The Angus Table

Scott Wright, CEO Angus Australia

 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. 9 hrs ago

    Episode 31 | How WA Angus Builds Community Across Distance, with Jess Dewar

    In this Western Australia-focused episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Jess Dewar, co-operator of Ardcairnie Angus Stud and volunteer editor of the Western Australian Angus News. Jess shares her journey from Perth retail management to agriculture, meeting husband Joe in 2018 and purchasing Ardcairnie Angus in 2020 from life members Jim and Pam McGregor. She discusses the unique WA Angus community, which represents 44% of the state's cattle breed and emphasises larger frames and foot structure for distance and demanding soil. Jess’s WA Angus committee volunteer work includes coordinating the spring walk at feedlot facilities and the Farm Weekly heifer competition which generates 21,000+ entries annually, as well as the gold-standard in Angus publications, the WA Angus News. Jess and Scott discuss her Gen Angus program experience and why she highly recommends the program, and the opportunities and challenges facing the breed as it grows across WA's 1,200-kilometre geographic spread. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building community across distance and the power of volunteer leadership in regional Angus. Key topics covered: About the makeup of Angus in WA, including geographical spread and what differentiates WA Angus breeding approach from eastern statesJess’s journey from Perth retail management into agriculture after meeting her husband Joe in 2018, and their purchase of Ardcanie Angus stud in 2020 from Jim and Pam McGregorHow Ardkanie Angus operates, combining seed stock/commercial cattle, grain, hay and Merino sheep across 400kmThe impact and longevity of the WA Angus News publication (37 years, since 1989), producing a biannual 60-70 page magazine with advertiser support that reaches Angus breeders across the state and even internationallyWA Angus committee activities including the spring walk in September at feedlot/processors, heifer competition with Farm Weekly (21,000+ entries annually November-February), AGM and workshop day in JanuaryJess’s takeaways from the Gen Angus Program, including the benefits of the network and connections, and the supportive mentorship from Simone Bond (SA Angus VP)The importance of different roles in a farming family, and valuing each person’s contributions and strengths, whether in the home or the paddockThe strength of the WA Angus community, which keeps the focus on promoting Angus and supporting the next generation, building collaboration with a warm welcoming culture and leveraging the diversity of experience in the groupHow Jess lives her values of follow-through, transparency in decision making, respect for diversity across geographic extremes, and staying grounded and practical through life on the farmThe many opportunities ahead for WA Angus, including continued commercial growth driven by proven on-farm results, premium beef programs and export market strength, and the next generation embracing data/geneticsThe challenges of maintaining community connection across 1,200km geographic spread requiring ongoing effort, market and seasonal variability requiring producer resilience, staying practical and relevant with value-add committee decisions.Why Angus Australia is rolling out DNA verification programs to address integrity and the challenge of other breeds ‘piggybacking’ on Angus successHow Jess’ personal background as a competitive surfer and growing up in a male-dominated sport shaped her communication styleThe mentorships Jess has benefited from, including Pam McGregor and her husband Joe’s farming knowledge driving Jess’ industry engagement and enthusiasmWhy Jess’ best beef eating experience is more about the people and the location than the beef itself 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

    58 min

  2. 15 June

    Re-Release: Helping Farming Families Through Adversity with Rural Aid CEO John Warlters

    In this re-release of our most 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

  3. 10 June

    Re-Release: A Century of Angus Cattle in Central Australia with Paul Smith, Tieyon Station

    In this re-release episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Paul Smith from Tieyon Station in Central Australia for a remarkable conversation about 100 years of Angus cattle breeding in one of the world's driest cattle regions. Paul shares how his great-grandfather Frank ordered a van of Angus bulls from a newspaper ad in 1925, walked them 100 kilometers from the railhead, and slowly replaced all Shorthorns to create the only pure Angus herd remaining in Central Australia. They discuss managing 6,500 square kilometers (650,000 hectares) with just 2-4 staff, breeding and finishing cattle with under 200mm average rainfall, designing cows specifically for the landscape through EBV selection, surviving the 2018-21 drought while managing his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, and why temperament, structure and attitude matter more than anything else. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and custodianship in Australia's red centre. 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

    53 min

  4. 1 June

    Episode 28 | Data-Driven Decision Making and Genuine Community Support, with James Knight

    In this special Gen Angus Leadership Program episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with James Knight, operator of Sisters Pastoral Company, for a comprehensive conversation about his transformational journey from a Melbourne corporate career to successful commercial Angus cattle operator. James shares insights from his childhood agricultural passion through jackarooing on a gap year, University of New England studies, and a corporate careers with great mentorship. After a mental health crisis and recovery, he transitioned back to the family farm with wife Georgie in 2016, scaling from 800 to 1,450-1,500 females over 2,200 hectares producing 1,200 weaners annually. His spring calving feeder system replaced unsustainable autumn calving through rotational grazing and technology adoption. James shares how he balances phenotype expertise with EBV focus when purchasing bulls, maintaining stable partnerships with buyers and suppliers, and how his 2.5 FTE team operates on benchmarking and data-driven decisions while staying relationship-focused. Scott and James also discuss the recent animal welfare crisis that revealed the Angus community's extraordinary support and crucial help during his darkest time. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on scaling commercial beef operations through data-driven strategy, technology adoption, and the irreplaceable strength of community support when it matters most. Key topics covered: James' childhood agricultural passion sparked by uncle's Deniliquin farm and a gap year jackarooingHow his corporate career provided operational experience and learning from CEO Adrian Goonan that became the foundation for his farm transition.The mental health crisis requiring help and recovery, establishing James’ resilience and reach-out approach characterising his community philosophyBusiness scaling from 800 females/1,100ha (2016) to 1,450-1,500 females over 2,200ha producing 1,200 weaners annually through strategic planning and benchmarkingSpring calving feeder system shift eliminating unsustainable hay feeding by rotating steers through paddocks achieving 1.5kg/day by September, 2kg/day peak October/NovemberThe data-driven and ROI-focused decision making process James uses for technology adoptionJames’ bull purchasing strategy, balancing phenotype expertise from father-in-law Bruce with EBV analysis using Angus Tech spreadsheets and feedlot trial validation for carcass/growth.Partnership-focused approach maintaining stable relationships with buyers, suppliers, financiers, and team Recent animal welfare crisis revealing community strength and the generosity of the Angus communityForward breed strategy on carcass traits (EMA, IMF, mature body composition), questioning seed stock/commercial alignment, urging balance on birth weight/gestation coupling affecting calving mortality 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 12min

  5. 18 May

    Episode 27 | Data Ownership, Pedigree Integrity, and the Future of Genomics with Paul Flynn, Weatherbys Scientific

    Summary of the episode: In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Paul Flynn, Director of Research and Development at Weatherbys Scientific, to discuss the beginning of a new genomic service provider relationship with Angus Australia. Paul shares insights from Weatherbys' remarkable 250-year family business legacy starting with thoroughbred stud books in the late 1700s, their evolution from mid-1980s laboratory in Ireland using molecular technologies for parentage verification to becoming multi-species genotyping service provider (bovine, equine, ovine, canine, aqua shrimp). Scott and Paul discuss Weatherbys’ data ownership philosophy keeping customer control and the agnostic integration approach with multiple evaluation platforms, SNP chip capabilities and their capacity to process 100,000 samples per week. They finish their conversation discussing the opportunities AI brings for the management and interrogation of massive datasets, and the importance of values to a 7th generation family business like Weatherbys. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on the Weatherbys Scientific Partnership. Key topics covered: How Weatherbys' 250-year legacy began with James Weatherby's late 1700s thoroughbred stud book evolving from mid-1980s Ireland laboratory using molecular technologies to a global multi-species genotyping service provider.Why Weatherbys differentiates by staying in their lanem prioritising data ownership with customers, and maintaining agnostic integration with multiple evaluation platforms without competing in evaluation servicesHow the Angus Australia partnership came to be, with technology now aligning perfectly to cover full the suite from workhorse chips to niche traits as standard capabilitiesA glimpse into the scale of Weatherbys capacity, exemplified in their Irish Cattle Breeding Federation partnership,aiming to genotype 2.4M newborn calves annually (currently 1M+/year) with infrastructure handling 100,000 samples/weekWhat the Versa 85K SNP chip delivers through genome-wide coverage across 29 autosomal chromosomes, ISAG standardised panels, trait markers, and standalone complex mutation testsWhy high throughput capability matters with multiple equipment units providing contingency, lean turnaround times, ISAG rank one laboratory status, and ISO 17025 accreditation with quality management system.The opportunities AI presents for automating massive dataset interrogation using annotated databases to drive discovery rate, requiring accurate algorithms and managing fear factors through education about long-term breeding gainsThe equine paradigm moment with ISAG approving SNP panels enabling the community to move from traditional microsatellites to genomic uptake, traveling the journey bovine traveled 10-15 years agoThe importance of Weatherbys values built over 250 years, including trust, integrity and governance as seventh-generation family businessPaul's memorable beef experience at Shane Ross' Cottage Restaurant in Armidale plus his book recommendation "The Cow Book" by John Connell. Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Weatherbys Scientific Australia https://www.weatherbysscientific.com.au/The Cow Book: A Story of Life on a Family Farm by John Connell 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

    57 min

  6. 4 May

    Episode 26 | Family Business, Global Expansion and Supply Chain Ownership, with Darren Thomas, Thomas Foods International

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Darren Thomas, Group Managing Director of Thomas Foods International. Darren shares insights from humble 1985 livestock trading beginnings with father Chris to now three-generation family involvement including his children Jack, Ned and Chloe. Scott and Darren explore the 1990s early Angus connection, the brand evolution of Angus Pure, his supply chain ownership strategy, and the ongoing innovation and expansion at home and abroad. They discuss livestock as core competency, processing as core business, the Angus breed delivering what it promises, opportunities for young people in agriculture, and family business tenure creating competitive advantage with global customers. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on building Australia's second largest red meat processor while remaining proudly family-owned Key topics covered: Thomas Foods International growth from 1985 livestock trading/service kill beginnings to Australia's second largest red meat processor and largest sheep/lamb processor exporting to 80-85 countries with five Australian plantsThe journey to being a three-generation family business, the value of being a generational supplier with strong customer relationships, and remaining proudly family owned when the other top processors are all foreign-ownedThe supply chain ownership strategy of owning everything between farmer and end user retailer for efficiency, which allows higher farmer payments and customer value, as well as better control and decision making Thomas Foods’ early Angus connection in the 1990s and how Darren created marketing options for South East producersThe brand evolution of Angus Pure from Certified Black partnership to developing their own 100% Angus positioning, achieving US market success, and launching Mount Shank premium brandWhy the Angus breed succeeded by backing up great marketing with actual product performance through society research and seed stock suppliers/farmers collaborating for genetic improvementWhy attention to detail and simplicity matter as Thomas Foods' philosophy from home to operations, with people as the foundation and educating for better outcomes.How Thomas Foods is expanding globally with second US and European plant building, Middle East and India operations developing, as well as a $380M Australian capital expenditure to modernise facilitiesThe challenge of over-regulation and export certification costs pushed onto processors, with regulation supporting brand quality but increasing costs and thereby reducing competitivenessWhy Thomas Foods takes a cautious approach to MLA multibreed evaluation by using Angus as best practice case study without reinventing the wheelWhy young people have wonderful opportunities in agriculture beyond primary production including AgTech/robotics/data science/AI/pharmaceuticals, with industry unity making it easier than when Darren started Relevant links mentioned in the episode: Thomas Foods International https://thomasfoods.com/ 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

    50 min

  7. 27 Apr

    Episode 25 | Building Rural Businesses: From Wilshire and Co to Agricon with Todd Wilshire

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Todd Wilshire, managing director of Agricon and former owner of Wilshire and Co, for a comprehensive conversation about building successful agricultural businesses. Todd shares insights from his journey studying agronomy at Gatton, returning after travelling to grow the family's Tenterfield produce store into a six-location group sold to Pursehouse Rural, and the strategic acquisition and subsequent growth of animal nutrition company Agricon. Todd and Scott discuss key business lessons about having a vision and staying patient, as well as the importance of diversification, team building, strong supplier relationships, finding market gaps, and why face-to-face relationships still beat online shopping. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights on rural entrepreneurship and creating value in agricultural supply chains. 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

    58 min

  8. 20 Apr

    Episode 24 | 2026 Board Priorities and Strategic Direction for Angus Australia, with President Sinclair Munro

    Summary of the episode: In this special board outcomes episode of The Angus Table, President Sinclair Munro and CEO Scott Wright discuss key decisions and strategic priorities from Angus Australia's March 2026 board of directors meeting. They share insights on board function, CEO board report highlights, and financial audit outcomes including the new late inventory fee policy. Also discussed is the board’s strategic focus on genetic evaluation including TACE as hybrid display from three evaluation services (BreedPlan, Angus Genetic, AGI), the shift to weekly analysis capability through Angus Genetic, navigating MLA's multibreed evaluation plans, and promoting Angus as reliable, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights about the governance and strategy shaping Angus Australia's future. Key topics covered: How the Angus Australia board functions: elected by members with committee structure, focusing on strategy/risk/compliance/policy while providing CEO oversightHighlights from the CEO board report, including HeiferSELECT marketing improvements and Angus Online self-service platform now liveFinancial audit outcomes from the external auditor review of 2025 statementsAbout the late inventory fee policy change beginning in Spring 2026 where late submissions after bill date will receive 50% credit to reward on-time record keepers and remove emotion from staff decisions.Strategic genetic evaluation focus, including weekly analysis capability through Angus GenetIQ addressing member needs quickly.Navigating the MLA multibreed evaluation plans while protecting Angus-specific toolsThe importance of member consultation and the opportunities to engage this year, such as webinars and the upcoming AGM in MayValuing member-collected phenotype data as Angus Australia's strength, ensuring we prioritise using to benefit those who collected itPromoting the Angus brand responsibly and emphasising reliable genetics from registered bulls, nutritious high eating quality, and environmental sustainabilityAppreciation for the voluntary role of board members taking on a big workload while taking time from their own farms/businessesAbout Sinclair’s best beef eating experience on Easter Sunday 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 1min
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Ratings & Reviews

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
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2025, Angus Australia, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Angus Table

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