Catriona Millen, Extension and Engagement Team Leader, has recently returned from a trip to South Africa, where she met with both current and potential future BREEDPLAN clients. Catriona appreciated the opportunity to visit a number of South African farms and feedlots, allowing her to get a greater appreciation of the local production systems.

During her first week, Catriona had constructive technical discussions with representatives of the Simbra Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa and the Simmentaler Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa. There was also an opportunity to discuss extension initiatives with the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) team, who promote the use of the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation and HerdMASTER herd management software across Southern Africa.

Following these meetings, Catriona travelled to Castle De Wildt in Modimolle for the Bushveld Brahman Expo. Here, Catriona gave a presentation to approximately 40 Brahman breeders on the importance of data capture for the ongoing success of Brahman BREEDPLAN. There was much discussion on improving performance recording and the importance of management groups. While at the Expo, Catriona also had the opportunity to attend the Brahman Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa AGM and the President’s Dinner. It was wonderful to see so many of the animals with their EBVs, Selection Indexes and Percentile Graphs on display on their pen cards!

Catriona then headed to Aldam to attend the LRF Stockman School. Now in its 17^th year, the three-day LRF Stockman School is an annual event that attracts beef producers from right across Southern Africa. Catriona gave two presentations at the LRF Stockman School, Using genomics in the genetic improvement of beef cattle – sifting practical realities from empty promises and BREEDPLAN – does the science really deliver, to an audience of over 150 attendees. Catriona also gave an interview to Plass TV, which can be viewed on YouTube here.

One highlight of the LRF Stockman School is the LRF Gala Evening, where a number of awards, including the LRF Stud Breeder of the Year, 4.5 and 5 Star Completeness of Performance and Most Progress in a Decade, are presented. Congratulations to all of the winners for your achievements!

Overall, Catriona had a very successful trip to South Africa. Catriona says “This trip was a great opportunity to connect with BREEDPLAN clients and beef producers across Southern Africa, and to better understand the technical challenges and extension needs of each. I look forward to continuing to work with our LRF partners and Southern African clients now that I have returned to Australia.”