Digging deep for the Angus Foundation
Without the support of generous members of Angus Australia, the Angus Foundation would not be able to provide the opportunities it does for young people establishing themselves in the beef industry.
Throughout this spring selling season, the amazing donations of two Angus heifers and an embryo package has seen a combined total of $29,000 pledged to the continued implementation of youth development, education and research programs for young members of the beef industry.
Angus operations 3R Livestock, Loomberah NSW, Gilmandyke Pastoral, Orange NSW and Glatz Black Angus, Branxholme Vic. donated proceeds of lots at sale to the Angus Foundation, all with the intent to do their part in supporting the continuation of the beef industry through the investment in the next generation.
“Coordinating the Angus Foundation program is one of the highlights of my working career, and to see the generosity, passion and humility of our Angus family donating Angus animals of superior quality is amazing,” said Angus Australia’s Jake Phillips.
“The families doing this and the families supporting the sale through the purchases are really having a tangible impact on young people’s lives by providing a catalyst for Angus Australia to do more programs that are important to our future through scholarships, awards, bursaries and research.”
3R Livestock
On August 21st, 3R Livestock auctioned two embryo packages during their annual sale. The embryos on offer were from their United States based donor cow, Coleman Donna 9309 and sired by Sitz Feat 729H.
“We decided to support the Angus Foundation in 2024 because we’re big believers that the future of agriculture is in the young people today,” said 3R Livestock partner and Principal Geoff Birchnell.
“The industry is changing so rapidly. We just believe that there will be people in that next group of children and young people coming through that will take this industry to new heights.
He continued, “Our best days are still ahead of the Australian cattle industry. Our donation will hopefully enhance the experience for young people within the junior ranks and within the Foundation and create opportunities to light a fire in some young person, which can benefit us all as an industry for the next prolonged period of time.”
Going under the hammer for $3,500 per embryo to make $17,000, the embryos went to Coonamble Angus, Bremer Bay WA and Gumnut Downs Angus, Kirup WA.
Representing the buyers, Craig Davis of Coonamble Angus said, “We were chasing the embryos due to the genetics involved but it made it even more appealing because we knew we could give a bit back to the Angus Youth Foundation.”
Gilmandyke Pastoral
The 22nd of August saw Gilmandyke Pastoral auction off Gilmandyke Eva U342PV at their annual on property sale.
With the sustainability of the beef industry and agriculture in mind, the Bateman Family and the Gilmandyke team put forward their donation to the Angus Foundation.
“Here at Gilmandyke, we think youth development is really important, not only within our program, but the greater Angus Society,” said General Manager Wade Peatman.
“This was just a really nice way that we could play our part in letting the young people come through in the industry.”
“The youth development programs at Angus Australia are just incredible,” continued Pete McNamara, Stud Manager.
“I don’t think there’s any other program that supports and fosters youth coming through, particularly in the Angus Family, and they’ve played a special role in my development throughout my time.”
The foundation heifer was knocked down for $5,000, and will head to Moppy, NSW to its new home with the Laurie Family of Knowla Livestock.
“Gilmandyke Eva U342 is an outstanding young female that is very quiet and has a strong data profile,” said Jack Laurie, representing Knowla Livestock. “She exhibits a moderate frame with muscling and a very sound structure.
“She is also a daughter of Eva N206, who is a prolific donor within the Gilmandyke program, adding a new cow family into our program.”
Speaking on the fact their purchase contributes to the Angus Foundation, Jack said, “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the proceeds from this heifer are going to the Angus Foundation.
“Investing in the next generation is crucial, and programs like Angus Youth provide young people with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and develop their skills. It’s a positive step toward ensuring a bright future for our industry.”
The Laurie’s themselves have contributed to the Angus Foundation in many ways over the years, including through the donation of proceeds from their own heifer in 2023.
“The Angus Youth program is one that we have always looked to support because we believe that nurturing young talent is key to the future success of the breed and overall beef industry,” said Jack.
“By providing resources and opportunities for education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we are helping to equip the next generation with the tools they need to lead and innovate.”
Glatz Black Angus
The Glatz Family held their annual Victorian sale on September 9th, where they auctioned Black Angus Adelaide U9sv (SJQ23U9).
Ben and Samantha Glatz and their children Dylan and Jack sold their foundation heifer for $6,000 to Sunday Valley, Condah, VIC.
“Today’s youth are the future of our beef industry,” said the Glatz Family.
“What makes this industry so unique is that one does not have to be born into it. For a young person not growing up on a farm, a successful career in our Australian beef industry can literally begin with a little curiosity.
“The crucial next step is having opportunity to become involved which then drives the passion to gain knowledge, experience, make life-long friends and a successful career.
“Our family are proud first-generation purchasers of farmland and breeders of registered Angus cattle. Our path in the beef industry has been made possible thanks to the early opportunities offered to us by cattle breeders, junior cattle events, Angus Assessment Schools, scholarships and other networking opportunities.”
About the Angus Foundation
The Angus Foundation provides a mechanism for members and other beef industry stakeholders to support youth development, education and research programs conducted by Angus Australia.
These programs are designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry, to provide professional development opportunities for young beef breeders, and to assist in conducting research, development and educational programs for the benefit of Angus breeders and the wider Australian beef industry.
If supporting the Angus Foundation is something you are interested in FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
By Cheyne Twist, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer
