Angus on target for Tamworth takeover

The countdown is on for the Teys Australia AngusSHOOT-OUT Awards Dinner, set to kick off the 2025 Zoetis AngusEXPO in Tamworth.

The event has brought together Angus cattle from across the country, with 320 head representing nearly 30 properties spanning Queensland to Victoria.

The competition provides a platform to evaluate both feedlot and carcase performance, offering producers a valuable benchmarking opportunity.

Following a highly successful preview day held earlier this year at the Jindalee Feedlot north of Wagga Wagga, NSW, momentum continues to build for the 120-day, grain-fed Angus-only competition.

At the preview day, producers travelled from far and wide to inspect their steers firsthand and engage with the data tracking their cattle’s performance under grain-fed conditions. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of insights provided.

Guy Lord, of Branga Plains on the New England Tablelands, said the competition gave him a chance to evaluate his grass-fed genetics in a grain-fed setting.

“We’re primarily a grass-fed operation, so entering this competition allows us to see how our cattle perform under grain-fed conditions and assess our genetics against others. It’s a great opportunity to fine-tune our breeding strategies,” he said.

For Ben Lucas, from Book Book, NSW, the data-driven approach was a highlight.

“We often send cattle to the feedlot, but we don’t always get detailed insights into how they perform from start to finish,” Mr Lucas said.

“This competition allows us to track their progress and make informed decisions for our operation.”

With steers thriving on about 18 kilograms of feed per day and showing excellent weight gains, the program has underscored the importance of genetic selection and effective feedlot management.

The competition is not just about performance — it’s also about partnerships. Zoetis, a key supporter of the AngusSHOOT-OUT, played a pivotal role by supplying respiratory vaccines to safeguard animal health throughout the feeding period.

“The Teys AngusSHOOT-OUT is an excellent opportunity for producers to evaluate their cattle in a controlled environment,” said Zoetis representative Ben Kidd.

“Ensuring the animals are protected against respiratory diseases allows them to reach their full genetic potential and perform at their best.”

The program also operates under the Teys Certified Angus banner — a third-party audited initiative requiring minimum Angus genetic content, ensuring full supply chain traceability from paddock to plate.

Introduced in 2007, the program has become a cornerstone of Teys’ domestic and international branded beef offering.

“The awards celebrate the greatness of Angus cattle, the hard work of our producer partners, and the commitment of our feedlot and production teams,” said Grant Garey, General Manager Feedlots for Teys Australia.

“It’s a paddock-to-plate recognition of premium Angus beef, and we’re proud to showcase it on a global stage.”

All eyes now turn to the Teys Australia AngusSHOOT-OUT Awards Dinner on May 2 — a celebration of cattle, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

Held in Tamworth ahead of the Neogen World Angus Forum, the event promises an evening of awards, guest speakers, industry networking, and entertainment.

The Awards Dinner will kick off the Zoetis AngusEXPO weekend in style, providing a vibrant lead-in to the World Angus Forum itself — a cornerstone event that brings together Angus breeders, enthusiasts, and professionals from around the globe.

In addition to the impressive cattle exhibition and the Teys Australia AngusSHOOT-OUT Awards Dinner, the Zoetis AngusEXPO the event will include:

• Extensive trade displays

• The Pen of 3 Competition

• Cattle Breeders College and Cattle Chats

• Australiana-themed social events

• AngusCAMPDRAFT

• The AngusBBQ Competition

• “Angus On Ice”- Frozen Genetics Sale

• Elite Angus Female Sale

• Zoetis World Angus Youth Competition

Tickets to the Teys Australia AngusSHOOT-OUT Awards Dinner is sold out with tickets no longer available, but tickets are still available to attend Neogen World Angus Forum and the Zoetis AngusEXPO.

Tickets available now: https://www.worldangusforum2025.com/