The Angus Table

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Simon Irwin, CEO of Beef Australia, for a fascinating conversation about running the Southern Hemisphere's premier agricultural event. Simon shares his remarkable journey from stock agent trainee through 30 years with News Corp managing regional publications across Australia, to becoming CEO of an event that attracts 120,000 people from 34 countries and delivers $110 million economic impact to Central Queensland. They discuss the Beef 1988 bicentennial origins, the critical three-year interval that keeps content fresh, why Beef Australia measures economic impact but not business done (changing for Beef 2027), the human X-factor in an AI world, and why reading both The Guardian and News Corp keeps algorithms from pigeonholing perspectives. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for an inside look at what it takes to run Australia's most significant beef industry gathering.Key topics covered:How Simon's diverse career path—from stock agent to News Corp executive—prepared him for leading Beef AustraliaWhy the three-year event interval is critical to Beef Australia's ongoing success and relevanceThe evolution from grassroots committee to professional corporate governance structureHow Beef Australia has achieved national and international reach with representation from 34 countriesThe accommodation challenge limiting international growth and creative solutions being exploredWhy Beef Australia positions itself "of the industry, not in the industry" The economic impact of $110 million to Central Queensland and why measuring business done matters for 2027The importance of preserving institutional knowledge by maintaining core staff between eventsHow hard lessons learned (like the portable toilet disaster!) improve future event deliveryWhy managing pressure requires perspective and understanding what truly mattersThe human X-factor in an AI-dominated world, the ethics of AI development and concerns about stolen intellectual property in machine learningHow reading across the political spectrum prevents algorithmic echo chambers and maintains balanceThe power of listening twice as much as you talk to understand diverse businesses and perspectivesWhat's changing for Beef 2027: new tech precinct, nose-to-tail focus, and making meat the heroWhy Angus as both a breed and a brand has been "really spectacular" in Simon's viewThe results of 30 years of work in breed plan, MSA, and industry standards on beef pricing and qualityPull quotes:"Beef 88 was so successful they did it again in '91, then '94, and it's just kept going…if something's on...

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Marg Will, founder of OSS Advisory, for a wide-ranging conversation about organic certification, sustainability, and fighting for fair farmer pricing. Marg shares her remarkable journey from literally falling out of an avocado tree into organic certification 25 years ago, witnessing factory pollution destroy her family farm and Lake Cowan's ecosystem as a teenager, and building OSS Advisory into a business that has transitioned over 15 million hectares globally to organic production. They discuss the consistent 35% premium organic beef producers achieve, how Central Australian producers added $7 million in the first three years of an MLA project, speaking at the UN meat standardisation committee, and the critical difference between organic as "price maker not price taker,". Marg and Scott discuss truth in labeling and consumer rights, the backlash against ultra-processed foods, and why the beef sector needs to understand they're part of the food industry with responsibility beyond the saleyard gate. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a thought-provoking conversation about values, markets, and the future of sustainable beef production.Contact details:OSS Advisory (formerly Organic Systems): https://oss-advisory.com/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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

In this 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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

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-usThis 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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

Connect with Mick Crowley and MLA via www.mla.com.auThis 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 + In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Mick Crowley, Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia, for a wide-ranging conversation about global beef markets, industry leadership, and the future of Australian livestock production. Mick shares his journey from growing up on a beef cattle operation at Barraba to coaching the UNE meat judging team, working at Blue Stripe Meats with Greg Chapel, and ultimately leading MLA with its 285 staff and $300 million annual budget. They discuss the dynamic 2025 market environment with US tariffs unexpectedly benefiting Australia, the importance of building social capital rather than defending social license, MLA's multi-breed evaluation strategy, and why quality and sustainability will define competitive advantage globally. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights from one of the industry's most experienced and thoughtful leaders.CREDITS:Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email ceo@angusaustralia.com.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Dr. Malshani Samaraweera, Angus Australia's in-house geneticist, for an inside look at the science behind breeding values and genetic evaluation. Malshani shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a tea estate in Sri Lanka to earning her PhD at the University of New England and ultimately joining Angus Australia to work with one of the country's largest phenotype and genotype datasets. They discuss the nature of her role handling big data and maintaining accuracy, the exciting launch of Angus Genetic bringing evaluation in-house, the importance of balance across production, fertility, and efficiency traits, and why following your genuine interest is the best career advice. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a fascinating conversation about the genetics work happening behind the scenes at Angus Australia.Connect with Malshani via email Malshani@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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright reconnects with college mate Tim Ford, founder of Feed Central and the new Local Ag marketplace. Tim shares his remarkable 22-year journey from launching Feed Central in 2002 during the millennial drought with just a notebook and phone, to building a team of 40+ people moving fodder across Australia's east coast. Tim and Scott discuss the launch of the Local Ag digital marketplace bringing transparency and security to fodder trading, why drought preparedness starts with mindset not just fodder reserves, how hay prices can triple during drought and freight costs match the commodity price. Tim shares the importance of team wellbeing during high-stress drought periods, and his business philosophy of "team, family, friends." From lessons on people management to the critical role of personal networks, this conversation offers insights for anyone building a business in agriculture. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and relationship-building.Get in touch with Tim Ford via Feed Central and Local Ag https://www.feedcentral.com.au/contact/ 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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with the Honorable Tony Perrett, Queensland's Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Gympie. Tony shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Kingaroy as the son of a parliamentarian, through 13 years in local government, to running a 2000-head commercial cattle operation and ultimately his “dream job” serving as Minister for Primary Industries. Scott and Tony discuss Queensland's ambitious vision to grow primary industry value to $30 billion by 2030, critical biosecurity investments and managing disease risks through partnerships with Indonesia, the exciting opportunities in Indonesian markets for Australian beef and live export, drought preparedness as a key priority, and why Tony believes the Angus breed has led the way in quality assurance for the Australian beef industry. Pull up a chair at the Angus Table for insights from a minister who lives and breathes primary production.Get in touch with Tony Perrett via his website https://tonyperrett.com.au/contact-tony-perrett/  or contact the Ministerial Offce via email primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with market forecaster Simon Quilty from Global AgriTrends to explore the forces shaping the beef industry over the next three to five years. Simon shares his journey from Victorian Farmers Federation to 35 years of trading beef globally, his Churchill Fellowship findings on methane and carbon markets, why southern processing capacity now exceeds the north for the first time in 20 years, the surprising benefits of Trump tariffs for Australian beef, and his bullish forecast for Angus producers through the coming herd rebuild. They discuss the importance of understanding medium to long-term trends over short-term predictions, the "new norm" for beef pricing post-rebuild, and why Simon believes Angus will remain the cornerstone of quality beef production globally. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a masterclass in beef market dynamics and strategic thinking.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Lucy Morrissey, co-founder of Morrissey Livestock Services, to explore the art and science of stockmanship. Lucy shares her journey from growing up barefoot in the Simpson Desert to becoming one of Australia's leading stockmanship trainers, her mentorship under Dr. Tom in the United States, the critical importance of mindset in cattle handling, why working off the globe of the eye changes everything, and her philosophy that "if it's really hard, you're probably doing something wrong." Scott and Lucy discuss bridging the urban-rural divide, the values of the Australian stockman, keeping people safe and cattle calm, and Lucy's vision for introducing agricultural education to every school in Australia. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for a conversation packed with wise insights and authentic passion for the beef industry.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright welcomes Dr. Brad Hine to the podcast on just his third day at Angus Australia. Brad shares his remarkable journey from youth trainee at CSIRO through to PhD and research scientist, his pivotal work developing the Immune Index for disease resistance, why he made the leap from research to extension, and what excites him about working directly with Angus producers. Brad and Scott discuss the importance of breeding resilient animals alongside productive ones, navigating sustainability conversations while keeping profitability front and centre, the value of good mentors, and Brad's passion for practical farming on his 350-acre property. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table and get to know one of the newest members of the Angus Australia team.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this second part of The Angus Table conversation with Jon Condon from Beef Central, host Scott Wright explores the future of the beef industry including carbon and sustainability trends, Jon's observations on the Angus breed's remarkable transformation across Australia, advice for stud breeders on marketing innovation, and the core values that drive Jon's team culture and staff retention. Jon also shares his thoughts on industry leadership, conference culture, and ends with a sobering warning about herd size, feedlot capacity, and processing constraints that could expose producers to significant risk when the next major drought arrives. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for part two of this insightful conversation.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

In this episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Jon Condon, co-founder of Beef Central, Australia's leading digital beef industry news platform. They discuss Jon's journey from growing up in a Northern Territory meat processing family to becoming one of Australia's most trusted beef journalists, the bold decision to launch Beef Central in 2011 when print media dominated agriculture, the principles of quality journalism that underpin his success, and the critical industry challenges ahead including value-based marketing and the producer-processor relationship. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table and enjoy this conversation with a man who's been sniffing out beef industry stories for decades.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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.auAudio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au 

Welcome to the Angus Table, 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.From time to time, we'll also sit down with individuals who have a great story to tell. Sometimes we'll have information that could help you in the profitability of your Angus operation. Our aim is to keep you connected, informed, and inspired. We'd also love to hear your feedback as this develops in this new look format.If you've got ideas, topics, guests, or someone with a story that deserves to be shared, please reach out. The podcast is here for our members. If someone is featured on The Angus Table, it's because we believe their experience and their perspective has real value.We look forward to bringing you more conversations that support your success in the Angus breed and your farming operation. 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.auProducer: Mel Strasburg mel.strasburg@angusaustralia.com.au Audio editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at PERK Digital.

In this episode of Behind the Beef, recorded live from the Zoetis AngusEXPO, Chris Earl of CK6 Consulting shares his journey from Illinois to New Mexico, where he founded Reverse Rocking R Ranch. He discusses the importance of mentorship in agriculture, the integration of faith and family in his work, and the challenges faced by the cattle industry today. Listeners gain insights into the evolving landscape of beef genetics, the significance of building strong relationships within the industry, and the role of innovative platforms like Bid on Beef in connecting producers directly with consumers.+Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn +  +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X +  

In this episode of Behind the Beef, Scott Wright and Cheyne Twist are joined by Angus Australia Extension officer, Hanlie Jansen who has joined to discuss the 2024 Beef Breeding Insight Report and its findings.    Late last year, a comprehensive report on the 2024 Beef Breeding Insights Survey results was released, as part of the “Enhancing Technology Adoption Across the Angus Genetic Improvement Pipeline” project (P.PSH.1063), funded by the MLA Donor Company (MDC). This initiative, led by Angus Australia, involved two in-depth quantitative surveys of Australian beef cattle producers conducted by an independent market research group.    The first survey was conducted in 2019, providing a baseline with responses from 1,023 producers nationwide. A follow-up survey was carried out in 2023 with 977 respondents to build on the initial data and evaluate changes over the five-year period, benchmarking shifts in producer knowledge, attitudes, and the prevalence of Angus and Angus-influenced cattle.    Hanlie has joined us to give us a snapshot into these results, what this means for Angus producers and in turn the wider beef industry.  Access the Beef Breeding Insights Report here 🔗  Contact the Angus Australia Extension Team or contact the Angus Australia office on +61 02 6773 4600. +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn +  +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X +  

As we draw to the end of 2024 the attention of Angus Australia turns to 2025, which is set to be one of our largest years to date.   This is because Angus Australia will be hosting the 2025 Neogen World Angus Forum, taking place May 6th to 8th in Brisbane, Queensland.  This event marks the first time the World Angus Forum has hit Australian shores since 1997, and we want to see you there! Not only is this forum event happening, but Angus Australia will also be host to a number of affiliated events that create a much larger two and a half-week program, showcasing the use of Angus genetics across Australia, including tours, the Zoetis AngusEXPO and much, much more. Joining us to give a step-by-step walkthrough of what you would be missing out on if you don’t head down under for the 2025 World Angus Forum is Scott Wright, Angus Australia CEO, Mel Strasburg, Neogen World Angus Forum Coordinator, Jake Phillips, Zoetis AngusEXPO coordinator, Erica Halliday, Chair of the World Angus Forum Organising Committee and Sinclair Munro, Angus Australia President.  Access the World Angus Forum website here 🔗  Follow World Angus Forum on Facebook, Instagram & X  Contact Mel Strasburg worldangusforum@angusaustralia.com.au or Jake Phillips jake.phillips@angusaustralia.com.au. To contact the Angus Australia Officer ring 61+ (02) 6773 4600. +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn +  +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X +  

In this episode of Behind the Beef, we have been joined by Angus Australia General Manager – Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, who has jumped on to provide a question-and-answer session regarding what you need to know about the 2024 Annual TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Enhancements.   The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation is the genetic evaluation program adopted by Angus Australia for Angus and Angus influenced beef cattle. The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation uses technology to produce Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) of recorded cattle for a range of important production traits. A number of important enhancements have been made to the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus cattle in Australia and New Zealand.    The enhancements form part of the annual updates that are applied to TACE, with the enhancements implemented in the December 2024 analysis.   Access the 2024 Annual Enhancements to TACE brochure here 🔗 Access the 2024 Annual Enhancements to TACE explainer videos here 🔗 Access the Angus Education Centre here 🔗 +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn + +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X +  

In this episode of Behind the Beef we are joined by Ian Mclean. Ian is Managing Director of Bush AgriBusiness. Ian, and the team, work with large and small pastoral businesses, helping them understand and improve business performance. Ian enjoys working with and learns a lot from top performing pastoral businesses.Prior to starting Bush AgriBusiness, Ian worked for the NT Cattlemen’s Association, initially in member services and project management and later as Executive Officer, the NT DPI in training and extension, Deloitte as an Audit Analyst and has done station work in Qld and the NT. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is accredited as a Chartered Agriculturist by the Ag Institute of Australia.Ian has joined us to talk about his ag story and how he is involved with the industry day to day.Access the Angus SteerSELECT Education Centre Module HERE 🔗  +Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X+ LinkedIn +  +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X+   

In this episode of Behind the Beef we were joined by Angus Australia General Manager – Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, for a mini-info session on how the most recent TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation enhancements have rolled out for producers and demystifying some common misconceptions about the genetic evaluation.   Access the Genomics – What, How, Why & When Education Centre Module HERE 🔗   Access the Demystifying DNA Technology – A livestock breeders guide to selection HERE 🔗Read the December 2023 TACE Enhancements Recap HERE 🔗+Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X+ LinkedIn +  +Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X+