Chasing the Dream: Cows, Culture & Character – The Journey of 2023 ARCBA
The 2023 ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Award has profoundly impacted myself and my family. Receiving an award in Arthur Rickards’ name is not just an honour but a humbling experience.
Arthur Rickards gave me my first full-time employment opportunity after university, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
This award allowed me to question whether a first-generation beef cattle breeder could start and sustain a seedstock enterprise in today’s world. Our trip to the United States cemented our aspirations and provided clarity for our future in cattle breeding.
Over 37 nights, 18 Australian flags (given to US hosts), 13 states and 11 flights we endeavoured to learn as much as we could from as many people as we could about the mistakes they had made, what they would do differently next time and glean their advice for people starting out in the seedstock business.
The response we achieved was extraordinary, a remarkable testament to the glue that holds us all together, agriculture.
We spent time with Angus, Charolais and Hereford people and garnered information from industry professionals, researchers and leaders in the US beef industry.
The Journey Begins: Denver, Colorado
We left Australia on January 8th and headed to the Denver National Western Stock Show in Colorado. The show was an incredible display of cattle and a hub for beef cattle enthusiasts. We learned the importance of bringing cattle to people, spending time with the people, and understanding their needs.
Our takeaway from Denver was to focus on defining our breeding goals and working diligently on our female cowherd.
Things we learnt:
- It’s a 51% people, 49% cattle business –
Chris Earl, CK6 Consulting
- Don’t pull a piece of junk out of the newest trailer – Brent Sadler, Sadler Ranches
- Do you want to be where they are, or do you want to be where they are going? – Robert Whitacre – Breeder Link
Kansas State University: A Hub of Agricultural Excellence
Our next stop was Kansas State University, where we met with Dan Moser. Kansas State is a leading land-grant university with extensive facilities and courses in agriculture.
Working in the calving barn and exploring the university’s offerings reinforced the value of continuous education and overseas experiences in enhancing one’s knowledge base.
Things we learnt:
- Educate yourself, there are outstanding educational institutions across the globe
- The US is leading the way in practical, hands on skills making graduates job ready
- Study abroad, it will change your life
The American Angus Association: Dedication to Breed Improvement
In Saint Joseph, Missouri, we spent three days with the American Angus Association. Mark McCulley and his team’s commitment to breed improvement and market opportunities for Angus cattle were
truly inspiring.
Our interactions with industry leaders giving us a comprehensive understanding of the association’s cultural values and collaborative opportunities for the future.
I spent time across the business, taking a peep behind the curtains to many of the services that world leading organisation provides.
Things we learnt:
- Allow your managers to manage
- Passion goes a long way to achievement
- Collaboration with the US makes us all better
Hoover Angus: Excellence in Detail and Dedication
Visiting Hoover Angus in Iowa was another highlight. Landi Mcfarland-Livingston’s meticulous record-keeping and attention to detail in cattle breeding were impressive.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the hospitality at Hoover Angus was unforgettable. Landi’s advice to use only the best genetics and consider our clients’ needs deeply resonated with us.
Things we learnt:
- What Landi doesn’t know about her cows isn’t worth knowing
- If you care about accuracy of data, there is no excuse to not to be measuring and accurately describing things really well
- Spend good time with people
T-Bone Angus Ranch: Maximizing Resources
At T-Bone Angus Ranch in Nebraska, Alex and Mary Brookhouser taught us the importance of making the most of available resources.
Their operation exemplified resilience and innovative marketing, which encouraged us to think creatively about our Australian farming system and its prohibitive nature for newcomers.
Things we learnt:
- Do the most with what you’ve got
- Get the very best people on your team
- At some stage, make a splash, it will make everyone realise what you were already doing
Rekindling Friendships and Chasing Dreams
In South Dakota, we reconnected with Tim Anderson, a first-generation cattle breeder who moved to the U.S. 13 years ago.
His journey from Australia to becoming a successful seedstock operator was inspiring.
Tim’s story of perseverance and dedication reminded us to chase our dreams relentlessly.
Things we learnt:
- It’s never the right time to jump in
- Never underestimate the power of a handshake
University of Illinois: Learning from the Pioneers
Our time at the University of Illinois with Professor Dan Shike was humbling. The legacy of industry legends like Dr. Doug Parrett and Dr. Tom Carr, who have advanced cattle assessment and meat science globally, was palpable.
Their work emphasized the importance of education and innovation in our field.
Things we learnt:
- 80% of Animal Science students are female, 70% from urban cities, are we accommodating this workforce?
- U of I has contributed to so many industry leaders in the livestock industry
- Question it, Research it, Answer it, Repeat
NCBA Cattle Con Convention: A Global Gathering
Attending the NCBA Cattle Con Convention in Orlando, Florida, was an immersive experience.
The convention featured the latest research, products, and professional development opportunities in the beef industry. From stockmanship demonstrations to technical presentations, the event was a treasure trove of knowledge for all attendees.
Things we learnt:
- The RFID traceability system we have in Australia should not be taken for granted, the US is vulnerable in so many areas
- Looking after your heifers is one of the most important business decisions you can make in ranching
- Are you ready? To be a manager. Have you thought about your communication, your tone, do you check in with people or just check in on their work?
Yon Angus: Hard Work and Dedication
In South Carolina, we visited Kevin and Lydia Yon of Yon Angus. Starting with 100 acres and 100 cows, they now run a successful operation with 1,400 cows.
Kevin’s advice, “We don’t have to be the best, we just have to do our best,” has been a guiding principle for us, helping us overcome daily challenges.
Things we learnt:
- Three Children want to work in the business and all have a place, how lucky are they
- They work hard and look after their community
- It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be better than where you currently are
American Simmental Association: Leading in Genetic Solutions
Our visit to the American Simmental Association and International Genetic Solutions (IGS) with Wade Schaffer and Jackie Atkins in Bozeman, Montana, provided insights into leading genetic evaluations. Understanding their processes and innovations in genetic solutions broadened our perspective on genetic advancements.
Things we learnt:
- Visual analysis tells you what a Simmental appears to be, His pedigree tells you what he should be, His performance and progeny tests tell you what he actually is – American Simmental Association
Midland Bull Test: The Commercial Cowman’s Advocate
Steve and Amy Williams at Midland Bull Test in South Dakota highlighted the importance of focusing on the commercial cowman.
Midland are the Granddaddy of performance testing, paving the way for RFI measurements across their multi-vendor feeding and sale conduction arrangements. Steve’s advice to avoid trends but evolve with opportunities reinforced the need for a balanced approach in cattle breeding.
Things we learnt:
- Remember the commercial cow man
- Raw measurements will be hard to replace
- Avoid the trends, but evolve with opportunities
Thiel Ranch: Legacy of Excellence
At Thiel Ranch, Brent Thiel’s intuitive breeding decisions and meticulous attention to detail were evident. His dedication to his community and the cattle breeding industry set a high standard for us to aspire to.
Brent has left an unparalleled legacy in the Charolais breed, dissolving a 30 year partnership recently with the Lindskov family. There might not be a greater “cow maker man” at the moment.
Things we learnt:
- Stack the very best female pedigrees you can
- Focus on being a good human, friend, neighbour, the rest is a distant 2nd
- The Mecca for modern Angus cattle….anywhere
Strommen Angus: Innovation and Resilience
In North Dakota, Aaron and Sheyna Stroman’s innovative approach to breeding and marketing was inspiring. Their use of leases and creative marketing strategies demonstrated how to thrive in a competitive environment.
Now selling over 150 bulls, it is an inspiration to inspect the quality of cattle they have around them.
Things we learnt:
- You know it’s not luck when someone else could have the same opportunity and wouldn’t do half as much with it
- Resilience will get you so far
- Starting with 6 cows proves it’s possible, if you get creative and are prepared to devote your heart and soul and outwork everyone else
Schaff Angus Valley: A Model of Excellence
Attending the Schaff Angus Valley sale, a leading seedstock business, was a remarkable experience. The event’s high standards and the recognition of staff contributions underscored the importance of teamwork and community in achieving success.
Things we learnt:
- Even when you’re the leading seedstock breeder in the world, recognise the staff properly…first
- Present your facilities, your cattle and your people properly, likes it’s your first last time you’ve done it
Trio Cattle & Genetics: Specialization and Market Focus
In Texas, Alan Good of Trio Cattle & Genetics emphasized the importance of specialization and leveraging social media for business growth. His focus on red Brangus and market-oriented breeding strategies provided valuable insights.
Things we learnt:
- Use the tools around you to create a business
- Focus on being elite, it is a point of difference
- Establish 80% of your income from 80% of your cattle
Final Reflections: Cows, Culture, and Character
Our journey across 13 U.S. states, involving 11 internal flights and countless memories, reinforced three key lessons: Cows, Culture, and Character.
The best operations had a consistent type of cattle, practiced excellent cultural values, and displayed strong character in adversity. These principles will guide our future endeavours in the seedstock industry.
We did not expect the trip to have such a strong cultural focus, instead those that were enjoying success had partnered with others of a similar culture to help each other to their next level. This collaboration to assist young people was an eye opener and may offer just one avenue to bridge the seemingly never-ending hurdles to land ownership for first generation farmers.
The trip was a life-changing opportunity made possible by the ARCBA Young Breed Leaders Award.
I am grateful to Angus Australia particularly Scott Wright for the support of the trip and colleagues such as Nancy Crawshaw for covering my work commitments, which was a lengthy patch of leave at reasonably short notice.
To our colleagues, friends, and family for their support. It has taken a lot of reflection and some anxiety to put myself out there to announce to the world I have a dream, running the risk of never achieving said dream.
Those around you are a team, they support you, knock you back when you need it and lift you up when you need it to.
Special thanks to my wife, Emma, for her unwavering support throughout this journey, although it is my dream, I am extremely fortunate to share it with you.
We left wanting to crack the code of land ownership, or access to capital and how we could develop equity quickly. However, we returned with something much more.
We have returned wanting to grow more trees, for the next generation to benefit from. We have returned wanting to work with only the very best people who we respect and are industry leaders, we have returned wanting to work together on our dreams, we have returned with a renewed vision for our cow herd, lifting our sights of what’s acceptable and thinking about that commercial cow man, we have returned with a step by step plan and goals, we have returned with renewed philosophy of breeding, we have returned inspired, motivated and determined.
For us, in the end, the dream isn’t about ownership or creating something that is unrealistically achievable, for us it is now about leaving the jersey in a better place.
What can we leave our son, hopefully a few good Angus cows that will afford him the same opportunities we have been so fortunate to have experienced thus far.
We were born in the city, the past 20 years has been worthy of a book, not because of me, but because of the amazing opportunity the beef industry has allowed me to take, with no background, just a dream, only a dream.
What’s Next?
The journey continues with a focus on improving our cows, practicing strong cultural values, and building our character.
We remain committed to chasing our dreams and inspiring others to do the same. Catch up with our adventure on Facebook and Instagram under “Chasing the Dream,” and listen to our insights on the Angus Underground podcast and the Behind the Beef podcast.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Your support and guidance have been invaluable.
This article represents the personal views and experiences of me and not necessarily those of Angus Australia.
– Young Breed Leader, Jake Phillips
