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. 2d ago

    Episode 39 | Social Media Fundamentals for Angus Breeders, with Sarah Horrocks

    In this episode of The Angus Table, Scott Wright sits down with Sarah Horrocks from Horrocks Media, for a conversation about social media strategy, brand building, and marketing for Angus cattle breeders. Sarah shares her journey from photographer and journalist at New Zealand Herald in Auckland to giving up her journalism career in 2014 to move a sheep and beef farm, meeting Guy Sargent through a dinner party introduction which led to a role with Angus New Zealand and AngusPure NZ. She discusses instrumental work developing AngusPRO brand identity, creating the AngusPRO publication sent to 24,000 New Zealand farmers alongside Beef Country magazine and the recent transition to e-book format improving measurability. Sarah and Scott discuss her values, her goal to make the industry better, and how Guy Sargent’s mentorship has shaped her career. Sarah explains platform strategy for farmers, consistency rewarded by algorithms, why year-round posting beats sale-season hammering, video content as algorithmic priority, common mistakes costing breeder reach, building trust through authenticity, Angus Australia's growth to 2-3 million monthly viewers, e-book advantages over print, and why AI should enhance not replace creativity. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about authentic storytelling, social media fundamentals, and building trust through consistent brand presence. Key topics covered: Sarah's background as a photographer at New Zealand Herald transitioning to rural sheep and beef farming, and marketing career development through AngusPure NZDeveloping the AngusPRO brand identity and differentiation strategy, educating farmers about Australian-registered vs New Zealand-registered Angus geneticsAngusPRO publication expansion reaching 24,000 New Zealand farmers via partnership with Beef Country magazineThe transition to e-book format improving measurement (27,000 opens), reducing advertising costs 68% while maintaining reach, enabling video integration in advertisementsWhy Sarah advises farmers to assess target market before selecting a social media platformFacebook and Instagram as general priority platforms for farmers versus TikTok for younger audiencesConsistency rewarded by algorithms regardless of posting frequency, with 2-3 times weekly off-season ramping to daily during sale season as ideal strategyCommon mistakes, including sale-season-only posting, missing contact information in bios, lack of image libraries, and not identifying a point of difference from competitorsWhy video content is the king of engagement, with watch time, saves, shares, and comments metrics outweighing follower countsTypes of trust building year-round content, such as showcasing calving, scanning, tagging, and management practices so audiences feel they know your operationSarah’s work on the Angus Australia social media explosion from 10,000 to 2-3 million monthly viewers through consistent video contentHow members can benefit through Angus Australia’s collaboration guidelines and member engagement frameworkWhy authenticity and storytelling are the most powerful marketing tools and the benefits of including the good, bad, and ugly of farming operations rather than polished highlights onlyThe difference between using AI as an administrative tool versus a creativity killer, with emphasis on maintaining human thinking and avoiding important career-building junior roles being automated awayAbout Sarah’s values of professional integrity and relationships, as well as career mentorship from Guy Sargent Contact details: Contact Sarah via her website https://www.horrocksmedia.com/ or @sarahhorrocksmedia on Instagram 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

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 38 | Building a Premium Angus Brand in Western Queensland, with Jeremy and Julie Shaw, JS Grazing

    In this episode of The Angus Table, Scott Wright sits down with Jeremy and Julie Shaw at their kitchen table at Injune Queensland to discuss JS Grazing, a 24,000-25,000 acre commercial Angus operation running 1,100 breeders. Jeremy shares family farming heritage on the property dating back to his grandfather, the transition from Herefords to Angus 30+ years ago after observing black cattle performance in feedlots, and evolution from selling all weaners at one Roma sale to establishing a premier commercial heifer sale with $300-500 premium over market rate. Julie describes their organic brand building through photography and social media storytelling, consistency focus breeding animals that look like "peas in a pod," their long-term partnership with Millah Murrah (17-18 years), and simple breeding philosophy of producing good females. Jeremy and Julie emphasise values of family, staying true to type and breed character, consistency in production, and long-term relationship building with genetics partners. They address future expansion challenges in expensive country, commitment to stepping up operations before their sons return home, and a conviction that Angus will continue growing in western Queensland through crossbreeding adoption and market acceptance. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building commercial brand leadership, staying true to breed fundamentals, and compound success through simple, consistent farming practices. Key topics covered: How Jeremy and Julie transitioned a family farm from Herefords to Angus 30+ years ago after observing superior feedlot performance and market acceptance of black cattleWhy establishing a premier commercial heifer sale organically evolved from recognising heifers were outdoing steers and strong market interest in their female geneticsHow Julie's photography and social media storytelling built JS Grazing brand recognition and following across AustraliaThe power of consistency as a breeding philosophy aiming for cattle that look like peas in a pod while lifting the average across entire herdsDriving rapid genetic improvement and visible herd lift using AI program exclusively on heifers Why long-term partnership with Millah Murrah (17-18 years) adds value through shared breeding philosophy, sire line conversations, and mutual relationship benefitsThe importance of phenotype-led selection using balanced EBVs avoiding extreme pushes in any single trait for sustainable cattle suited to Western Qld countryHow integrity-focused approach of letting cattle speak for themselves builds premium ($300-500/head) without marketing hype or direct selling pressureWhy cow and bull longevity (12-13 years and 8-10 years respectively) reflects quality genetics and active management through first joining period.The challenges of expanding their operation in expensive country and balancing family farming goals with scaling opportunities through western or southern diversificationWhy their best beef eating experiences come from home-raised animals shared with family Contact details: Contact Jeremy and Julie via their JS Grazing website https://jshaw.com.au/ 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

  3. Jul 27

    Episode 37 | Creating Scalable Businesses through Systems and Social Media, with Zeke Bennett

    Episode Summary: In this episode of The Angus Table, Scott Wright sits down with Zeke Bennett, founder of Maintain Me landscaping and operator of Zele Angus stud in Gippsland Victoria, for a conversation about building scalable businesses, implementing systems, and authentic marketing. Zeke shares his unconventional journey from high school dropout with hydroponic tomato and poultry farming background (3,000 free-range hens by age 14), national competitive swimming and circus acrobatics, banking receptionist role, and launching Maintain Me landscaping in Sydney by mowing lawns and taking heavy laboring work. He discusses scaling Maintain Me from sole operator to 18-20 full-time staff through four years of trial-and-error system development at $200,000+ cost while maintaining quality standards, and transitioning to his Angus operation on a run down farm in Shady Creek near Warragul. Scott and Zeke discuss how systems-thinking from Maintain Me applies to farm operations, authentic unscripted social media marketing generating interstate sales, expensive first-herd lessons, breeding focus on temperament and feet, the Gen Angus program impact, and why farmers are their own best brand ambassadors. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building systems across industries, authentic storytelling, and creating businesses that scale without losing quality. Key topics covered: How Zeke progressed from high school dropout through poultry farming and circus acrobatics to founding Maintain Me landscaping and now operating Zele Angus studOn creating competitive advantage in the Sydney market by implementing an innovative online booking system and systems/processes in landscaping industryScaling Maintain Me from sole operator to 18-20 full-time staff through four years of trial-and-error system development at $200,000+ cost while maintaining quality standardsHow Zeke transitioned Maintain Me operations from hands-on daily work to managing 20 staff interstate from Gippsland by gradually reducing days spent in Sydney over multiple yearsWhy Zeke applies business systems and investment thinking from landscaping to farm operations focusing on time-saving, safety improvements, and animal productivityHow an expensive first APR herd purchase taught valuable lessons leading to focus on HBR genetics and improved selection criteriaWhy Zeke's breeding objectives prioritise quiet temperament, sound feet, and easy calving from commercial F1 background experience and market needsHow authentic unscripted social media marketing (never direct selling, just showing daily work) generates sales and interest from interstate clients without traditional advertisingWhy Zeke keeps the landscaping business separate from Angus marketing and avoids mentioning Sydney company publicly to maintain authentic farm-focused brandThe importance of speaking to people, asking questions, and building networks without revealing all ideas prematurely Contact details: Contact Zeke via the Zele Angus website https://zele.com.au/ 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

  4. Jul 20

    Episode 36 | From Show Teams to Stud Sales and Building Relationships in Angus, with Lincoln McKinlay

    Episode Summary: Scott Wright sits down with Lincoln McKinlay, founder of Linc'D, a studstock sale and marketing business, for a conversation about purpose, positivity and industry pride. Lincoln shares his journey from high school show team at Pittsworth to stud stock auctioneering and involvement with Magic Millions thoroughbred sales. Scott and Lincoln discuss his exceptional positivity and cup-half-full approach to life, how the Gen Angus program had a transformational impact on his personal development and business direction, and the importance of mentorship and relationships. Lincoln outlines observations on the 2026 spring bull sales quality and market trends, and maximising Angus breed potential in Northern Australia, as well as post-drought recovery confidence from strong cattle prices and rebuilding opportunity. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building business around people, positivity as a daily practice, and striving to be better every day. Key topics covered: How Lincoln progressed from Pittsworth High School show cattle team through Roma TopX and Elders stud stock to founding Linc'D business nearly two years agoLincoln's auctioneering excellence through Young Auctioneers Competition national title and Calgary rookie championship and involvement with Magic Millions and thoroughbred salesThe power of the Gen Angus program in transforming personal development, building lifelong friendships, and gaining new perspectives through leadership trainingWhy Lincoln focuses business around working with good people, involvement in clients' day-to-day operations, and sharing industry knowledge across regionsInsights from the 2026 spring bulls, solid quality groups with trends toward balanced phenotype and data rather than genetic extremes.Why sending sound, properly adapted Angus cattle with small Bos indicus content through ultra-black is critical to maximising breed potential in tropical northern AustraliaPost-drought recovery conditions, strong cattle prices, and rebuilding phase creating confidence for upcoming bull salesWhy Lincoln believes the global rebuilding phase, US herd at historic 72-75 year lows, and top-tier Australian beef quality positions market for sustained strong cattle pricesThe importance of surrounding yourself with good people, seeking honest feedback, and being vulnerable and willing to learnAbout Linc’D and how Lincoln is balancing business growth with continuing to support the quality clients he has with personal timeWhy humility, honesty, and integrity as core values drive Lincoln's approach to caring about people's businesses and wellbeing.The best beef experience celebrating rookie auctioneering championship win in Calgary with an Australian Black Angus steak Contact details: Connect with Lincoln via his Linc’D website https://www.lincd.au/ 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

  5. Jul 13

    Episode 35 | Inside Angus GenetiQ: Accuracy, Efficiency and Innovation in Genetic Evaluation, with Dr Vinzent Boerner & Carel Teseling

    In this episode, host Scott Wright, Carel Teseling and Dr. Vinzent Boerner discuss the development and capabilities of Angus GenetiQ. Dr Vinzent Boerner and Carel Teseling explain the five-year development journey of Angus GenetiQ, including how and why Angus Australia developed its own genetic evaluation system independent of third-party providers. They explain the system architecture solving 150-170 million equations weekly, why weekly runs benefit members more than monthly alternatives, how genetic correlations are estimated, why avoiding pre-adjustments improves accuracy, the impact of HeiferSELECT/SteerSELECT alignment, and how new traits can be added within weeks. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about genetic independence, scientific rigour, and the system supporting breed decisions. Key topics covered: Vinzent's PhD background in genetics and ten-year AGBU career prior to working with Angus on Angus GenetiQ.Why Angus Australia embarked on this development process and the journey to get Angus GenetiQ liveSystem architecture: 150-170 million equations across 4 million pedigree animals, 25 genetic effects, 500,000 genotypes running weekly.The efficiency that allows Angus Genetiq to run on modest hardwareHow genetic correlations are estimated and why avoiding pre-adjustments improves accuracyAvailable traits: gestation, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, final weight, mature weights, body condition, cow height, maternal value, scrotal, carcass, EMA, P8 fat, MSA marbling, coat type plus temperament EBV. with more coming later this yearWeekly evaluation benefits: faster turnaround for genotype rejections and quicker member results on late submissions.HeiferSELECT/SteerSELECT alignment: both commercial and seedstock run through same evaluation ensuring consistency between systems.\How flexible the model is and Vinzent’s predictions of what is possible vs what is likely in the futureThe importance of independence and self-sufficiency for Angus and how Malshani and the team are building long-term maintenance capability 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

  6. Jul 6

    Episode 34 | Showcase Your Genetics: The Angus for Every System Feedlot and Carcass Trial with Jake Bourne and Brett Tindal

    In this bonus episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright discusses the Angus for Every System Feedlot and Carcass Trial launching with Teys Australia, with Jake Bourne from Angus Australia and Brett Tindal from Signature Ag Marketing. Commercial Angus producers can enter teams of 10 steers (380-460kg) by 31 July for a September induction at Teys Condamine, with 120 days feeding at $1,000 per entry. There are four classes spanning 50% - 100% Angus content, using Optiweigh units and SteerSELECT genomic testing to track daily gains and provide detailed feedback booklets comparing each producer's performance against competitors. The trial includes automatic entry into the ANPC National Carcass Competition at Beef 2027, plus a November/December field day, agents jackpot, and breeders cup award. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about demonstrating your genetics through commercial data and benchmarking across Australia. Key topics covered: Trial structure: teams of 10 steers (380-460kg), entries close July 31, delivery September 15, 120-day feeding at Teys Condamine, processing separates 50% content (one week) from 75%/100% content cattle (following week).Technology integration: Optiweigh units track daily weight gains viewable via Angus Tech, SteerSELECT genomic testing covers breed content and carcass traits, and field day in November/December allows visual comparison with data.Feedback focus: each producer receives an individual data booklet comparing their performance against all competitors, enabling analysis of sire lines and breeding decisions.Award categories span feedlot performance, carcass quality, and eating quality/MSA index across each class, plus grand champion and reserve champion sponsorships.Agents involvement through agents jackpot creating friendly rivalry and engagement, and Breeders cup award recognises stud breeders whose clients enter teamsAutomatic entry into ANPC National Carcass Competition at Beef 2027 in Rockhampton, allowing selection of three steers from team of 10 for competition.Red Angus eligibility extends trial to both black and red Angus producers, recognising recent collaboration between Red Angus and Angus Australia.HeiferSELECT promotion emphasises five times greater genetic gain than bull selection through early identification of high-merit breeding females before investment. Contact details: Get in touch with Brett via the Signature Ag website https://signatureag.com.au/ Get in touch with Jake via email jake.bourne@angusaustralia.com.au 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

  7. Jul 6

    Episode 33 | Leading the Angus Family: Peter Collins Becomes President of Angus Australia

    In this special episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright welcomes Peter Collins, newly installed president of Angus Australia, for a comprehensive conversation about his farming operation, family legacy, board leadership, and vision for the breed's future. Peter shares insights from his four-generation family farming heritage in Northern Victoria, his show judging career across all Australian states and previous 15-year board experience with National Herd Improvement company. Scott and Peter discuss why Angus are such exceptional easy care cattle, the ongoing GenetiQ evaluation platform development and rollout, how the board is navigating financial sustainability challenges and concerns about MLA’s multi-breed genetic evaluation strategy. Peter shares his vision for his board presidency, his strong support for Angus youth, and his belief in asking for help within the Angus network and surrounding yourself with the right mentors. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation full of insights on leadership during challenging times, breed independence, youth investment, and why the Angus family remains stronger than ever. Key topics covered: About Peter’s four-generation family farming heritage in Northern Victoria near Echuca, combined dairy and beef operation running 1,000 acres with irrigation on 16-inch rainfallPeter's son Brody returning to the farm after electrician career and his 97-year old Dad still involved, offering breeding insights and opinionsAngus as exceptional easy-care maternal breed combining strong mothering ability with excellent carcass attributes through collective breeder effortPeter’s show judging career spanning all Australian states, his previous experience with National Herd board, and four years on the Angus board including two as vice presidentThe development and rollout of the GenetiQ platform providing weekly genetic evaluations with temperament EBV and additional traits releasing soonNavigating financial challenges as a board, including the World Angus Forum loss and MLA funding dropping to zeroSerious concerns about MLA multi-breed genetic evaluation threatening breed independence, data ownership, and potential corporate acquisitionWelcoming Weatherbys as third genomics provider alongside Zoetis and Neogen ensuring member choice and competitive pricingPeter’s passion for Angus Youth support, including donating quality heifers to young breeders without capital, building future generation through mentorship and opportunityHow the board operates with specialist directors, healthy debate without polarisation, and transparent communication on challenges for long-term breed viability and competitiveness Contact details: Get in touch with Peter merridale1@bigpond.com or via the Merridale Angus website https://www.merridaleangus.com.au/ 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

  8. Jun 29

    Re-Release: Innovation, Resilience and Building a Beef Jerky Brand, with Emily Pullen from Jim’s Jerky

    In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Emily Pullen, CEO of Jim's Jerky, for an inspiring conversation about building a national beef brand, navigating industry challenges, and remarkable resilience. Emily shares how her parents Jim and Kathy started with 12 kilos of jerky in 2004 after discovering South African biltong in a Charlton butcher shop, growing to a team of 28 across supermarkets, national petrol chains, and export markets. They discuss why topside has become an increasingly valuable cut, a devastating April 2023 factory fire and 12-month recovery journey, managing extreme meat price volatility with inflexible retail pricing, the exciting partnership with SunPork building a new shared dehydration facility, and why "lukewarm is no good" in business. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, family business, and turning adversity into opportunity. Connect with Emily via the Jim’s Jerky website https://www.jimsjerky.com.au/contact-us 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

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 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.

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