THE owner and manager of one of the nation’s oldest Angus studs has said face-to-face events are critical in developing the skills of Australia’s livestock industry.

Former Angus Australia President Sam White who runs Bald Blair Angus said the return of events such as the Feeder Steer School 2.0 was essential in creating a well-rounded skill set to meet the needs of modern markets.

The Feeder Steer School 2.0 will be held in Armidale from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 February, 2025.

Sam White from Bald Blair Angus.

In a similar format to previous events, Feeder Steer School 2.0 will equip attendees with the latest information on feeder cattle management through expert insights, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.

Mr White will support the school as a sponsor, livestock supplier for workshops and attendee and has registered his head stockman to attend as well.

“I was a participant in previous steer schools,” Mr White said.

“It is absolutely a necessary part of the process in improving the skill set of the next generation,” he said.

With presenters from across the value chain and workshops assessing cattle the steer school would be beneficial for people trading cattle or breeding cow and calf operators, Mr White said.

“They’re got to get a feel, a trained feel and sighting for how animals best fit a particular market and the genetics behind it as well.”

University of New England Professor Peter McGilchrist said the university was proud to deliver the event in partnership with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and CSIRO supported by AgSTAR Projects.

“We have a comprehensive program over the three days featuring speakers and workshops on everything from genetics to pastures, yard weaning to carcass data and transport to nutrition,” Dr McGilchrist said.

“Sound preparation of cattle entering feedlots is critical to successful performance in the feedlot and minimising health and performance issues.

“Feeder Steer School 2.0 will give attendees the knowledge to improve their breeding, feeding and management of cattle destined for feedlots, leading to better animal welfare, feedlot efficiency and profitability along the value chain.”

With renowned speakers from across the Australian beef industry, the dinners and networking opportunities would be as valuable as the day sessions, Dr McGilchrist said.

“This event is not only an opportunity to learn but also a platform for early to mid-career operators to build valuable networks that will benefit them long after the school concludes.

The program will feature researchers, buyers, agronomists, meat scientists, livestock operations managers and advisers from across the livestock and red meat sectors.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies wanting to be involved and support the initiative.

Key speakers:

Sam Ditchfield – Retailers beef needs from a Greenstock perspective

Dr Kev Sullivan – The psychology of cattle – training calves for feedlot entry

Barb Madden – Numbers on feed update & Making custom feeding work for all

Dr Brad Hine – Immune competence and genomic selection tools for breeders

Michael Finucan – Matching feeder cattle demands to markets for JBS

• To find out more about the event and register visit Feeder Steer School event webpage or contact Peter McGilchrist at UNE on 0419 986 056 or peter.mcgilchrist@une.edu.au.

Source: UNE