New skills and experience, along with a shared belief in the breed, will be brought to the Herefords Australia National Youth Committee with the announcement of a number of new appointments.
The existing Committee, comprising Alicia Trovatello, Grace Elsom, Taylah Sykes and Harry Scoble, supported by National Youth Coordinator Nikki Martin will be joined by six new members.
The group recently met in Albury and workshopped committee priorities including the 2023 National Youth Expo planned for July next year.
The Herefords Australia National Youth Committee is responsible for the development of a number of programs aimed at strengthening youth participation and engagement, and building capacity, as well as coordination of the National Youth Expo and fundraising activities.
The new appointments include:
Tori Kitschke
University of Adelaide, fifth-year Veterinary Science student, Tori Kitschke from Mt Gambier in SA, brings her knowledge and passion for growing up on a predominantly Hereford commercial beef cattle operation. With a view to becoming a mixed practice vet and then moving into the cattle space, Tori has strong career aspirations in animal science.
Tori enjoys understanding and working in the reproductive space and has ambitions to branch into feedlot medicine alongside breeding and genetic research. Having established her own bull breeding program and small stud two years ago, Tori has vast knowledge and enthusiasm to bring to the committee.
“I think that Herefords Australia Youth has a really great opportunity for networking so that young people can meet other young people with great (similar) interests” Tori said.
The 2021 recipient of the National Youth Travel Scholarship, Tori said she was “excited to give back to the Youth Committee”.
Emily Taylor
Eighteen-year-old, Emily Taylor from Quirindi is currently in Year 12 at Calrossy Anglican School in Tamworth. She is the former Sponsorship Officer of the Herefords Australia Northern NSW Committee and has plans to complete a Rural Science degree at the University of New England when she graduates this year.
By joining the Herefords Australia Youth Committee, she hopes to help young people like herself follow their aspirations within the industry.
“Youth camps have the ability to strengthen youth participation and engagement within the Hereford breed by providing platforms where passionate young people can meet lifelong friends, experience their competitive side, learn new knowledge but most importantly have fun.” Emily said.
Mitchell Taylor
MT Livestock’s Mitchell Taylor, also from Quirindi NSW, has a passion for the Hereford breed and aspires to become a stock and station agent after he completes Year 12 at Calrossy Anglican School. The 16-year-old already sees a future selling stud stock and assessing stud cattle.
“I decided to run as a member of the committee not only to expand my passion for the breed, but to gain relationships between all members, and gain experiences that Herefords Youth can provide.” Mitchell said.
“The Youth camps are so important to build member confidence and strengthen their knowledge of the breed.”
Tabitha Cross
From the Indigo Valley in North East Victoria, Tabitha Cross lives on a beef cattle property and works for the Northern Victoria Livestock Exchange where she is responsible for sale day administration and sale day processing, as well as completing some work for Stocklive in the commercial sales fields.
Currently studying a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science through distance education at Charles Sturt University, Tabby has career aspirations to work in livestock marketing and production.
“I like to be involved in new experiences, I’m very team-driven and I’d like to bring back a better Herefords Youth show for next year and continue this program as it plays such a valuable role within the beef community,” Tabby said.
“I’d like to support the next generation of youth in the industry.”
Cassandra Bush
Cassandara Bush is studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England. She is a former Hurlstone Agriculture High School student and is from Kirraweena Glenholme Herefords and Poll Herefords Studs in Cootamundra NSW, and brings her passion and knowledge of the breed to the Youth Committee.
“Being a part of the Hereford Youth Committee means that I will be surrounded by like-minded young people to promote and encourage other young Hereford breeders,” Cassandra said.
“I have been a member of the Hereford youth movement from a very young age and have met many friends and great role models when taking part in events. I would like to give back to the organisation by becoming a member of the committee and help encourage younger members.”
Thomas Spencer
Thomas Spencer from Muchea WA, runs a small Hereford stud “Spencer Cattle Co” which he established in 2019. Being introduced to stud cattle through the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp; he is really passionate about youth involvement in cattle breeding and showing. He is excited to join the Youth Committee, building a youth base in WA, and contributing to the great work that HAL Youth already does.
At a Board level, Herefords Australia Limited (HAL) has announced the appointment of Board Director, Sam Broinowski, to the position of Youth Liaison Representative.
With more than three decades of experience in stud and commercial operations Sam, who was appointed as a returning member to the HAL Board of Directors in April, brings extensive knowledge of the industry to the position. He will replace Annie Pumpa who will move to the HAL Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
