Turning research into results: Dr Brad Hine joins Angus Australia
From CSIRO research to international projects and hands-on work with producers, Dr Brad Hine knows the Angus world inside out. He’s passionate about turning science into practical tools for members and is excited to be working with the Angus community.
Brad will be commencing at Angus Australia in the role of Extension Officer.
For Brad, a career in agriculture was almost inevitable. Growing up with his dad managing the local saleyards, he was surrounded by livestock from the start. “I’ve always had an interest in ag,” he says. “It was just a natural path for me.”
That path has taken Brad around the globe and back. He began his career at CSIRO’s Chiswick Research Station in 1993, working as a technical officer while completing his PhD in ruminant immunology at the University of New England. He later held postdoctoral roles at the University of Guelph in Canada and AgResearch in New Zealand, before returning to Australia in 2012 as a CSIRO research scientist. More recently, Brad has worked hands-on with producers as a livestock agent and consultant with Allied Rural Marketing.
Over three decades, Brad has made his mark in animal health and genetics, but one project stands out. “Working with Angus Australia and the CSIRO genetics team to develop ImmuneDEX and the genomic tools Angus SteerSELECT and HeiferSELECT has been a real highlight,” he says.
So what does ImmuneDEX mean for producers? Brad explains: “If you only select for productivity without also focusing on health and fitness, animals can become less resilient. ImmuneDEX measures an animal’s ability to respond to immune challenges and is a proxy for general disease resistance. By including it in breeding objectives, Angus producers can lift productivity while improving disease resistance and animal welfare.”
It’s the kind of breakthrough that shows Brad’s rare ability to bridge science with the needs of producers on the ground. It’s also what drew him to Angus Australia. “The most rewarding part of my research career has always been interacting with producers,” he says. “I’ve collaborated with Angus Australia on many projects and have always found the team fantastic to work with. When the opportunity came up to combine extension work with Angus Australia, I knew it was the ideal job for me.”
As Extension Officer, Brad will lead initiatives to ensure members have the latest knowledge and tools. “My science background helps me communicate research findings and work with producers to adopt new technologies that improve profitability and sustainability,” he explains. He’s particularly excited about genomics shaping the future of the beef industry. “The benefits for commercial producers are huge, and I look forward to helping members realise them. And working with young Angus breeders…they are the future of our industry, and I’m really looking forward to that.”
When asked for one piece of advice to producers, Brad doesn’t hesitate: “Take a balanced approach. The future is in animals that are productive, fertile and resilient.”
For Brad, it always comes back to the people. “That’s an easy one,” he says when asked what he enjoys most about working in the beef industry. “Beef producers are a great bunch.”
And he’s equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead for Angus breeders. “The future for Angus cattle is bright. I’m excited to be on the journey with the Angus community as they continue to kick goals.”
