PASSIONATE young farmer Matthew George's legacy has allowed allowed a band of emerging cattle farmers the chance to live his dream in their own way. For the past decade 13 young farmers have taken up a chance for a working holiday in Canada to study beef cattle and genetics.
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Preparations are underway for a special 10-year anniversary celebration for the Matthew George Young Stockman Award at the Angus Australia gala dinner at the Royal Melbourne Show in September.
They have greater self-confidence and knowledge of the cattle industry as well as a network of new-found friends and industry leaders in other countries with whom they can share their passion for cattle breeding over a lifetime.
- Lorraine George, Matthew's mother
Matthew, who grew up on his family farm in Lake Goldsmith, was a natural at handling stock. His particular interest was in Angus cattle.
Matthew was 21 years old when he died in a road accident in late 2007. Australia's Angus cattle community rallied with businesses in Beaufort and Ballarat to form the award in his memory.
The George family are offering two awards this year to mark the award's milestone. The have keenly followed the journeys of award winners in their overseas ventures, as young ambassadors for Australia's beef cattle industry.
And just as keenly, the family has been keen to learn of award recipient's journeys in the industry on their return.
"Our humble and heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in establishing this award...We can all share with pride and joy the transformation of the award winners on their return," Matthew's mum Lorraine George said.
"They have greater self-confidence and knowledge of the cattle industry as well as a network of new-found friends and industry leaders in other countries with whom they can share their passion for cattle breeding over a lifetime. Their journeys have been amazing."
Canada was where Matthew had dreamt of travelling for a working holiday. He wanted to stay at stud ranches where they welcomed the help in exchange for first-hand experience on how their operation worked.
Matthew wanted to see the Angus genetics in Canada because he believed this would benefit his own Angus stud most. His quest was to find genetics that would elevate his stud stock to be a breeding stock other cattle breeders wanted in their breeding herds.
Young breeders, aged 18 to 25, are encouraged to apply for the award. Applications for the Matthew George Young Stockman Award are open via The Ballarat Foundation website until Sunday.
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