This initiative is 100% free and includes all transport and accommodation (yes, you did read that right- it’s free). I am sure you will agree that is very rare these days.

Applications close Friday the 12th of March. Click here for more information.

Can the results be verified and will these tests replace EBVs as the industry’s main genetic evaluation tool?

The world’s largest beef breed organization, the American Angus Association, has taken the plunge and is now producing genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) using information from a high-density whole genome scan with 50,000 markers.

This milestone in genetic advancement is the direct result of collaboration between Angus Genetics Incorporated, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, the University of Missouri, Iowa State University and Ingenity, a division of Merial.

Data on 14 economically important traits are now being fed into American EPD calculations and these in turn may eventually flow into Australia’s EBVs through the use of US genetics in the Australian Angus population.

Angus Australia has been following developments closely and will provide an opportunity for the Australian seedstock industry, not only Angus breeders, to hear two internationally renowned authorities explain how and why this latest development will assist genetic evaluation.

Two companies, Pfizer Animal Genetics, and Ingenity, a division of Merial, are the front runners in providing this service to the industry. Their high density whole genome scan (HD WGS) with 50,000 markers is making this ground breaking development possible.

Dr Gerard Davis of Pfizer will explain his company’s approach and will make a significant announcement at the Angus Australia National Conference at Albury, NSW, on Tuesday April 27.

To explain why the American Angus Association has decided to forge a relationship with Ingenity to provide the data will be the task of Joe Hampton from North Carolina, vice president of the American Angus Association, an Angus breeder, and a research scientist.

“The information these two highly regarded people will provide will be of significant importance to the whole seedstock industry and we encourage not only our own members, but members of other breed societies, to attend to learn about what could easily be one of the most significant genetic evaluation developments ever made in the livestock industry,” said Angus Australia’s Geoff Phillips.

In addition to the genomic developments, another eight how profile speakers will deliver papers on a range of subjects covering branded product, live exports, value adding through McDonald’s burgers, financial advice for beef producers, mental health for rural producers and how the carbon footprint will affect the industry.

Lachlan Bowtell, MLA Regional Manager – Middle East/North Africa, said the 22 exporters participating in the event from 21-24 February received enormous interest.

“The tradeshow allowed exporters to meet with current customers and set supply schedules for the coming 12 months. As well as cementing relationships with existing customers, there were plenty of new inquiries, including from non-traditional markets and products, including goatmeat,” Mr Bowtell said.

“The strong demand for Australia’s products was very encouraging to see. But the two overriding factors that will dictate the trade to the Middle East going forward are the Australian dollar and Australia’s ability to supply, particularly sheepmeat,” said Mr Bowtell.

Australia’s supply constraints have been causing the trade to re-think the way the carcase is utilised.

“At Gulfood there was a notable shift in focus, with some exporters working with customers to develop cuts-based supply programs rather than whole carcase, to assist in spreading around the available product,” Mr Bowtell said.

Australia’s food safety and Halal certification programs are highly regarded in the region, with an enormous amount of trust being placed in these systems by local governments and importers. 

“Food security and integrity in the source of foods is the key to maintaining our market share and the communication of these programs to the trade and consumers is vital for the ongoing development of key markets,” Mr Bowtell added.

Aside from the record attendance of Australian red meat exporters at Gulfood, Australia’s commitment to the region was also demonstrated by MLA’s sponsorship of culinary and cutting competitions and food safety conferences and workshops in conjunction with the trade show.

“Gulfood confirmed that Australian red meat remains highly sought after in the region, where our products tick all the boxes in regards to quality, safety and Halal certification. This demand is underpinned by the quest in the region to secure adequate supplies of food for the ever -expanding population.” Mr Bowtell said.

Last year the Middle East attracted a record 115,775 tonnes of Australian beef, lamb, mutton, goatmeat and offal. MLA’s latest forecasts, outlined in the Industry Projections 2010 (released last week), indicate that beef and lamb exports to the region will continue to rise in 2010, both up 8%, while mutton exports are forecast to fall 6%, due to supply constraints.

These eartag key rings are the start of our merchandise range.

Over the coming months we will add to the collection.

These are not for sale just yet, however you are welcome to register your interest in grabbing one.

Just drop us a line with your contact details and we will notify you when they go on sale.

As the dust settles get ready for an action packed weekend of yarn spinning, stockman’s games, camp oven tucker, bronco branding, polocrosse, the crowning of ‘Champion Ringer’, the return of the ‘Greenhide Challenge’ and more importantly to catch up with outback workers alike.

The first reunion was held with much fanfare in 1990 and attracted the largest gathering of genuine Australian folk heroes ever.  The roll call contained the fabled Kidman Drovers (white and aboriginal), the resilient Murrunji Track Drovers, Abattoir and Stock Agent drovers and a great mixture of white and aboriginal stockmen and women from the breathtaking acreage that comprise the ‘stations’ of OUTBACK AUSTRALIA.

Hank Cosgrove, who has attended all 20 Drovers Reunions said, “these reunion weekends are the greatest opportunities for Aussies with a love of country who are looking for outback experiences as they can visit Longreach and meet “folk hero celebrities” who never made the glitter and bling of the TV.”  Cosgrove continued: “Since 1990 about 80% of the original attendees ‘have fallen out of the saddles’ and the opportunities to meet and talk with these Australian icons are fast diminishing.”

Take the time to enjoy a very special weekend that will have you laughing one minute and disbelieving the next about how life used to be on the land in Australia’s vast Outback. 

Highlights of the weekend include billy tea and damper, and camp oven meals, outback games such as whip cracking, billy boiling and damper making, driving the nail, boot throwing. There will be campfire dinners with yarn telling, bush poetry, singing, bronco branding, an outback skills sessions for kids and other interested parties along with many more exciting activities for all.

Book your accommodation early and we will see you in Longreach in May 2010.

If you would like to support the 20th Anniversary Drovers Reunion, or for more information on the event, please contact Prue Fargher on 0407 718 643 or email prue.fargher@stockmanshalloffame.com.au.

The duty-free quota, which first became available in August last year, provides for an additional global supply of 20,000 tonnes of high quality beef into the EU each year.

The Government has worked together with the Australian beef industry to ensure that Australia could meet the quota requirements.

Mr Crean and Mr Burke said the announcement is good news for Australian beef exporters as only countries approved by the EU can supply beef under the quota.

Mr Burke said “We have worked cooperatively with the European Union over the past few months, detailing our quality control and inspection regimes and ensuring our measures and processes meet the EU’s requirements.”

“The high Australian dollar has put pressure on our beef exports, and this improvement in market access is a win for Australian farmers at a critical time.”

“Australia’s quality control and food inspection systems are among the best in the world ensuring European customers can be assured of the highest quality product.”

Mr Crean welcomes this increased market access for Australian beef, and said the EU is an important market for Australia.

“It provides a considerable opportunity for the Australian beef industry to develop its presence in the European Union market with a particular focus on high quality Australian product.”

“Currently our high quality beef exports face a 20% duty in Europe – but under this new market access Australian beef will enter duty free”

“This result reinforces the benefits of resisting protectionist trade pressures and the extra market access that can be achieved for Australian producers” Mr Crean said

High quality beef is a niche product, requiring cattle to be fed on a strict diet.

The United States is the only other country to have been granted access to the quota.

Australia’s current total beef exports to the EU exceed $136 million or about 11,000 tonnes annually.

Australian exports of high quality beef under the quota are expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.

Angus Pure is from the same group that owns Australia’s premier beef brand, Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) that is also involved in verifying the nation’s best selling burgers, McDonald’s Mighty Angus and Grand Angus. 

CAAB’s CEO Phil Morley said ANGUS PURE – THE NATURAL CHOICE had been developed to deliver a pasture fed, high quality Angus beef product making it available to the widest possible market.

“We’ve listened to consumers on their requirement to purchase a pasture fed Angus branded product and they can now enjoy the world’s most recognized beef brand, Angus, in the pasture fed, hormone free and antibiotic free Angus Pure.

“Angus Pure is natural Australian beef and like all CAAB product is fully traceable, MSA graded and aged to eating perfection specifications,” he said.

The program is independently verified by CAAB Pty Ltd so only the highest quality Angus cattle that meet the rigid requirements of the brand enter the program and is yet another example of the Angus breed doing everything possible to satisfy consumer demands according to Mr. Morley.

“CAAB, which has been on the market for 11 years, remains our flagship brand but for consumers preferring a pasture fed natural product, Angus Pure is ideal,” he said.

Angus Pure is produced under a license agreement with leading processor T & R Pastoral at Murray Bridge, SA, and has licensed distributors Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The Roma yards accounted for more than 20 percent of total Queensland cattle market throughput in 2008-09, according to MLA’s NLRS Manager Travis Parcsi.

“The addition of Roma Saleyards to the NLRS is a win-win for local producers and the broader industry,” Mr Parcsi said.

“Roma services a wide area and has the largest saleyard throughput of cattle in Australia, with over 407,000 head sold in 2008-09.

“The Roma market has traditionally been a barometer for store cattle sale prices so combining these figures with MLA’s NLRS wide-ranging reporting services will provide an even more reliable indicator of cattle prices for producers across the country.”

MLA’s NLRS provides an independent, accurate and timely source of livestock market information collected directly from major prime and store markets, feeder and direct sales and wholesale meat markets. In addition, the NLRS provides weekly summaries, skin and hide prices and slaughter information.

MLA’s NLRS was approached by Roma Saleyards to commence reporting both weekly store and prime markets.

Roma Saleyards operations manager Terry Hyland said by joining the NLRS they could ensure efficient capture and reporting of their sales as well as including more detailed data such as muscle scores, fat scores and weight ranges in their market report.

“Roma Saleyards is committed to providing reliable market information and we look forward to working in conjunction with MLA’s NLRS to deliver key market data for producers, vendors and other key industry stakeholders,” Mr Hyland said.

The first sales to take advantage of the NLRS will be the store sale on Tuesday 19 January followed by the prime sale on Thursday 21 January.

MLA members can access detailed reports and weekly saleyard and over-the-hooks reports by email free-of-charge. They can also receive the Eastern States Daily Indicator by text message (SMS) for just $1.50 per week. Further information is available at www.mla.com.au/nlrs

“I encourage producers to take advantage of the email and SMS technology available to quickly access real-time daily market data to keep abreast of the latest information available,” Mr Parcsi added.

But  help is at hand. A revolutionary Australian company, Farming Secrets, is actively working with farmers across the globe get back on their feet. Founded by local Melbourne couple Helen and Hugo Disler, Farming Secrets connects farmers with experts in biological farming practices.

Helen explains: “We provide a framework that connects farmers and agricultural experts, giving them access to transformational knowledge they would otherwise not receive. Our commitment is to reveal to farmers the importance of whole farm management, especially soil. We are giving them the confidence to gain control of their farm, making it profitable, healthy and viable for future generations. Farming Secrets is helping farmers fall in love with their farms again.”

Extensive research, undertaken by the Disler’s, showed many farmers are skeptical of biological farming and do not realize the impact synthetic materials have on the health of soils, plants and animals, nor the high costs associated with conventional farming.

Farming Secrets is successfully shifting this thinking, as members experience increased net profits and problems disappear. Farmers are inspired and their children are returning to the land

Taking the Farming Secrets approach farmers are reporting:
1. Productive crops with fewer problems
2. Healthier stock that cost less to maintain
3. Huge savings
4. Enjoyment of farming and sense of well being
5. Freedom through gaining more understanding and control of the farming process

Continues Hugo:“We have farmers who are substantially ahead financially in the first few months of joining the program. There are important messages being shared through the program and we aim to reach as many farmers as we can to continue to support the farmers to farm with joy and grow healthy foods for all of us.”

Farming Secret members receive monthly DVD’s featuring experts and farmers on a farm walk, as well as live conference calls.

In 2009 more than 200 horses and riders, dressed in various shades of pink, saddled up to raise more than $30,000 for the NBCF.  Riders congregated from all across Queensland, New South Wales and as far as Darwin in the Northern Territory to participate in the trail ride in Longreach.

As we look towards 2010, we can only hope for a similar crowd and support which made 2008 & 2009’s event so successful in Longreach.

Combined with the NBCF, The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame has committed to running three other Pink Trail rides, one in Clare Valley South Australia, and one in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, and one is great north east in Victoria sparking a huge amount of interest in those areas – more details to come.

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in Australian woman, with 13,600 cases expected to be diagnosed in 2010.  But thanks to excellent research, deaths from the diseases have decreased by 22% in the last decade, with more women knowing the benefits of early detection and an increase in treatment options.

So save the date, and come along to support the “Pink” Outback Trail on the 26th June 2010 to make a difference to the many lives touched by breast cancer.  There will be awards for best dressed horse, best dressed rider, and best dressed combination horse and rider.

If you would like to support the 2010 Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame “Pink” Outback Trail Ride, please contact Prue Fargher on 0407 718 643 or email prue.fargher@stockmanshalloffame.com.au.