Applications open for NZ exchange

Herefords Australia chief executive John McKew said Herefords Australia is keen to give youth in the beef industry a taste of what leadership is all about.

"I encourage any Herefords Australia Youth member who wants to build a successful future in the Hereford beef industry to apply," Mr McKew said.

The 2014 program will run from March 30 until April 13 and will give a Herefords Australia Youth member the opportunity to gain a closer insight into Hereford cattle production in New Zealand.

The recipient of the exchange in its inaugural year of 2013 Tom Nixon, Devon Court Herefords, Drillham, Queensland, said he returned last year with a healthy taste of the international Hereford market.

Having bred Herefords since the age of 17 and having previously travelled to the US and Canada, Mr Nixon said New Zealand was the next step.

"I was keen to see the differences in their breeding and farming operations," he said.

Having seen a number of Australian studs using NZ genetics, Mr Nixon said it made sense to investigate how this could be of benefit to his breeding program.

"There were a number of different programs which also gave me a new insight, such as low birthweight and weight forage off grass and how they manage their grass production," he said.

"Australian Hereford producers could gain some positive perspective from these methods and a number of studs impressed me quite a bit."

Costs covered on the exchange program include airfares, accommodation and most meal costs.

Further information on applying including eligibility criteria for the Herefords Australia Youth NZ Exchange Program can be found on the Herefords Australia website.

Applications based on the criteria above will be accepted via email.

Applications will close on Friday, March 7 and the successful applicant will be announced on Friday, March 14.

To apply, email info@herefordsaustralia.com.au