NSW Angus rewards those drought-affected

Two deserving couples affected by the drought in NSW will be given an expenses paid trip to the 2019 Sydney Royal Show by the NSW State Committee of Angus Australia.

The Business Recognition Reward was conceived by Committee chairman Mark Lucas and quickly gained traction with willing industry businesses lending their support with in-kind sponsorship.

NSW State Committee secretary Richard Buck said the Business Recognition Reward was aimed at cattle businesses affected by hardship, including natural disasters such as drought, fire and flood.

Mr Buck said funds for the Reward had been pledged by businesses and it would be presented at the committee’s discretion, not necessarily on an annual basis.

“This year, two couples from the drought affected areas in northern and western NSW will be chosen by a panel to attend three days of the 2019 Royal Easter Show, where Angus is the feature breed,’’ he said.

“The committee embraced the idea and was keen to support businesses affected by the severe and ongoing drought.

“Businesses have been so supportive contributing accommodation, complimentary dinners and footwear.

“Selected will be two couples who are dedicated Angus breeders and who have hit tough times, deserving a few days of downtime.

“Three days at one of the major livestock shows may give them a break, helping ease the stress.’’

Two ambassadors have been chosen to chaperone the couples during their stay – Fiona Petersen, Landmark Wagga, and Matthew Macri, Skyfall Angus, Camden.

The couples will stay at the Novatel Ibis Hotel, Sydney Olympic Park, attend the show on April 12-14, with entry tickets supplied by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, attend the Angus judging and be guests at the NSW State Angus Committee cocktail party.

Additional sponsorship has been contributed by Baxter Boots and Shoes, Goulburn, Michael Glasser, Glasser Total Sales Management, Victoria, Landmark Wagga, Reiland Angus Stud, Gundagai and Tumut, and Brad Probert, Spring Hill Highland Angus, Woodlands, NSW.

The couple’s visit will coincide with the Angus Feature Show, held as part of the breed’s centenary celebrations in Australia.

The Feature Show is billed as one of the biggest gatherings of Angus bulls and females under the one roof in Australasia, with 300 entries from every state to be assessed by an international judge from Scotland.

With $25,000 in prize money and $10,000 in product prizes pledged, the feature show will be preceded by a led steer competition on Thursday, April 11.

Judging of 300 bulls and females is split across two days and takes place on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, with a cocktail party in the cattle pavilion on the Saturday evening.

For more information on the Business Recognition Award, contact Richard Buck on 0417 077 387 or email richardbuckstockmaster@hotmail.com