Episode 38 | Building a Premium Angus Brand in Western Queensland, with Jeremy and Julie Shaw, JS Grazing

In this episode of The Angus Table, Scott Wright sits down with Jeremy and Julie Shaw at their kitchen table at Injune Queensland to discuss JS Grazing, a 24,000-25,000 acre commercial Angus operation running 1,100 breeders. Jeremy shares family farming heritage on the property dating back to his grandfather, the transition from Herefords to Angus 30+ years ago after observing black cattle performance in feedlots, and evolution from selling all weaners at one Roma sale to establishing a premier commercial heifer sale with $300-500 premium over market rate. Julie describes their organic brand building through photography and social media storytelling, consistency focus breeding animals that look like "peas in a pod," their long-term partnership with Millah Murrah (17-18 years), and simple breeding philosophy of producing good females. Jeremy and Julie emphasise values of family, staying true to type and breed character, consistency in production, and long-term relationship building with genetics partners. They address future expansion challenges in expensive country, commitment to stepping up operations before their sons return home, and a conviction that Angus will continue growing in western Queensland through crossbreeding adoption and market acceptance. So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building commercial brand leadership, staying true to breed fundamentals, and compound success through simple, consistent farming practices.Key topics covered:How Jeremy and Julie transitioned a family farm from Herefords to Angus 30+ years ago after observing superior feedlot performance and market acceptance of black cattleWhy establishing a premier commercial heifer sale organically evolved from recognising heifers were outdoing steers and strong market interest in their female geneticsHow Julie's photography and social media storytelling built JS Grazing brand recognition and following across AustraliaThe power of consistency as a breeding philosophy aiming for cattle that look like peas in a pod while lifting the average across entire herdsDriving rapid genetic improvement and visible herd lift using AI program exclusively on heifers Why long-term partnership with Millah Murrah (17-18 years) adds value through shared breeding philosophy, sire line conversations, and mutual relationship benefitsThe importance of phenotype-led selection using balanced EBVs avoiding extreme pushes in any single trait for sustainable cattle suited to Western Qld countryHow integrity-focused approach of letting cattle speak for themselves builds premium ($300-500/head) without marketing hype or direct selling pressureWhy cow and bull longevity (12-13 years and 8-10 years respectively) reflects quality genetics and active management through first joining period.The challenges of expanding their operation in expensive country and balancing family farming goals with scaling opportunities through western or southern diversificationWhy their best beef eating experiences come from home-raised animals shared with familyContact details:Contact Jeremy and Julie via their JS Grazing website https://jshaw.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