suitable quality can be extracted and used through the required testing. So, what makes a good DNA sample;

genotyping needs to be correct. It is important a correct collector is used and shipped appropriately. Failure to adhere to the correct procedure can cause the sample to be compromised or lost during shipping.

Paper work – A factor which can delay samples getting processed is the failure to correctly fill out and complete the DNA test request form. The DNA test request form needs to arrive before or at the same time as the samples because without the form no testing can take place.

The importance of quality DNA samples is why Angus Australia commits significant resources to quality control of samples prior to being sent to the lab. This ensures members have the greatest possible time with which to resubmit a sample for testing. Importantly, samples received by Angus Australia are shipped to the lab on the same day as they are received, assuming all checks are met. If a sample of insufficient quality is provided, a new sample will need to be collected which can significantly increase the timeframe for getting the results.

Processing the sample

Figure 1 - Both samples have failed quality control. The TSU has been damaged in transport and ruptured, losing its liquid. The hair sample has an insufficient number of follicles not taken from the switch of the animal’s tail

Amount – Too little or too much can be a problem, so ensure that the sample meets the required standard. In the case of hair this is 40 hair follicles taken from the switch of the animal’s tail.

Quality – Not only does the sample need to be clean and dry, but also the way the sample is presented for

Genomic testing occurs in a lab with a number of different machines involved which extract the DNA from the sample, multiply the DNA and primers up to a usable level and then the genotyping. The quality of the sample is critical to ensuring this process can be run, with each process having a defined time for how long they take to complete. The processing of the sample is also the most variable in time taken of the components of the genomic testing journey, with varying timeframes based on not only the volume of samples going through the lab but also a huge range of factors which are variable, such as whether all the submitted samples can fit on the testing plate. Whilst being variable, in most cases, these factors have very little impact on the overall time taken.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

GENOMIC TESTING

Including the results in your EBVs

The final step in the journey of your genomic test is the inclusion of the results into the EBV calculation, to provide the best representation of the genetic merit of the animal.

The inclusion of ‘new’ genomic test results into the calculation of EBVs occurs every two weeks when the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis is run. Turnaround times can vary significantly subject to when the availability of new genotyping results corresponds to the analysis dates.

If the genotyping results arrive just prior to an analysis, they will be included immediately into the calculation of EBVs, otherwise they need to wait for the next analysis, which may result in a delay of up to 2 – 3 weeks.

Genomics changed the EBVs

The inclusion of genomic information into the calculation of a breeding value typically causes the breeding value to move, this movement in breeding value comes from

the new information genomics has provided. There are however a number of other sources of information which can cause movement in an animal’s breeding value. To check whether the animal has had genomics included in the EBVs you can look at the traits observed in the animals EBV table on Angus.Tech.

If the animal has been genomically tested, ‘Genomics’ will be listed in the traits observed list along with all other performance recording used in the calculation of the animals breeding values.

The inclusion of genomic information will affect every animal differently, due to the better-defined relationship between the tested animal and the reference population, and the development of relationships between not only pedigree relations but also animals that share genes in common.

For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au

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www.clunie.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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breed development

Angus Australia and UNE Partnership Delivers Research Breeding Values for Mature Cow Body Condition and Height Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager

Angus Australia’s partnership with the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England (UNE) has delivered Research Breeding Values (RBVs) for Mature Cow Body Condition, and Mature Cow Height.

The research project, titled “Breeding Better Breeders” is being led by well-respected UNE geneticists, Dr Sam Clark and Dr Tom Granleese, and is part of Angus Australia’s commitment to providing Angus breeders with tools that enable them to maximise the rate of genetic improvement within their breeding program.

Initial research has focussed on better describing the genetics of Angus animals for traits associated with the maintenance requirements of the female breeding herd.

Research has demonstrated that approximately 60 to 75% of the total feed used in a cow-calf operation is related to maintaining the cow herd. Further, research has shown that there are differences in the maintenance requirements of individual animals, and that some of those differences can be attributed to genetics, making it possible to select bulls that will breed daughters with lower maintenance requirements when they enter the female breeding herd.

The development of RBVs for mature height and body condition complements the existing Mature Cow Weight and Milk EBV that are published routinely for Angus animals, providing a more complete genetic description of Angus animals for the traits that are associated with differences in cow maintenance requirements.

Figure 1 – Heritability of Mature Cow Body Condition and Height, and Genetic Correlation with Mature Cow Weight Trait

Heritability

Genetic Correlation with MCW

Mature Cow Body Condition

15%

+0.61

Mature Cow Height

49%

+0.46

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Understanding the Science

The research conducted by UNE to date has focussed on analysing the mature height and body condition score measurements recorded for animals on Angus Australia’s database to better understand the genetic basis of these traits, and the genetic relationship between these traits and mature cow weight (figure 1).

The research results, consistent with expectations from previous research projects, have indicated that both traits were under some genetic control, with mature cow body condition deemed to be of low-moderate heritability, and mature cow height of moderate heritability.

Both traits had a considerable, positive genetic relationship with mature cow weight, indicating that in general, sires producing heavier females would also produce daughters that were taller and had more body condition, however the correlation was of a magnitude whereby some individuals did not follow the standard genetic relationship, meaning selection for each trait individually was possible.

Understanding the Research Breeding Values

Mature Cow Body Condition and Mature Cow Height RBVs have initially been published for sires with greater than 70% accuracy, and 5 progeny or more with a performance record for each respective trait.

Mature Cow Body Condition (MBC) RBVs provide estimates of genetic differences between animals in the body condition of mature females, with higher MBC RBVs indicating an animal is expected to produce daughters with more body condition as mature females.

breed development

Mature Cow Height (MCH) RBVs provide estimates of genetic differences between animals in the height of mature females, as assessed at the hip, with higher Mature Cow Height RBVs indicating an animal is expected to produce daughters that are taller as mature females.

The Mature Cow Body Condition and Mature Cow Height RBVs can be downloaded from the Angus Australia website. A subset of the RBVs are provided on pages 74 and 75 of this publication.

While only available for a limited number of relatively old sires at this stage, the Research Breeding Values enable Angus breeders to select animals with desirable genetics for mature cow body condition and mature cow height, balanced with selection for other traits of importance within their breeding objective.

It is important to note that the Research Breeding Values are subject to greater potential change than EBVs routinely reported as part of the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation and should be used with some caution in animal selection decisions. The Research Breeding Values may change as improvements are made to the analytical models that are used, and as additional performance information is collected.

What Are the Next Steps?

To assist with the publication of research breeding values for a wider range of animals, and to assist researchers to better understand the genetics of these traits, interested Angus seedstock breeders are encouraged to collect and submit a range of performance measurements for their mature females.

Primarily this includes the collection of body condition score and hip height measurements in association with the collection of mature weights at the same time

as when the 200 day weights for the progeny of the females are recorded, which is normally at, or near the time of weaning.

Measurements can also be repeated at the start of joining and pre-calving for any members who are willing to collect multiple measurements throughout the year.

Additionally, seedstock breeders are encouraged to consider collecting DNA samples and genotyping any females who have not been previously genotyped with the Angus GS or HD50K for Angus products, or their predecessors. The availability of both performance measurements and genomic information for females will assist with the development of a reference population for these traits, and with the utilisation of genomic information in any future research breeding values that are calculated.

Mature females can be genotyped with either the Angus uLD or Angus GS products available via Neogen, or the HD50K for Angus product available via Zoetis. Angus uLD is an ultra-low density, low cost genomic product that has been developed specifically for genomically testing mature Australian Angus seedstock females.

For further information, please contact contact either Angus Australia’s Breed Development Officer, Matt Reynolds, on (02) 6773 4626 or matthew.reynolds@ angusaustralia.com.au, or Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne, on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia.com.au.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Name RENNYLEA D372 TE MANIA BERKLEY B1 TE MANIA INFINITY 04 379 AB BT EQUATOR 395M LEACHMAN BOOM TIME TE MANIA AMBASSADOR A134 RENNYLEA C511 BOOROOMOOKA UNDERTAKEN Y145 ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241 TUWHARETOA REGENT D145 HYLINE RIGHT TIME 338 TE MANIA EMPEROR E343 MILLAH MURRAH WOODY W100 B/R NEW DESIGN 036 LAWSONS DINKY-DI Z191 YTHANBRAE HENRY VIII U8 TE MANIA AFRICA A217 TE MANIA UNLIMITED U3271 RENNYLEA C574 TE MANIA ULONG U41 ARDROSSAN DIRECTION W109 RENNYLEA B101 BON VIEW NEW DESIGN 1407 BOOROOMOOKA THEO T030 LAWSONS HENRY VIII D1054 BT RIGHT TIME 24J GARDENS HIGHMARK G A R PREDESTINED RENNYLEA F266 BONGONGO BULLETPROOF Z3 ARDROSSAN CONNECTION X15 RENNYLEA C510 RENNYLEA A421 RENNYLEA B77

Birth Year 2008 2006 2004 2002 1999 2005 2007 2003 2005 2008 1998 2009 2001 1990 2004 1999 2005 1999 2007 1999 2001 2006 1997 1998 2008 1999 1998 1999 2010 2004 2002 2007 2005 2006

Mature Cow Body Condition RBV Acc Prog +0.80 83% 46 +0.71 90% 109 +0.68 87% 56 +0.62 81% 30 +0.59 81% 33 +0.58 81% 19 +0.56 89% 107 +0.55 83% 29 +0.54 85% 44 +0.53 88% 61 +0.51 85% 36 +0.51 85% 47 +0.50 81% 42 +0.46 88% 7 +0.46 83% 30 +0.44 80% 9 +0.41 87% 51 +0.41 86% 37 +0.40 88% 91 +0.40 85% 27 +0.40 81% 27 +0.39 81% 32 +0.38 88% 47 +0.36 81% 33 +0.35 82% 41 +0.34 81% 26 +0.33 80% 22 +0.32 87% 49 +0.31 84% 61 +0.29 82% 29 +0.28 84% 33 +0.28 84% 62 +0.25 82% 48 +0.19 82% 36 ABI +95 +156 +87 +111 +80 +110 +140 +123 +137 +137 +120 +143 +77 +109 +129 +128 +146 +98 +153 +133 +107 +112 +125 +95 +120 +103 +103 +112 +93 +117 +87 +141 +126 +128

CED -20.5 +5.2 -2.9 -6.1 -6.3 -2.2 -0.4 +3.5 -0.4 -6.2 -4.0 +0.9 -5.6 +1.3 +5.7 -4.2 +0.9 +0.1 +0.9 +3.1 +0.9 -2.6 +4.2 +2.8 -0.1 -2.2 -2.4 -2.9 +2.8 +5.7 +1.8 -0.2 -2.4 -1.0

200 +53 +50 +36 +52 +56 +29 +34 +30 +50 +50 +53 +51 +41 +35 +43 +50 +40 +29 +45 +40 +41 +30 +39 +30 +39 +45 +43 +43 +41 +30 +39 +48 +44 +38

400 +88 +92 +73 +95 +85 +54 +71 +63 +91 +85 +88 +95 +68 +63 +68 +87 +79 +62 +90 +74 +73 +62 +67 +59 +69 +85 +75 +67 +74 +48 +66 +82 +78 +76

Mid May 2019 Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs 600 MCW Milk SS CWt EMA +121 +110 +17 +2.3 +76 +8.4 +119 +137 +9 +2.2 +75 +4.8 +89 +75 +11 +2.9 +46 +2.4 +130 +129 +18 +1.5 +82 +1.4 +115 +93 +21 +1.2 +70 +2.3 +76 +57 +12 +2.7 +48 +11.7 +83 +62 +17 +3.1 +53 +12.0 +74 +55 +5 +2.2 +37 +1.4 +121 +105 +22 +3.1 +84 +5.9 +120 +111 +17 +1.4 +87 +9.2 +126 +91 +21 +3.5 +63 +4.8 +127 +125 +10 +1.9 +67 +4.6 +86 +82 +12 +1.4 +55 +5.1 +87 +77 +14 +1.4 +45 +4.6 +98 +50 +20 +1.6 +45 +4.7 +113 +83 +14 +1.8 +76 +7.1 +105 +77 +27 +3.4 +28 +8.5 +80 +55 +18 +2.8 +26 +2.8 +117 +89 +27 +2.1 +77 +6.0 +98 +78 +20 +1.8 +22 +5.0 +99 +85 +17 +2.1 +71 +7.4 +91 +58 +17 +2.1 +55 +5.5 +97 +62 +18 +0.4 +42 +5.4 +78 +44 +20 +2.8 +40 +5.0 +95 +54 +16 +2.5 +46 +5.2 +112 +82 +19 +1.3 +57 +5.3 +96 +77 +17 +2.4 +63 +5.6 +84 +55 +17 +0.9 +47 +8.0 +99 +47 +27 +1.2 +53 +7.7 +68 +15 +22 -1.6 +25 +7.6 +86 +43 +19 +2.2 +56 +9.6 +115 +52 +25 +3.3 +64 +13.9 +99 +72 +16 +2.8 +61 +7.1 +99 +43 +29 +1.4 +59 +7.5 Rib -0.6 +2.3 -1.6 -0.1 +0.0 +0.0 +2.1 +2.3 -1.6 +0.6 -0.1 +2.4 -0.5 -1.9 -1.1 -2.4 -1.5 +0.2 +2.0 +0.2 -0.1 +1.7 -0.1 +3.2 -0.8 +1.2 -0.4 +1.0 -0.2 -2.4 -0.7 -0.1 +1.4 +2.0

Rump -0.5 +0.2 +0.7 -0.7 -0.9 +2.4 +0.1 +1.7 -1.5 -1.4 +1.2 +0.4 +0.2 -4.8 -2.4 -5.3 +0.4 +1.0 +1.5 +1.0 -1.7 -1.3 -0.8 +1.1 -1.5 +2.2 +1.4 -0.2 -1.4 -3.4 -0.9 -0.5 +1.5 +0.0

RBY +0.6 -1.2 -1.5 +0.0 -0.9 +0.7 +0.6 -1.3 +1.7 +0.6 +0.9 -0.9 +0.9 +1.4 +0.9 +2.0 +0.9 -0.7 -1.3 +0.5 +1.0 -1.7 -0.3 -0.9 +0.8 +0.1 +0.5 +0.0 -0.9 +1.2 +1.8 +2.3 -0.8 -0.2

IMF +4.6 +3.6 +3.2 +0.9 +1.3 +3.7 +5.0 +4.2 +1.9 +4.3 +1.7 +3.0 +1.1 +3.0 +3.0 +3.1 +4.0 +3.5 +3.8 +3.0 +1.4 +4.8 +3.4 +2.3 +2.9 +0.4 +2.3 +3.9 +2.4 +3.0 +0.9 +1.3 +3.3 +3.2

Disclaimer: The Research Breeding Values published above were calculated from data supplied to Angus Australia by members and/or third parties. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data, Angus Australia, its officers and employees, assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the RBVs, nor the outcome (including consequential loss) of an action taken based on the information presented in this publication.

Id NORD372 VTMB1 NZE04379 USA14237157 USA13361440 VTMA134 NORC511 NGMY145 NAQA241 BNAD145 USA13058662 VTME343 NMMW100 USA036 VLYZ191 VLYU8 VTMA217 VTMU3271 NORC574 VTMU41 NAQW109 NORB101 USA1407 NGMT30 VLYD1054 USA24J USA13047487 USA13395344 NORF266 NGXZ3 NAQX15 NORC510 NORA421 NORB77

Research Research Breeding ValuesValues for Mature CowCow Body Sireswith with a RBV Accuracy Greater than 80% Breeding for Mature BodyCondition Condition -- Sires a RBV Accuracy Greater Than 80%

breed development

Mature Cow Height RBV Acc Prog +10.6 81% 12 +10.2 87% 23 +10.1 84% 25 +10.1 83% 15 +10.0 83% 22 +9.8 92% 60 +9.4 81% 15 +9.1 87% 27 +9.1 80% 8 +8.6 87% 8 +8.5 84% 32 +8.5 80% 13 +8.4 88% 22 +8.3 92% 34 +8.3 81% 15 +7.8 92% 40 +7.8 80% 13 +7.6 86% 7 +7.6 85% 9 +7.4 83% 14 +7.3 91% 48 +7.2 90% 28 +7.2 81% 10 +7.1 83% 16 +7.1 81% 15 +6.9 84% 20 +6.9 82% 20 +6.4 92% 30 +6.1 81% 16 +5.9 80% 19 +5.5 82% 13 +5.2 86% 10 +5.2 84% 20 +5.0 88% 24 +4.8 89% 30 +3.9 90% 24 +2.1 80% 19 +1.7 80% 26 ABI +120 +108 +96 +125 +63 +119 +143 +92 +107 +99 +50 +105 +109 +125 +105 +91 +75 +91 +99 +120 +82 +129 +103 +72 +114 +48 +61 +94 +71 +84 +135 +72 +85 +85 +123 +95 +25 +15

CED +0.3 +0.7 -5.2 -2.1 +4.4 -4.9 +0.9 +0.1 +0.9 +0.8 -7.2 +1.6 +2.1 +4.2 -1.9 -8.2 +2.4 +2.8 +4.1 -4.0 +0.1 +0.8 -2.2 -9.1 -3.0 -8.2 -0.5 +1.4 -3.9 +1.4 -2.4 -7.4 -0.7 -1.5 +3.5 +2.8 -3.1 -10.2

200 +41 +37 +46 +57 +38 +36 +51 +34 +41 +35 +47 +43 +40 +39 +45 +55 +38 +31 +30 +53 +34 +51 +45 +39 +45 +43 +39 +31 +44 +31 +44 +34 +39 +26 +30 +30 +18 +20

400 +79 +59 +81 +98 +70 +58 +95 +66 +73 +60 +81 +74 +67 +67 +86 +92 +67 +61 +54 +88 +61 +88 +85 +75 +79 +71 +65 +51 +77 +55 +85 +60 +70 +47 +63 +59 +38 +37

Mid May 2019 Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs 600 MCW Milk SS CWt EMA +113 +106 +18 +2.3 +69 +9.2 +81 +68 +14 +1.6 +55 +11.2 +108 +131 +7 +0.5 +67 +5.8 +127 +140 +8 +3.5 +71 +5.9 +91 +79 +13 +2.8 +64 +3.2 +81 +80 +12 +1.3 +48 +11.3 +127 +125 +10 +1.9 +67 +4.6 +86 +102 +12 +2.3 +48 -0.6 +99 +85 +17 +2.1 +71 +7.4 +78 +42 +15 +3.2 +36 +2.4 +103 +96 +7 +0.0 +65 +5.9 +97 +109 +6 +2.2 +59 +5.7 +87 +70 +12 +2.8 +49 +2.8 +97 +62 +18 +0.4 +42 +5.4 +111 +117 +10 +1.3 +66 +4.8 +123 +130 +15 +2.1 +61 +4.7 +88 +108 +6 +2.1 +51 +1.0 +80 +86 +16 +2.6 +43 +1.0 +71 +34 +20 +3.5 +30 +1.9 +126 +91 +21 +3.5 +63 +4.8 +80 +72 +15 +2.1 +45 +2.2 +121 +115 +13 +2.4 +60 +1.6 +112 +82 +19 +1.3 +57 +5.3 +87 +60 +15 +2.9 +54 -3.7 +105 +99 +16 +2.7 +59 +8.7 +87 +92 +13 +1.6 +54 +6.4 +73 +68 +9 +0.8 +34 +1.6 +71 +38 +18 -0.2 +56 +10.7 +90 +81 +10 +0.8 +52 +1.6 +82 +73 +3 +0.9 +25 -0.6 +112 +82 +19 +2.0 +61 +8.0 +75 +86 +3 +2.5 +43 +6.5 +90 +89 +8 +0.8 +46 +7.3 +48 +31 +4 +2.9 +20 +1.8 +74 +55 +5 +2.2 +37 +1.4 +78 +44 +20 +2.8 +40 +5.0 +24 +23 -9 +0.7 +8 +5.5 +27 +15 +3 +0.0 +17 +10.7 Rib -2.6 -1.4 -2.5 -0.4 -2.8 -2.1 +2.4 -0.5 -0.1 +0.5 -2.4 +0.0 -3.0 -0.1 -4.2 +0.5 +1.6 -3.7 +0.9 -0.1 -0.8 +0.0 +1.2 +0.0 -2.5 +0.0 +0.7 -1.0 -2.3 +1.3 -2.8 -1.9 -0.1 +3.0 +2.3 +3.2 +3.0 +1.8

Rump -2.2 -2.6 -4.3 +2.2 -4.9 -1.5 +0.4 -0.5 -1.7 +0.7 -2.4 +0.1 -5.1 -0.8 -6.5 +0.8 +2.8 -5.5 +1.3 +1.2 -2.1 +1.1 +2.2 +1.0 -4.0 +0.9 +1.1 -1.1 -2.9 +2.2 -3.2 -4.0 -0.9 +4.7 +1.7 +1.1 +4.7 +3.0

RBY +2.3 +2.4 +1.9 +1.1 +1.3 +1.9 -0.9 -0.8 +1.0 +0.3 +1.8 +0.8 +1.7 -0.3 +2.5 +0.4 -1.1 +1.1 +0.0 +0.9 +0.5 -0.3 +0.1 -1.4 +3.0 +0.7 +0.2 +0.9 +0.7 -0.1 +3.7 +1.9 +1.2 -1.5 -1.3 -0.9 -0.4 +2.2

IMF +1.3 +2.3 +2.4 +0.2 +0.6 +3.2 +3.0 +2.4 +1.4 +2.3 +0.8 +1.1 +2.5 +3.4 +2.2 +1.9 +1.4 +2.6 +2.2 +1.7 +2.3 +2.3 +0.4 +2.0 +0.9 +0.1 +0.3 +2.1 +1.6 +0.9 +0.6 +2.0 +0.4 +4.2 +4.2 +2.3 +0.2 -0.6

Disclaimer: The Research Breeding Values published above were calculated from data supplied to Angus Australia by members and/or third parties. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data, Angus Australia, its officers and employees, assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the RBVs, nor the outcome (including consequential loss) of an action taken based on the information presented in this publication.

Birth Year 2002 2001 2000 1997 2000 2002 2009 2002 2001 1988 1998 2003 2000 1997 2002 1995 2001 1998 1998 1998 2000 1999 1999 2001 2000 1998 2003 1995 2000 2000 1999 1998 2001 1999 2003 1998 2005 1999

Id NORX164 NGMW391 DDRV16 USA12760345 NENV142 NORX555 VTME343 VSYX60 NAQW109 USA315 USA13119152 VSYY466 USA095 USA1407 BFBX14 USA297E VSYW502 NGMT204 NXJT149 USA13058662 TFAV153 USAJ244 USA24J NAQW107 USAC804 NTVT27 NEPY112 USA5321 NGCV103 NENV36 USA13447282 NGMT38 NGMW245 NGMU170 NGMY145 NGMT30 AMCA149 AMPU999

Name RENNYLEA X164 BOOROOMOOKA WESTALL W391 RACOVOLIS HI ROAD V16 S A NEUTRON 377 KAROO FLATS S47 STOCKMAN V142 RENNYLEA XPONENTIAL X555 TE MANIA EMPEROR E343 BALLANGEICH X60 ARDROSSAN DIRECTION W109 V D A R NEW TREND 315 HOFF LIMITED EDITION S C 594 BALLANGEICH Y466 B/R NEW FRONTIER 095 BON VIEW NEW DESIGN 1407 NARRAWOLGA XANTHUS X14 B T ULTRAVOX 297E BALLANGEICH VSY W502 BOOROOMOOKA TIM T204 MERRIC RIVERS NEW DESIGN T149 HYLINE RIGHT TIME 338 LANDFALL NEW DESIGN V153 VERMILION YELLOWSTONE BT RIGHT TIME 24J ARDROSSAN MODEST W107 LEMMON NEWSLINE C804 BOORAGUL TUMBLEWEED T27 EASTERN PLAINS DESIGN PLUS Y112 C A FUTURE DIRECTION 5321 DULVERTON VOTED NO.1 V103 KAROO FLATS AL TRAVELER V36 CONNEALY LEAD ON BOOROOMOOKA TRISTAN T038 BOOROOMOOKA WARWICK W245 BOOROOMOOKA UNDERTAKEN U170 BOOROOMOOKA UNDERTAKEN Y145 BOOROOMOOKA THEO T030 MAIN CAMP A.OR A149 NSW DPI MP MAC U999

Research Breeding Values for Mature Cow Body Height - Sires RBV Accuracy Greater Research Breeding Values for Mature Cow Height - Sires with with a RBVaAccuracy Greater Than 80% than 80%

breed development

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 75

breed development

Don’t dig yourself into a hole with your breeding decisions Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer

There is a lot going on when we make breeding decisions, with a focus on one area having impacts elsewhere and in a world where we need to meet the needs of our clients and the future of the herd, sometimes factors get forgotten.

Some of these factors though need consideration, because forgetting about them now, can mean a headache for the future.

Genetic conditions

Genetic conditions are the ‘big’ factor to watch when making breeding decisions and whilst the decision to use an animal that is or is potentially a carrier for a condition is an individual one, the impact of the decision is more certain.

Angus has a number of recessive conditions which mean they can be difficult to remove from a breeding program once introduced, because carriers of a single copy don’t express the condition. This means that elite animals which are carriers often have their status over looked for the potential they can deliver in other areas. Whilst again the decision to do this is individual, we do need to understand the impact of doing this could significantly reduce our options later on, if not managed.

Importantly these conditions can be managed, as only 50% of the progeny from a carrier bred to a free animal will be carriers. So, if we use technologies like genomics and retain only tested-free progeny, we can ensure the benefits of the carrier lines are passed on without the genetic conditions.

Bad feet

Structural conformation at the expense of production traits or production traits at the expense of structural conformation is a considerable factor every seedstock breeder is faced with. Getting the balance right between the positive of a potential mating and the negatives is often very rarely simple.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Gradual creep in genetic trend for traits, not part of the breeding objective is seen, for instance when focusing on growth traits, mature weight creeps up or focuses on muscling resulting in leaner animals. Regardless of the traits involved, it is about being aware that the selection decisions have impacts on the traits we focus on and traits we don’t. Taking a holistic approach to the identification of breeding animals and examining the selection decisions we make as a group over time is valuable in managing the breeding program.

Inbreeding and outcrossing

Every breeder knows about inbreeding and the fine line between getting it right and very wrong. As with all the areas raised in this article the level of acceptable inbreeding is an individual one. Understanding though it is an area that needs management is important. This can be the avoidance of the heavy use of any one sire or sire lines or utilising Angus Australia’s mating predictor to

breed development

take a more detailed look at where your herds inbreeding level sits.

If we are going to mention inbreeding then we need to mention outcrossing. Outcrossed genetics is referred to as genetics which doesn’t share any pedigree links within the immediate pedigree to the individual/breeding program, typically 3 to 4 generations. Everyone will define outcrossed genetics differently and it is important to understand it in the context of the breeding program.

Outcrossing is typically done to manage inbreeding or to bring in new genes into a breeding program. It is important that when we do this, we ensure we don’t bring in undesirable traits or conditions into our program.

Low accuracy EBVs

The final point to discuss is the use of low accuracy breeding values to make mating decisions. There is no right level for accuracy of a breeding value and its more important that we make the decision based on the most informed information at the time.

The reality though of modern angus breeding programs is the use of selective matings. The significance of movement

26th Annual Bull Sale

in a breeding value is greater for selective mating than in general mating situations, such as seen in commercial operations. This is because with selective matings we have greater importance on individual features, typically to improve deficiencies in the female.

Furthermore, the risk is that in seedstock operations the level of confidence as you continue with multiple generations of low accuracy breeding value decisions reduces. Ultimately this can mean if not effectively managed, an end product which doesn’t align with the expectations of the breeding decisions.

The development of genomics though is significant for this situation, as it enables a more informed decision to be made earlier through high accuracy EBVs and so can buffer a large amount of the factors discussed.

Genomics is a powerful tool available to Angus breeders and all of the points raised in this article can be addressed by incorporating genomics into the breeding program strategically.

For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au

1pm 15th Aug ‘19

On Property “Borah Station”, Coonabarabran

DSK

Angus and Charolais

Offering in 2019 progeny of Young Dale Xcaliber 32X, Remitall H Rachis 21R, Deer Valley All In, Deer Valley Patriot, & DSK SUP Kracker K21

Canadian genetics works for us and our clients

Big, Hard Working, Softies

High performance, proven quality carcase More dollars sooner in your pocket Chris Knox: 0427600278 Helen Alexander: 0438600278 DSK Exhibited 7 strs at Sydney including 4 DSK sired, client bred strs.

Three 1st ’s, a 2nd & 3rd & Champion for Virtual Taste Test.

We thank our clients for believing in the true value & quality of DSK bulls DSK YXC P75 (sired by Young Dale Xcaliber out of DSK K42) • Reserve Champion Lightweight Sydney 2019 • Champion Taste Test carcase; Marble score 3, fats of 14/10 mm.

Aged 7 1/2 mths, fed for less than 90 days. Exceptional conversion!

www.dskangusandcharolais.com.au E;dskangusandcharolais@westnet.com.au Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 77

angus.tech

Angus Breeders Getting Benefit from Angus.Tech Software Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer

Angus breeders are making considerable use of Angus Australia’s new software decision support tools.

A key part of the software tools is AngusSELECT, housing online sale and semen catalogues on the Angus Australia Database. Usage of AngusSELECT has been high during the past 6 months, with an average of 13,481 catalogue searches a month, which cumulatively equated to 80,891 searches for the initial 6 months period (Figure 1). Usage of AngusSELECT is expected to further increase during the upcoming spring bull selling season.

Figure 1. AngusSELECT™ catalogue searches by month and cumulative usage between November 2018 and April 2019

The usage seen in the Angus Database Search follows the trend in AngusSELECT with almost 400,000 animal searches taking place within the past 6 months.

Figure 2. Angus Database Search searches by month and cumulative usage during November 2018 and April 2019

What people search for?

The use of animal IDs is the most common way users are searching for animals within Angus Database Search, with EBVs also making up a big part of the search criteria entered by users.

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

If we examine the traits most commonly applied to search criteria we see that IMF ranked the highest, followed by eye muscle area (EMA) and birth weight. Table 1 shows that IMF was significantly higher than the next most used criteria in EMA, with an additional 1200 queries.

The Angus Breeding Index (ABI) ranked within the top 5 most used criteria within animal searches, with all 4 selection indexes recorded in the top 20 searched criteria, highlighting the value selection indexes have in modern Angus breeding programs.

Across all the EBVs, accuracy criteria for the trait recorded lower usage than the corresponding breeding value.

Whilst not a breeding value, genetic conditions play a key role in selection decisions. Of the genetic conditions, developmental duplication (DD) recorded the highest number of queries, followed closely by AM, CA and NH which all reported similar usage. Interestingly, red gene carrier status was well down the list, recording 88 queries, despite users specifying a coat colour criteria of black in more queries than the IMF EBV. For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au Criteria used for animal searches

Number of queries

IMF EBV

3547

Eye Muscle Area EBV

2320

Birth Weight EBV

2276

200 Day Growth EBV

2118

Angus Breeding Index

2028

400 Day Weight EBV

1999

Mature Cow Weight EBV

1645

Heavy Grain Index

1587

600 Day Weight EBV

1398

Calving Ease Direct EBV

1286

Table 1. EBV Criteria used for searching within Angus.Tech between 31st October 2018 and 30th of April 2019

angus.tech

Improving decisions with the Mating Predictor Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer

The mating predictor from Angus Australia takes bull selection to another level, enabling users of Angus.Tech to examine the impact the bull could have on their herd, with indicative EBVs for the progeny.

Coupling the mating predictor with the analyse results features of the report centre empowers buyers to examine the impact of breeding or purchasing decisions across their herd.

The mating predictor enables Angus breeders to propose potential matings by selecting, a bull or group of bulls and a female or group of females, which the mating predictor then determines an indicative EBV for the progeny. The ability to draw on the huge amount of data available in the Angus Australia database presents breeders with a powerful tool to assist in breeding decisions and making the most genetic improvement in their herd.

The indicative EBVs provided on the potential progeny represent an expected average of progeny from the mating. It is important to note that with any mating there will be progeny which perform above the average and below the average of all progeny that the mating could produce.

A new addition to the predictor is the ability for Angus breeders to upload bull or females lists, which can save time when using the tool. Users with a herd linked to their Angus.Tech account can also specify details such as calving year and female inventory season to assist in identifying females to use in the mating predictor.

Angus breeders will also gain an insight into the level of inbreeding the potential mating will result in, ensuring

breeders have an accurate understanding of the role inbreeding may have on the performance of their herd.

The mating predictor is limited to 250 potential mating combinations.

Any members with suggested improvements, or that require assistance with the use of the Angus mating predictor tool are encouraged to contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia. com.au

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REPRO360 RESOURCES

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Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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Angus education

Performance Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN Matthew Reynolds, Breed Development Officer

Angus Australia members continue to lead the Australian seedstock beef industry in the collection of performance information, and the collection of effective performance information continues to be a critical requirement for the calculation of reliable Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation.

To assist members with their performance recording, Angus Australia has recently updated several educational resources regarding the collection of performance information. (i) An updated version of the “Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN” booklet. The booklet outlines all requirements, plus some useful tips, when collecting performance information for each particular trait analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN. (ii) A new module is now available from the Angus Education Centre titled “Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN”. The module can be accessed via the Angus Australia website (https://www angusaustralia.com.au/education/).

For further information contact staff at Angus Australia on (02) 6773 4600 or office@angusaustralia.com.au

In August 2019 we will sell 60 Angus bulls with high IMF% EBVs. They will produce steers for sale in 2022 with high IMF% and MSA Index.

Now could be the right time for you to start investing in meat quality by buying high IMF% bulls.

Kilburnie Angus

SELLING 60 BULLS - AUGUST 23 2019 High Marbling, High Indexing

CHECK OUR CATALOGUE ON THE ANGUS AUSTRALIA WEBSITE See how the IMF% EBVs of our sale bulls rank in the breed

www.kilburnieangus.com.au · David Murray 0427 775 902 PAge 80

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Member Services stats 01/01/2019 - 20/06/19 Sale CatalogueS

31,818 animals

143 sale catalogues 6,075 total lots

registrations

13,740 Male

18,630 Female

2,800

Steers

HBR Registrations:

APR Registrations:

ACR Registrations:

RAR Registrations:

MBR Registrations:

27

1,134

Export Heifers Verified

19,021

8,868

2,768

20,208

BREEDPLAN performance transfers

177,759

3,843

Total BREEDPLAN

Total transfers

Birth

18,885

SS

4,357

WW

27,838

Docility

12,321

YW

9,093

MW

8,013

Ultrasound Scans 38,637

Total Members: 3,331 Full

Commercial

Junior

Life

934 Genetic Test Requests Genomics 11,337 Parent verification 15240 Base PV & SNP 3289 Pestivirus 1436 AM 1249 CA 1372

DD 3470 DW 52 NH 1283 OH 47 OS 49 MA 53

204

2,171 22

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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member services

Member Services Matters Scott Wright, Member Services Manager

The Angus Australia Member Services staff are responsible for providing the best service that we possibly can in all transactions that members need to do with the Society. Each day we aim to do better than we have done before and to make those transactions easier.

Each morning I drive from Glencoe to Armidale and look at New England paddocks that are just so short for the beginning of winter. What we are seeing now are conditions that should the end of August rather than the start of June. Yet we have here another 100 days of very little growth even if we were to have “out of season rain”.

I know that the same situation is faced by so many of our members across the eastern states.

It was so discouraging to watch the BOM seasonal outlook for winter just last knowing that things may well not improve any time soon. What is so very hard is how uneven are the effects of drought across districts and regions. Our team does understand how hard things are, please contact us if there is any way that we can help or assist.

Export heifers

“In every cloud there is a silver lining” and during 2018 and 2019 sales of Angus Verified Export Heifers has been very strong. These exports are continuing strongly this year into China and more recently into Kazakhstan. The export of angus heifers has given our Angus members another very significant market which has helped maintain the premium for Angus cattle.

Angus Australia provides the verification service to exporters seeking to supply these markets. A couple of tips if you are selling angus heifers for live export: 1. Ensure well before your sale that you are a current financial member of Angus Australia (either a full or commercial member); and 2. If you are a commercial member purchasing bulls, please request those bulls to be transferred into your ownership on the Angus Australia database.

Angus heifers that are exported need to be verified to their sire, so it is important when buying bulls that you request that those bulls be transferred into your ownership. Please ask the vendor to make that request, it will make the verification process much easier.

DNA Samples

DNA testing is always growing here at Angus Australia.

To make sure the process is as smooth as possible there’s a few helpful things to be aware of: • Firstly, before sending DNA samples please make sure the animal is registered – even if it is just pending. If we don’t have an animal ID, we can’t submit a sample for testing; • Secondly, please use the correct Order Form and complete the form to the best of your ability - if you’re unsure please call. You can find the form on our website or call and ask an MSO to email or post it to you. If there is no Order Form, we can’t process the DNA test; and PAge 82

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

• Thirdly, please be aware of the time frame involved – just talking straight – it’s not a quick process.

Our DNA coordinator, Nicky Carey, does a great job balancing all the DNA requirements and testing. To make both your life and hers easier, if you could remember those key points it would save a lot of time and hassle for all involved.

How long does my DNA test take?

Often, we have members ask this question and it isn’t straight forward. Our extension officer Matt Reynolds has written a very helpful article in this bulletin – please read it, it will give you a great overview of the process.

Essentially, you need to allow 4-6 weeks for results to come back with regards to Parent Verification and Genetic Conditions and if you are seeking EBV’s to reflect genomic information then you need to allow 6-8 weeks.

Just to be straight, it takes quite a while. Below you’ll see a timeline for Sale Catalogues that was helpfully prepared

by Sam Hamilton last year, it is a useful guideline to use in your planning.

Bald Blair Training for Member services

In April we had the opportunity to take our Member Services team for a training morning out to Bald Blair at Guyra. Sam and Kirsty White were wonderful hosts and the team had the opportunity to be involved with scanning sale bulls with Roger Evans and taking performance measurements and DNA hair samples with Sam. Working in member services is a high-pressure environment processing large amounts of data daily, so it was great for the team to experience some field work and become more familiar with the processes that members undertake. Thanks to Sam and Kirsty for taking time out of their busy schedule to help train the team.

member services

Spring Inventory

Spring calving members will have received their Spring Inventory last month. The Herd Inventory system is the way that Angus Australia maintains the Herd Book.

Essentially, all breeding females 2 years and older are split into either an Autumn Herd Inventory (for females calving January 1 – June 30) or the Spring Herd Inventory (for females calving July 1 – December 31). When a female turns 2 years of age it is subsequently nominated as either an Autumn or Spring calver depending on when they are born (eg. Autumn would be 1st January to 30th June).

Active Females are those Dams which have had an annual Herd Inventory Fee paid in either Autumn or Spring. Members are provided with a Herd Inventory each calving season showing the registration status of all “Active” females.

It is very important to review your Herd Inventory and record any changes to that inventory by the due date (currently the 5th July 2019). Disposing of females from the inventory is called a Fate and it is important to use the correct disposal codes that are provided with your Herd Inventory.

Questions

If you have an issue regarding anything affecting your membership, registrations, Angus BREEDPLAN, DNA or any other Member Services matter please call and speak to one of our Member Service Officers or myself.

If you have any particularly difficult matters or grievances

Members are billed for the Active females on their Herd Inventory, this autumn it will on the 19th of July. It is important to review your Herd Inventory and update your “Active” females before the due date for two reasons: • Firstly, members will not be billed unnecessarily for females that shouldn’t be on the Inventory; and • Secondly to include all females that you would like to register calves from.

Calves can be registered for a calving season after all Herd Inventory Fees are paid for that season, and the “Active” list of females for that season is finalised by the member.

Active females can be moved from the Autumn to Spring Herd Inventory and vice versa. However, it is important to note that for a female to remain “Active” she must be charged a Herd Inventory Fee in one of the calving seasons once during the calendar year.

The Female Inventory system can be confusing, particularly for new members. If you are unsure of how the inventory system works or need help completing your Herd Inventory, please call Angus Australia and we can certainly help explain what you need to do.

please don’t hesitate to contact me directly, either by email scott.wright@angustralia.com.au or phone 02 6773 4636.

Would you like any aspect of Member Services covered in more detail in future bulletins?

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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member services

Are you sale ready?

Samantha Hamilton, Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues

DNA

BREEDPLAN

Sale Catalogue

The submission time of your sale animals’ DNA plays a vital part in the production of your catalogue for sale day.

1st June

30th July

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

1st August

18th August

20th August

BREEDPLAN submission deadline (2 weeks for results)

Contact AA for sale catalogue, submit lots etc (4-10 days turnaround)

DNA results returned to AA and are loaded into database

Leaving it too late to submit DNA for testing will result in animals not having their genomic results ready in time for the catalogue, often resulting in the need for a supplementary sheet to be produced.

So when should members be submitting DNA on sale animals? Our answer is ‘the sooner the better!’. From the time DNA is received for genomic testing, to when the final catalogue is sent to a printer for print it takes approximately 3 - 4 months.

The timeline above gives an indication of the process over the 3 months.

It is recommended by the Member Services Team that DNA for sale animals be sent in sooner rather than later, as there could potentially be a lot of things that can happen with DNA samples e.g. sample contamination, not enough sample (recollects) and results can occasionally take longer than the general 6 – 8 weeks. When these are factored in, you are running out of time to get your sale animals’ data in order.

When genomic results are received by Angus Australia, also influences when they are included in Angus BREEDPLAN, with their inclusion into the Angus

BREEDPLAN results are available

BREEDPLAN analysis varying subject to when they become available, and how this sits relative to the submission deadline for the next analysis.

In an overview, members that are intending on using genomics on their sale animals are encouraged to collect their DNA samples and have them to Angus Australia at least 4 months before their sale to allow for any interruptions that may occur when the DNA is being tested. By having the DNA submitted 4 months ahead will almost guarantee sale animals will have their genomic results back in reasonable time and be included in the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis ready for catalogue production.

LOT 1

ANGUS PRINCE Z1

Society Ident: MSOZ1

PV

HBR

Tattoo: MSO Z1 (T&F)

AMFU NHFU CAFU DDFU

ANGUS PRINCE G45 Sire: MSOA5 ANGUS PRINCE A5 ANGUS PRINCESS B12

Calved: 21/07/2017

CHIMPO BOSS E11 Dam: MSOS21 ANGUS PRINCESS S21 ANGUS QUEEN BEE C191 February 2019 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN

Calving Ease Direct

Calving Ease Dtrs

Gest Lgth (Days)

Birth Weight (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Day Wt (kg)

Mature Cow Wt (kg)

Milk (kg)

Scrotal Size (cm)

Rib Fat (mm)

Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

IMF (%)

NFI-F (kg/day)

EBV

+1.0

-0.4

-7.7

+5.8

+50

+93

+128

+111

+16

+2.2

-7.9

+77

+7.9

+0.9

-0.6

+1.0

+1.6

+0.66

-5

ACC

60%

55%

69%

75%

72%

72%

70%

68%

65%

74%

53%

66%

66%

68%

67%

64%

65%

60%

65%

Angus Breeding Index +$144

Days to Carcase EMA Calving Weight (sq cm) (Days) (kg)

Docility (%)

Traits Observed: BWT,200WT,400WT(x2),SS,FAT,EMA,IMF,DOC

$ Index Values Heavy Grain Index +$122 +$156

Structural Assessment –

Heavy Grass Index +$136

Domestic Index

)

5

6

)

5

5

5

5

5

5

39.5cm

3

B-

Typical Docklands son, plenty of growth, structure and style. Scanned 106sq cm EMA. Purchaser:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

LOT 2

$....................................................

# MURDEDUKE BARTEL N110 Sale Catalogue with suffix

Society Ident: CSWN110 AMFU NHFU CAFU DDFU TE MANIA BARTEL B219 Sire: HIOE7 AYRVALE BARTEL E7 EAGLEHAWK JEDDA B32

HBR

Tattoo: MS N110 (T&F) TE MANIA EMPEROR E343 Dam: CSWK112 MURDEDUKE JEDDA K112 MURDEDUKE JEDDA G74

February 2019 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN

Calving Ease Direct

Calving Ease Dtrs

Gest Lgth (Days)

Birth Weight (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Day Wt (kg)

Mature Cow Wt (kg)

Milk (kg)

Scrotal Size (cm)

Rib Fat (mm)

Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

IMF (%)

NFI-F (kg/day)

EBV

+1.4

+3.1

-5.3

+4.6

+50

+96

+122

+104

+16

+1.8

-7.6

+75

+7.5

-0.6

-0.7

+0.3

+2.8

+0.31

-2

ACC

60%

57%

69%

74%

71%

71%

69%

68%

65%

74%

54%

67%

66%

68%

67%

65%

65%

62%

64%

Angus Breeding Index +$149

Days to Carcase EMA Calving Weight (sq cm) (Days) (kg)

Calved: 19/07/2017

Docility (%)

Traits Observed: BWT,200WT,400WT(x2),SS,FAT,EMA,IMF,DOC

$ Index Values Heavy Grain Index +$130 +$170

Structural Assessment –

Heavy Grass Index +$137

Domestic Index

)

5

6

)

6

5

6

6

5

5

38.5cm

4

B-

Emperor Bartel cross provides calving ease, growth and carcase. Top 3% all indexes.

Purchaser:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

LOT 3

MURDEDUKE DOCKLANDS N79

Society Ident: CSWN79 AMFU NHFU CAFU DD17% KAROO W109 DIRECTION Z181 Sire: QHED62 CARABAR DOCKLANDS D62 CARABAR BLACKCAP MARY B12

$....................................................

#

HBR

Tattoo: MS N79 (T&F) TE MANIA ADA A149 Dam: CSWG29 MURDEDUKE JEDDA G29 MURDEDUKE JEDDA C222

February 2019 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN

Calving Ease Direct

Calving Ease Dtrs

Gest Lgth (Days)

Birth Weight (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Day Wt (kg)

Mature Cow Wt (kg)

Milk (kg)

Scrotal Size (cm)

Rib Fat (mm)

Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

IMF (%)

NFI-F (kg/day)

EBV

-0.9

-2.4

-5.9

+5.9

+52

+96

+130

+116

+18

+2.8

-5.9

+77

+7.9

+0.0

-0.1

+0.8

+1.3

+0.39

+2

ACC

58%

54%

66%

71%

69%

70%

68%

65%

64%

73%

52%

64%

64%

65%

66%

63%

63%

58%

60%

Angus Breeding Index +$128

Days to Carcase EMA Calving Weight (sq cm) (Days) (kg)

Calved: 16/07/2017

Docility (%)

Traits Observed: CE,BWT,200WT,400WT(x2),SS,FAT,EMA,IMF,DOC

$ Index Values Heavy Domestic Grain Index Index +$114 +$134

Heavy Grass Index +$125

Structural Assessment –

)

5

6

)

6

5

6

6

5

5

42cm

3

C+

Strong bull with plenty of growth and milk. Top 10% EMA and Scrotal. Big EMA 103sq cm

PAge 84

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Purchaser:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

LOT 4

Society Ident: CSWN92

MURDEDUKE UPWARD N92

AMFU NHFU CAFU DDFU

CONNEALY ONWARD

#

Tattoo: MS N92 (T&F) CARABAR DOCKLANDS D62

$....................................................

HBR Calved: 17/07/2017

member services

Sale Day

49th Annual Sale

24th August

27th August

20th September

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

2019 Submission Deadlines for Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis July

Submission Deadline June 15

On-Property “Glenview”, 1.30pm

70 BULLS

Catalogue printed and mailed

Sale Catalogue completed at AA and sent to printer

FRIDAY 20TH SEPT, 2019

Results Available* June 30

*Indicative

Mid July

July 1

July 17

August

July 15

July 31

Mid August

August 1

August 18

September

August 15

August 31

Mid September

September 1

September 18

October

September 15

September 30

Mid October

October 1

October 16

November

October 15

October 31

Mid November

November 1

November 17

December

November 12

November 30

Mid December

November 25

December 10

January

December 9

December 23

Vet checked for breeding soundness, semen tested, independently inspected for structure, feet and temperament.

Free delivery to regional centres in all mainland Eastern States. Freight assistance to WA & Tas. J BAS 8 Johnes status.

Featuring Progeny of: LANDFALL KEYSTONE K132 Top 1% all Market Indexes

RENNYLEA L1243

Top 1% all Market Indexes.

RENNYLEA AMBASSADOR F857 Top 1% CWT & IMF

PATHFINDER GENESIS G357 Top 1% CWT & EMA

Landfall Keystone K132 20 bulls sired by K132 auctioned to $34,000 averaging $11,350 in the recent Landfall sale where 163 bulls sold for an overall average of $7,254

MIKE & JOY GADD Mob: 0427 371 347 | E: mike@theglenpastoral.com.au www.theglenpastoral.com.au

Sale video and catalogue available late August Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

PAge 85

angus youth

NEW MARKET LEADING RATES

introducing Achmea’s Stud Stock Insurance More than 200 years of international farm insurance expertise Achmea, Australia’s specialist rural insurer and Rabobank associate, is a proud partner of Angus Australia. Through our multi-year partnership, we are delighted to deliver the inaugural GenAngus Future Leaders Program which launched in February 2019. The 12-month leadership program is designed to support Australia’s next generation of beef and agricultural leaders.

Achmea was established more than 200 years ago by 39 Dutch farmers. Supporting more than 13 million customers worldwide, Achmea is one of the world’s largest cooperative insurers. With experience in livestock, agronomy, broadacre copping, dairy, poultry, horticulture, glasshouses and cotton, Achmea’s Risk Specialists partner directly with farmers to assess risks.

Assessing risks can help keep premiums and unexpected repair bills down. After completing an on-farm risk review, farmers can tailor our All-in-One Farm Pack to suit the unique needs of their farm.

Having the right amount of cover, in the right places and at the right times means we share the risks so you can be confident of your farm’s resilience.

Stud stock insurance at market leading rates A critical part of risk management can be taking out adequate stud bull insurance to cover loss of use, which can come from accidental causes, sickness, disease, mortality or transporting the bull home from the sale.

Along with tailored farm insurance, Achmea offers Stud Stock insurance, designed to protect stud bulls from the moment the hammer falls.

With our Stud Stock insurance cover, you decide what you need, when you need it and how you need it.

Our flexible options include: • 1 Star Mortality only (including transit) • 2 Star Mortality including accidental loss of use • 3 Star Mortality including accidental loss of use, sickness and disease.

And for each option, you decide whether you need 3, 6 or 12 months coverage, giving you greater control over what you need.

With new competitive rates on offer, now is the time to find out more. You can contact us on 1800 724 214 or email angus@achmea.com.au

Every dollar counts At Achmea, we know farm insurance isn’t a product - it’s your livelihood.

Many Australian agribusinesses continue to experience tough farming conditions. Every dollar counts, and having adequate insurance cover, including livestock, is key to keeping farmers farming.

If a farmer’s cover has not been updated for several years, it most likely will not reflect the accurate value of a large portion of their most important assets. The same cover a farmer had five or even two years ago may not be the right one today, which means they may be underinsured or exposed to unnecessary risk.

As we move into the busy bull sale season, our team of Risk Specialists are out on farms across the country to help farmers review their risks as well as insurance levels.

Not a one-size-fits-all approach Each farm requires its own approach based on their current local context and individual commercial situation, it simply is not a one-sizefits all approach when it comes to farm insurance.

Our local agricultural knowledge and personal service is designed to give farmers peace of mind with their farm insurance. Through our local Risk Specialists, farmers tap into a wealth of local knowledge, and our familiarity with the equipment farmers use and the infrastructure they have in place certainly makes it easier for farmers to update their insurance.

Having face-to-face conversations about which assets are most valuable to farmers means they don’t rely on guess work to make decisions that could have a material effect on their livelihoods.

Farmers can’t afford to underinsure their farm business For farmers, cost savings are top of mind.

Many are reconsidering areas of expenditure, including insurance, to achieve some financial relief. To lower premiums, it’s not uncommon for farmers to consider reducing their Sums Insured. However, this is one of the biggest risks a farmer could take.

While some short-term cost savings are achieved, farmers can be left underinsured and financially exposed, with damages often much greater than what they could bear alone. There are other ways to lower premiums, including undertaking an Achmea Risk Review and looking to increase the excess.

Through providing a higher excess, we can offer lower premiums.

We also help to avoid the risk of underinsurance.

This results in greater resilience and security, so that livelihoods are safeguarded, whilst relieving some of that immediate financial pressure through our lower premiums with a higher excess model.

Achmea’s tailored farm insurance covers a wide range of areas to give farmers peace of mind and build resilience and disaster preparedness in rural and regional communities.

Find out why more farmers are choosing Achmea Farmers who come on board, stay on board with Achmea.

To find out more about our new competitive rates for stud stock insurance and our All-inOne Farm Pack, call us now on 1800 724 214 or email angus@achmea.com.au

With our direct approach, farmers find it easy to add certain items such as new equipment or livestock to their policy or adjust the level of cover as things happen within their business.

The information in this advertisement is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (your personal circumstances).

Before using this information to decide whether to purchase the insurance policy, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement available from the ‘Downloads’ section of our website www.achmea.com.au. Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433984.

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angus youth

Farm insurer Achmea to back GenAngus Future Leaders Program again in 2020 Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Australia’s specialist farm insurer Achmea and Angus Australia are pleased to announce the extension of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program into 2020, aimed at empowering young industry leaders with the business skills needed to run successful and sustainable beef businesses.

After the success of the 12-month leadership program which kicked off in Sydney in February, the support from Angus Australia’s insurance partner Achmea will ensure the GenAngus Program returns again in 2020, giving young beef industry enthusiasts aged 18-40 the opportunity to challenge their business perceptions and inspire them to put the outcomes into practice.

Eleven young beef industry enthusiasts came together at this year’s three-day intensive workshop and participated in presentations, activities and discussions designed to support them to either start their own beef business or grow their current business.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics including business financials, beef business networking, mindset, beef supply chain, risk and liability, marketing and communications and succession planning. The presentations were hosted by a series of industry professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds.

One of participants from this year’s GenAngus Program, Ashley Coleman from Inverell (NSW), said “the workshop has been a brain explosion for me, there has been so much information to take in, which I can now take home and implement. I really enjoyed being around people who share a similar vision.”

Fellow 2019 participant Joshua Clift from Scone (NSW) said “the group of people attending gave a great range of perspectives. All the sessions had a lot of relevance for what I am doing now and will help me improve on what I am trying to achieve.”

Angus Australia Events and Youth Development Officer Candice Liddle looks forward to bringing the program back in 2020 and working with another group of enthusiastic individuals who all share a passion for the future of the beef industry.

“We are delighted to have our farm insurance partner Achmea back on board to support the GenAngus Program after the success of the inaugural workshop in February,” Mrs Liddle said.

“It was great to see the participants taking information and guidance from the workshop to implement into their own businesses and operations as we continue to guide them through this 12-month program.”

Achmea CEO Emma Thomas is incredibly proud to extend their support for the GenAngus Program in 2020.

“Through backing the next generation of beef industry leaders, we will help to secure the future resilience of the beef industry,” Mrs Thomas said.

“By sharing knowledge to help broaden participants’ skillsets, they will be better equipped to invest in themselves, their businesses, their families and ultimately the future of their agricultural communities”.

Through a multi-year partnership with Angus Australia, Achmea has announced a 2019 special stud stock insurance rate of 8% for a 12-month cover, designed to give buyers peace of mind from the moment the hammer falls.

Registrations for the 2020 GenAngus Future Leaders Program will open later this year, with the next program due to start in February 2020. For further information and feedback from the 2019 program, please see the Angus Youth section of the Angus Australia website.

For further information please contact the Angus Australia Youth Candice Liddle at youth@angusaustralia. com.au or on (02) 6773 4622.

For further information about Achmea, including their 2019 market-leading rates for Stud Stock insurance, visit www.achmea.com.au, email angus@achmea.com.au or call 1800 724 214.

Eliza Borschardt, Achmea Australia CEO, Emma Thomas, Kathleen McCallum, Monique Estrada and Ashley Coleman during the final dinner of the 2018 GenAngus Workshop

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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angus youth

Aspiring Breeder Monique Estrada Wins National Judging Competition 2019

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer and Candice Liddle, Events & Youth Development Officer Monique Estrada from Merriwa, New South Wales has taken out the 2019 Angus Youth National Judging Competition held in conjunction with the Sydney Royal Easter Show 11-12 April 2019, which will see Monique attend the prestigious University of Illinois for a semester.

Sponsored by Angus Australia, the University of Illinois Scholarship is award on an annual basis and provides the winner of the Angus Youth National Judging Competition with the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the prestigious University of Illinois in America. Whilst in the USA, scholarship recipients experience a whirlwind of events, from university classes, judging competition and sightseeing the United States. Past winners of the award include a number of beef industry high achievers such as Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Jason Strong and the 2015 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador Jason Schultz.

During the 2019 Angus Youth National Judging Competition, competitors were firstly asked to judge a selection of meats. This was then followed by an exam where they were assessed on their knowledge of the Australia beef industry and attended an interview. Finally, participants in the competition were asked to judge two stud cattle classes and deliver an oral assessment on one of the stud stock classes.

Miss Estrada was joined in the competition by Sarah Nesbitt from Cooma, NSW and Jessica Parker from Russells Bridge, VIC Fellow judge of the competition and past winner of the prestigious competition in 2013, Laura Grubb Livestock Strategic Operations, Teys Australia commended the participants of their industry knowledge and professionalism. ‘It was difficult to split the finalists, however Monique Estrada demonstrated her aptitude to critically assess and reason her position,’ said Miss Grubb.

‘This along with her exceptional communication skills that will enable her to represent not only Angus Youth but the Australian beef industry effectively during her time at the University of Illinois and associated travels,’ she added.

‘The selection panel admired Monique's history of and further aspirations to contribute to the Angus Youth program and wider beef industry,concluded Miss Grubb.

Monique is currently working in Early Childhood as an educator and developing her own business Target Livestock and Marketing.

Monique’s involvement in the industry started 9 years ago with at her local high school. Monique has come from a non-farming background in Sydney. Moving to the hunter region in New South Wales has opened doors for Monique to pursue her passion in the beef industry where she has been heavily involved in youth shows and programs.

‘My love for the Angus breed inspired me to produce my own stud stock and also influenced me to establish PAge 88

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

Jess Parker, Sarah Nesbitt & Monique Estrada - Illinois Finalists*

my own business called Target Livestock and Marketing where I am now breeding my own Angus Cattle and providing marketing services to local producers,’ Miss Estrada said.

Monique’s has a passion for industries youth and providing the next generation with the opportunities to learn about the beef industry and take advantage of the opportunities available. Angus Australia has been major influence in her involvement in the industry and she is willing to give back to other aspiring young people with a passion for cattle to take advantage of opportunities such as the University of Illinois Scholarship.

Monique will travel to Illinois in 2020 to study at the outstanding University of Illinois where she will be immersed in the American cattle industry.

‘The opportunity to study at the University of Illinois has long hoped for dream of mine. I have always aspired to work towards receiving an opportunity like this. In previous years I have read through the Angus Australia articles and followed the blogs of the past recipients of the prestigious scholarship and hoping to one day experience this first hand,’ Miss Estrada said.

When asked what topics she was looking forward to the most, Monique replied ‘I am looking forward to studying genetics and nutrition of stud stock cattle while attending the University of Illinois,’she replied ‘I am highly interested in the use of genetics when it come to breeding cattle and seeing what particular trend within pedigrees can produce,’ Monique added.

‘To receive the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the University of Illinois will be highly invaluable in regards to the knowledge that I will be able to gain and also the potential networks I will be able to form as a result of this experience,’ she concluded. *Images: Emily H Photography

angus youth

Laura Grubb (second from the left) with her University of Illinois Meat Judging Team in 2014

University of Illinois Scholarship Provides Opens Doors to the World

Monique Estrada & Laura Grubb*

Previous winner of the National Judging Competition and recipient of the University of Illinois Scholarship Laura Grubb is passionate about promoting this amazing opportunity for young emerging beef industry leaders.

‘Nothing can prepare you for what you will learn and experience while at the University of Illinois,’ said Miss Grubb.

‘This opportunity is a deep dive into the US livestock industry and provided myself and many other Angus Youth members with a look into all aspects from seedstock and commercial production, the US R&D environment as well as a view into the latest political issues within and impacting agriculture,’ she added Along with the immense educational experience, Miss Grubb was also able to visit the families of new friends from both the sorority house and judging team to experience first-hand the rural communities of America.

Jess Parker*

‘The friendships and networks I made whilst in the states will no doubt last a lifetime,’ said Laura ‘The personal growth experience has not only been immeasurably beneficial to myself but has also been highly desirable to prospective employers and scholarship interview panels since,’she added ‘I encourage everyone with a passion and interest in the beef industry to apply for this scholarship - you never know where it might take you!,’ concluded Miss Grubb.

The 2020 National Judging competition is scheduled to run during the Sydney Royal Easter Show

Look out for the application process in late December 2019 via the Angus Australia Website, eNews and social media platforms. For further information on this great opportunity please contact Candice Liddle, Events and Youth Development Officer youth@angusaustralia.com. au 0437 873 220.

Sarah Nesbitt*

Monique Estrada*

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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angus youth

Getting Ready for Roundup Candice Liddle, Events & Youth Development Officer

2020 will see Toowoomba, QLD host the 39th Angus Youth Round up from 16-19 January 2020.

The Toowoomba Roundup will be coordinated by Steph Frankham who has a long association with Angus Youth, having been a competitor at Roundup over the years and a previous Roundup committee member for the 2019 event. Many parents attending the 2019 Roundup will remember the fantastic parents bus trip that Steph coordinated in Armidale.

In 2018 Steph was the recipient of the New England Travel Centre and Angus Foundation Trans-Tasman exchange scholarship where she travelled to New Zealand to broaden her knowledge of the greater beef industry.

‘As a recipient of one of the Angus Youth scholarships last year I am passionate about giving back to the programs that have supported me in my beef industry aspirations, which is why I have volunteered to take on the roll of 2020 Roundup Coordinator,’ said Steph.

‘The 2020 event is set to be an exciting and innovative event with a number of new additions to the educational program, such as meat judging and commercial cattle assessment,’ added Steph.

‘A large educational program is currently being put together by an energetic and driven committee who will draw on industry leaders to help educate our youth’.

‘As well as our educational program we will have the usual heifer show competitions, Special Dinner Dance and Barn Yard Olympics,’ PAge 90

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

‘I look forward to providing an educational and innovative event that will help give young people interested in the beef industry the tools they need to develop their interest and forge a career in the industry,’ Steph concluded.

Entries for the Toowoomba Angus Youth Roundup will open early September and close 31 October 2019.

For more information on the 2020 Angus Youth Roundup, please contact: Steph Frankham, Roundup Coordinator Mobile: 0438 195 002 Email: steph.frankham@gmail.com or Candice Liddle, Events and Youth Development Officer Phone: 02 6773 4622 / Mobile: 0437 873 220 Email: youth@angusaustralia.com.au

2020 Sponsorship Opportunities

A quality event such as this is depended on the generous support of numerous partners. Sponsorship for the 2020 Angus Youth Roundup will be managed Carol Grylls.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Carol Grylls, Roundup Sponsorship Coordinator Mobile: 0418 127 986 Email: ejangus@bigpond.com

WANTED: 2020 Roundup Ballot Cattle Suppliers As part of providing all participants with the opportunity to have an animal at the Roundup, we rely on our highly valued Angus breeders to supply ballot animals to the Roundup event for children who may not have the connections or opportunity to bring their own animal.

If you are interested in providing opportunity to a youth member attending Roundup an animal to prepare and show, please contact: Candice Liddle, Events and Youth Development Officer.

Images: Emily H Photography

 















Logo Shirt Front

Advertorial Pre & Post Show

Trade Display

Signage

Logo on Shirt/ Hat/ Water Bottles

4

1

Dinner Tickets

Satchel Items

Social Media Coverage



Acknowledgement during Judging

1

2

 1

2







Class & Award Presentations





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Class Naming Rights



Dinner Speech



Listed Shirt Back



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Speaking Opportunity

Logo Shirt Back



1/2 page

Catalogue Logo Page

1/2 page

Prominent Full Page

2

$3,300

1

2



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Listed Shirt Back



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1/2 page

Unlimited

$2,200

DINNER PARTNER DIAMOND PARTNER

Catalogue Advertisement

1

$5,500

SHIRT SPONSOR

1

$11,000

NAMING PARTNER

Partnership Positions Available

All GST Inclusive

1

1



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Bottle & Shirt Back

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1

$1,650

WATER BOTTLE PARTNER

1

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$550

$110

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BRONZE PARTNER CHROME PARTNER

All Sponsors - Facebook and Twitter and Instagram Posts on Angus Youth Account

1

1

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1

$1,650

HAT PARTNER

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

2020 Angus Youth National Roundup



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IN KIND

MEDIA PARTNER

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1

IN KIND

WATER PARTNER

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1

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angus youth

Angus Bulletin — winter 2019

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And That’s a wrap, Annabelle Butler returns from K-State

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer and Candice Liddle, Events & Youth Development Officer Following on from her last report published in the Autumn edition of the Bulletin, 2018 recipient of the Angus Foundation Kansas State University Scholarship, Annabelle Butler, has jam packed her time at K-State University and made the most of the large amount of opportunities that have come her way.

The following are just a summary of some of the numerous experiences Miss Butler came to enjoy during her time abroad.

Miss Butler experienced the annual K-State Legacy Sale, working with fellow students in the leadup to the event as part of her sales class, and on the day registering bidders and settling sales.

Miss Butler was fortunate to attend a seminar with Kelli Retallick, Genetics Services Director for Angus Genetics Inc., a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, where Kelli discussed topics, including the changes to genetic reporting and EPD's in the future for the Angus breed Time was also spent with Dr Joel Anderson of CrossCountry Genetics at Gene Barrett's Angus ranch near Grantville, KS. During this time, they had 100 cows and 60 heifers to vaccinate, ultrasound, body condition score and bleed, an experience that was a great learning opportunity.

Following this, Miss Butler visited KABSU (Kansas Artificial Breeding Service Unit), a custom AI and semen collection facility with semen storage and equipment. On arrival at KABSU, she observed the semen collection of Angus, Red Angus and Longhorn bulls, as well as speaking to the lab technicians about their roles.

As part of her studies, Miss Butler spent a number of days at AI school at the KABSU, with Dr Nichols and Dr Grieger, her Farm Animal Reproduction professor. While she had completed her AI certification in Australia, Miss Butler noted that the experience was beneficial to her due to the difference in the learning techniques and the information between the countries.

During this school, the students began with the basic steps in AI and the requirements for completing the task.

They also went over storage and handling of semen straws and practiced the process of loading AI guns, synchronising the oestrous cycle and the effectiveness of different protocols and drugs used during AI, as well as covering the practicals through actually AI’ing cows.

Miss Butler had the great opportunity to experience the annual US Premium Beef (USPB) producer group dinner that followed the annual meeting in Dodge City, with Heather Bruning of Bruning Farms.

“Meeting with a group of USPB Producers to tour the national Beef Abattoir in Dodge, was definitely an eyeopening experience,” Miss Butler said.

“The end product is essentially the same as Australia, despite some value-add differences and cut specs, but the process to get there was varied in some cases.”

“The order of breaking down the carcase was very interesting, and the flow of the product throughout the plant was somewhat different,” she added.

“Another difference between the process in Australia to US was that all 6000 head of Cattle to be killed each day arrived at the plant on the day of the kill.”

Along with this, The Brunings provided Annabelle with plenty of on farm experience. Bruning Farms manages a registered and commercial Angus herd of around 700 cows with primarily spring calving. During several visits to their farm, Miss Butler was involved with AI’ing, autopsying, administering shots, vetting animals and mustering. Time with the Brunings also allowed for the 'real American ranching experience' for Miss Butler, by attending the Bruning Cow Camp.

Another great opportunity that Miss Butler was able to take advantage was a visit to Gardiner Angus Ranch (GAR), one of the biggest Angus ranches in the US. “I was able to meet with Cole and Kayla Gardiner and tour the new Gardiner Marketing Centre and look over some amazing data to truly back up why these people are the best at what they do,” Miss Butler said.

While at GAR Annabelle viewed the 1250 head of cattle being sold at their annual spring sale and was introduced

Cited as a highpoint, was the Meat and Livestock evaluation class where Miss Butler not only learnt about evaluating live beef cattle or carcases, but also sheep and pigs.

“During this class the students also undertook a feedlot simulation, where we are paired up with another student and given a variety of different groups of cattle to buy for feedlot and participating in a live animal judging competition with Simmental heifers, Angus bulls, breeding ewes and breeding and market pigs,” she said.

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Annabelle parading on show day during the Beef Showmanship Competition at the Little American Royal Livestock and Horse Show

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to G A R Prophet who had just returned home from a lifetime in a semen collection facility as Gardiner’s top semen sire.

“Over his lifetime, he has sold over 150,000 units of semen with almost 50,000 registered progeny in the system, talk about influencing the Angus Breed,” Miss Butler said.

Through her Beef Systems classes, Miss Butler attended a presentation by Dr Peter Anderson, the Midwest PMS, LLC Director of Research, discussing macro and micro industry trends and an insight into the future of the US beef industry. This class also allowed her to attend a field trip to Downey Ranch, owned and operated by Barb and Joe Downey, where she observed the ranch utilising a low stress stock handling moving system that has been incorporated into the Sandhills Calving scheme.

Other on farm experiences included the Fink Beef Genetics Bull sale, Manhattan, the Green Garden Angus bull sale, the Lyons Ranch, Alta Vista, Kansas, owned and managed by Amy and Karl Langveldt, and assisting on the ranch of Debbie Lyons-Blythe in White City, Kansas, mustering, vaccinating, fly tagging and castrating where need be several mobs of cattle.

Miss Butler was also fortunate to visit the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, Missouri and was given a tour of the building and an insight into the history of the organization, as well as the Angus breed.

From there, Miss Butler spent half an hour with the various department heads, including member services, communications, media, genetics and feedlot programs, as well as an afternoon with Kelli Retallick, the Director of Member Services in Genetics.

Following her travels, Miss Butler visited the Tiffany Cattle Co feedyard at Herington, Kansas, where she was lucky enough to visit to the K-State Feedlot Bootcamp class to spend the afternoon at the feedyard learning all about animal health.

During this time, she examined a carcase that had been vaccinated in incorrect locations over the body and

each vaccination site was pointed out. The damage to the carcase was evidenced and the group were talked through the alternatives to certain vaccination locations.

Moving on, Miss Butler observed as the feedyard vet conduct an autopsy on a dead heifer. The vet talked through what to look for, the order of the autopsy and how to identify abnormal tissue.

More time was spent with another of the feed yards' vets looking through the sick pens of cattle, discussing what to look for when checking pens. Following this, the group went into the processing barn to vaccinate, tag and implant some newly arrived steers.

As her Kansas experience drew near to a close, Miss Butler visited Mushrush Red Angus, owned and operated by the Mushrush family, where she spent time travelling feed pens, feed mill area, and beautiful flint hills pastures and creeks, learning about the operations of the ranch.

After her experience within the US beef industry, Miss Butler believes that there is still work to be done in Australia to continue to better the Australian industry and product into the future.

“The biggest difference between US and Australian beef industries is the stocker industry, and that segment of the beef supply chain,” Miss Butler said. “We don’t have a stocker industry or something that can be defined as a stocker industry, so I think there is huge market for taking that and implementing it into the Australian beef industry.”

“I think there is a need for it, obviously feed lotting in Australia is nowhere near as large as the US but I think that there is definitely potential to incorporate that and actually be making more money.”

“Australia needs to work to keep people coming into this industry, to keep the next generation going We have to work with our beef product, to keep competing in a global market. For us to keep our beef the best in the world in our opinion we need to differentiate and figure out how to produce it better and cheaper etc to make sure we are competitive, so that the next generation have a fair chance and get to continue on with that legacy.”

When looking to her personal future following her experience abroad, Miss Butler looks forward to immersing herself in the Australian beef industry again.

“My future plans when returning to Australia are to find work somewhere in the production sector, so the live animal sector of the beef supply chain, so I want to be on farm involved in the day to day activity,” she said.

Annabelle visiting the American Angus Association

“I also want to involve my knowledge of genetics and nutrition either within my own pastoral operation or in a consultancy sense, so that I either help others with the sustainability of their enterprise and bettering their own enterprise or do that within my own herd.”

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Where are they now?

Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Featured in this edition of “Where are they Now" are Fiona McWilliam, Trinity Edwards, Tom Wilding-Davies and Ewen McLeish.

Fiona McWilliam What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?

My dad took up the manager’s position at Tibooburra Angus in 1988, I was 11 and from there I began my involvement with the Angus breed. Being in Victoria there were a few of us in the area and we formed the group J.A.G – Junior Angus Group. Corey Ireland and Marg Will were among the key juniors that helped formed the group. We were the beginning of what would become AYD – Angus Youth Development many years on. I followed Dad to all the country shows, Melbourne Royal and the Angus National at Wodonga, competing in the paraders and junior events. One of the earliest J.A.G activities was a road trip to several Vic studs including Beartooth International and Peechelba feedlots. We hired a mini bus and toured around with some key industry leaders meeting us along the way. I think I was approximately 14/15 years old.

What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)?

Competing at Roundup, becoming an Angus Ambassador and winning the first scholarship to New Zealand (TransTasman) at Roundup definitely stands out amongst the best events. Also having the opportunity to coordinate the Roundups was a highlight. But winning the Victoria judging school and representing Victoria at the National Judging finals at the National Show and Sale in Wodonga as the youngest competitor ever (15yrs) will also remain high in my memories.

In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?

The opportunities I was given allowed me to gain selfconfidence and develop my skills and knowledge not only within the industry, but it also helped me grow in all aspects of my life. The opportunity to travel and meet cattle people in New Zealand led me to further travel around the world meeting cattle people, showing cattle and see how different countries utilise their environments to produce the same thing – great beef. However, I think having the opportunities to compete and then coordinate the Roundups and be part of the original foundations of forming AYD gave me the skills to further develop my career coordinating other agricultural events such as working for the RAS. What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had?

Having the confidence to meet and get to know new people from all backgrounds and ages and being able to learn the skills to speak confidently in public. Gaining knowledge and continually learning about all aspects of the cattle industry, not just the Angus breed.

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How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now?

I am now based just outside of Camden (Sth West of Sydney) and have a Hereford stud with my partner Nathan Stevens and 6yr old son Kody Stevens. I have coached the Cattle Team at Pymble Ladies College for the past 4 years, showing Angus steers at Sydney Royal and the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. I love teach the girls (mainly city girls) all aspects of the preparation of feeding and showing the steers with great success for the steers and girls. Some girls have now gone on to compete at Roundup and in the Angus Youth events at Sydney this year. I continue to work and show cattle; for ourselves and also for others. I took a team of five Angus to the Sydney feature show this year.

I have always had some involvement with beef cattle regardless of where I am or have been, including showing cattle in England & Scotland while working and travelling across the UK for 4 years. I’m part of several committees coordinating youth shows and regional breed groups and in running our local show. I have judged at several junior shows and love being involved in these events.

Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?

Without any doubt the friendships alone make being involved in any youth program worthwhile. 30 years on I still have strong friendships developed way back in the J.A.G years. Sharing a common interest with a group of people of varying ages and backgrounds will set anyone up with good groundings to become a great leader in any field.

The Angus Youth program will teach you about yourself and others in an industry that is always evolving and growing itself. The opportunities given by the Angus Youth Program are second to none. Having received the trip to New Zealand as well as becoming a youth ambassador gave me confidence within myself to pursue a life in an industry that I was not just born into but wanted to be part of.

Fiona McWilliam won the inaugural Trans Tasman Exchange in 1995

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Trinity Edwards What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?

My earliest memory was attending the 2001 Angus Youth Roundup in Hamilton, Vic. I was 12 years old and notably remember being very excited but somewhat nervous.

However, I quickly found my feet when I met many likeminded people who shared the same passion for the breed and beef industry as I. I was allocated a ballot heifer from the Taylor family that challenged me, but with encouragement I was able to lead her into the ring and she went on to be sashed junior champion female. I was given the opportunity to participate in the junior judging competition and publically speak on a microphone for the first time. I felt overwhelmed and proud to win this contest and it was where my passion for judging beef cattle began.

On reflection I remember how knowledgeable and supportive the Angus Youth committee members and their families were, many who have certainly helped it develop into the very successful event that it is today.

What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)?

There are so many great opportunities offered by Angus Youth but attending the Angus Youth Roundups and being fortunate enough to represent WA in the 2010 Angus Youth National Judging Competition stands out the most.

As a result of winning the National Judging Competition I was awarded the opportunity to attend the University of Illinois for three months.

Appling for this prestigious scholarship, being interviewed, getting critiqued on my judging skills, to attending the University where I learnt a huge amount about the entire livestock sector was all very rewarding and something I am extremely grateful for.

In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?

I have been involved with Angus Youth as a Roundup competitor, an Angus Youth Ambassador and Scholarship

Noeleen Branson with Trinity Edwards (nee Golding) at the 2001 Angus Youth Roundup in Hamilton Vic

winner. All of these opportunities and experiences have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, enhancing my communication and leadership skills.

I have built up contacts and have had some wonderful mentors, which all continue to positively influence me in the beef and livestock industry. Along the way I have also made some very close, life long friends.

What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had?

There are many ways Angus Youth has aided me in developing as a person and one particular quality was confidence. Through the junior judging competitions I have gain confidence to speak publically.

I also learnt the power of teamwork and the importance of communication when people are working together to achieve a particular result.

Applying for the Illinois scholarship increased my resilience to achieve my goals and winning it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, recognising the endless opportunities that are available in this industry.

How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now?

I’m currently employed with Farm Weekly, WA’s leading agricultural newspaper. I have been fortunate enough to work with this company for more than 10 years as a rural journalist and livestock photographer.

It’s a great job and I’m exposed to many people across the livestock sector, many who have known me for all of my life.

My husband, three young boys and I live on some acreage in Dardanup, WA. I’m still involved in my family’s seedstock business, Little Meadows Angus.

I’m often the one behind the lens or computer helping with advertisements.

My family loves the farm and every chance we get; we are helping where we can.

Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?

Angus Youth not only gives young beef enthusiasts a huge opportunity to travel, get mentored by some of the most knowledgeable people in the beef and agricultural industry, build up a network of contacts, gain close friendships but it is instrumental in helping you learn many life long skills.

Communication, responsibility, resilience and confidence are just some of the leadership skills that are taught and are important in any chosen occupation.

The program encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, gives you endless opportunities in the agricultural industry and allows you to grow as a person.

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angus youth Tom Wilding-Davies What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?

My earliest memories of involvement in Angus Youth date back to attending Angus Youth Roundups in Holbrook, Armidale and Hamilton with Rob Bulle and Ardrossan Angus.

What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)?

The opportunity to take up a scholarship to study at one of the oldest, most reputable and established Ag schools in the US, Michigan State University was certainly the standout event during my time with Angus Youth.

Despite having lived in North America previously, it was a fantastic experience and one I am forever grateful for.

Although now this scholarship has moved to Kansas State I would strongly encourage those eligible to apply to do so.

In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?

I believe the opportunities that came from my involvement in Angus Youth have had a big part in my development within the beef cattle industry. The opportunities to meet, interact and develop relationships with so many different individuals from across Australia and around the globe that share a passion for the beef industry is by far the biggest. Be it through my career, business dealings or even lifelong friendships many have been initiated through contact that was made with people during my time with Angus Youth. Angus Youth allowed me to have exposure to and develop skills that I have since used throughout my career such as public speaking, interview, communication and leadership skills.

What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had?

The beef business is a great industry that has so many components to it. The whole supply chain is incredibly important; including all stakeholders and their roles or responsibilities to the provision of a great eating experience for our end customers. Despite the challenges we face and will continue to face domestically and globally, it is an exciting industry with a huge number of opportunities.

We are fortunate to have some amazing people involved in the industry that are prepared to engage with and encourage those willing to learn and ask.

How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now?

I am employed by Woolworths Limited and manage their Beef procurement for the state of Western Australia where I have been for the last 2 years. This involves managing the supply of both grain and grass-fed cattle 52 weeks a year for the business. My family also run a small registered Red Angus operation and beef reproduction business in Southern NSW which I still take a keen interest in.

Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?

I believe that Angus Youth provides a wonderful platform for young people to develop an interest and skill set in PAge 96

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Tom Wilding Davies with Dion Brook at the 2001 Angus Youth Roundup in Hamilton VIC

this great industry. It doesn't matter whether they are fortunate enough to grow up on the land or simply have a genuine interest in the cattle business. Angus Youth enables this through provision of great events, programs, scholarships, guidance and the amazing generosity of their sponsors. I think it’s a superb environment to mix with a group of people of different backgrounds, ages and levels of involvement within the industry and make some terrific friends and industry contacts along the way.

Ewen McLeish What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?

My earliest memory participating in Angus Youth was not until I was 37 in the year 1987. I went to Tocal Judging School run by New England Angus Breeders where I ran second. There were approximately 40 people doing the course. We were all scored on many different judging exercises with bulls, cows and steers.

Representing NSW, I then competed in the National Judging Competition at Wodonga as part of the Angus National Show and Sale, which also involved commercial judging exercises on a local Angus property owned by the Scott family. The final saw us judge a class of sale bulls, where we explained our placings and I was lucky enough to be victorious, and win the University of Illinois Scholarship.

What an experience! 3 months of lectures, travelling the USA, visiting Angus Stud sales, Fairs and Research Stations. Prior to this I already had a degree at Marcus Oldham Farm Management College. This put me in good stead to take on the Scholarship with great enthusiasm.

Mind you I was married with two daughters and my wife Margaret came with me and also attended some lectures and did all the travelling. My daughters Diana and Bindi stayed with Grandparents from August until December, which was the hard part.

What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)?

Events that stand out are the Tocal Judging School and then University of Illinois, which is regarded as one of the best in USA. Also, being involved in many Angus Roundups with Diana and Belinda and many others, at Armidale, Bathurst, Gunnedah, Glenn Innes, Dubbo and 20 years at Sydney Show were stand outs, where we exhibited as many as 20 head are a standout for me.

We encouraged many Angus youth members to be involved, which was my way of being involved in Angus

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Ewen McLeish with 2001 University of Illinois Scholarship winner, Donna Robson (nee Knox)

Youth, through encouraging them in exhibiting cattle, parading skills and judging skills.

In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?

Being a part of Angus Youth led to the development of Outwest Angus. Over the years we have sold bulls and females at the New England Angus Breeders Show & Sale in Tamworth, the Dubbo Angus Bull Sale, Sydney Royal and the Wodonga Angus National.

For the last 7 years we had an on-property Bull Sale at Wombalano, Coonamble.

Fiona McWilliam (right) judging the paraders s at the 2018 Thomas Foods International Anguer, Youth Roundup, with Grand Champion Parad y.

Lochie McLauchlan. Image: Emily H Photograph

Angus Youth helped me develop skills for breeding stud and commercial Angus and pushed me towards the use of latest Angus technology i.e. EBV’s and now DNA testing for parentage, EBV enhancements and genetic defects.

What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program and then the additional scholarship experiences that you had?

I learnt about the selection of stud sires for stud Angus operations and the appraisal of stock, both stud and commercial. The single biggest thing I learned from my scholarship experience was the dominance of Angus genetics in 1987, either purebred or black hided, in the USA. This gave me confidence to pursue a career in breeding Angus stud stock. The experience has been so good, and we have been back many times since, visiting stud stock farms to help our program.

How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/ where are you now?

We were running 600 registered self-replacing Angus cows at Coonamble / Quambone NSW, on our family farm with my wife Margaret. At one stage we were selling 150 bulls, however these numbers have been decimated by droughts. We are currently back to 200 registered cows and selling 80 bulls.

Our daughter Diana is Marketing and Communications Manager of Angus Australia and Belinda is in banking with the National Australia Bank. I myself am a fourthgeneration farmer at Quambone with our grandchildren 6th generation!

Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?

Angus Youth delivers learning experiences, travel within Australia and overseas, lifelong friends, camaraderie, networking for business and job opportunities.

Angus Youth helped my breeding and marketing skills and gave me a chance to have a crack at several different scholarships. Several past Scholarship winners have become successful individuals in the industry.

Trinity Edwards exhibiting at the 2018 Perth Royal Show. Image: Emily H Photography

Tom Wilding-Davies, Woolworths and WD Cattle, with AuctionsPlus CEO Angus Street, at the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show: Image: The Land

Ewen & Marg McLeish at their 2016 on property bull sale

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Rod and Glenda Reeves, with their top pen of Angus steers which sold for 350c/kg, Stanthorpe Weaner Blue Ribbon Sale QLC 4/04/09.

Image: Queensland Country Life

Allan Fletcher, was awarded grand champion Angus heifers. He is pictured with his Angus steers. The heavier portion sold for 317c/kg at 310 kilograms to return $980/hd while the remaining 245 kilogram steers made 350c/kg to return $896/hd. Glen Innes NSW 5/04/19.

Image: Queensland Country Life

Andrew and Emma Martin, Talana, Rydal, sold for $1050 a pen of 60 head, Aug/Sep drop, Karoo blood Angus steers averaging 322 kilograms and selling a total of 130 head, Carcoar NSW 29/03/19. Image: The Land

around the saleyards

Yarranlea producer Troy D'Arcy and Garth Fitzgerald, Millmerran Rural Agencies, with Mr D'Arcy's grand champion pen at the Dalby Feeder and Store Challenge, Dalby Feeder and Store Challenge, QLD 5/04/19 Image: Queensland Country Life

Gordon and Margaret Quinn, Dambaroo, Cudgera Creek, with their top pen of Angus steers, which madePAge 296c $1,024, NSW 22/03/19.

98 to return Angus Bulletin —Casino winter 2019 Image: Queensland Country Life

Ronald Mugridge, Dalgety with his pen of 19 Angus steers sold for $800, Cooma NSW, 26/03/19. Image: The Land

Northern Focus

Extreme Heat – and the adaptability of Angus Jonathan Faris, Northern Development Officer

The East Pilbara region of northern Western Australia is an area that sets records. It is the largest shire in the world – larger in fact than the state of Victoria, encompassing some 372,571 km2.

It also includes the township of Marble Bar, officially known as one of the hottest places in Australia, with highest temperatures recorded since the year 2000 of 49.3c (Dec 2018), 49.1c (Jan 2019) and 47.4c (Mar 2019) recorded respectively.

Encircling Marble Bar is ‘Limestone Station’, a pastoral lease of approximately 2500 km2 and where Angus and Angus influenced cattle have prospered for the last 22 years, forming the backbone of the beef breeding enterprise, managed by the Brooks family.

Genetics and performance data have featured strongly in the success of the enterprise with a strong focus on structure and confirmation as well as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), particularly around fertility, growth and carcass traits. Indeed, the strong emphasis on commercial outcomes – the ability for cattle to be able to move around freely, look after themselves, raise a calf which is then able to grow and meet market requirements, further underpins the whole operation. And where Limestone Station is geographically located also plays an important part in survivability of cattle. This necessitates the selection of Angus genetics with a sleek coat, thereby improving adaptability to heat given the mean number of days of above 30c from the period 2000 to 2019 at 274 days (75% of the year > 30c) annually.

Extending on the Brooks family focus on genetics and performance, every single breeding female on Limestone Station’s 3000 head breeding herd is tested and recorded on pregnancy status, weight, body condition score and foetal ageing through WA based veterinarian services. Individual results are then recorded against the relevant NLIS tag, which when combined with genetic selection on sires and selected EBV’s, are helping to produce an increasingly fertile, high performing herd with an average preg-test rate of 85%.

Full case study to follow in future Angus Bulletins.

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Northern Focus

Arid zone Angus

Jonathan Faris, Northern Development Officer Ted and Sheri Fogarty are 2nd generation beef producers in central Australia. Angus and Angus influenced cattle have been used successfully at ‘Palmer Valley’ since 2001, with the station also becoming accredited organic in 1989 in the process becoming the first organic accredited property in the Northern Territory.

The breeding is conducted at ‘Palmer Valley Station’ where all progeny is retained until weaning, at which stage all steer progeny and cull females are sent across to their finishing properties ‘Tressavale’ and ‘Rowleys Creek’ near Walcha NSW which traditionally is in a higher rainfall belt of 35” p.a. and ‘Spring Creek’ near Tamworth NSW.

Breeding and Operations:

Predominantly Angus based with some black baldy influence, the Fogarty family join about 2,700 females each year to mainly Angus and some Hereford bulls at a rate of 3%. Bulls are joined to females of the same age group and are run with that female herd for the remainder of their effective breeding lifetime.

Branding is usually conducted over two rounds each year. The first around March/April and the second around August/September yearly. Although bulls are in all year round with females, the calving window depends on rainfall.

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If we only receive one rainfall event in the year, then 10 months later the majority of calves drop said Ted Fogarty, confirming the seasonality of calving in central Australia.

Weaning practices consist of keeping weaners in the yards for 4 – 5 days, fed hay and tailed out. Weaners are educated with dogs and are given organic status supplements with Olsson blocks and Beachport supplement. Whilst maintaining the core of the herd as predominantly Angus bloodlines, The Fogarty’s intend to introduce Droughtmaster to experiment for predominantly a bit more heat tolerance and bone.

Ted and Sheri Fogarty with Jonathan Faris, Northern Development Officer, Angus Australia

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Northern Focus

Palmer Valley Property Size 2,993 km2

Bull Selection

Due to the immense distances and harsh desert conditions experienced, careful consideration is given to structure and confirmation of bulls, particularly feet and legs as any breakdown in these areas can quite simply lead to natural culling.

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are also an integral part of the selection process. Emphasis is placed on lower birthweight bulls with strong 400- and 600-day weights, meaning that progeny must be considered a safe bet in calving as it is not practical to be able to check on calving females, and that once born, progeny are expected to gain weight especially in key times associated with normal marketing practices. Just as important is selection on fat traits to enable finishing ability as well as lower mature cow weight females to help ensure survivability.

Bull Management:

Bulls have historically been introduced as 12 – 24 months of age, as the younger aged animals have better adapted to the heat and desert conditions and are usually purchased anywhere in the cooler months between March - September. After allowing for up to 6 weeks acclimatization where bulls are kept in a smaller paddock with some females where they can be monitored, bulls are given vaccinations for vibrio, Pestivirus, 5 in 1 and botulism if not vendor treated before putting out to cows.

Several years ago, the Fogarty family purchased approximately 22 purebred Angus females, subsequently building numbers to current level of 44 females which are used as the family’s main seedstock operation. Approximately 20 of the male progeny are now retained as bulls for their in-herd use. This is specifically done to ensure that bulls are raised in this challenging environment, hence eliminating the need for an acclimatisation period. However, 1 or more bulls are still purchased in each year to ensure an open gene pool.

Carrying Capacity 2.5 head / km2

Location Approx. 150km south of Alice Springs via the Stuart Highway Target Market Organic and MSA accredited, targeting the heavy domestic market - steers are pasture finished to 250-300kg HSCW Despite this, the Fogarty family achieved a branding rate of 85% in 2018. Sheri Fogarty attributes this to the high level of fertility throughout the herd, an in particular the females, given “the breeders start cycling after only 30mm of rain”.

Maiden heifers, selected from approximately 600 retained station bred females per annum, are also given preferential treatment to help ensure a highly fertile herd. This includes their own heifer paddock as well as organic approved protein lick and Beachport minerals in the water system. Breeders are culled at a maximum of 10 years of age in addition to dry females and nonblack females.

The Results – Meeting Market Specs:

Predominantly using Angus, coupled with focusing on growth and fat traits have enabled the Fogarty family to produce high quality cattle suitable for export and the heavy domestic trade.

Steers are grown out on the NSW properties and are pasture finished on a mix of improved and native pastures, including; Rhodes grass, couch grass, kikuyu grass, fescues, bluegrass, wiregrass, phalaris as well as Red and white clovers and sub clovers. Cattle are rotationally grazed to minimize impact of overgrazing and managing pathogens.

The finished article is then to processors, dressing out at between 250-300kg HSCW or approximately 57% dressing percentage.

The Results - Fertility:

Although situated in one of the driest and hottest parts of Australia on the western edges of the Simpson desert with a 6” average annual rainfall, only 4” (100mm) fell in all of 2018 calendar year highlighting the extreme dry conditions experienced throughout most of the Northern Territory.

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Northern Focus

Sandhills, salt lakes & spear traps – All in a day’s work for Angus Jonathan Faris, Northern Development Officer

Ross and Jo Stanes, the managers of ‘Lyndavale Station’, his parents Anne and John Stanes and brother Bennett Stanes with partner Lily Culbertson have long had a connection with ‘Lyndavale Station’ since Ross’ great grandfather took up ownership of ‘Erldunda Station’ in the 1920s, of which ‘Lyndavale’ was originally part of.

Lyndavale Cattle Co Since then, the family operation expanded to now include; • ‘Mt Ebenezer’, some 1600km2 adjoining ‘Lyndavale Station’ to the north, with an annual average rainfall of circa 8” (200mm) and is a mix of range country, mulga and sandhill and carrying capacity of 1.5 AE/km2 • ‘De Rose Hill’ in South Australia of approximately 1780km2 with an average annual rainfall of 9” p.a.

(225mm), largely consisting of deeper granite country with oatgrass plains and average carrying capacity of over 2 / km2, and; • Several smaller properties near Adelaide.

Together, all properties and family help to achieve a largely self-sufficient operation, whereby breeding operations are conducted on both ‘Lyndavale Station’ and ‘Mt Ebenezer Station’, after which steers, and cull females are trucked to ‘De Rose Hill’ where they are finished for slaughter. The smaller properties closer to Adelaide are used for hay and fodder production for use on the larger stations.

The operation has accredited organic status (USDA), as well as EU, PCAS and MSA. The Stanes family have Angus at the core of their breeding program as it is the ideal package for moderate framed, early maturing type, with excellent fertility combined with meat quality and market flexibility.

Breeding and Operations:

With the herd originally consisting of Brahman and Charbray, the Stanes family introduced Angus cattle into the operation in 2002, slowly increasing the percentage of Angus to current levels whereby the majority of the herd is predominantly high-grade Angus or Charolais cross Angus.

There are two breeding herds run concurrently across ‘Lyndavale Station’ and ‘Mt Ebenezer Station’. The first is PAge 102

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Property Size 3,700 km2

Carrying Capacity 1.5 AE/km2

Location 260km SW of Alice Springs via Stuart Highway or 260km to Uluru Target Market Heavy bullocks for the export market: 600kg liveweight, dressing out at 320kg–340kg HSCW at 2.5 years of age the high content Angus females joined to Charolais bulls and the second breeding herd is a creamy coloured herd of Charolais cross Angus females joined to Angus bulls.

The total breeding numbers approximate 3,500 females joined p.a. plus 1000 station bred heifers, of which around 600 are selected as replacement heifers each year.

Heifers are grown out to a minimum of 350kg liveweight at 18 – 20 months of age to set them up as strong, wellconditioned cows. They are joined at a rate of 1:35, as are the mature breeding herd. The bulls are placed with the females all year round, where approximately 70% of the maiden heifers are joined in May of each year, corresponding with similar levels of total maiden heifer calving in March to coincide with cooler weather, whilst the remainder are usually joined around November of each year, translating into calving around September.

This calving pattern largely remains the same throughout the females breeding life. Ross states, “Generally we have found that if the cows are kept in good condition, they will continue to calve in line with their first joining, and if they miss a calf they are removed from the herd”.

The exception to this being severe drought.

There are usually two weaning rounds per year, the first around March/April and the second around September/

Northern Focus

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After a drought breaks, we generally experience a bit of a spike in calving 11 – 12 months later, after allowing for feed growth and weight gain

October of each year at around 6 – 7 months of age.

Weaning entails all weaners being bought back to the main processing yards for about a week. During this time, all weaners are fed hay, whilst being worked with dogs.

After this, all weaners are processed with steers taken to ‘Mt Ebenezer Station’ where they are grown out for 6 months before being trucked to ‘De Rose Station’, whilst the weaner heifers are taken to specific heifer paddocks at ‘Mt Ebenezer Station’ whilst the tops are kept at ‘Lyndavale Station’. Any heifers exhibiting an undesirable temperament are culled.

Weaners and breeders are provided with an organic Ridleys phosphorus and calcium supplement. Cull females are targeted foremost for poor temperament, type and age with most breeding females leaving the Northern Territory stations at approximately 8 years of age, taken to ‘De Rose Hill’ to calve out and raise their last weaner before exiting the system at approximately 10 years of age. Around 45% of the heifers are culled at weaning and the remainder after pregnancy testing.

These weaner cull heifers, which are kept away from bulls, are fattened and turned off at around 2-2.5 years of age.

These practices have the dual benefits of maintaining a fertile and efficient herd in the desert country whilst providing the aged breeders with improved access to nutrition whilst on their last calf.

Bulls:

Bulls are selected for functionality, temperament and other traits including fertility such as scrotal circumference and days to calving, traits resulting in the operations high weaning rates of high 80% level. Positive fats estimated breeding values (EBVs) also rank highly is Ross’s view to help maintain body condition in the desert conditions as well as their ability to finish for market specifications.

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Also important is the requirement for bulls to have a short coat. This is to better cope with the extreme heat experienced over the summer months within the central Australian desert area. Just as important is for bulls to have lower milk and mature cow weight EBVs which translate into female progeny growing into breeders that are better adapted to reduced feed availability and energy requirements. The other main trait that is highly sought after in bulls is high eye muscle areas (EMA) to assist in progeny achieving good muscle pattern.

As bulls are often bought into the desert country from more temperate environments, they are largely introduced as 12–18 months of age and extended anywhere between 1 month (if excellent seasonal conditions) to 6 months acclimatisation period to optimise their ability to adapt to the harsher environment.

All purchased bulls have usually received their vaccinations, however the Stanes family always treat the new bulls with botulism vaccine.

The Results - Fertility:

The fertility of the Angus females is a positive in Ross’s view, reflecting on the female’s ability to cycle very soon after, saying that “After a drought breaks, we generally experience a bit of a spike in calving 11 – 12 months later, after allowing for feed growth and weight gain”.

The weaning rate over the last 3 years have been well in excess of 80%. Ross Stanes attributes this to the careful selection and management of bulls and desired traits as well as careful breeder management including culling for age, nutrition (assisted through organic biofos) and particular care for weaner and maiden heifers. As Ross states, “A bit of extra effort in looking after the heifers from weaning to first calf pays for itself, as it sets them up for a long and productive life”.

The Results – Meeting Market Specs:

The Stanes family target premium markets through processors in both South Australia and Victoria. Bullocks are usually finished on pasture at ‘De Rose Hill’ until the target liveweight of ~ 600kg is reached at between 22.5years of age. Dentition is usually between 2 – 4 teeth, HSCW at 320 – 340kg.

Ross Stanes

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Turning an eye to Three Creek Beef - Angus Australia’s newest Verified Black Angus Beef brand Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Three Creek Beef is located in the New England Tablelands, between Armidale and Guyra, NSW.

Three Creek Beef steers overlooking waterfall

THREE CREEK BEEF

Operated over 2,300 hectares of improved pastures, Three Creek Beef is a 100% Angus beef export brand.

Behind the family business of Three Creek Beef are owners Rob and Jo Finlayson.

Rob Finlayson was born and bred in the Armidale district, and he and Jo have been on their property, ‘Kapunda’, for 22 years.

The Three Creek Beef brand was established approximately four years ago, with its export to China beginning three years ago.

Three Creek Beef are a part of the Verified Black Angus Beef program, with their brand independently verified

by Angus Australia.

With care from paddock to plate:

The paddock to plate process for the Three Creek Beef brand begins with the purchase of weaners at approximately 300kg to be backgrounded on their New England properties.

Previously, the Finlayson’s bred and raised to weight their own Angus cattle, however due to the increase in demand for their brand they needed to develop their operations further to keep up.

“We needed to increase our turnover to keep up with demand. We found with the strong demand it was too difficult to get them up to weight, which is why we ended up buying weaners,” said Jo Finlayson said.

Along with those weaners backgrounded, pure Angus steers are purchased from producers across the New England area and sent to the feedlot.

“As we are a verified export brand, we purchase pure Angus, ensuring the animals are good quality,” Jo said.

All animals are then on feed for 150 days at Yarranbrook Feedlot, Inglewood, QLD, which is owned and operated

by John Dee Pty Ltd. All cattle for the Three Creek Beef brand are then processed at John Dee Pty Ltd, Warwick, QLD for export to Asians markets.

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Property Size 2,300 Ha

Location Armidale NSW

Feedlot Yarranbrook, Inglewood QLD Processed John Dee Processing Plant Warwick QLD Target Market China and greater Asia Due to their company emphasis on the care and quality of the Three Creek Beef product from paddock to plate, the Finlayson’s work to ensure the entire supply chain ensures quality assurance to the consumer.

When handling the cattle on farm, low stress livestock management is used, by using horses for mustering and educating weaners while they are young to ensure a low stress environment when being worked through the yards and throughout their life.

Yarranbrook Feedlot and John Dee Pty Ltd maintain a focus on low stress livestock handling practices also, which is a key element the Finlayson’s note when it comes to maintaining the care and quality of the animals right through the production chain, which in turn positively effects the eating quality of their product.

What they market:

Apart from a small portion of product within the Australian market, the majority of Three Creek Beef product is exported to China into the high-end restaurants and supermarket retail space.

In terms of their choice of Angus, in the past it wasn’t always the breed of choice for the Finlayson family. During their time within the industry, the Finlayson’s historically

Images: Cloud Breaker Film

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Rob Finlayson with son's Tim and Zac with Three Creek Beef steers

ran other British breeds, but Rob and Jo found that the demand within the export market was for well marbled Angus beef, hence influencing the change in direction.

“We wanted to step into the China market and with Angus beef a high quality, consistent product we knew we could meet their demand for Angus.”

Jo explains it was for this reason that it was important for commercial and seedstock producers in Australia to continue working together to maintain a high-quality supply of Australian Angus cattle to supply these markets.

“An emphasis on quality stock is most important and producing an animal that marbles well goes a long way to producing a quality product for the consumer.”

Angus Brand Verification:

Three Creek Beef is the most recent brand to join the Verified Black Angus Beef Brand program.

Three Creek Beef works closely with Angus Australia to ensure the integrity and truth in labelling of products to give the consumer the confidence that the brand in pure Angus beef.

When speaking on the decision for the brand to become verified, Jo said it was based on the attributes of quality and marketability of being a verified brand into their target markets that made the choice was a no-brainer.

“By verifying our brand, we found we have improved access to buying better quality cattle and building stronger supply relationships through working with Angus Australia”, she said.

“It has also positioned our brand as a high-end product against other competitors in the Chinese market.”

To the Future:

While Three Creek Beef look to supply some product into Australian markets, the focus for the future of the brand remains international.

Further expansion within the wider Asian market is the next step for the brand, pushing on from their existing export to China.

To find out more about Three Creek Beef’s Verified Black Angus Beef program contact: Director, Rob Finlayson 0428 762 373 or visit the website: www.threecreekbeef.com

Rob Finlayson, Director of Three Creek Beef

Three Creek Beef steers crossing the river with waterfall

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NVDs – Accepted Breed Descriptions Liz Pearson, Commercial Supply Chain Manager

The National Vendor Declaration (NVD) is a key control point for the verification of any black Angus programs by Angus Australia.

For cattle to be eligible and meet market requirements of beef supplied into any Verified Black Angus Beef program, their breed description and physical attributes must comply with all requirements of the Black Angus Cattle Assessment Guidelines.

BLACK ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES NVD Breed Description options Angus x Angus · AA x AA

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

Example of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description

Angus x Angus AA x AA

These brands are included in the Verified Black Angus Beef program and more information can be found on the Angus Australia website.

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The National Vendor Declaration (NVD) is a key control point for the verification of any Angus programs by Angus Australia.

For cattle to be eligible and meet market requirements of beef supplied into the McDonalds Angus burger range, their breed description and physical attributes must be compliant with all requirements of the Angus Cattle Assessment Guidelines.

ANGUS CATTLE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES NVD Breed Description options Angus x Angus · AA x AA Angus x Angus cross Angus x Angus X · AA x AX

Compliance with all below standards required Representing Angus phenotype Approx. 90% black or red hide Small amount of white underline (underline defined as no white visible from the front of the animal) Whole or broken white face No white legs and feet · No horns Scurs are acceptable, however they must not be fixed to the skull No bos indicus or dairy characteristics such as loose sheath, bos indicus ears or hump Contain a minimum of 75% Angus breed content

Example of ACCEPTABLE Breed Description

Angus x Angus cross Angus x Angus X AA x AX

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Commercial Consistency with Angus cattle Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Ryan Willing is a generational commercial producer, who currently runs his own cattle property, Carnigup Farm, located 135km east of Esperance on the Southeast coast of Western Australia. While running his own breeding operations, Mr Willing also manages Willcher Farm, located next door to his own property.

Mr Willing has been part of the beef industry his entire life, growing up his family cattle property. He has worked within the industry for his whole life, before taking up his own property and beginning to also manage Willcher ten years ago.

Breeding Operations

Carnigup Farm is 1050 hectares of flat country with sand over clay. It is all improved pastures and grazing with an average yearly rainfall of 500mm of mostly dominant winter rain. As well as his cattle operations, Mr Willing also has crops of canola and cereals.

Since taking on Carnigup ten years ago, Mr Willing has established a pure Angus commercial operation. Utilising a combination of natural joining and fixed Artificial Insemination (AI) programs, Mr Willing will have 400 joined females in 2019.

The joining periods for the herd sees heifers fixed time AI’ed followed with a three-week cycle with Angus bulls, at twenty heifers to a bull. Cows are nine weeks natural joining with pure Angus bulls, with 40 cows to a bull.

Three quarters of heifer calves are retained for herd use to continue increased the herd numbers.

When culling for his female herd, Mr Willing considers structure when making his decisions, taking into account feet, back lines and hips. Furthermore, he always considers the temperament of females for his herd, as well as culling according to fertility, with any animal that doesn’t get in calf during the joining period culled from the herd.

When Mr Willing took on the management role of Willcher Farm, the herd was mixed breed with primarily Hereford and Charolais, as well as Angus.

“There was no consistency in the calves, and it was all a bit of a mess,” Mr Willing said.

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He has since introduced using pure Angus bulls, selected on similar criteria as those in his own Angus herd, over the females which has resulted in greater consistency in the calves and better fertility rates within the herd.

“The results are proof that the Angus breed is the way to go,” Mr Willing said.

On Willcher, all the females are at least three quarters Angus currently, with the aim to continue breeding with Angus to have a straight pure Angus herd.

Mr Willing was recently a finalist in the Multimin Performance Ready Challenge. Due to the fact that Carnigup and Willcher are on flat sand plain country over clay, it can see issues with nutrients within the region due to copper and selenium, which in turn can affect fertility, weight gain and overall health of the herd. Due to this Mr Willing utilises Multimin and Vitamin B12 to ensure that his cattle are getting trace elements at the rights times.

The Multimin Performance Ready Challenge saw Mr Willing take part in a trial using the Multimin product

Ryan Willing

Images: C7EVEN

supply chain versus not on two different groups of Angus cows to see the overall impact the product had on conception rates and overall health of herd. In October 2019, the trial groups were preg-tested with above 90% conception, with the Multimin treated animals slightly ahead.

When selecting Angus Bulls:

When selecting Angus bulls for his program, Mr Willing takes into account all Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) when making purchasing decisions.

“I won’t buy anything that is below averages across the board,” Mr Willing said.

Highlighting positive calving figures, low birth weight, moderate mature cow weights and positive fats and good yield, Mr Willing ensures that his selection decisions are made accordingly.

Mr Willing makes his selection decisions within his AI program ensuring the bulls are performance proven.

For the cows in his commercial herd Mr Willing primarily purchases two-year-old Angus bulls.

Marketing:

Utilising Landmark as his livestock agent, Mr Willing markets his cattle to the Woolworths grass finished market, with 18-month-old animals going direct to abattoir.

All culled heifers also end up in the Woolworth market, with culled cows and bulls that do not fit into the program also being sent direct to abattoir.

All of his grass finished Angus cattle are MSA graded, with the scores as following: MSA Score: 56.37 Carcase: 269.35kg Ossification: 160 MSA marbling: 340 Rib Fat: 11 Noncompliance rate: 1.85%

Take Homes:

Using Angus cattle within his operations has always been a must for Mr Willing.

He cites consistency as his reasoning to his preference of using solely Angus over other breeds within his operations at Carningup, and introducing a heavy Angus influence with the goal of a full Angus herd at Willcher.

Over a ten-year period, Mr Willing has observed consistent increases in weight gain without compromising on

fertility within his Angus herd, as well as an increase in weaning weights each year, allowing for an earlier turn off for the grass finished market.

Mr Willing heavily values fixed time AI within his program, an approach he adopted around three years ago for his heifer joining periods.

Before adopting AI, Mr Willing would have a six-week joining period of 30 heifers per bull. He has found since utilising his fixed time AI that he has basically the same conception rates in one round of AI and one cycle with the Angus bulls.

With this AI program Mr Willing finds that the calving period for the heifers is shorter and results in heavier calves and less difficulty for the heifers during calving.

The flow on effect of this program is the benefit of setting the cows up well for their second calf in the next season, which in the long term has a greater impact in sustaining the longevity of the cows in the herd, an essential part of ensuring a long-standing commercial herd and profitability into the future.

“I really recommend fixed time AI for heifers. It’s been quite new to me in the last three years and I could not recommend it more highly. I believe it is the future of commercial Angus herds.”

Mr Willing credits the developing genomic technologies assisting the industry in allowing him to make more validated choices when selecting bulls for his commercial herd, considering the need for good accuracy with the figures as these bulls are being put with a large number of heifers.

Looking to the future:

Mr Willing believes it is important to remember the reliability of a commercial herd always has to be number one, as well as continuously improving growth rates etc.

“It’s important to always focus on structure and fertility as much as anything else, and something we shouldn’t forget as we try and push this breeding further and further,” Mr Willing said.

Mr Willing believes that the goal his operations moving forwards is always strive for efficiency and feed efficiency.

“It’s all about stocking rates trying to get increasing weight whilst using less pasture. So that’s always going to be the goal long term to try and make a greater profit.”

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Left: Angus cattle in paddock. Right: Angus Australia's Communications Officer, Cheyne Twist and Tom Schaefer, Eastern Fall Grazing

Eastern Fall Grazing utilising the hardiness of Angus Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

Angus cattle just makes more ‘cents’, per kilo that is, for Tom Schaefer, the owner and manager of Eastern Fall Grazing.

Mr Schaefer has been involved in the beef industry for over 21 years, starting during his high school education and continuing throughout his adult life in the New England area.

Breeding Operations:

Eastern Fall Grazing operates across 7,200 acres of freehold land and 7,000 acres of perpetual lease country in the Guyra region of New South Wales.

Primarily granite country, there is also a mixture of basalt and trap. The majority is good open country but includes some sheltering scrub and granite rock, with a yearly rainfall of 32-36 inches.

Eastern Fall Grazing runs a herd of 600 breeders, split into 220 pure Angus, approximately 250 Angus/ Hereford cross and 110 Herefords running at 3.2 dry sheep equivalent (dse) to the acre.

Being a generational business, Mr Schaefer said his grandfather always had Angus cattle, and was likely one of the few in the Guyra area who had Angus when they were a less popular breed than other more dominant British breeds.

However, Mr Schaefer has retained the use of Angus cattle due to their hardiness for the more difficult terrains of their land. The pure Angus cattle are run in Eastern Fall Grazing’s gorge country, as part of their perpetual lease.

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The cows are wintered in the gorge country between the months of March and August until they are mustered and droved/walked back to their top country to calve out.

In good seasons they may leave a quarter of the herd in the gorge to calve down and then muster them out in October/ November for joining.

Their Angus cattle are kept on the steep gorge country, with Mr Schaefer noting that Angus are better roamers and have a hardiness that adapts well to the steep, unfertilised country.

“What I do like about them is their ability to survive down there. If we put our other British breed cattle down there, they just stand at the gate and sulk,” Mr Schaefer said.

The breeding operation selects pure Angus bulls for their doability and longevity. Mr Shaefer selects those with medium mature cow weights, directing away from more extreme framed cows to lower feed intake. He also looks for positive fat weights and that it puts on weight.

In the first two to three years, these bulls are joined with the pure Angus females, then following this they are joined with their Hereford cows to produce an Angus cross.

The Angus cross heifers are then retained in the herd to be joined with the Angus bulls to get 75% Angus progeny.

These bulls are also joined with their Angus cross cows.

Of his overall breeding objective, Mr Schaefer said the following, “My breeding objectives are to select for a cow herd with moderate frame, directing away from more extreme framed cows as they take more to feed, good growth and good milk coupled with positive fats for rib and rump to assist with the harder New England winters and the overall doability of the herd. The cow has to do a good job on her calf as well as being able to get back into calf the following year.”

Structure and milking ability are also prioritised, as is selection from studs renowned for sires displaying hardiness in their cattle.

supply chain “Angus are exceptional. It’s just too easy. All you have to say is that they are Angus and you have no trouble selling them compared to other breeds, particularly into a feedlot.”

When asked to compare their straight Angus herd to the rest of their British breed herd Mr Schaefer believes it isn’t so simple due to the difference in pastures and conditions they are run on.

The gorge country is harder on the cattle, mountainous, 100% native pastures and unfertilised.

Eastern Fall Grazing Property Size 14,200 acres

Carrying Capacity 3.2 dry sheep equivalent (dse) to an acre Location Guyra Region, NSW Target Market Feedlot market and Woolworths and Coles Average Rainfall 32-36” per annum

Mr Schaefer notes that he typically purchases from studs that are going down the same path as himself in terms of breeding objectives and highlights the importance to maintain good relationships with the seedstock producers.

More so now than previously, Mr Schaefer has been improving IMF in his herd due to market demand from the feedlot sector, however highlights the importance of finding a healthy medium between IMF and other traits, for example milking ability, which Tom believes one may come at the cost of the other.

Mr Schaefer also notes that the flexibility of the Angus breed works hand in hand with their Merino and Border Leicester sheep operation. With high worm burden an issue in the New England, Mr Schaefer utilises his Angus cows by putting them into the sheep paddock a week prior to the sheep and then rotated them ahead of the sheep. The cattle clean up the worm larvae from the paddock before the sheep arrive.

Target Market:

Utilising both agents and private sale, the target market for Eastern Fall Grazing is the feedlot market. Cull heifers are targeted into Woolworths or Coles either through custom feeding or growing them out on property to slaughter weight.

Due to the difficult season, Mr Schaefer has used supplementary feeding to get them to market specifications, using barley and cotton seed or canola meal in dry lick bins. He has also used sorghum stubble and molasses.

Mr Schaefer highlights the market demand for Angus cattle within terms of marketing options and price compared to other breeds.

Dry lick is always made available to the cattle while in the gorge allowing them to better utilise the native pastures.

Comparatively the rest of their herd run on heavily supered country their whole lives.

However, in the market, the premium for their pure Angus cattle is usually 10c/kg more than their Angus cross cattle and 15-20c/kg over their Hereford cattle.

Future Plans:

When looking towards the future of Eastern Fall Grazing, Mr Schaefer is pleased with the progress and direction of the business with a keen interest to stay aware of new technology, management techniques and opportunities moving forward.

When considering a further increase in Angus numbers within the operations, Mr Schaefer said it could be a consideration for the future due to their hardiness for the tougher areas of his country, however had limitations due to stocking rates.

“We are happy with where we are heading currently, but as I am a fan of the Angus cross cow, I like to keep the Hereford cows as a base for my Angus cross cow to chase the hybrid vigour,” Mr Schaefer said.

Mr Schaefer notes that for his specific operations he buys from seedstock producers that ensure the longevity of the cow herd for fertility and structure.

“I don’t chase that extreme level of cow as you can start having some trouble with structure and fertility,” Mr Schaefer said.

“We need to keep the moderate frame, easy doing animal that’s got great structure. As a cow producer that’s what you want, you want longevity of the herd without them breaking down”.

Mr Schaefer believes commercial producers would benefit with more open levels of communication across the supply chain to assist in the directions of operations to ensure more profitability for them in the long term.

“A great advantage of Angus cattle is that they marble better than all other breeds, bar one. If we could get useable feedback on carcase quality from the feedlot and the processers, it would be a big help to make sure that commercial producers are going down the right path.” Mr Schaefer said.

“It would drive the relationship in the positive direction between the producer and the feedlot/processor and if your cattle aren’t getting a premium, you know what you need to do to improve your cattle.”

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Why you should make it Angus when you restock after the drought Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

For Sam and Erica Ulrick, Angus are the clear choice when it comes to their marketability and profitability.

Sam and Erica Ulrick with their two daughters. Image: Fairfax Media

Sam and Erica Ulrick’s current operation is run over 2,000 acres on their property ‘Springfield’, east of Guyra in northern New South Wales.

Their property is predominately granite soil with improved pastures of fescue, chicory, plantain, rye grass and oats with a typical average annual rainfall of 38 inches.

The Ulrick’s ensure pasture improvement with annual superphosphate application and effective management practises to ensure that there is always ground cover to retain moisture and pasture health.

Breeding Operations:

The Ulrick’s normally have a breeding herd of 200 cows while also trading approximately 320 weaners, however with well below average rainfall for the year, coupled with the recent sale of their other 2,200 acre property, their stock numbers have been considerably less this year.

Approximately 70% of the herd is pure Angus, with the rest made up of Angus/Hereford cross, Shorthorn/Angus cross and Herefords.

It has only been in more recent years that Angus genetics were bought into the operation, with Erica’s family always being Hereford producers in the past.

There are only a few Hereford cows left in the operation, however these will be phased out as the Ulrick’s move to a pure Angus herd.

When selecting genetics for their herd the Ulrick’s like to think big. Accepting that they are most likely going against the grain but believe this is the most profitable for their business model.

When selecting Angus bulls, they are looking for above average results across the board, specifically in terms of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), selecting for high growth rate bulls under the philosophy that the Angus cow herd generally does not have issues with higher birth weight calves.

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“We like big cattle, that’s what it comes down to. If we are going to do something, we want to be above average on everything we do,” Mr Ulrick said.

“We think size comes down to dollars in the bank.

You are getting paid on the weight of the animal”, Mrs Ulrick said.

“It used to be that you could have a lighter animal that was worth more cents per kilo than the heavier animals, but that’s changed now,” Mr Ulrick said.

“Everyone wants the 300kg calf because they have realised that the 200kg calf takes so long to get through, where with that 300kg calf you have options.

You can sell it at a low feeder weight, middle feeder weight, high feeder weight or kill it and you can do that all in twelve months.”

The Ulrick’s have adapted their stocking rates according to the bigger cattle they are producing to reduce feed costs and better management of pastures which has brought benefit to them in the drier seasons the area has been experiencing.

“To get heavy calves you need to run less numbers, which gives you more options in harder times”, Mr Ulrick said.

Furthermore, Mr Ulrick believes that wisely selecting your genetics within your herd is essential to cattle maintaining condition during dry conditions and believes well selected and trialled genetics have assisted their Angus herd during the dry season.

They also believe that selecting Angus genetics for animals that perform better at heavy weights benefits the fertility of their herd. They noted that out of the 70 heifers from the previous joining period 58 calves were produced in the first cycle through natural joining.

Their joining period for 2019 will begin 20th July and run for eight weeks, utilising natural joining at 20 cows per bull.

supply chain This year, the Ulrick’s will retain 300 heifers and intended to keep a small portion of the steers with the intention to fatten them, however due to the current season, these will now most likely be sold.

Target Market:

The Ulrick’s mostly target the feedlot market, with 2018 seeing them send 12-month old steers to feedlot at 440kg.

Their breeding objective goals are for a quick turnaround of their cattle so they free up country to trade more cattle.

The intent for the Ulrick’s through their operations is to get 12-month-old animals to the feedlot hitting the middle range weights, which in previous seasons has been achieved, however with the current season has been slightly tougher.

In terms of the Angus breed, the Ulrick’s say the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the marketability and demand for Angus cattle.

“For anyone that’s had other British breeds or cross bred cattle, Angus are the easiest to sell. You can sell them as weaners, feeders or to kill and you get a premium for them in every market,” Mr Ulrick said.

“We have no trouble selling our Angus steers or heifers. I have the confidence that I can go and pay an extra $250 a head for a good 250kg Angus heifer over any other breed because I know over the period of their life, I can make it back tenfold.”

Benchmarking:

An example of the demand for the Ulrick’s Angus cattle was seen at this year’s Glen Innes Weaner Sale in March where the Ulrick’s topped the market with their Angus steers.

They received $3.04/kg for their Angus steers returning them $970 per head. Comparatively, their Angus cross steers that were sold at the same sale brought $2.60/kg returning them $736 per head.

If the Angus and Angus cross cattle had averaged the same weight of 300kg per head this would have resulted in a $132 per head premium for the pure Angus steers.

It is also important to note that the Angus and Angus cross steers were raised on the same pastures under the Image: Fairfax Media

same conditions for their whole life and were weaned at the same time and the pure Angus steers were 13% heavier than the Angus cross steers.

Furthermore, the Ulrick’s other pure British breed steers that were also sold at the sale made $2.35/kg and would return $705 a head at the same average weight of $300kg.

Comparatively their pure Angus steers returned $207 per head more than the pure British bred steers at the same average weight.

Tracking back to the same sale in 2018, the Ulrick’s observed similar trends in their results.

They received $3.62/kg for their Angus steers returning them $1,405 per head. Comparatively, their Angus cross steers that were sold at the same sale brought $3.07/kg returning them $1,106 per head.

If the Angus and Angus cross cattle had averaged the same weight of 300kg per head this would have resulted in a $165 per head premium received for the pure Angus steers.

Again, it important to note that the Angus and Angus cross steers were raised under all the same conditions and the pure Angus steers were 8% heavier than the Angus cross steers.

The Ulrick’s other pure British breed steers that again were sold at the sale reached $2.83/kg and would return $849 a head at the same average weight of $300kg.

Comparatively their pure Angus steers returned $237 per head more than the pure British bred steers at the same average weight.

‘Springfield’ Property Size 2,000 acres

Herd 70% pure Angus, 25% Angus influenced & 5% other British breed Location Guyra, NSW Target Market Feedlot Average Rainfall 38 inches per annum

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supply chain In relation to the cost of producing a calf, the Ulrick’s find that producing a pure Angus calf compared to any other cross or breed puts more dollars in their back pocket.

“It costs us a $140 per calf investment just to purchase good Angus bulls to use over all our cows. If that cost is the same, no matter which breed the progeny is and we have to add feed costs and weaning costs on top of that, then we want to make as much as we can at the other end.”

“When we relate this back to our results at the Glen Innes Weaner Sales it’s a clear message from the market and highlights the difference in what you can make for different breeds of cattle and that pure Angus cattle are clearly the most profitable.”

“Percentage wise we are miles better off with Angus cattle.”

For the future:

Moving forward, the Ulrick’s are investing in artificial insemination technologies (AI) in their breeding operations next year. They will continue to buy better Angus bulls for use both naturally and artificially to produce more calves out of those bulls in the long term.

For the Ulrick’s, Angus cattle are the way of the future not just for themselves, but they believe for producers in general.

Mr Ulrick believes that the eventual restocking for many after the current dry spell is the best time for producers to invest in Angus genetics to rebuild their herds, a message he believes all Angus commercial and seedstock producers alike should be encouraging to producers outside of the breed.

Due to the marketability of Angus cattle, Mr Ulrick believes that producers should take advantage of the Angus demand when they look to re-establish their herds.

“A lot of people have sold everything and are going to start fresh, what are they going to start with? With a $210 per head premium for Angus, that’s too much per calf every year to ignore.”

“I believe Angus cattle are actually cheap, even though you pay more for them now in the tough times, you can make more from them at the other end and that’s good for everyone.”

Mr Ulrick believes there is a massive opportunity right now. Their results have demonstrated that you can invest more heavily in Angus cattle when looking to restock because over the lifetime of that breeder you will make it back tenfold and that the long-term gain of an Angus female comparatively to other breeds or cross breeds outweighs the costs in the short term.

“To fork out $200 dollars more is not that much over the production period of an Angus female when they are making over $2,000 more per animal over 10 years.”

Identify, trace, record.

www.allflex.com.au

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from the vault

The Australian Angus Journal 1971

The Australian Angus Journal 1987

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The Australian Angus Journal 1981

The Australian Angus Journal 1993

Cows and calves from the Trangie Angus Herd at the Automated feedlot (Australian Angus Journal 1989)

Angus through the Ages Part 3: 1970-1994 Cheyne Twist, Communications Officer

1970 saw the Angus Society of Australia enter the second half of its century, with President AG Mackinnon at its helm.

With the beginnings of the Angus Herd Improvement Group and technologies forging forward, this quarter of the century really marked the push of the development of the marketing and breed development of the breed.

The presidents over the course of the 25 years were AG McKinnon (1969-1971), WHC Mayne (1971-1973), CG Cowley (1973-1975), JS Barnett (1976-1977), CH Lyons (1977-1979), C Stuart Gordon, (1979-1981), Rob Archer (1981-1983), Don Sundermann (1984-1985), David Raff (1985-1987), A (Joe) Grieve (1987-1989),C (Jim) Anderson (1989-1991), Lew Smit (1991-1994).

This period also saw the birth of the Angus Beef Classic, the Angus Youth Program, the National Junior Heifer and Herdsman Contests and the National Angus Youth Roundup.

During this quarter, the society office moved twice. In March 1972 the office was moved from Penfold Place, Sydney to the Sydney Showgrounds. In 1994 the office moved a second time, this time to Armidale, NSW where it still resides today.

The early 70s saw embryo transfer start to be utilised in Australia, with major advancements made in the late 70s to allow for non-surgical transfer of embryos as well as the simplification of freezing and thawing techniques as well as non-surgical transfer of these thawed embryos.

The 1974 in a trade mission to China, the Australian Government and the Angus Society of Australia sent a bull and a heifer as part of Gough Whitlam’s normalisation of relations with China. Tom Gordon of Glendower Angus stud donated the heifer, Glendower Meg R4, and Don Moyle of The Basin Angus Stud donated the bull (name unknown).

Mr Gordon said the following about this mission, “Much preparation and 'loving' was lavished on Glendower Meg R4, to ensure that she was bullet proof, and fit for the journey. I believe that she was pregnant at the time of despatch."

Much of the 1970s saw a time of economic strain for the society as a result of the 1974 beef industry collapse, resulting in a downturn of breeders registering their cattle due to the cost, which severely affected the finances of

the society. This required the presidents during this time, as well as the staff to make difficult decisions regarding the society’s decisions to ensure that it survived through this difficult period.

Leading from the front

Several figureheads within the staff during this time assisted the producers in developing the breed to what it is today.

Rupert Simpson was the secretary and general manager of Angus Australia for a number of years, until 1983.

Mr Simpson was instrumental, along with the Angus Australia board at the time, in his work for the society during the aforementioned economic strain.

Mr Simpson assisted in the development of several initiatives by Angus Australia that assisted in continuing the success of the society during more difficult times, like the Angus Beef Classic.

Enid Fisher began her time at Angus Australia in 1972 as a registrar, when the society only had five on staff.

In 1983 Mrs Fisher became the Chief Executive Officer, a role she held until 1994.

In this role Mrs Fisher developed a five-year corporate plan in 1986 that had the goal for the society achieving a greater share of the Australian beef market and being recognised as leaders in breed improvement. It was recognised as a bold plan, and one that assisted in the push for the industry leading adaption to breed development technologies.

Chief Executive Officer (1983-1994) Enid Fisher at the Suzuki Beef Classic (Image from The History of Angus by Nigal Austin)

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Performance Recording takes a head:

The 1970s saw the emergence of the Angus Herd Improvement Group (AHIG) and its relevance to the Angus BREEDPLAN as it is today. After its formation in 1966, the AMIG and all its assets were officially handed off to the society in 1970.

The same year the Angus Herd Improvement Scheme was formed by Chairperson James Litchfield of Hazeldean, Monaro, NSW, Gordon Munro of Booroomoka Angus, Bingara, NSW and Michael White of Belltrees, Scone, NSW. It was at the 1970 beef industry conference held at the New England University, where a committee was appointed for a nationwide performance recording scheme. The committee had three sections, the first under Dr Arthur Rickards in the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), tasked to develop a data-recording system and compatible computer programming. Dr Keith Hammond headed the Animal Genetics and Breed Unit (AGBU) which reviewed the genetics underpinning the commercially significant traits that could be measured objectively in beef cattle and developed selection formulas. James Litchfield was the chairman of the technical subcommittee whose role was to examine the practical aspects of applying on farm technology.

The National Beef Recording Scheme (NBRS) was established in 1972 and in 1973 the Beef Improvement Association of Australia developed the Beef Sire Evaluation Programme, with the first test of this program being for the Angus breed.

A reference sire was selected and via artificial insemination was used to link between original herds used in performance recording. Eight herds took part in the test with the reference sire being V53 of PINEBANK, imported from New Zealand.

“The Trangie Project” was launched in 1974 by the NSW Agriculture and Fisheries, with the goal to provide information for improving the profitability of beef production through genetic selection. The project focused on the use of within-breed selection to improve economic returns on beef production.

This project investigated the growth and size, genetic trends, maternal performance and reproductive performance of the Trangie Angus Herd, which was split into three lines, comprised of a randomly selected line, a line selected for increased growth rate and a line selected for decreased growth rate. This format was selected to provide rapid divergence in growth rate between selection lines.

The findings produced through the research at Trangie was fundamental to the continued development of BREEDPLAN, as over the course of the project it supplied a comprehensive recording program, supplying a large database for the evaluation of selection response and for the validation of the parameters of BREEDPLAN. In 1977, the society joined forces with the NBRS to develop the Angus Herd Improvement Register (AHIR).

At the time of the development of the AHIR in 1977, purebred Angus cattle made up 20% of the performance records in the NBRS database.

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Angus Performance Dateline (Australian Angus Journal 1994)

The register was established to cover the performance recording requirements of stud breeders and both the performance and pedigree requirements of commercial breeders. The immediate aim of the AHIR was “to improve the information available to a member for within in-herd selection.”

At this time, the process of integrated registering and performance recording was as follows: • Stage 1: saw the member records the sire, dam and birth date of calf and its weight just prior to weaning.

This was then mailed to NBRS in Armidale with the results of 3 reports to assist in selection decisions.

The calves were ranked within sex groups on growth to weaning, there was a lifetime performance history for the dams and sires were ranked on the performance of their progeny.

• Stage 2: saw the progeny inspected by the Society’s classifier at yearly age to ensure the progeny were as they were being registered. Without the approval of the classifier, progeny would not be accepted to be registered.

• Stage 3: At 365 or 550 days, the weights of the progeny were recorded, and on completion were sent to NBRS for production of final weight test reports.

These animals were ranked on the basis of their performance relative to contemporaries and the sires were than ranked on the final weight results of their progeny.

National Angus Group BREEDPLAN was developed in the early 1980s as “an advanced genetic evaluation system that provides a genetic description of Angus cattle for a comprehensive range of traits.”

Angus BREEDPLAN allowed for a database that assisted seedstock producers to identify within their Angus cattle the superior and inferior traits of particular animals, which allowed for data to be provided to commercial producers to assist for the selection of their breeding programs.

David Raff, former Angus Australia President and founder of Raff Angus was an early adopter of performance recording and was one of the first to enrol with the NBRS. In the book The Story of Angus in Australia written by Nigel Austin, Mr Raff said the following, “(Angus Group BREEDPLAN) In turn provides data to the commercial bull buyers to help them select bulls with superior traits of economic importance to their breeding programs.”

In 1987 the first National Sire and Dam Summary was published.

The first National Ultrasonic Scan Carcase EBVs were published in 1990. Following this, Angus was the first British breed with gestation length EBVs in 1992. 1993 saw the Angus breed as the first in the world to publish across-breed fertility EBVs incorporating male and female traits.

By 1993, 70% of Angus bulls at members sales were presented with Angus BREEDPLAN figures.

Judging underway at the first National Junior Angus Heifer Show and Herdsman’s Contest (Australian Angus Journal 1983)

In 1978, PertAngus, a group of avid early adopters of performance testing formed in 1970 were the first breeders to list the testicle size of bulls in a stud sale catalogue for the group’s annual bull sale. When speaking in the Febuary 2 1978 edition of the Countryman newspaper, PertAngus group member Fred Grimwade said the following, “Bull buyers want the most fertile and sexually active bull that matches their requirements. After all, the bull must be able to perform, or he is worthless.

It is surprising that a simple measure like the size of testicles has not been universally available, particularly as it has the high heritability of 78 per cent.”

The Angus Sire Reference Scheme was introduced in 1979 with the assistance of NBRS and AGBU. By the early 1980s, according to a breed percentage basis, Angus breeders were the highest users of the Group BREEDPLAN. With this the idea was put forward of an across herd BREEDPLAN analysis due to the active use of the same popular sires being used across many Angus herds.

Announced at the Angus Beef Classic in March 1986 in a first for the Australian beef industry, the Angus Sire Summary was developed with three major advantages for producers: They had a useful comparison on many sires allowing for greater selection pressure for important performance traits; it also allowed the advantage of helping to identify the sires in the breed with a combination of traits most useful to a specific producer’s herd and finally, it assisted in the credibility of seedstock producers to commercial producers by representing the genetic trends for the breed or a group of herds.

The farsightedness of Angus breeders to champion performance recording of commercial and seedstock cattle, and the interest and adoption, particularly in the 1970s has been credited to the progression of the breed into the modernised era of genomic technologies and the success of the breed in modern times. The development of the Angus BREEDPLAN database to what it is today is a testament to the early innovators of the breed.

The Angus Beef Classic:

The first Angus Beef Classic (later known as the Angus National Show and Sale) was held in Wodonga in March 1977, sponsored by Suzuki.

The Angus Beef Classic was Australia’s first ever national show and sale and was a massive success, with over 800 Angus producers and spectators from around Australia coming together for the event.

The sale resulted in a bull sale average of $2,101, which was recorded at the time as the highest multi-vendor sale for the year. An Angus bull, Te Mania Tolerence was purchased at the sale by the Australian Government and was given as a gift to President Soeherto of Indonesia on behalf of Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.

As a result of the success of the first Angus Beef Classic, more than 100 bulls were entered into the second annual Angus Classic in 1978.

The secretary of the Society at the time, Rupert Simpson, explained that overseas interest in the Angus breed had sharpened due to the Angus Classic the previous year.

The overseas interest didn’t stop there, with American judge Dr Gary L. Minish and Scottish World Angus Authority Mr Roley Fraser also taking part as guests for the second event. During this event top selling Angus bull Te Mania Uranium sold for $21,000, breaking previous Angus records by more than double when sold to Mrs Laurie Kerr, Tibooburra stud.

The Angus National Show and Sale continued on for 26 years after its initial event in 1977.

Angus Youth is born:

Angus Society of Australia Office Sydney Showgrounds 1972-1994

The beginnings of the Angus Youth program started when the South Australian Angus Youth Committee was founded in 1977. This Youth Committee was developed due to the fact that the President of the Angus Society at the time, Colin Lyons, saw that the Society was struggling and that there was a potential for the longevity of the Society if the younger generations involved in the breed are supported and recognised.

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American judge Dr Gary L. Minish speaking with Angus breeders at the 2nd Angus Beef Classic (Image from the Wagga Advertiser NSW 17 March 1978)

It was at this time that the Reconstruction Committee was established, with David Cornell nominated as Chairman of this committee.

David Cornell had a vision for Angus Youth after travelling to the USA and visiting with Angus breeders. During this time, David discovered 1 in 3 members of the American Angus Society were Youth members, which held a stark difference to minimal numbers of Youth members in the Australian Angus Society.

The South Australian Committee General meeting (SA AGM) in September 1977 moved that 2 additional members were to be included in the committee that had to be aged under 25 years of age. The first members under 25 were F.W. (Bill) Cornell and John Pointon.

After these original discussions, three Youth projects where announced in South Australia in 1978. The first being a series of Angus cattle judging seminars, followed by increased support in the led steer class at Royal Adelaide Show. This saw heightened encouragement for schools to prepare steers donated by Angus breeders with the intention to encourage young people to be involved with the breed.

The National Junior Angus Heifer Show and Herdsman’s Contest was developed as part of a change in the Angus Society at the time to put more focus on its junior members to ensure the longevity of the society in the future. The first National Junior Angus Heifer Show and Herdsman’s Contest held in 1983 had thirteen entrants in the Junior Angus Heifer Show and thirteen in the Junior

Mr Roley Fraser auctioning at the 1978 Suzuki Angus Beef Classic- Stock Journal March 16 1978

Herdsman’s Contests, with both competitions judged by John Sundermann.

From these events, the Michigan State University Scholarship and the University of Illinois Scholarship were started. Both have seen a number of influential and dedicated members of the Australian beef industry participate in the scholarships program, a testament to the importance of opportunities delivered through the Angus Youth program.

Roundup Roundup!

In 1987, a group of Northern breeders decided to hold a youth heifer show over 4 days.

While the event would still culminate in a Heifer Show and Paraders Competition similar to the format seen at the National Junior Angus Heifer Show and Herdsman Contest, but would also incorporate an educational and relationship building focus, with sessions on breeding and managing livestock.

This event was held in Glen Innes NSW and given the name Roundup, a name chosen out of a number of suggestions.

In the early 1990s, the Angus Youth movement forged ahead to make a change in the approach to the youth program. The National Junior Angus Heifer Show and Herdsmans contest was converted to the National Junior Angus Roundup, after an emphasis was put to push for bigger and better events for the Youth members. This movement worked to forge the existing youth events into a broader national event, that took place over a number of days and put a larger focus on bringing all Angus Youth together and work on the lasting skills necessary within the beef industry.

The first National Roundup event was held in Glen Innes, New South Wales in January 1993. The event was branded a “unqualified success” and coordinated by Jason Strong and his committee.

Onwards and Upwards Te Mania Uranium sold for $21,000 with breeder Andrew Gubbins, Te Mania Stud, buyer Mrs Laurie Kerr, Tibooburra and handler Mr Ron McCrabb

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As 1994 came to a close, the round out of the quarter century held a promise of further breed development for the society, with many developments in the works for the 90s and into the naughties already in motion.

Mr Bob Potter (right) RAS of Vic Councillor presents the Borthwick Trophy to Mr John Sullivan, who accepted on behalf of the Angus Society in 1984

The 13th Angus Beef Classic, 1989. Australian Angus Journal 1990

Angus Society patron Mr H. Gordon Munro Booroomooka Stud, Bingara dances with his daughter Keera at the NSW State Committee dinner-dance March 25th 1972 - Australian Angus Journal 1973

The Australian Angus Journal 1983

out & about 1970 – 1994

Angus Newsletter, April 1980 Bill Cornell (SA) , Robyn Stewart (TAS) , Nick Moyle (SA) , Dick Whale (NSW) John Atkins of Austock congratulating Peter Inglis (SA) for winning the National Judging competition in 1983

During the 1971 Perth Royal Show, Australian Angus Journal 1991 Angus Newsletter August 1980

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Strategic Projects

Finance & Administration

Peter Parnell

Ron Bower - Part time

Chief Executive Officer M: 0428 918 632 P: 02 6773 4605 E: peter@angusaustralia.com.au

Human Resource Manager P: 02 6773 4607 E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au

Human Resources

Chief Executive Officer

angus australia staff directory

David Cameron

Joy Howe

Administration Manager - Accountant P: 02 6773 4624 E: david.cameron@angusaustralia.com.au

Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4612 E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au

Svetlana Kuhn

Sue Webeck

Accounts Officer P: 02 6773 4606 E: svetlana.kuhn@angusaustralia.com.au

Accounts Officer - Part time P: 02 6773 4606 E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au

Amanda Wolfe Administration Officer P: 02 6773 4600 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au

Christian Duff

Nick Butcher - Part time

Strategic Projects Manager P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au

Project Officer, ASBP M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au

Jonathan Faris Northern Development Officer P: 02 6773 4600 M: 0417 219 405 E: jonathan.faris@angusaustralia.com.au

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angus australia staff directory Christopher de Crespigny

Commercial Supply Chain

Marketing, Communications & Youth

Software Development

Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 E: christopher@angusaustralia.com.au

Michael Ainsworth Computer Programmer P: 02 6773 4610 E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au

Dale Curtis

Chris Nimmo

Computer Programmer - Part time E: dale.curtis@angusaustralia.com.au

Computer Programmer E: chris.nimmo@angusaustralia.com.au

Diana Wood

Robyn Brazier

Marketing & Communications Manager P: 02 6773 4601 M: 0411 242 001 E: diana@angusaustralia.com.au

Marketing Assistant - Part time P: 02 6773 4609 E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au

Samantha Hamilton

Candice Liddle

Marketing Officer – Sale Catalogues P: 02 6773 4613 E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au

Events & Youth Development Officer P: 02 6773 4622 M: 0437 873 220 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au

Ebonie Sadler-Small

Cheyne Twist

Graphics & Multimedia Officer M: 0428 518 880 E: design@angusaustralia.com.au

Communications Officer P: 02 6773 4635 M: 0408 799 279 E: communications @angusaustralia.com.au

Liz Pearson

Richard Braund - Part time

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

Angus Brand Verification Officer M: 0408 111 573 E: richard.braund@angusaustralia.com.au

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Member Services

Breed Development & Extension

angus australia staff directory Andrew Byrne

Matthew Reynolds

Breed Development & Extension Manager P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

Breed Development Officer P: 02 6773 4626 E: matthew.reynolds@angusaustralia. com.au

Scott Wright

Nicky Carey

Member Services Manager P: 02 6773 4614 E: scott.wright@angusaustralia.com.au

Senior Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4616 E: nicky.carey@angusaustralia.com.au

Carole Johns

Robyn Kelly

Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4611 E: carole.johns@angusaustralia.com.au

Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4615 E: robyn@angusaustralia.com.au

Tammy McLeod - Part time

Henry Newell-Hutton

Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4604 E: tammy.mcleod@angusaustralia.com.au

Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4614 E: henry.newell-hutton@angusaustralia. com.au

Heather Rocks

Lou Wood

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

Member Services Officer - Part time P: 02 6773 4617 E: office@angusuaustralia.com.au

Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 — | F:winter 02 6772 PAge 124 Angus Bulletin 2019 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au

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