Record Demand for 2026 GenAngus Future Leaders Program
Angus Australia and Achmea Farm Insurance announce the 2026 Future Leaders
High demand reflects growing appetite for leadership development across the beef industry
The Angus Australia Foundation, in partnership with specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Farm Insurance, is pleased to announce the successful participants selected for the 2026 GenAngus Future Leaders Program (GenAngus). This year’s program has seen the highest number of applications, marking the strongest interest from emerging leaders since the program’s inception.
Now entering its eighth year, GenAngus continues to build on its reputation as the leading leadership and business development experience for emerging beef industry professionals. Since its inception in 2019, the program has supported more than 80 young beef leaders, many of whom have gone on to purchase land, establish or expand beef enterprises, step into management roles, and contribute actively to their local and national Angus communities.
Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wright, highlighted the unprecedented interest in the 2026 program. “The response to the 2026 GenAngus Future Leaders Program has been exceptional, with nearly five applications for every available position,” Mr Wright said.
“For years the beef industry was concerned about young people entering the industry. Our GenAngus program and the enthusiasm surrounding entry levels show clearly that we have a new enthusiastic generation of Angus breeders and they are prioritising learning leadership and business skills. Management and the Board of Directors are delighted with the success of GenAngus.”
Applications for the 2026 cohort attracted strong national interest, with notable growth in applications from Western Australia and Queensland, reflecting increased visibility of the program through past participants and peer networks.
The 2026 GenAngus program will take place at Goonoo Goonoo Station, New South Wales, with participants undertaking a four-day intensive workshop from 18 to 22 May 2026, followed by a 12-month leadership journey focused on business capability, industry insight, and personal development.
Chief Executive Officer of Achmea Farm Insurance, Emma Thomas, expressed pride in the insurer’s long-term partnership with Angus Australia and emphasised the critical role young producers play in shaping the future of the beef industry.
“GenAngus is in high demand, championed by alumni and sought out by young producers who know it’s an opportunity too valuable to miss,” Ms Thomas said.
She highlighted that equipping young producers with the skills to thrive amid today’s challenges is vital to unlocking the industry’s future potential.
2026 GenAngus Future Leader Program Participants
The successful participants for the 2026 GenAngus Future Leaders Program are:
- Kate Campbell, New Zealand
- Simon Close, Victoria
- Tyla Comerford, New South Wales
- Jessica Dewar, Western Australia
- Alex Ferguson, Tasmania
- Marie Fitzpatrick, New Zealand
- Peter Gaffney, Queensland
- Troy Hagenbach, Queensland
- Edward Hordern, New South Wales
- Jess Roe, New South Wales
- Tom Stuart, Victoria
- Brandon Sykes, Victoria
- Jack White, New South Wales
- James Morrison, Northern Ireland – *World Angus Youth Competition (WAYC) Spirit of Angus Award Recipient
*The Spirit of Angus Award, presented as part of the World Angus Youth Competition (WAYC) held alongside the World Angus Forum, recognises individuals who embody the values of the Angus community both on and off the field. James Morrison was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the competition program, demonstrating genuine leadership through teamwork, encouragement of fellow competitors, and enthusiastic engagement across all elements of the event. His willingness to support others, combined with his passion for learning and positive approach, exemplified the spirit and values of the Angus breed and the global Angus youth community.
Angus Australia congratulates all successful participants and looks forward to supporting the 2026 cohort throughout the GenAngus Future Leaders Program and into their future leadership journeys within the beef industry.
