Episode 33 | Leading the Angus Family: Peter Collins Becomes President of Angus Australia

In this special episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright welcomes Peter Collins, newly installed president of Angus Australia, for a comprehensive conversation about his farming operation, family legacy, board leadership, and vision for the breed's future.Peter shares insights from his four-generation family farming heritage in Northern Victoria, his show judging career across all Australian states and previous 15-year board experience with National Herd Improvement company.Scott and Peter discuss why Angus are such exceptional easy care cattle, the ongoing GenetiQ evaluation platform development and rollout, how the board is navigating financial sustainability challenges and concerns about MLA’s multi-breed genetic evaluation strategy.Peter shares his vision for his board presidency, his strong support for Angus youth, and his belief in asking for help within the Angus network and surrounding yourself with the right mentors.So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation full of insights on leadership during challenging times, breed independence, youth investment, and why the Angus family remains stronger than ever.Key topics covered:About Peter’s four-generation family farming heritage in Northern Victoria near Echuca, combined dairy and beef operation running 1,000 acres with irrigation on 16-inch rainfallPeter's son Brody returning to the farm after electrician career and his 97-year old Dad still involved, offering breeding insights and opinionsAngus as exceptional easy-care maternal breed combining strong mothering ability with excellent carcass attributes through collective breeder effortPeter’s show judging career spanning all Australian states, his previous experience with National Herd board, and four years on the Angus board including two as vice presidentThe development and rollout of the GenetiQ platform providing weekly genetic evaluations with temperament EBV and additional traits releasing soonNavigating financial challenges as a board, including the World Angus Forum loss and MLA funding dropping to zeroSerious concerns about MLA multi-breed genetic evaluation threatening breed independence, data ownership, and potential corporate acquisitionWelcoming Weatherbys as third genomics provider alongside Zoetis and Neogen ensuring member choice and competitive pricingPeter’s passion for Angus Youth support, including donating quality heifers to young breeders without capital, building future generation through mentorship and opportunityHow the board operates with specialist directors, healthy debate without polarisation, and transparent communication on challenges for long-term breed viability and competitivenessContact details:Get in touch with Peter [email protected] or via the Merridale Angus website https://www.merridaleangus.com.au/This podcast is proudly brought to you by Angus Australia https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/+Follow Angus Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X + LinkedIn ++Follow Angus Youth Australia on + Facebook + Instagram + X +CREDITS:Host: Scott Wright, CEO. Get in touch via email [email protected]: Mel Strasburg [email protected] editing and post-production: Ellen Ronalds Keene at https://perkdigital.com.au