Archie Davidson, 19, recently returned home after a gap year in Alberta, Canada, where he worked on a Purebred Charolais and Galloway stud.
The Angus Foundation has announced Alice Baty, Ashlea Cross, Archie Davidson, Toreen Denyer and Thomas Hayward have been selected as the 2024 Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Scholarship recipients.
The Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course is known as Australia’s most practical beef cattle selection course, attracting participants of all experience levels. Organised by the Angus NSW, it covers Bos Taurus, Bos Indicus, and their crossbreeds over two days.
The course features carefully chosen Overjudges with strong practical and communication skills to benefit a diverse audience. It aims to educate participants in all aspects of the beef industry, offering valuable learning experiences for both newcomers and seasoned individuals.
Upon their return from the course, each of the recipients will each provide a report detailing their experience of the course and what they took away from it.
“The selection of five recipients of the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Scholarship was difficult this year, with a number of high-calibre applicants” reported Hanlie Jansen, Angus Australia Extension Officer.
“I look forward to hearing about the experiences of those chosen to attend and seeing the benefits of their attendance in years to come as they implement their learnings within their careers,” added Mrs Jansen.
For further information, please contact Angus Australia Extension Officer Hanlie Jansen at hanlie.jansen@angusaustralia.com.au.
Meet the Recipients
Alice Baty, 23, is a passionate and determined professional with a clear vision to pursue a career in the agricultural industry, particularly within the Angus sector. Her strong work ethic and experience across multiple industries have enabled her to build a unique skill set, combining practical on-farm experience with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and business. Alice is eager to attend the Tocal Cattle Assessment School, seeing it as an invaluable opportunity to continue learning and network with industry leaders and like-minded individuals. With aspirations to contribute to Milwillah Angus, Alice looks forward to applying her skills and understanding in a strong, diversified business.
Ashlea Cross, 22, lives on a sheep and crop farm in Streatham, Western Victoria, where her partner is employed. Though originally from a city background with no direct farming experience, she pursued her passion in agriculture, earning a Bachelor of Agribusiness with a major in Rural Science from the University of New England. Currently, Ashlea works as the Southern Beef Sales Representative for Genetics Australia, a position she has held for over a year.
Archie Davidson, 19, recently returned home after a gap year in Alberta, Canada, where he worked on a Purebred Charolais and Galloway stud. A recent graduate of Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, Archie is now actively involved in his family farm, focusing on calf marking and managing an AI program for his own herd. He is an enthusiastic sportsman, with a passion for camp drafting and clay target shooting. The youngest in his family, Archie has a 13-year age gap with his sister and a 10-year gap with his brother.
Toreen Denyer, 19, is deeply passionate about the agricultural industry, especially beef cattle. Eager to deepen her expertise in the beef sector, she is enthusiastic about working with cattle and collaborating with others who share her interests. Toreen currently works in milking and general farm duties, and she has deferred her university studies to gain further practical experience, including cadetship work placements. She looks forward to attending the assessment school to enhance her skills in cattle assessment and build upon her knowledge base.
Thomas Hayward, 21, is a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Canterbury. Growing up on his family’s farm, home to the Twin Oaks Angus Stud in New Zealand, Thomas has a deep connection to agricultural life. Outside of his studies, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and skiing. He also looks forward to the Australian and New Zealand bull sale seasons, where he indulges in examining EBVs and scouting for potential bulls to enhance the family’s breeding program.
-Angus Australia