Generations of growth: How the Hayden Family is expanding their Angus enterprise
In the historic surrounds of the Moriac area and the undulating country of East Gippsland, VIC, Sam Hayden and his family have planted their roots.
Locals to the Surf Coast Shire, Sam, his wife Alexandra, and their daughter Elsie own and operate a 180-acre property, running 60 purebred Angus cattle.
Sam grew up on the land, on a small property outside of Torquay, VIC, which sparked his interest in farming.
“Growing up on a farm, I have always been around cattle and animals. During high school, I attended a dairy farm campus for a term, and I also did work experience at Te Mania Angus,” said Sam.
“After finishing high school, I completed my real estate course and studied a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Management.”
After spending some time away from the industry working in marketing, Sam returned to his family’s business in a greater capacity.
“After working in Melbourne in a few marketing roles, I returned to the coast to work in the family real estate business,” he said.
“After purchasing a farm with my wife in 2018, we have been running cattle there ever since.”
Since his childhood, Sam’s parents have purchased a larger farm, Buchan Station, in East Gippsland. In addition to managing his own property, Sam has been actively involved in the family’s cattle operation.
The Hayden family run 500 Angus females and has been breeding purebred Angus cattle for 20 years. Over these two decades, their operation has evolved, and in 2021, they launched their seedstock enterprise, Buchan Station Angus.
“In 2021, I started the stud at Buchan Station and imported our first embryos from North America. Since then, we have expanded by bringing in a number of quality females, along with more embryos and Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET) and IVF flushing programs.”
Regarding the business operations, the family joins 500 breeders annually, split into spring and autumn calving groups.
“We join our heifers at around 14 to 15 months of age, provided they are big enough and meet our breeding standards,” said Sam. “They are all artificially inseminated (AI) and then backed up with a bull for a tight six-week joining period. We like to calve them six weeks before our mature cows, so they have extra time to recover.”
“Our joining periods are generally the same—one round of AI, followed by the bulls running with the cows for two cycles. We have joined cows naturally and also tried doing two rounds of AI, but we have found that one round works best for us.”
The family has utilised AI breeding technologies for over 20 years and, in the last three years, has begun implementing Embryo Transfer (ET) programs.
“With both methods, many factors can influence the outcome, which has resulted in a range of successes and failures for us,” said Sam.
“We aim for a 60%+ conception rate with our AI. Since we are still relatively new to ET, we are improving each year.”
With the introduction of these breeding technologies, the results have varied.
“Our first ET program was a big eye-opener and learning experience, with only a 38% pregnancy rate. This has improved greatly, with a 70% conception rate in our latest program,” said Sam.
“We have used both MOET and IVF embryos, both fresh and frozen. We try to use fresh semen where possible in our AI program, as we generally have our AI sires on farm.”
Using these breeding technologies, Sam notes that the family has observed improvements and genetic gains across their herd.
As a rule, the family maintains a conception rate of 95% across their breeding herd and aims to retain between 70 and 100 heifers annually.
“At pregnancy testing, we foetal-age the calves and only keep those born to AI sires or selected bulls.”
Regarding their progeny, the family aims to sell their calves at feature weaner sales and through online platforms, depending on seasonal and market conditions.
“Our goal is to get our cattle as heavy as possible in the shortest timeframe, feeding only grass and maintaining an even line. Consistency is really important.”
The business is accredited for MSA and the Greenham Never Ever Beef Program.
To achieve their breeding objectives, the Hayden family focuses on six key traits that remain paramount in their herd: structure, fertility, temperament, phenotype, frame size, and a balanced approach to Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
“We look for animals that will complement our herd, and that can vary from year to year,” said Sam.
“The fundamentals haven’t changed, but now with our stud, we are always looking for bulls that will complement our females, always referring back to our six main traits.”
He continued, “Since having a child, temperament has become even more important to us, as we want our kids to be involved and feel comfortable around the cattle. We also take great pride in being able to look at our herd in the paddock and be proud of what we have bred, so eye appeal is important.”
When it comes to their female herd, the family prioritises longevity and fertility, both of which play a role in their keep/sell decisions.
“The first reason we sell is for empty cows—any that don’t get in calf are sold,” said Sam.
“We also sell any cows that don’t get in calf to AI or within the first round of the bull, as this improves our fertility rates and tightens our calving patterns. These are sold PTIC to breeders.”
He continued, “Other selling factors include temperament—since a few cranky cows can cause issues and pass that trait to their calves—and feet/structure, which is another key selection criterion.”
Discussing key drivers of production and success in their business, Sam said, “I think success starts with good people. We are very lucky to have a great team involved, all working towards the same goals.”
“Having a balanced approach is also critical—not going too far in one direction. We are fortunate to have great genetics in our herd, so it is important that we also provide proper nutrition to allow the cattle to reach their full potential.”
Looking ahead, Sam is focused on growing his business and contributing to the future of the Angus breed in Australia.
“I would like to continue expanding our business, breeding and developing the best cattle we possibly can.”
“Within the next five years, I would like to be working in the business full-time, overseeing the growth of our stud and expanding our properties. I have brought a few new partners into our stud, business people with like-minded goals but also different skill sets, which will help elevate and grow the business.”
He continued, “I believe there is a bright future for the Angus cattle industry, especially with its expansion into northern Australia and the high-quality genetics and beef that Angus provides. It’s a breed for everyone.”
“Of course, agriculture faces many challenges, particularly with climate and environmental factors, but I think the Angus industry is doing a great job by being proactive and forward-thinking.”
The GenAngus Experience
Sam was a member of the 2024 cohort of the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, a unique beef leadership initiative designed to foster the next generation of industry leaders. The program offers young beef professionals the opportunity to strengthen their skills, expand their networks, and contribute meaningfully to agriculture.
“I applied for GenAngus because I wanted to learn as much as I could from others in the industry, so that I could use it in our business to help me grow,” said Sam. “Going into GenAngus I didn’t quite know what to expect or how I would go. I can be a pretty shy and reserved person at times, especially not having grown up with deep roots in the industry and not being involved with junior programs.
“The book we were given to read, ‘Legacy’ was a great ice breaker and something that we all jelled over. It has so many great little points throughout that can be used within business and personal day to day life.”
When reflecting on his experience and the impact that GenAngus has had on not only his professional, but personal outlooks, Sam said, “There were so many little things that I took away from the GenAngus program to help with my business and personal life. ‘look long, play short’ Have the big picture and goals but focus on the little things to get you there.
“One of the key takeaways from the GenAngus program for me was about the people – to surround yourself with good and like-minded people, with a good mindset.
“We all go through ups and downs in our business and personal lives, so having good people who you can share the wins and losses with is important, said Sam of the camaraderie and network he gained from the GenAngus experience.
“We still participate in a monthly Zoom catchup where we can share what’s been happening, anything we need help with or to bounce ideas off each other.”
Putting the call out to others in the industry who may be looking for an opportunity to grow themselves, their businesses and their networks, Sam encouraged those interested to apply for GenAngus when the opportunity comes around.
“I will be forever grateful for the GenAngus program, it truly has been life changing and helped elevate my business, personal life and become a better person. The people involved and behind the scenes continue to do a wonderful job.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about applying, to just do it. The program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will change your life and set you up for success,” he said. “You will be exposed to and learn from industry experts and gain knowledge that will be beneficial to your business and personal life.
“Then there are the other Gen Angus participants, you will learn so much from each other, how they run their farms, what you can implement into your business and their friendship.”
“There are so many good people within the agricultural and Angus industry who are more than willing to help and share their knowledge, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
