Black Angus, the book that will be published in 2013 to commemorate 150 years since Angus cattle first arrived in New Zealand.
This is a very important project in the long-standing history of Angus, which requires significant funding for the book to be of the highest possible standard and become a most valued record of many memorable events and the people involved, of which we can all be justly proud.
Council believes that funding and ownership for such a book should come from our members and Angus supporters for whom it is written, in preference to using revenue and reserves that are already in great demand for the World Forum, which coincides in the same year.
The publishing of such a book was raised with the membership at the last two AGMs and received a very positive response. Subsequently, two of our Life Members, Peter Gardner and John Turner, have committed themselves to the success of this venture. They have secured the services of Geoff Bryant, a highly experienced writer and that of David Bateman Ltd, New Zealand’s leading publisher of highly specialised and memorable books of this nature. Black Angus will be ready for delivery and for sale to others, especially our guests attending the World Forum, early in 2013.
Regards
Bruce G Alexander
President AngusNZ
Book specifications
Standard Edition
270 x 270 mm
180 pages on quality 157 gsm matt art paper
Approximately 50,000 words and 200–250 photographs
Section sewn and hardback with jacket
Available at $NZ90 (inclusive) + package and posting
Deluxe Limited Edition
Also being produced as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations is a Deluxe Limited Edition of Black Angus. Limited to a print run of only 250 numbered copies, this superb book will be a hardback bound in foiled-blocked cloth and presented in a foiled-blocked cloth slipcase.
Available at $NZ150 (inclusive) + package and posting.
Published by David Bateman Ltd.
Publication date: January 2013
About the author
Geoff Bryant has been a professional writer and photographer for more than 20 years. He has written a dozen books and been a technical editor, contributor and photographer for many more. While his main interest has always been horticulture, he is also involved with farming through Country, Farm and Garden (cfgphoto.com), the internet photo library he runs with Claire Selby.
After several years of visiting farms and taking photographs across many rural subjects for the photo library’s collection, Geoff felt he knew New Zealand farmers well.
However, travelling the country for the Black Angus project, meeting farmers and their families, and photographing their magnificent animals and farms, will give new depth to that understanding.
He anticipates writing about and photographing a tough, resourceful and determined breed, and expects to find another – the New Zealand Angus farmer.
printable order form
preview - cover jacket
ContentsPart 1: ORIGINS
History of the Breed
A brief history of the Aberdeen Angus breed, from its Scottish ancestry through to its arrival in New Zealand.
Establishing Angus in New Zealand: The early significance of the breed to the national herd and how that has changed over time. Focusing on the people, their animals and their stories, this chapter covers from 1863 to the formation of the New Zealand Angus Association in 1917.
PART 2: DEVELOPMENT
The New Zealand Angus Association Story
The story of how the New Zealand Angus Association was formed in 1917, and its development through to 2009, when it became Angus New Zealand.
Raising and Selling Angus Breedstock
The Angus Stud
Ultimately, raising the best Angus breeding stock is the key to producing the best Angus cattle for New Zealand conditions and the best Angus beef for the marketplace. This chapter introduces the many personalities, farms and bloodlines involved.
Saleyard Milestones
The saleyard is not just a place where animals and money are exchanged, it’s also a meeting place for an endless supply of characters (farmers, auctioneers and stock agents – and cattle) and their stories.
Farming Angus for Beef
Commercial Angus beef farming, looking at some large-scale enterprises, both current and past, with the emphasis on the people involved, their reasons for farming Angus, how they came to be where they are, anecdotes from years on the farm and their thoughts on the industry.
Angus Women and Their Families
Women have always played a vital, and often underrated, part in farming, showing, farm life and the establishment of farming dynasties. In this chapter they tell their stories, many of which provide a different perspective on farm life.
The Show Ring
A look at shows from the Royal to the rustic, describing the dedication and sacrifices that showing requires.
PART 3: PRESENT AND FUTURE
New Zealand Angus Around the World
New Zealand Angus are highly regarded overseas and are exported as genetic material (semen and embryos) as well as live animals. This section examines how our cattle have shaped, and continue to shape, some of the world’s Angus herds, and includes stories from those involved.
Breeding
Genetics, constitution and structural soundness are the keys to success for today’s Angus farmers. This chapter assesses genetic evaluation and performance recording, inspection and carcass scanning. It also covers the rise and rise of Performance Beef Breeders.
Branding
The development of the AngusPure Brand, Certified Angus Beef New Zealand and other brands and their impact on marketing quality beef to the New Zealand consumer.
Angus People: Today and Tomorrow
The current and recent past leaders of the industry, breed and brand, and the paths now open to aspiring Angus farmers through programmes such as Angus Youth, Future Beef and Summitcrest Scholarships. This final chapter will also look at the latest business plans for Angus and their missions and visions for the future.
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