Welcoming the UK and Ireland Team to the World Angus Forum Youth Competition
Angus Australia is thrilled to announce the participation of a talented team from the United Kingdom and Ireland in the upcoming Zoetis World Angus Forum Youth Competition. This exciting event, which celebrates the next generation of leaders in the Angus industry, will bring together youth from across the globe to showcase their skills, knowledge, and passion for the beef industry.
The UK and Ireland team, representing two nations with rich agricultural traditions, will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the competition.
We eagerly anticipate the dynamic contributions these young competitors will make, and we look forward to seeing their innovative ideas and solutions on display. The competition promises to be a fantastic opportunity for them to learn, network, and grow alongside their peers from around the world.
As the World Angus Forum continues to foster connections and collaboration within the Angus community, we are proud to have the UK and Ireland represented, and we are excited for the opportunities this event will create for all involved.
Meet the Team
John Smyth
John farms with his father, Noel, in County Cavan, Republic of Ireland, where they run a suckler-to-weanling system alongside a small pedigree herd of Limousin and Aberdeen Angus cows. John recently completed his BSc in Agricultural Science at SETU Waterford/Kildalton Agricultural College and is currently working with Clarke Machinery Group. With years of experience working with Aberdeen Angus, John has contributed to the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association and has carried out research on genetic variation in the breed. He has been involved in the YDP for many years, winning the Intermediate section in 2019, placing third in the Senior section in 2022, and winning the YDP final in 2024.
James Morrison
James farms alongside his father and grandfather in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, where they run a small herd of Aberdeen Angus cows along with pedigree Charolais and commercial suckler cows. James has a deep passion for Angus cattle and set up his Hillmount herd in 2014. He has attended YDP workshops for over a decade and has honed his skills in pedigree livestock. James has been successful in the YDP competitions, winning the Junior section in 2019, placing second in the Intermediate category in 2022/23, and finishing second in the Senior section in 2024. He is currently studying Sustainable Agriculture with Agri Business at Ulster University and aspires to become a livestock auctioneer.
Ellie Westaway
Ellie is heavily involved in her family’s Melview herds of Aberdeen Angus and Murray Greys. She earned a degree in Agriculture from the University of Reading, focusing on Livestock and Genetics, and has since worked as a Breeding Advisor for Genus ABS. Ellie has attended YDP workshops for over 15 years, gaining valuable skills for preparing show teams. She won the Intermediate section of the YDP final in 2018, placed second in 2019, and most recently placed second in the Senior section in 2023. Ellie is also serving as Vice Chair of the Angus Next Generation Council, working to advance the YDP program.
Graeme Rhind
Graeme, 23, works on the family farm at Newton of Struthers in the northeast of Scotland. The farm runs a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, a small herd of Limousin cattle, Blue Texel sheep, and commercial sheep. They also grow malting barley for local distilleries and run an agricultural contracting business. Graeme has always had a passion for livestock and is excited to represent the breed and his country in the World Angus Forum Youth Competition.
We are excited to have these inspiring young leaders representing the UK and Ireland and look forward to seeing them showcase their talents, passion, and dedication to the Angus breed. This international competition will provide them with a fantastic opportunity to further develop their skills and connect with other future leaders in the industry.
