Dear Brangus Members,
 
The Australian Brangus Cattle Association President Brad Saunders today announced that two important decisions had been made by the ABCA Board, at the recent meeting in Biloela.
 
Mr Saunders said the ABCA will transition to an independent office, and work towards introducing Ultrablack cattle onto the ABCA database.
 
The transition to a more autonomous office arrangement will allow the ABCA to build on the growth and success achieved by the Brangus breed over recent years. This move takes place after almost 27 years with the Agricultural Business Research Institute’s Breed Secretariat Service, run at the University of New England in Armidale, NSW.
 
“The decision to become more independent was made unanimously by the ABCA Board after noting strong sustained growth within ABCA membership, outstanding results in stud and commercial arenas, a move to mostly online activity by members, and the very effective operation of a ‘virtual’ office during the COVID-19 lockdowns last year,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“Our affiliation with ABRI’s ‘secretariat service’ since 1994 has played an important role and has seen our Association through almost three decades of change and growth. Their support and guidance has been appreciated by the ABCA and our members, and we look forward to maintaining a strong ongoing relationship in other ABRI fields (including BREEDPLAN and TBTS).
 
Mr Saunders assured ABCA members that there would be no real change in the service they receive, with the ABCA office already operating ‘virtually’ for many months.
 
“This step is a natural one, and will ensure the ABCA office can respond better to new opportunities and challenges. We plan to make the ABCA office actually more available to members, with a ‘pop-up’ office operating at events such as Beef 2021, field days and ABCA Sale events.”
 
Current ABCA EO, Tessa Pearson will remain with the Association, not only assisting in this transition, but also continuing her present duties in the new office arrangement. Mrs Pearson brings with her outstanding knowledge and experience with the ABCA Membership and management, along with a strong background with other breed associations. She is already well-recognised by ABCA members and has a passion for helping to foster the growth of Brangus in Australia.
 
Mrs Pearson said those who weren't online yet would not be left behind in the new office setup, with mail and phone communications continuing to service these ABCA members. There will be a transition period to the new independent office of approximately three months (with all contact details available via the ABCA website: www.brangus.com.au).
 
Mr Saunders also welcomed the decision by the ABCA Board to work towards allowing Ultrablack cattle onto the Herdbook as a big step forward for the Association and its members.
 
“Australian Brangus will still be recognised as 25% to 75% Brahman content, with Ultrablacks documented in the ABCA Herd Book as animals with 5%-24% Brahman content,” he explained.
 
He said the move reflected the number of Brangus breeders who already run Ultrablack cattle in their herds. A new section will be created within the ABCA database allowing a specific registration status for these animals, making it easier for those adding Ultrablacks to their registered breeding programs, or bringing Brangus across to their Ultrablack herd.
 
The addition of Ultrablacks to the ABCA Herdbook will be finalised and rolled out later this year.

These announcements came after the ABCA’s very successful second annual Brangus Youth Camp was held at the Biloela Showgrounds in mid January. This event saw 73 young beef enthusiasts gather from as far afield as Melbourne, Capella and Stanage Bay. The youngsters – aged between 5 and 17 - spent three days at the Biloela Showgrounds learning about bovine structure, soundness, reproduction, care and showing.
 
“The enthusiasm and energy in our next generation of Brangus breeders is inspiring – and we are proud to build on the outstanding foundations set by the generations before us," said Mr Saunders.
 
“Australian Brangus is looking towards an exciting future.”
 
For further information on the above please contact:
 
Brad Saunders, ABCA President on 0458 359 105