Six months of university and work experience in the US has not only provided Judith Grauer with a broader perspective of the beef and seedstock industries, but opened doors in Australia .

Judith was the 2004 winner of the Michigan State University Scholarship, which enabled her to attend a Semex/Phoenix Genetics tour of the US and Canada, study at Michigan State University, attend the US National Junior Angus leadership workshop and work on several leading US beef ranches.

“The trip opened my eyes to the industry and let me know what I was in for,” said Judith, who was in her second year of a Rural Science degree at the University of New England , Armidale, NSW, when she travelled to the US .

“A tour of some of the larger feedlots gave me a greater understanding of the scale of the industry.”

This experience has proven invaluable in her current role as Trainee Supervisor at Rangers Valley Feedlot in Glen Innes, NSW.

Judith had taken part in a three week tour to the US before her scholarship but said there was no substitute for living there and working on some of the farms, including TC Ranch in Nebraska and Thomas Angus Ranch in Oregon .

“You get to know their culture and their breeding values and see how people do things differently.

“It was of more value than a quick trip over and it opened doors for me in Australia . The scholarship is on your resume and people see that and know that you have a broader knowledge of the industry.”

Judith was working for an artificial insemination company when she toured the US and was able to see firsthand the bulls that have been used in Australia.

“It was really good to see which sires looked good, which ones didn't, their progeny and how they handled things in their own environment,” she said.

She also saw the latest beef technology at the Denver Stock Show and learned of heifer development in the feedlot industry conducted by Patsy Horton of Heartland Cattle Co.

Judith Grauer, Michigan 2004

At University, Judith undertook courses in forage crops, animal reproduction, livestock and carcase assessment and horsemanship.

“The experience I gained across all facets of my trip was invaluable and enabled me to make great industry contacts if I ever go back.”

Judith credits her involvement with Angus Youth and her position as an Angus Youth Ambassador, which involved assisting with the organising of the Angus Youth Round-Up, as an important step in her development.

Soucred from 2009 Summer Journal