President’s Perspective

Matthew Collins, CSA President

There have been unexpected changes that have affected many of our members since the weather returned to a more normal pattern at the start of January 2023. For many districts that has resulted in returning to feeding again as pasture and crops struggled to meet expectations on the back of 2022.

Another surprise for cattlemen arrived early in the year when there was a price reduction that amounted to $1.50 to $2.00 per kilogram from processors and exporters during a period that normally kick started the year. It certainly immediately impacted southern markets and quickly spread across Australia and appears that the revised benchmark will be with us for this year. Unfortunately, it may be reality, that accepting the reduced price on offer may be the best option and look forward knowing feed will be available for this year’s calves.

In March this year the Board travelled to Western Australia to visit and meet Charolais members. One of many highlights was the opportunity to see the cattle from the west and enjoy the hospitality – of particular note was the dinner held on the eve of the Annual General Meeting of the Society. On behalf of the Board we would like to thank those members who made this possible.

Last month the Sydney Royal Easter Show was celebrated and congratulations to all our Charolais members who worked so hard individually preparing their animals to compete in their respective classes and represent our breed in a major competition.

On Charolais judging day our congratulations are extended to Greg Frizell whose entry Wakefield Amaze 38 was awarded Senior Champion Female who then went on to win Grand Champion Female and later received the Best Exhibit. This was a tremendous result for the Frizell family. The Venturon Livestock team travelled from Boyup Brook in Western Australia and were rewarded when Venturon Starstruck 157S won the Junior Champion Female. That success was continued when Venturon Showbiz 161S won Junior Champion Bull.

Venturon Start the Party S97 (P) then took the Senior and Grand Champion Bull awards. Further to finish the Venturon success, they won the Premier Breeder Competition selected from all Beef exhibitors at the Sydney Show. It is important to recognise all the members who made the effort to exhibit the cattle and assisted the organisation on Charolais judging day.

Another news worthy event has emerged from the Sydney University Beef Herd, Faculty of Science based at Camden in NSW. The University has a teaching role where students learn how to manage health issues and animal well being as an important part of their veterinary degree training. A nuclear stage has now commenced where the University has decided to breed Charolais, Brahman and Angus based cattle with the ultimate goal that the University will have high quality cattle that will become industry beef standard that ultimately will be resold into the market with complete recording history including commercial EBV’s and scan data.

Coincidentally the Board recently discussed evaluating Regional Workshops aimed at empowering the membership in a range of skills including animal selection, breeding programs, presentation and marketing. Further updates will be provided on this program in the near future.

It has been wonderful to watch with interest the success of the Society’s promotion of the “TIP THE TANK LISTING” whereby a Charolais Semen Listing is available to members that enables members to access genetics at an affordable cost that may suit your budget.

Over the last six months as President I cannot express the outstanding dedication and support that I have received from Hayley, Deearn and Colin. Finally I wish to thank so many members for their support and encouragement through this period.

Matthew Collins, President