It’s great to be here in Tasmania. It holds a deep connection to both Angus Australia and Achmea Farm Insurance, as this is where many firsts began.
As you know, it was here, back in 1824, that the first black cattle arrived in Hobart. It’s also where in 2013 Achmea Farm Insurance signed our very first client – a client still and an Angus Beef farmer. It is great to see Angus breeders at the forefront of innovation when choosing to be the first to insure with Achmea Farm Insurance, over a decade ago.
Tasmania was also where Achmea attended its first bull sale.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to:
- CEO Scott Wright
- (President) Sinclair Munro
- Nancy Crawshaw
- Jake Phillips (not attending, however a significant contributor to past programs)
- Hanlie Jansen, Extension Officer
- Angus Australia Board of Directors (Ben Todhunter, Simon Falkiner, Andrew Kuss, Simone Bond, Peter Collins, Erica Halliday, Sinclair Munro, James Laurie).
- Rabo Community Support trust sponsoring the finance session and speaker Tony Hudson from Hudson facilitation
- The Achmea Farm Insurance Team here this week (Richard, Peter and Rebecca) for their ongoing support and commitment to GenAngus.
and also, congratulations to the Angus Australia team on hosting a phenomenal World Angus Forum earlier this month, in what was a true celebration of the Breed.
Have you ever wondered what the future of agriculture looks like? As I look around this room, I can confidently say that the answer is here.
It’s each of you.
You are the future of agriculture.
Your passion, resilience, and forward-thinking approach inspire hope and confidence in what lies ahead for the Angus industry and the broader agricultural community.
At Achmea, our purpose is simple yet profound: Keeping Farmers Farming. It’s a commitment that drives what we do.
Being part of Australia’s agricultural sector requires a real blend of courage and resilience.
Courage to adapt to challenges, like the floods in northern New South Wales or the droughts in the southern parts of Australia.
And resilience to keep going, even when the road ahead feels difficult and uncertain.
By choosing to apply for the GenAngus program, you have already shown boldness.
You have made the decision to invest in your careers, adopt smarter business practices, and embrace innovation.
But let’s not ignore the hard work that often goes unnoticed.
Take, for example, Michael Jordan a basketball legend who was not picked initially in his high school basketball team. Michael’s mothers’ advice was to practice and work for it… it is these lessons that show setbacks are part of the journey, embrace them as they build resilience and focus. Following this setback for Michael Jordan, he went on to create a legacy.
Building a career in agriculture is much the same. It’s about showing up day after day, putting in the effort, and staying committed to your goals.
This dedication reflects the heart of what GenAngus represents. It’s more than just acquiring skills and knowledge, it’s also about personal drive, mindset and commitment.
Now in its 6th year, GenAngus has grown into one of the most impactful leadership programs in Australia’s beef industry.
Its success is a testament to the dedication of so many individuals who show up, work hard, and strive for greatness every day.
Why GenAngus for Achmea?
The GenAngus program started as an idea between two like-minded organisations – Angus Australia and Achmea Farm Insurance. Both share a commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Why do we invest?
Because we believe in protecting and enhancing a sustainable future for farming communities that help feed the world.
Stronger farmers mean stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger agricultural sector and because we believe it is important to give back to the communities we operate in.
This program is about more than individual success. The connections you make here will drive innovation, fuel growth, and support sustainability across the entire agricultural sector.
I ask you to consider this perspective.
Instead of asking “What does the future hold?” let’s ask, “What future can we create together?”
I encourage you to take everything GenAngus offers—the knowledge, insights, and inspiration—and use it to leave a lasting impact.
The relationships you build here will be just as valuable as the skills you learn.
We are excited to be on the journey with you as a partner … that’s our goal to be a trusted partner to your business … to innovate with you.
Congratulations Alicia, Amelia, Charlie, Clemens, Emily, Harriet, Jake, Josh, Lee-Emma, Logan, Sam, Shaun and Thomas.
Congratulations for taking this bold step forward.
You are the future; and now part of an almost 100-person strong alumni and I could not be more excited for what lies ahead for you.