Monique’s Angus Youth dedication recognised
Whether it’s working diligently behind the scenes or leading from the front, Monique McKinnon has immersed herself in Angus Youth. It’s for this reason that she has been recognised by her peers as the Stewart Award recipient for 2023.
Monique is a long-time participant and supporter of the Angus Youth program. She currently sits as the chair of the Angus Youth Consultative Committee and is a member of the Roundup Organising Committee, coming back for a third year as part of the organization of the Roundup event.
Outside of her assistance in governing Angus Youth and its affiliated events, Monique is also a frequent contributor to fundraising efforts relating to the Angus Foundation through her business, Target Livestock and Marketing and the donation of items for various auctions such as for the Angus Australia National Conference and the Angus Youth Roundup.
Monique is a past recipient of the Angus Foundation University of Illinois Scholarship, an alumnus of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program and past winner of the Matthew George Citizenship Award at Roundup.
In the nomination of Monique for the Stewart Award, her peer Charlotte Nugent said, “Monique would be a great recipient for this award based on her involvement through the years in Angus Youth and the breed as a whole.
“There are few people I know that are as involved as Monique in the youth programs across Australia, with her involvement in the Roundup committee and the Angus Youth Consultative Committee.
“Outside of this Monique operates Target Livestock with her husband, and through this Monique uses her business to help others build their genetics in their herds, most recently helping me expand my connections globally.
“Monique is also a vital part of the Branded Ag Marketing team where she spends countless hours behind the camera alongside Emily and Laura, here she helps countless youth cherish their memories both in and outside the show ring. Through this she has become a pillar for youth across the industry.
Charlotte continued, “Monique is an encourager, since my start in the industry she has always been someone who is approachable and easy going, she is more than willing to help those in need and pick those up who fall. Her knowledge and experience in the industry is second to none and in my opinion, she’s only at the start of what will end up being an extraordinary career in the Australian beef industry.”
Angus Australia’s Jake Phillips said, “Monique has consistently shown up for the Angus Youth over the years, whether it be in action at Roundup, in committee meetings for the Angus Youth Consultative Committee or through monetary support of our fundraising efforts.
“She is a courteous and hardworking individual, who consistently works to support the development of youth in our industry.”
Monique was awarded the Stewart Award in Tamworth in October, presented by Angus Australia President Sinclair Munro.
“As President of Angus Australia, one of the great things we do is be involved in the youth program and we’ve got really strong youth committees,” said Sinclair. “That’s how I met Monique a few years ago when she started on the Angus Youth Consultive Committee. She has been on that for a couple of years and does a great job.
“The dedication and commitment of the youth for the new ideas is really great. It’s a credit to the professionalism with people like Monique in what she does.
“I’m sure it’s not a surprise because you’re a very well-deserved winner. You’re a great advocate for the Angus breed, you’re a great person and a hard worker. Congratulations.”
“It’s just an incredible honour and something I certainly wasn’t expecting,” said Monique when receiving the award.
“I am incredibly grateful for all the amazing people that have helped support me and my passion in this industry of working with the next generation. This recognition is beyond an honour.”
