In this Western Australia-focused episode of The Angus Table, host Scott Wright sits down with Jess Dewar, co-operator of Ardcairnie Angus Stud and volunteer editor of the Western Australian Angus News.
Jess shares her journey from Perth retail management to agriculture, meeting husband Joe in 2018 and purchasing Ardcairnie Angus in 2020 from life members Jim and Pam McGregor.
She discusses the unique WA Angus community, which represents 44% of the state's cattle breed and emphasises larger frames and foot structure for distance and demanding soil.
Jess’s WA Angus committee volunteer work includes coordinating the spring walk at feedlot facilities and the Farm Weekly heifer competition which generates 21,000+ entries annually, as well as the gold-standard in Angus publications, the WA Angus News.
Jess and Scott discuss her Gen Angus program experience and why she highly recommends the program, and the opportunities and challenges facing the breed as it grows across WA's 1,200-kilometre geographic spread.
So pull up a chair at the Angus Table for this conversation about building community across distance and the power of volunteer leadership in regional Angus.
Key topics covered:
About the makeup of Angus in WA, including geographical spread and what differentiates WA Angus breeding approach from eastern states
Jess’s journey from Perth retail management into agriculture after meeting her husband Joe in 2018, and their purchase of Ardcanie Angus stud in 2020 from Jim and Pam McGregor
How Ardkanie Angus operates, combining seed stock/commercial cattle, grain, hay and Merino sheep across 400km
The impact and longevity of the WA Angus News publication (37 years, since 1989), producing a biannual 60-70 page magazine with advertiser support that reaches Angus breeders across the state and even internationally
WA Angus committee activities including the spring walk in September at feedlot/processors, heifer competition with Farm Weekly (21,000+ entries annually November-February), AGM and workshop day in January
Jess’s takeaways from the Gen Angus Program, including the benefits of the network and connections, and the supportive mentorship from Simone Bond (SA Angus VP)
The importance of different roles in a farming family, and valuing each person’s contributions and strengths, whether in the home or the paddock
The strength of the WA Angus community, which keeps the focus on promoting Angus and supporting the next generation, building collaboration with a warm welcoming culture and leveraging the diversity of experience in the group
How Jess lives her values of follow-through, transparency in decision making, respect for diversity across geographic extremes, and staying grounded and practical through life on the farm
The many opportunities ahead for WA Angus, including continued commercial growth driven by proven on-farm results, premium beef programs and export market strength, and the next generation embracing data/genetics
The challenges of maintaining community connection across 1,200km geographic spread requiring ongoing effort, market and seasonal variability requiring producer resilience, staying practical and relevant with value-add committee decisions.
Why Angus Australia is rolling out DNA verification programs to address integrity and the challenge of other breeds ‘piggybacking’ on Angus success
How Jess’ personal background as a competitive surfer and growing up in a male-dominated sport shaped her communication style
The mentorships Jess has benefited from, including Pam McGregor and her husband Joe’s farming knowledge driving Jess’ industry engagement and enthusiasm
Why Jess’ best beef eating experience is more about the people and the location than the beef itself
