Australia's Angus journey on display for the world to see

In the rich tapestry of Australian agriculture, few stories are as compelling as the rise of Angus cattle from humble beginnings in Tasmania to their dominant position in the nation's beef industry. As Australia prepares to host the World Angus Forum, it's a fitting time to reflect on this remarkable journey.

"The Angus breed has become the cornerstone of Australia's beef industry, representing both our heritage and our future," says Sinclair Munro, President of Angus Australia. "From those first eight Angus cattle that arrived at Hobart Town docks in 1824, we've built a legacy that now leads the world in genetic advancement and sustainable beef production."

Those pioneering cattle, brought to Captain Patrick Wood's Dennistoun property near Bothwell, marked the beginning of a genetic lineage that continues today. The Edgell family's Dennistoun Angus herd stands as a living testament to this history, maintaining the distinction of being Australia's oldest continuously running Angus operation.

The breed's expansion across the mainland gained momentum in the 1880s, with the establishment of significant studs like William Hogarth's Balgownie station near Toowoomba and the influential Edinglassie stud at Muswellbrook, founded by JC White and FJ White. The formation of the Angus Society in 1919 proved a crucial turning point, unifying breeders and establishing the first Australian herd book in 1922.

Now, as the breed faces modern challenges, Australia is set to showcase its world-leading Angus genetics and sustainable farming practices during the 2025 World Angus Forum. The eight-day AngusTREK tour, preceding the forum, will take international delegates through New South Wales' premier Angus operations, including the historic Millah Murrah Angus, known for repeatedly breaking national bull sale records since 2011.

"The tour highlights how far we've come," Munro explains. "Visitors will see everything from boutique paddock-to-plate operations like Sunny Point Pastoral Co, to large-scale commercial enterprises like Rangers Valley Feedlot, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the breed."

The forum in Brisbane at the culmination of the tour will address crucial industry challenges, including the Australian beef industry's ambitious Carbon Neutral 2030 target. Leading experts, including Professor Ben Hayes from the University of Queensland, will present cutting-edge research on genomic selection for heat tolerance, demonstrating how the breed continues to adapt to Australia's harsh climate conditions.

From those first Angus cattle on Tasmanian shores to today's technologically advanced breeding programs, the Angus journey reflects the innovation and resilience of Australian agriculture. As the world's Angus community prepares to converge on Brisbane, it's clear that the breed's influence on global beef production is stronger than ever.

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The 2025 World Angus Forum including AngusTREK runs from April 29 to May 6. For many international visitors travelling from?the United States?to?the United Kingdom, it will be their chance to see how Australian Angus breeders have adapted world-leading genetics to some of the planet's most challenging environments, while maintaining the breed's renowned meat quality and performance.