Congratulations to Sam Reid, Farm Manager at Brolga, on completing the 2025 GenAngus Future Leaders Program in Launceston, Tasmania. It was a week full of learning, ideas, and connection with others shaping the future of the beef industry.
Sam plays a pivotal role at Brolga, overseeing livestock management, genetics, infrastructure, and financial performance. His selection for GenAngus reflects his strong leadership, business insight, and dedication to driving innovation and sustainability across the beef supply chain.
Now in its seventh year, the GenAngus Future Leaders Program—facilitated by Angus Australia in partnership with Achmea Australia—is designed to empower the next generation of beef industry leaders with the tools, networks, and mindset needed to build strong, future-focused enterprises.
Sharpening Skills for the Future of Beef
The program kicked off with teambuilding activities and a mindset session by Pete Clark of 21 Whispers, who encouraged participants to embrace challenges and focus on personal growth. Facilitator Milly Nolan introduced DISC profiling, helping participants better understand themselves and their teams.
Day two featured insights from Simon Quilty of Global AgriTrends on global beef market opportunities, Nancy Crawshaw from Angus Australia on breeding objectives, and Mark Westcott of Rural Succession Solutions, who shared practical tools for rural succession planning. Tony Hudson from Hudson Facilitation delivered a financial education session supported by the Rabo Community Fund, equipping future leaders with critical financial strategies.
The third day showcased risk mitigation with Richard Officer and Peter Nicholas of Achmea Farm Insurance, innovations from Greer McCracken of GO.FARM, and brand-building insights from Cheyne Twist of Angus Australia. Chad Taylor of Mumblebone Merino Stud offered a candid look into their operation’s journey, while James Jenson of K6 Consulting shared leadership skills for managing high-pressure situations.
Day four focused on leadership, legacy, and business benchmarking. John Francis of Agrista Pty Ltd helped participants understand data-driven decision-making, while James Knight of The Sisters Pastoral shared his agricultural journey and pivotal role in GenAngus development. Scott Wright challenged the cohort to reframe leadership and personal growth, and Monique McKinnon led the ‘Make Your Mark’ session, encouraging bold thinking about influencing the beef industry and Angus community.
On-Farm Insights – Day five
The final day grounded the week’s learning in real-world context, with on-farm visits to Pleasant Vale Angus and Landfall Angus.
At Pleasant Vale, GenAngus alumnus Cody Best shared his business journey and welcomed open discussion—highlighting the strength of the alumni network. At Landfall, Ed Archer, joined by Alex Ferguson, outlined the strategy behind their multi-generational enterprise, offering a practical look at leadership, succession, and breeding decisions.
The week concluded with a formal dinner, where speakers including Monique McKinnon, Scott Wright, Sinclair Munro, and Emma Thomas reflected on the cohort’s growth and vision. Participants closed with pledges to carry the GenAngus legacy forward in their businesses and communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Sam said:
“I’m grateful to have been part of the 2025 GenAngus Future Leaders Program. It was a fantastic opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and connect with others who are passionate about shaping the future of the beef industry. I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned into practice and sharing those insights with the wider Te Mania team.”
The 2025 cohort was selected through a new de-identified application process, ensuring merit-based selection of 15 rising leaders from across Australia and New Zealand.
Thank you to the GenAngus program partners—the Angus Foundation, Achmea Australia, and all the speakers, facilitators, and team members—who made the 2025 program such a success.
A well-deserved result for Sam and a reflection of the hard work he’s put in. We’re keen to see the leadership and fresh thinking he’ll bring as we keep pushing for a stronger, more profitable future in Angus beef.
