First off, a huge thank you to all of you who participated in this year’s National Show & Sale in Wodonga. It was truly something special, especially given the tricky seasonal and market conditions we’ve been facing. A strong result, exceeding expectations, was a real reminder of the strength, resilience, and dedication of the extended Herefords family. To all the vendors and buyers who put their trust and effort into this sale, well done.
Our Breed Forum was another bright moment with great stories and knowledge shared by a stellar lineup of presenters. Feedback from attendees was very positive, encouraging and appreciated. The forum offers an added incentive for vendors to use to encourage your clients and other potential buyers to attend and participate in the sale. I highly encourage you to use it in this way in the future.
For anyone who couldn’t be there or wants to soak up the wisdom again, the presentations are waiting for you on our website under the Breed Forum tab.
At our Annual General Meeting, we made some important steps forward by passing some constitutional changes that will help us grow stronger together. It was also a chance to pause and reflect on everything we’ve achieved so far, and to look ahead with hope and excitement.
I gave an overview of two projects I’m really excited about. The Feedlot Pathways Program which will give us clear, evidence-based insights that show how Herefords stand strong in feedlot conditions alongside other breeds. Plus, our plans for new Regional Market Coordinators, helping open doors to new, premium markets beyond the usual saleyards, another practical step forward in supporting producer profitability.
If you haven’t already, I invite you to log in to the secure section of the HAL website, where you’ll find the AGM minutes in addition to other important documents. It’s all there to keep you connected and informed.
And talk about fun, the cocktail function was an absolute hit. The perfect chance to kick back, swap stories, and it was such a joy to see so many faces, laughing and catching up in a relaxed setting. A wonderful celebration of our breed, our community, and the connections that make this journey so meaningful.
Looking forward, we’re busily preparing for the Herefords Youth Expo in Canberra (10–13 July), the program is shaping up to be another inspiring mix of learning and laughter. We’re also excited about the next chapter of our Future Breeders & Leaders initiative, with plenty more to share very soon, watch this space!
Thank you again for being part of this community. It’s your passion, your spirit, and your belief in Herefords that keeps us moving forward — together.