A constant presence at the Roundup is the support of the Grylls Family through their contribution to the event in the form of the EJ Angus Encouragement Award.

Each year the EJ Angus Encouragement Award is awarded to a participant that exhibits a willingness to participate, shows potential in the areas of clipping and fitting, competes in a fair and equitable manner and is interested in contributing to the Angus Youth movement.

EJ Angus continue to be big supporters of the Roundup each year, whether it is through sponsorship, bringing ballot cattle, family participation, committee involvement and judging, Des and Carol Grylls are always going out of their way to be involved and have continued to support this award year in, year out.

At the 2024 NH Foods Angus Youth Roundup, Angus Australia President and principal of Ben Nevis Angus, NSW, Erica Halliday was tasked by the Grylls Family to select and award the EJ Angus Encouragement Award to this year’s recipient, Brianna O’Donnell.

“The EJ Encouragement Award is for a person that shows absolute dedication to the breed,” said Erica.

“It’s someone who wants to go on with the breed, who’s dedicated to their school and the commitments that schools make to cattle clubs and gets all these kids involved that otherwise wouldn’t be involved.”

When addressing the Roundup cohort at the Gala Dinner, , Erica spoke of the selection of the 2024 award, “We had a great old discussion this afternoon because there were so many worthy people around this.”

She said, “When we brought forward the four or five contestants, there was one person who stood out to us.

“Brianna is the winner of the EJ Encouragement Award, which is a set of Wahl Clippers, which we know that she will make great use of, particularly with her cattle club at St. Paul’s College at Kempsey.

“I have had the great pleasure of being around Brianna all week. It was just so wonderful to meet her and get all her contributions this week.

“I hope that this is a really good contribution to you and your school. Congratulations.”

–  Cheyne Twist- Senior Marketing and Communications Officer