Top Prize For Shepparton Stockman

Courtesy Country News

Shepparton’s Josh McRae was awarded the prestigious Matthew George Young Stockman Award at the recent Royal Melbourne Show.

Mr McRae, 24, is from Dajory Murray Grey Stud at Grahamvale and his win will take him to Canada and the United States where he will look at livestock production systems as well as cropping and the famed Calgary Stampede.

To win the prize, Mr McRae submitted a written application followed by a phone interview.

What made him stand out?

‘‘I think being on the land; I’m not just at uni studying and I’ve had work in the industry — it was my last year to apply,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s all pretty exciting and has come at a good time. I’ll probably go in May 2016 for three months, I’m really looking forward to it.’’

The award was established in memory of Matthew George, a young man from Stockyard Hill near Beaufort, who died in a car accident in November 2007 at 21 years of age.

Mr George had an absolute love of animals together with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for breeding.

His dream was to travel overseas to study developments in beef cattle breeding and to bring this knowledge home to enhance Australian herds by sharing this knowledge with fellow breeders.

The Matthew George Young Stockman Award was established in September 2008 as a sub-fund of The Ballarat Foundation to allow young breeders, aged 18 to 25 years, the opportunity to live Mr George’s dream.

Winners undertake an overseas study tour of beef cattle breeding programs, developments and practices. As well, they act as young ambassadors for the Australian beef cattle industry.

http://www.mmg.com.au/local-news/country-news/top-prize-for-shepparton-stockman-1.100808