SA Cattle Assessment School builds skills and confidence at Roseworthy
The 2026 South Australian Cattle Assessment School brought together 31 participants from across four states and territories for two days of practical learning at Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus on 7–8 October.
Now in its second year, the school continues to provide cattle producers, stud breeders, livestock agents, students and industry professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their cattle assessment skills and make more informed breeding and management decisions.
Participants worked through a series of practical assessment exercises, evaluating cattle for structural soundness, muscle, fat distribution and suitability for different production systems and markets. The program also incorporated Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), demonstrating how genetic information can complement physical assessment when selecting breeding cattle.
Course facilitator Jake Phillips, Angus Australia, said the focus was on developing practical skills that participants could apply in their own businesses. “We can all have an opinion on which animal looks the best, but the real skill is understanding why one animal is better suited to a particular job than another,” Jake said. “Whether you’re buying bulls, selecting replacement females or drafting cattle for sale, the decisions you make need to be connected to the production system, the market and ultimately the profitability of the business.”
Top honours for Annie Palmer
Annie Palmer, from Limitless Cattle Co near Mount Compass, South Australia, achieved the highest aggregate score across the two-day program. Annie praised the opportunity to assess a diverse range of cattle and develop her understanding of structural assessment and genetics. “It’s been a great couple of days, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their cattle assessment skills,” she said.
Industry support makes the school possible
The school was made possible through the generous support of Adelaide University, particularly Professor Wayne Pitchford, along with cattle contributors Goolagong Angus, HB Rural Feedlot and Bottlesford Murray Greys and Angus.
The contributions of volunteers James Laurie, Bryce Whale, Simone Bond and Emma Phillips, together with the support of Angus Australia and the South Australian Angus community, were also instrumental in the program’s success.
The SA Cattle Assessment School is expected to return in 2027, with further details to be announced.
