Cultivating the Next Generation: NeXtgen Angus Muster Breaks New Ground at Sisters Pastoral Co.
In the rolling hills of Victoria, a new chapter in youth development for the Angus breed was written at the inaugural NeXtgen Angus Muster, held at Sisters Pastoral Co., hosted by James and Georgie Knight. This wasn’t just another industry event—it was a bold step toward filling a critical gap in practical, on-farm education for young people in agriculture.
Bridging the Gap in Youth Development
Angus Australia has long supported youth through programs like Roundup and academic pathways for those nearing 25. But what about the hands-on learners—the young farmers already working the land, building businesses, and hungry for practical knowledge? That’s where the idea for the Muster was born.
Inspired by the success of NeXtgen Agri’s sheep-focused muster in New Zealand, Angus Australia approached Dr. Mark Ferguson to co-create a version tailored for Angus producers. Mark’s immediate enthusiasm made collaboration seamless, and together they designed a day that was immersive, interactive, and deeply relevant to the realities of farming.
Small Groups, Big Impact
The format was intentionally intimate: small groups, rotating sessions, and open conversations. This structure ensured that every participant had the chance to engage, ask questions, and learn by doing—not just by listening.
The day kicked off with James Knight sharing insights into his commercial Angus operation, offering a candid look at what drives performance in his herd. This was followed by a finance session from Farm Finance Co., based in Naracoorte, SA, who unpacked strategies for building equity, accessing capital, and investing wisely — essential tools for young farmers looking to take ownership of their future.
Morning Rotations: Learning by Doing
Participants rotated through three hands-on sessions:
- Understanding EBVs with Dr. Mark Ferguson: A deep dive into Estimated Breeding Values, what data feeds into them, and how to interpret them for smarter breeding decisions.
- Meat Grading with Nancy Crawshaw: Participants graded meat colour, fat colour, and marbling, then tasted BBQ cuts cooked by Scott Wright, matching flavour profiles to grading outcomes.
- Stock Handling with Byron O’Keefe: A blend of theory and live demonstration, showing how calm, confident handling improves animal welfare and productivity.
A surprise lunchtime highlight came when Woody, James’ vet, conducted a Bull Breeding Soundness Examination. The group observed semen testing firsthand and learned what vets look for in assessing fertility and structure — a rare and valuable insight.
Afternoon Rotations: From Vaccines to Bull Selection
After lunch, the learning continued with three more sessions:
- Correct Vaccination Techniques with Rachael Holmes of MSD Animal Health: Covering best practices for vaccine administration and herd health protocols.
- HeiferSELECT in Commercial Herds with Phoebe Eckerman of NeXtgen Agri: Using Kahoot to gamify genetic selection and engage participants in evaluating real-world scenarios.
- Bull Selection Using EBVs and Structural Assessment with Nancy Crawshaw: Participants assessed six yearling bulls, comparing EBVs with physical traits to select bulls suited to different production systems.
Energising the Future
The energy throughout the day was electric. Questions flowed, ideas sparked, and connections formed. It was clear: this kind of event is not just wanted—it’s needed. The Muster captured a cohort of young farmers who are already shaping the future of the Angus breed, and it gave them tools, confidence, and community to go further.
Plans are already underway to expand the program in 2026, bringing more events like this to regional Australia. The goal? To create a national network of practical, on-farm learning experiences that empower young people to lead with knowledge and passion.
Thank You to Our Partners
A heartfelt thank you to NeXtgen Agri for their partnership, MSD Animal Health and Farm Finance Co. for their generous sponsorship, and of course, James and Georgie Knight of Sisters Pastoral Co. for hosting with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to youth development.
A quiet force behind the scenes, Hanlie Jansen ensured the day ran seamlessly—her attention to detail and calm efficiency made all the difference. Her contribution may have gone unnoticed by many, but it was absolutely vital to the event’s success.
Keep an eye on Angus Australia’s socials for upcoming events—this is just the beginning of something big and we can’t wait to see it prosper!
