Western Australian cattle producer Joe Dewar participated in the 2024 GenAngus Future Leaders Program which took place in New Zealand in May, and he’s full of praise for the transformative experience it offers young Angus producers. The program, a collaboration between Angus Australia and Achmea Australia, equips emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the evolving beef industry.

 

Alongside his father, Joe has built their business from 40 breeders to how it stands currently as an Angus seedstock and commercial Angus and Angus influenced operation running 400 stud and 500 commercial females, as well as a Merino sheep operation.

 

For Joe, the program was an eye-opening journey. “The GenAngus Future Leaders Program exceeded my expectations in every way,” he said. “It gave me insights into not just breeding and genetics but also broader industry trends, business management, and leadership strategies that are vital for the next generation of producers.”

 

The program provides participants with access to leading industry experts, hands-on workshops, and real-world advice on topics such as:

 

• Genetic advancements to enhance herd performance.

• Sustainability practices to meet environmental and market demands.

• Risk management strategies for navigating a volatile industry.

• Leadership and networking to build strong connections across the supply chain.

 

For young producers like Joe, one of the standout aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect with peers who share a passion for Angus cattle and agriculture. “Meeting other young producers from around Australia was inspiring,” Joe said. “We shared ideas, challenges, and solutions, and I’ve come away with friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.”

 

Joe believes the program is a game-changer for young Angus producers who want to make a meaningful impact on the industry. “It’s more than just learning about cattle - it’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding how we, as the next generation, can shape the future of the beef industry.”

 

The GenAngus Future Leaders Program is an invaluable opportunity for ambitious young producers to expand their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Joe Dewar’s experience is a shining example of the program’s potential to inspire and empower the next wave of industry leaders.

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GenAngus was an incredible benefit to me. I learned so much not just from the sessions but also from the other attendees who are all kicking goals in their own right.

 

It has set me up with a great network of people to bounce ideas off, who also ask challenging questions and keep me honest. When I went, we were just at the tail end of a fairly tough season that exposed many of the areas of weakness in our business. So, although it was a lot to digest at the time with both the challenging year and then an information overload, what I learned at GenAngus has really solidified the direction we are going and the actions we need to take.

 

The biggest message for me was around benchmarking and really trying to understand the financial implications of each decision that I make.  

 

There are definite gains to be made around focusing on what is actually profitable in our business. We do have lots of records and data, but it is underutilised, so I need to remember to find time regularly to go through things and see where we are at. I also got a fair bit out of the sessions on marketing and social media and will seek to improve our messaging and outreach especially as it pertains to our bull sale.

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The other thing I found really helpful was the personality session and learning to just be mindful of my tendencies, the personality of each person in the business and how to make it so everyone can perform at their best.

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For young Angus producers seeking to grow their skills and influence, the GenAngus Future Leaders Program is a must. As Joe puts it: “If you’re serious about making a difference in agriculture, this program is a no-brainer. It’s an investment in your future and the future of our industry.”

 

Joe’s participation in GenAngus 2024 highlights the importance of supporting young leaders in agriculture. Programs like this not only empower individuals but also strengthen the industry as a whole.

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