Mr Thomson predicts an industry upsurge based on the strong international reputation of Australia’s beef, despite the challenges of difficult seasons and current low prices.
“It’s incredibly patchy seasonally and it looks like we’re in for a tough and long summer,” he said.
“Prices are quite low, adding to that tough situation, but I think the long-term trajectory of the beef industry is incredibly positive.
“Australia produces a world-class product that is in demand in international markets. We have a very sustainable and green image which gives us huge opportunities for the future.”
Mr Thomson grew up around beef with his family cattle operation Shacorrahdalu Angus at Yass in NSW, and admits he’s a bit obsessed when it comes to beef cattle genetics.
“I’d describe myself as obsessed with genetic improvement,” he said.
“Being able to find and source top bulls and market them to clients to enhance their genetic improvement is very much a dream job for me.”
Shacorrahdalu Angus has had a long connection with Gentics Australia, using a number of AI sires, including the current Tehama Testament.
Mr Thomson’s appointment signals a new chapter in the growth of Genetics Australia’s beef operation.
His role will involve developing and expanding the beef genetics business, marketing the current bull catalogue, developing relationships with clients, sales, and procuring new sires and working with the team in determining the direction for beef genetics.
“We’re looking at how the business wants to be positioned in the beef genetics space,” he said.
At 26, Mr Thomson most recently worked for AuctionsPlus as a senior market analyst and before that was an industry economist for ABARES, his first job after graduating from University of New England with a Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.
He has been heavily involved in the breeding program at Shacorrahdalu, which focuses on objective genetic improvement for commercial beef production while also balancing genotype and visual assessment of the cattle.
“We use the tools of genomics and EBVs to make the best possible selection decisions,” he said.
His love of the industry and its people led to his involvement in the Angus youth program. He won the Stud Master title at his first Round Up in 2019 and in January this year travelled to New Zealand after winning a Trans-Tasman travel bursary.
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