PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
TO MEMBERS, 2009

2008 has been a monumental year for NZ Angus and in all sorts of ways, good and not so good.  Your council has been positively reactive in dealing with the issues that have arisen, and proactive in leading the breed forward to another level.

All sheep and beef farmers have had a difficult year, whether with the climate, stock prices and now a credit crisis, but Angus cattle continue to gather momentum in the market place from hoof to hook.

Finance

A healthy profit has been recorded again during 2008 which is encouraging given a nil increase in fees.  Maintaining a profit situation in the coming year will be a challenge given the current financial crisis the world faces.  We will not be exempt from this so astute management will be needed here.

I would thank Bryan for his astute management of our accounts which has in the main been responsible for our improving financial position over the last couple of years.

Promotion / Publicity / Sponsorship

Newsletters and the Cattleman magazine were once again well received by the industry, newsletters especially very effective in communicating with the members.  Added to that the new online emailing system has added speed to the system for those members using computers.

How to effectively promote the breed always receives varying view points on how to best use a limited budget.  Advertising has become very expensive, but we must make the industry aware of Angus achievements, programmes and initiatives within the industry.  AngusPure thus has been a major recipient of the promotional budget.  My thanks to Richard Martin for his work in this area.

Sponsorship without question is becoming more difficult in these trying times but I thank all those sponsors of NZ Angus for their continued support during 2008.  I know the relationship we have with our sponsors is strong but we must appreciate that the sponsorship dollar will be more difficult for them to find in the short term.  Above all we must continue with these mutually advantageous partnerships whatever the pressure from outside.

DNA / Performance Recording

DNA analysis has taken on a new importance with the arrival of Anthrogryposis Multiplex (AM).  Your council has grappled with the best way to handle this having been greatly assisted by Dr Jon Beever in USA and Carel Teseling in Australia.  We will be following Australia’s lead for the most as we firstly manage AM and then in the longer term eradicate it from the registered Angus herd.

NZ Angus has engaged PBBNZ to provide a DNA service on your behalf that is both secure and efficient.  We encourage you all to send all samples of DNA to the office so that you can take advantage of this service to yours and NZ Angus’ benefit.  Only results of samples submitted through the NZ Angus office can be loaded on to the NZ Angus database.  It is important that you as breeders own the IP for that DNA sample, not someone else, and that NZ Angus can have access to those collective samples for whatever in years to come.

DNA sampling for parent verification is now compulsory from the 2008 calf drop.  No DNA provided on sires, no registration of calves.  This has been phased in over the last two years.

There were some changes/enhancements made in the Trans Tasman Group Breedplan evaluation in November 2008.  These included:

1.        Revised adjustment factors for actual carcase data
2.        Changes in the carcase data used in the analysis
3.        Revised genetic parameters associated with carcase traits
4.        Implementation of new analytical software
5.        Improved calving ease analysis
6.        Revised handling of American EPDs

The net result being a change in some of the $ index values for individual animals, but for every decrease there was another animal that increased in values.

Sales / BE Unit / Shows

The National Sale had its first outing at the new Manfeild Park Stadium.  Once again the Angus sale proved the most successful for the Expo and although the average price was back to $7,553 the sale achieved a complete clearance of bulls.  Top price of $21,000 was achieved for Woodbank 6027 and the champion bull exhibited by Neil & Rose Sanderson sold for $16,000, later going on to win the Champion of Champions.

Private bull sales were back on previous highs but actually just reflected a decrease in cow numbers and the economic climate.  Angus continues to maintain and in fact pick up market share.

Another BE Unit was brought to a conclusion with 18 bulls going forward to the National Sale.  Half of these bulls entered the stud industry which is a great result for the BE Unit.

Canterbury once again hosted a very successful Royal Show which culminated in the Jenkins family winning the Champion Angus exhibit and going on to win the Meat & Wool Cup with a six year old cow Floridale Vanity.  Congratulations to all the helpers at our/FMG tent to make this very successful.

The amount of participation at shows around NZ has decreased to a level where probably beef sections will only be presented at the major shows.  My thanks to all those that continue to place the breed out in the public arena in this manner.

PBBNZ

Chris Biddles has recently been elected Chairman of PBB, congratulations Chris, we wish you well during your Chairmanship.

With the completed building, the staff moved home April/May and settled into their new headquarters.  The new office is working very smoothly with the staff appreciating their new environment.  Staff efficiency has picked up as reflected in Rob’s workload which has eased due to this efficiency.

PBB has now assumed a role of DNA service provider which will suit our requirements in this area.

I thank Murray and his staff for the support of NZ Angus over the last year.

AngusPure/Steak of Origin

Brand awareness of AngusPure is now widespread as the black juggernaut continues on.  This awareness can result though in abuse of this brand so we ask you all to be aware of this possible scenario.

Restaurant use has been steady and growing in areas with latterly Foodstuffs preparing case ready displays in some supermarkets north of Taupo.

AngusPure is now available online with Chefs Choice operating out of Wanganui.  Check with the office for the website.

Much work has been undertaken throughout the year with the aim of utilising more of the carcase.  Enter McDonalds whom at this stage are planning on launching a McAngus burger here in NZ in July.  Exciting stuff indeed but we need everyone’s support initially supplying 200 head/week and then cull cows and bulls of 75% Angus origin.

To Tim and Guy, our thanks for the many hours spent trying to progress this area of most reward to Angus.

The Steak of Origin competition again proved a success for Angus with Alistair & Pat Sharpe coming home with the overall award after winning the Best of British class.  Angus was also well placed in two other classes, Best of Brand won by Glanworth Beef, and Best of Crossbred.  It is great to see the consistency of the Angus product delivering at the final hurdle, well done to all those that contributed.

Youth / Future Beef

The fundraiser at the National Sale 2008 was one of the most worthwhile yet, and I thank the breeders of the East Coast Ward for their generous donation of their top genetics.  This raised a fantastic $31,000 for the Youth Trust.

The Trust this year has upped its sponsorship of Future Beef as they see real merit in this programme.

Michael Croad from Hawkes Bay completed a successful trip to Summitcrest in the USA with Kate Fisher undertaking this scholarship in 2009.  Katherine McCallum will have travelled to Australia in January and February on the 2009 Trans Tasman Exchange.

Mark Stevens was chosen from a very strong group of contenders to travel to Canada as part of the World Forum party to represent NZ Youth.  We hope that Mark returns with lots of good ideas for the 2013 World Forum here in NZ.

Future Beef just keeps getting more impressive and is making real progress in attracting the attention of young interested people.  This now becomes a real feature of the Beef Expo with a 2 day time slot and an inaugural female sale.  Good work Mark and the organising team of Future Beef.

World Forum 2013

The Steering Committee is making good progress leading toward Calgary in July this year where NZ Angus will make a presentation to the Angus World Forum delegates.

Dates have been set for 2013 with the main locations having been chosen as Rotorua for the Forum, Christchurch for the 150 year celebration of Angus cattle in NZ and Queenstown for the Forum finale.  Obviously there will be a lot happening between these three main venues.

Forum Meeting Planners of Hamilton along with Agri Travel have been selected to help organise the Forum and the Beef & Lamb Marketing Bureau has been selected to promote the event.

After Calgary the intention is to elect a World Forum Committee to oversee arrangements through to 2013.

Miscellaneous

Angus celebrated yet another centennial during 2008 when the Ramsden family and the Moanaroa Stud celebrated 100 years.

The Wairarapa Ward Tour was a huge success with great cattle and camaraderie shown throughout.  A balance of scenery, cattle and fun was had by all and reminded us all what a great holiday a Ward tour actually is. Well done to the breeders of the Wairarapa.

Council / Staff

Your council has once again functioned very effectively throughout the year with an ever increasing workload.  I thank them all on your behalf for the honesty and integrity they bring to NZ Angus.

Rob, our General Manager, has enjoyed the shift of office to the new headquarters in South Street, it has made his job more efficient to say the least.  Well done Rob on another great year with NZ Angus.

As I step down from council this year after 10 years I would like to acknowledge the support and commitment I have had from all the councillors and staff that I have worked with over those  ten year.  You have made it an enjoyable and rewarding challenge; it has been an honour to have served my fellow breeders.  Thank you.

I sincerely hope that the financial crisis passes quickly and that we all can take the Angus breed to even higher places.  Good luck for the future.

Richard Rowe
President
NZ Angus

Archive: PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT, 2008

Looking back over the last two months one can again reflect on the success NZ Angus has had on the National stage.

I would congratulate all those who contributed to the National Sale and Steak of Origin. What a success they both were in what has been a truly difficult period of farming for us all.

To Neil & Rose Sanderson, congratulations on winning the Supreme Championship at the National Sale and then going on to pick up the prestigious Champion of Champions award.

To Alistair & Pat Sharpe for firstly winning the Best of British award in the Steak of Origin and then taking out the overall Steak of Origin for 2008. Also to Joe &Lea Fouhy for winning the Best of Brand in the Steak of Origin.

The FBNZ competition was again dominated by Angus breeders and steers alike. Well done and congratulations to the Crawshaw, Hauschild and Harnett families for their success and representing Angus so well. The Future Beef concept has been a tremendous success for all those who have attended either the “Hoof and Hook” competition or an “Outstanding in the Field” field day.

The NZ Angus Youth Charitable Trust is heavily involved here with sponsorship to enable FBNZ to financially operate. The opening of our new headquarters at PBB House in Feilding has gone exceptionally well, many of you taking the opportunity to attend the opening and following luncheon. The staff have settled well into their new home and by all accounts are very happy.

Please call in if you are in Feilding, NZ Angus owns a quarter share in the land and buildings also maintaining a share of PBB’s interest. Bull sales around the country are holding up very well given the extraordinary combination of events that have beset and surrounded sheep and beef farmers over the last 12 months.

Unfortunately these are all outside our direct control so we all have to manage these as best we can. I firmly believe that NZ Angus will pick up market share as a result of the drought conditions and our pasture to plate philosophy. Patience will be required as we all hurt financially to let the dust settle so to speak.

Just where this set of events will lead agriculture in NZ remains to be seen, it certainly makes for an interesting debate, carbon credits included.

Over the next few months the 2013 World Forum will receive its first attention. A decision will be made as to where the forum part of the events that surrounded hosting an event such as this will be held. Once these place / location / time decisions have been made we will be asking that you all get in behind the future organising committee to enable NZ Angus to host a successful event. The different wards will be approached to put forward their case for hosting tour parties, etc as part of the overall forum activities.

The emergence of DNA markers in some sale catalogues this year is causing some debate amongst our breeders. This technology will play an important part in breeding in years to come but at this stage they cannot be used as a genetic tool in our cattle.

Please take time to read the official position NZ Angus is adopting at this point of time, with regard to DNA markers. With winter well established, snow in many parts, cold driving winds and rain, your attention will turn to getting as many cattle through the next few months as possible.

The upcoming spring will see a shortage of prime cattle so more than ever your commitment to supplying our brand of AngusPure will be even more necessary for us to maintain and grow market share. Look out for further developments in this area which hopefully will not be too far away.

As we begin the journey toward the 2013 World Forum you should ask yourself “NOT what this event can do for me”, but “what can I do for it”. We will be looking for a focussed and united Angus breed to present to the World and we invite you all to be part of this hugely important event in the history of NZ Angus.

Happy wintering.

Richard Rowe,President

Archive: PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT, 2007

By now most of you will have heard that NZ Angus has won the right to host the 2013 World Angus Forum. By the time of hosting it will be 32 years since the last World Forum in 1981.This is a great honour for the Angus breed here in NZ and our opportunity to showcase NZ Angus cattle at their very best.

Much work will have to be done over quite a number of years to prepare for this event. Initially council will prepare the ground work over the next 6 months and then a World Forum committee outside council will be appointed. We will keep you all informed of developments in this area.

What a turn around in the National Sale this year punctuated by a better group of bulls all round. Thank you to all that were involved in making this event a better showcase for the breed, but we must keep it up. The Expo committee will be looking closely at the timing of the event as it unfolds during the 2 days at the new location at Manfield Park in Feilding.

The Bull sale season was steady without being spectacular for Angus, but when you compare us to other breeds it is apparent how strong commercially our breed is. We must endeavour to aid our commercial clients at whatever hurdle we can to improve their profitability and gain valuable market share. The beef cow will come under even more pressure with the dairy industry announcing record payouts.

Over the next 12 months council will be watching very carefully the developments occurring in the D.N.A. field. We will be working very closely with Australian Angus in this respect for verification of this rapidly changing aspect of cattle breeding.

AngusPure continues to build steadily with a number of developments in this field. Of note was the opening of the “Aberdeen” steakhouse and bar in Palmerston North last month, which will hopefully become a “shrine” for AngusPure. Just look for the big A on Broadway Ave. Well done to Guy Sargent and his partners for this development and their continued support and promotion of the Angus breed.

NZ Angus continues to benefit immensely from the support of its sponsors with Toyota NZ recently informing us that a new black truck is on the way.

We’re working very closely with F.M.G. on developing an F.M.G. award which will put a breeder on some educational programme somewhere, which is yet to be determined. Merial continues to fire the Cashback scheme, so please get in behind all our sponsors and support them where you can. Without their support your association would be much more expensive to run.

Coming events for breeders include the B.E. Unit open day on Wednesday 31st October, a chance to view this years crop of bulls and to discuss the future of the B.E. Unit. The Royal Show in Christchurch, in which NZ Angus will be well represented. Come and visit the Angus tent on Wednesday or Thursday for some hospitality.

The Future Angus Plan is taking some time to complete due to now looking out to 2013 to include obviously the coming World Forum. Council has formed sub committees to look at areas like Council structure, the National Sale and B E Unit, Inspection and Beef Class, female performance, the dairy industry etc. We will present this plan upon it’s completion.

With calving now complete we turn our attention toward mating. Remember all new sires used must have D.N.A. taken by either a hair sample, blood or semen sample. Your animal will not be registered if this has not been done, so do it prior to the bull going out.

Regards,
Richard Rowe, President.

Archive: PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT, 2006

The Breed has once again had a very successful year.  Angus cattle remain very much to the forefront in the Beef Industry in New Zealand and with sheep returns declining the Beef Industry could become an even bigger player in New Zealand agriculture.  We must not become comfortable with our position and we must continue to promote Angus cattle and their fine qualities and attributes.

Finance
The NZAA financial year for 2006 reports a small healthy profit with the main positives being that our expenditure, especially in promotion is hitting key areas.
Namely member awareness of breeding tools available, the three major NZ feild days, revamped Internet site and the Angus newsletters.

ABQM Ltd Joint Venture as indicated to members last year would stand alone in 2006, well done Anguspure (ABQM), taking beef branded products in NZ to the next level.

Promotion & Publicity
Once again Promotion & Publicity have produced a very fine magazine in our Cattleman.  This has been very well received with over 6,500 copies printed and mailed out. 

The Steak of Origin victory by Neat Meats was a very well deserved victory to them and reward for all their work in marketing and distributing AngusPure all over New Zealand. 

NZAA has been very pleased to have taken Toyota on board as a major sponsor during the year.  The big black Toyota Hi Lux Double Cab is certainly eye catching and receiving a lot of positive comments.  This is an opportunity to thank our major sponsors in Toyota, Rabobank, FMG and Merial for all their support during the year.  There are also a number of smaller sponsors whose contribution is also gratefully received and a big thank you to them also.

Show & Sales
The 2006 sale during Meat & Wool Beef Expo was a popular event although the sale was disappointing.  Council have thought long and hard about this and with help from Peter Matthews and Lin Johnstone at the time of writing we have 38 bulls entered which is marvellous. 

Our third FMG BEU started last June on a new property of Maurice Berwick’s which is adjacent to the Palmerston North Airport.  This has been a great success and we look forward to the end result.  Private Bull sales country wide were very successful with some outstanding results in the final week coming out of the Gisborne Sales.

The Royal Show in Christchurch was a huge success.  Excellent entries with very good judging facilities made for a great spectacle.  Canterbury Westland Angus need to be congratulated for hosting the Royal and their hospitality was tremendous and they deservedly will host next years Royal.

Performance Recording
The uptake of Breedplan technology keeps increasing but there seems to still be concerns which include the accuracy of the technology, the service from ABRI in implementing Breedplan to us, and the adoption and use of elite animals to the betterment or detriment of the breed.

A visit to Australia over the winter by five Councillors was very beneficial and closer communication with ABRI and Australian Angus is a must.  Having Bob Dent on this Ward Tour is a result of this trip and his expertise will be very welcome.

During the year the Joint Indexes with ten Breed Societies participating will be available to members to assess Australian and UK Angus animals under our indexes. 
Many of you would have had a visit from Steven Lee regarding his work with NFI (Net Feed Intake) and its implementation as a Group Breedplan trait.

NZPBB
NZPBB has had another busy year.  A new Service Agreement has been signed off on and new accounting software (MYOB Premier) has been installed.

PBB have been instrumental in setting up the NZ Beef Technologies and a Technical Forum was held in November in Christchurch and was very well attended.  PBB are also organising ‘Future Beef NZ’ which combines all the breed youth movements within the beef industry.  An Executive has been formed with funding sought from Meat & Wool NZ.

PBB also had a site at Mystery Creek and the Royal Show and these were well attended.

Also during the year Murray Meads and Timothy Plummer have been investigating the options of getting the administration back under one roof.  This has been a huge task and progress is being made.

AngusPure
2006 has been a continuation in the phenomenal growth of our AngusPure clientele and sales.  We have certainly created a brand which is now well known and well respected.  The challenge is now to capitalise on this to its maximum.

It was an apt reward for the Neat Meat Company, our main distributor, in winning the prestigious Steak of Origin in May of last year.  Three wins in three years of this title is a very worthy achievement for Angus.

Youth
Craig Davie-Martin was chosen as our 2007 Summitcrest Scholar and Natalie Mapp is our Rabobank Trans Tasman Exchangee and they are both thriving in their respective countries. 

Youth hosted Angus Newcombe from Australia during last year and he was a very capable and talented young man.

The implementation of Future Beef NZ by PBB is an outstanding initiative for all youth programmes within the NZ Beef Industry and if Meat & Wool NZ can fund a part time co-ordinator in the PBB office then some real progress should be made.

Breed Manager
I would like once again to thank our very professional and capable Breed Manager.  NZ Angus is very fortunate to have Rob at the helm and he has kept me and all Councillors up to the mark throughout the year.

Council
Finally, I would also like to thank fellow Councillors for all their input and guidance during the year.  Council business is very much dealt with through the respective Committees and I have encouraged them to take ownership which they most certainly have and this has made my job much easier.

John Murray
President
NZAA