Zac McInerney’s first memory of Angus Youth is Roundup 2007, which began a long association with the program. We checked in with Zac to see where he is now!
What is your earliest memory participating in Angus Youth activities?
My earliest memory is my first Roundup in Glen Innes in 2007. This is where I made some of my fondest memories, a lot of the friends I met and made at Glenn Innes in 2007 are some of my closest friends today.
What activity/event stands out to you the most (eg Roundup, leadership clinic, scholarships etc)?
World Angus Forum (WAF) in New Zealand was by far one of the best experiences I have had in my life. Put 48 young adults and Angus enthusiasts from all around the world in a backpackers hostel and commence a week long competition focused arounds skills, education and team building – what more could you ask for?
Secondly, I have been lucky enough to have sat on the Angus Youth Management Committee (AYMC) for 5 years and chaired the AYMC for 2 years, so I have been involved in a number of different events over the years. However, I would have to say the Leadership Clinic was the one event that I most enjoyed, as it was a great networking and skill building event focused on building the Angus Youth Program.
And lastly, I can’t forget my trip that I won to New Zealand as the Trans-Tasman Exchange Recipient in 2012.
In terms of opportunities that you received for being part of Angus Youth, how did your involvement positively influence your development in the beef cattle industry?
I have received a number of different opportunities from Angus Youth, as follows:
- Angus Ambassador
- Te Mania Potential Breeder Award
- AYMC Member
- AYMC Chairperson
- WAF
- NSW State Committee Member
- Involved with seven Roundups in major/minor roles
Angus Youth has provided me with a number of different opportunities through assisting in building my skills and knowledge of the industry. However, it’s the networking opportunities I received that has been the ‘proof in the pudding’ for my career development. As the saying goes “it’s not necessary what you know it’s who you know” and Angus Youth has given me the opportunity to network with a variety of different people across the value chain. It always helps to have that friendly face at an event or that common talking point in an interview.
What were the key learnings you developed as a member of Angus Youth, through the program?
I have developed my understanding of the beef industry across many different points of the value chain through the program.
Further, a key learning of mine has been to utilise the opportunities I have received through the program, and to apply them in my career in the industry.
How are you involved in the beef cattle industry now/where are you now?
The beef industry is my life. I started as kid from the beach that had a passion for agriculture. I went to boarding school in Tamworth and joined Angus Youth and I haven’t looked back. I started my own Angus Stud after attending my first Roundup, however since then the family farm was sold. However, I wanted to keep cows, so I have had a number of different leases and agistment blocks since. My stud, Scarbah Angus, is based in Guyra. The first cow was bought in 2007 just after my first Roundup.
I have just started a new role with Bindaree Beef as a Profit Optimisation Co-Ordinator, where my focus is right across the value chain from feedlot, processing through to retail space, looking at ways to maximise opportunity / operational efficiencies for the further gain of the industry.
Previous to my role at Bindaree I was an MSA Business Development Officer working across QLD and SA to help assist supply chain stakeholders capture more value through the use of the MSA eating quality principles.
Why would you encourage others to become involved in the Angus Youth Program?
I think the comments above explain why I’d encourage others to be involved!
I encourage anyone wanting skill building, opportunity, networking and career leading to become involved one of the largest youth networking groups recognised out in industry. And most importantly it’s FUN!
Top image: Zac MacInerney & Eliza Borschardt at Beef Australia 2015
Zac McInerney, pictured with Angus Australia President, Mark Gubbins.
