The Angus Table

Scott Wright, CEO Angus Australia
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

 Welcome to the new look Angus Australia podcast. This season we'll be bringing you conversations designed to add real value to your business. As members of Angus Australia, you'll hear from the people across the breed and the wider beef industry sharing insights, stories, and ideas that really matter.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 22 | Helping Farming Families Through Adversity with Rural Aid CEO John Warlters

    In this heartfelt episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid, for an important conversation about supporting farming families through disasters and everyday adversity. John shares insights from Rural Aid's 11-year journey since forming during the 2015 drought, the remarkable scale of their impact, how trust guides every decision as their north star principle, and the importance of being visible in communities rather than waiting for crisis moments. They discuss John's journalism background preparing him for this role, the challenge of balancing strategic thinking with operational response, the importance of mental health support for all but especially for rural families, and why the difficult act of asking for help opens doors to support. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on community resilience and the organization making a difference for rural Australia. Key topics covered: How Rural Aid supports farmers first, their families, and communities as proudly farmer-focused organisationThe scale of impact since 2015: 200,000 bales of hay, 100 million litres of household drinking water, prepaid Visa cards ($1,500 typical value) empowering individuals to meet specific needs with money flowing back to local communitiesRural Aid’s national network of 10 counsellors seeing producers on-farm where possible in order to break down barriers around potential judgment or stigmaErica Halliday's story of receiving Rural Aid support during 2017-19 drought, then joining the board to give back to organisation that helped her familyTrust as Rural Aid’s guiding principle: donors trust that funds reach the right people at right time, producers trust the organisation when making themselves vulnerable by asking for helpWhy Rural Aid waits for recovery phase rather than emergency response to avoid getting in way of front line and emergency servicesThe dairy farmer who said he was "a little bit broken on the inside," put on smiley face each morning thinking that's what his family needed, but counselling helped him recognise he needed help and it completely changed his outlookHow strategic thinking challenges John when operational response demands constant attention, and he balancing act between mental health counsellors on ground vs immediate disaster relief capacityHow everyday challenges (rising costs, fluctuating prices, health scares, succession planning) need support beyond disaster context, not just emergency eventsLooking to 2030: growing to 20,000+ registered producers (currently 18,500) and amplifying Rural Aid’s voice to governmentJohn’s simple call to action: ask for help if you need it, phone 1300 327 624 Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Rural Aid https://www.everystep.ruralaid.org.au/Phone: 1300 327 624 Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    48 min

  2. 30 MAR

    Episode 21 | Producer Profitability, Levy Reform and Trade Resilience, with Will Evans, Cattle Australia

    In this strategic episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Will Evans, CEO of Cattle Australia, for a comprehensive conversation about leading the peak body representing grass-fed beef producers. Will shares insights from his journey through NT Livestock Exporters Association and NTCA, launching the critical cattle transaction levy review, why the focus has realigned to producer profitability over market/consumer expectations as the fundamental underpinning of sustainability, trade diversification amid Middle East conflicts and China challenges, and landscape-level methane research fighting point-in-time regulatory misunderstanding. They discuss Cattle Australia's dual function and benefits to membership, regional consultation driving priorities, innovation and AI transforming genetic systems, and why Australian cattle breeding is now at the global forefront. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on policy, trade, and the future direction of Australian beef. Key topics covered: Will's journey from Gatton Ag College through, Cattle Council, NT Live Exporters Association and NTCA learning policy theory and practical implementationAbout Cattle Australia's dual function as both peak commodity voice with technical expertise plus prescribed industry body overseeing levy allocation to MLA/AHA/NRSWhy CA have launched a critical levy review: the first in 20 years, the focus is on capturing millions in lost value within existing $5 rather than automatic increasesThe important realignment on producer profitability to underpin all sustainability initiatives and additional requirementsWhy a global shift occurred from "feed people" to "how are we feeding them" with conditionality expectationsLandscape-level methane research: world-leading analysis of emissions + sequestration fighting regulatory misunderstanding of output-only emission reductionsThe European regulatory risk and the need for adequate research because current research is led from environmental not beef business perspectiveTaking a holistic view of trade diversification strategy amid global conflictsEngaging with successive Federal governments and Labor government relationships being about competing priorities not an anti-agriculture stanceThe opportunities and challenges of the AI and innovation frontier for beefAdvice for young people getting into the industry and the massive Southeast Asia opportunity Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Cattle Australia https://cattleaustralia.com.au/ Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    1hr 13min

  3. 23 MAR

    Episode 20 | The Digital Transformation of Livestock Marketing with Paul Holm, AuctionsPlus

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Paul Holm, General Manager of Networks at AuctionsPlus, for a comprehensive conversation about online livestock marketing innovation. Paul shares insights from AuctionsPlus's 40-year evolution as an agency-owned business (50% Elders, 50% Nutrien), the remarkable scale of the platform, the groundbreaking bloodline verification initiative launching in April 2026 to connect seedstock brands with verified commercial offspring and quantify premiums, and the company's commitment to agent education and industry best practice. They discuss remote workforce management (50% of staff outside Sydney), extraordinarily low dispute rates (0.7% of lots), and why selling positive stories about on-farm practices matters for differentiation. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on the digital transformation of livestock marketing. Key topics covered: How AuctionsPlus evolved over 40 years to 220,000 monthly users listing 600,000+ commercial cattle (400,000+ Angus-influenced)The assessment process: 130+ data points, assessor training requirements, and offline mobile entry for crush-side efficiencyRemarkably low dispute rate (0.7% of lots) with agent third-party verification adding trust and integrityThe innovative bloodline verification initiative to verify commercial vendor purchases their genetics, creative value, increasing trust and quantifying market premiums with analyticsSheep genetics ASBV integration with filtering capabilities and buyer notifications for specific genetic profilesFeeder-optimised tagging developed through extensive feedlot discovery (weight, age, pregnancy testing criteria)Remote workforce management: 50% of staff outside Sydney with regional coverage requiring scheduled communication and quarterly in-person tripsWhy discovery process now involves interviewing buyers/sellers/agents before building features rather than acting on single ideasHow competitive board members (Elders vs Nutrien) make industry-leading decisions for agency sector benefitWhy selling positive on-farm stories differentiates brands in the engaged 220,000-user monthly audience Relevant links mentioned in the episode: AuctionsPlus website: www.auctionsplus.com.au Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    51 min

  4. 16 MAR

    Episode 19 | Understanding Angus Breed Labelling Standards with Ben Robinson, AusMeat

    In this special informational episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Ben Robinson from AusMeat to explain the significant changes to Angus breed content labelling standards released in 2026. Ben provides essential context on AusMeat's role as custodian of Australian export meat standards, how the Label and Standards Committee operates with industry peak councils, and why trade descriptions must be accurate and unambiguous under legislation. They discuss the evolution from the original 75% minimum standard to the new three-tier framework: Angus 50/F1/Composite (50% genetic content), Angus 75/F2/Angus (traditional 75% standard), and Pure Angus/Angus 100/Black Angus (100% genetic content). Ben explains how most international markets accept 50% (matching US CAB requirements), why this creates opportunities for F1 breeders while maintaining premium positioning for higher content animals, the importance of accurate NVD declarations, and how DNA breed content testing may provide objective verification in the medium term. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for essential regulatory information affecting every Angus producer in Australia. Key topics covered: How AusMeat operates as industry-owned (MLA and AMPC), not-for-profit third party certification body auditing 60+ programs and the role of Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee with peak councilsWhy you cannot export meat from Australia unless it comes from AusMeat accredited facilityThe legislation requirement of accurate and unambiguous trade descriptions across the entire supply chainThe origins of Angus labelling around 2006-2008 when McDonald's McAngus burger drove integrity requirementsWhy Australia set the bar high at 75% minimum genetic content when most international markets accepted 50%How two and a half years of industry consultation balanced production sector and processing sector needsThe new three-tier framework: Angus 50/F1/Composite (50%), Angus 75/F2/Angus (75%), Pure Angus/Angus 100/Black Angus (100%)The two verification pathways for 50% genetic content—phenotypic criteria or on-farm traceability programThe importance of accurate NVD declarations: Angus 50 or Angus F1 for 50% animals, Angus for 75%+ animalsWhy quality specifications (eating quality, marbling, MSA) are commercial decisions by processors separate from breed contentOther breed frameworks (Wagyu, Hereford, Shorthorn, Santa Gertrudis) and the development of a Red Angus framework (though it’s not released yet)The difference between AusMeat's export/domestic accreditation (box level) and state food authority regulation (retail/restaurant level)The importance of maintaining Australian product trust and reputation with international partners through integrityBen's role as UN Economic Commission for Europe Meat Standards Group chairman working to reduce trade barriers globally Relevant links mentioned in the episode: AusMeat website: www.ausmeat.com.auLivestock Production Assurance (LPA) program https://www.integritysystems.com.au/on-farm-assurance/livestock-product-assurance/National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme https://www.ausmeat.com.au/services/list/livestock/nfas/United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): https://unece.org/trade/wp7/Meat-Standards Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    51 min

  5. 9 MAR

    Episode 18 | Building Beef Demand and the CAB Success Story, with Mark McCully from American Angus

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, for a comprehensive conversation about leading one of the world's largest breed organisations. Mark shares insights from managing 22,000 members across five wholly-owned subsidiaries (Association, Certified Angus Beef, Angus Media, Angus Genetics Inc, Foundation), the remarkable success of CAB brand with 27% of US fed cattle qualifying and $50+ premiums per head, the historic shift from 50% select grading to more prime than select today, developing functional longevity and udder EPDs, navigating methane research controversy with transparency, and the power of servant leadership. They discuss some of the similarities and differences between US and Australian industries, the evolution from "where's my premium" to value-based marketing dominance, beef-on-dairy integration, and why keeping independent breeders independent through strong associations matters globally. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights from one of the breed's most accomplished international leaders. Key topics covered: How the American Angus Association evolved from 1883 herd registry to five wholly-owned subsidiaries with 300 staffThe scale of CAB brand: 27% of US fed cattle qualify today, creating $50+ premium per head at packing plantWhy CAB gave producers a target aligned with consumer value rather than producer value perspectivesThe historic shift from 50% select grading (when Mark started) to more prime than select produced todayHow value-based marketing evolution transformed premium signal flow to producersThe development of functional longevity EBV and teat/udder suspension EBVs incorporated into maternal weaning valueThe importance of phenotypic data as genomics foundation "only as good as phenotypic data breeders turn in"How non-traditional data (health traits, BRD, congestive heart failure, fatty acids) requires downstream collaborationWhy beef-on-dairy integration (60% of 9.4M dairy cows bred to Angus) accelerates data capture in integrated systemsThe challenge of staying innovative as breed associations when private companies characterise economically important traitsHow World Angus Evaluation provides a common currency for breeders globally and helps prevent gene pool narrowingWhy strong member-owned associations hedge against integrated systems taking genetic decisions from independent breedersThe methane research controversy: objectives around efficiency in cows on grass, navigating funding source concerns, factual information challenges in social media eraThe importance of servant leadership principles shaped by "The Servant" by James HunterWhy focusing on consumer eating satisfaction rather than cattle producer value perspectives drives sustainable demand Relevant links mentioned in the episode: American Angus Association: www.angus.orgCertified Angus Beef brand: https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/enBook: "The Servant" by James Hunter Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    55 min

  6. 2 MAR

    Episode 17 | Premium Beef at Scale with Andrew McDonald and Tony Fitzgerald from NH Foods

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Andrew McDonald and Tony Fitzgerald from NH Foods for a comprehensive conversation about building and maintaining premium beef programs at scale. They discuss the remarkable 15 year growth of Angus Reserve brand from 300 head/week to 3,000 head/week, the measurable genetic improvement delivering 10% increase in feeding performance, navigating China market volatility with 55% tariffs forcing strategic program adjustments, the protein trend driving retail growth globally, and why Australia must compete at the premium end against low-cost producers. Tony shares insights on cattle quality improvements, vaccination programs reducing BRD from 60% to 15-20% of death loss, and the importance of consistency. Andrew explains secondary cut value growth, the shift from 2+ to 4+ and 5+ marbling programs, and diversification across 40-45 countries. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights from one of Australia's largest Angus beef operations. Key topics covered: How NH Foods established itself in Australia from late 1970s with integrated farming, feedlotting, and processing operationsThe growth of Whyalla Feedlot to 78,000 head current capacity, with recent and planned expansionsThe evolution of the Angus Reserve brand from 300-400 head/week in 2010 to 3,000 head/week today across 40-45 countriesThe measurable genetic improvement over the last 8 years that has delivered 10% increase in feeding performanceHow consistency within Angus pens compares dramatically to crossbred variationWhy average induction weight increased from 405-410kg (2019 drought) to 455kg with better seasonsThe results of vaccination programs (BRD reduced from 60% to 15-20% death loss) and the shift from 2+ to 4+ and 5+ marbling programsThe challenges of the China market, including 55% tariffs and a quota system forcing five months supply vs year-round, meaning uncertainty for long-fed programsSupporting voluntary quota system in order to prevent South American grain-fed gaining Australian shelf spaceThe importance of diversification to hedge against single market dependence in volatile global politicsHow secondary cut value growth saved the processing sector (beef cheeks doubling, tails over $20/kg, short rib bone-in $50/kg)The protein trend driving retail growth globally, with consumers cooking premium steaks at home and beef snacks like jerky an opportunity for those who don’t cookThe challenge of oversized cuts having weight variations affecting container capacity and box specificationsHow third-party verification through Angus Australia provides integrity and retailer governance confidenceThe success of Whyalla’s graduate program: three grads annually, DISC profiling, structured six-month rotations building team depthWhy Australia must compete at the premium end against low-cost producers with the best 5% of global herd targeting best 2-4% of consumers Relevant links mentioned in the episode: NH Foods https://www.nh-foods.com.au/ Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    1 hr

  7. 23 FEB

    Episode 16 | Canadian Angus Innovation and Market Dynamics with Myles Immerker

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Myles Immerker, CEO of the Canadian Angus Association, for a fascinating conversation about leading innovation in one of the world's most challenging cattle breeding environments. Myles shares insights from managing 3,000 primary members across Canada's vast geography (70% black, 30% red), the remarkable spring bull market up over 50% from last year, pioneering AI camera technology being developed with Holstein Canada to objectively score structural traits, the evolution of their green tag commercial program, and adapting to extreme temperatures from -40°C to +30°C. They discuss digital transformation and shifting to weekly genetic evaluations (replacing monthly runs), China market reopening after five years, and why phenotype and structural soundness remain paramount in Canadian breeding programs. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights from one of Australia's closest international breeding partners.

    49 min

  8. 16 FEB

    Episode 15 | Angus GenetiQ: The next evolution in Angus Genetics

    In this episode of The Angus Table, we are sharing a recording of a special member webinar where we introduced Angus GenetiQ. Angus GenetiQ is the society’s new in-house genetic evaluation system. In this episode, President Sinclair Clark Monro begins by emphasising Angus Australia's commitment to member-focused genetic improvement tools, and CEO Scott Wright explains the strategic reasoning behind developing in-house capability. Next, COO Carel Teseling delivers a comprehensive technical presentation comparing Angus GenetiQ with TACE, covering important differences in methodology, genetic trend comparisons across all traits, and EBV correlations. The webinar clarifies that Angus Australia has not decided to move away from Breedplan—both evaluations will be publicly displayed as the society takes members on this journey. Pull up a chair at the Angus Table, this is essential listening for any Angus breeder wanting to understand the technical foundations and strategic direction of genetic evaluation at Angus Australia. Key topics covered: Why Angus Australia developed Angus GenetiQ: risk mitigation, efficiency, innovation speed, and controlling destinyHow in-house capability enables quicker response to member needs and industry prioritiesThe strategic decision to display both TACE and Angus GenetiQ results during consultation periodImportant technical differences between TACE and Angus GenetiQ evaluationsWhy Angus GenetiQ uses only Australian registered animals (excludes New Zealand data from TACE)Genetic trend comparisons showing strong alignment between TACE and Angus GenetiQ for most traitsEBV correlation analysis demonstrating 70-96% correlation across traits for top 1,500 bullsThe decision to combine rib and rump fat into single carcass fat EBV (reducing trait complexity)Why IMF is being replaced by MSA Marble Score (easier to collect, more phenotypes available)The plan to develop yield EBV using primal cuts rather than retail beef yieldHow maternal value in Angus GenetiQ includes both milk and maternal care (not split like TACE)Future trait releases including calving ease EBVs and structural trait evaluationThe exploration of desired gains indexes versus traditional economic value indexesHow Angus GenetiQ will support commercial programs like HeiferSELECT and SteerSELECTThe role of scanning data in informing correlated carcass traits through genetic correlations Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Angus GenetiQ information and resourcesDirect technical questions to Carel Teseling (COO), Hanlie Jansen, Nancy Crawshaw, Brad HeinDirect strategic questions to Sinclair Monro (President), Scott Wright (CEO) Contact details: This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/ +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + CREDITS: Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.au Producer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

    54 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

 Welcome to the new look Angus Australia podcast. This season we'll be bringing you conversations designed to add real value to your business. As members of Angus Australia, you'll hear from the people across the breed and the wider beef industry sharing insights, stories, and ideas that really matter.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Wright, CEO Angus Australia
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025, Angus Australia, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Angus Table

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