JACK Laurie, a sixth-generation cattle breeder from Moppy, has been named the 2026 National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) Young Achiever Award recipient.
This prestigious honour recognises his exceptional contributions to the cattle industry.
Mr Laurie was nominated for the award by Debbie Mills of Holbrook Breeders Australia, who praised his dedication to the industry.
“What sets Jack apart is the respect he has earned from established cattlemen in Australia and overseas,” explained Ms Mills.
“I was very humbled to be nominated, and it is a great honour to win the award,” Mr Laurie told News Of The Area.
Mr Laurie credits the people he works with as one of the main reasons he loves the cattle industry.
“I love the challenges that working with genetics provides, but it’s the incredible people I meet that keeps me passionate about the industry,” he said.
“There’s an old saying about cattle,” Mr Laurie said. “Cattle bring us together, but it’s the people who keep us together.”
In 2019, Laurie founded Breeder Genetics, a company supplying premium genetics for the Australian cattle production system.
“I’m very interested in reproductive physiology and especially in how genetics can be used to improve health and efficiency within the cattle industry. I’m focused on long-term gains that will deliver consistent breeding benefits for producers,” Mr Laurie said.
Ms Mills highlighted Mr Laurie’s integrity, expertise, and impressive ability to identify opportunities and navigate complex challenges.
NHIA CEO Sara Merckel echoed Ms Mills’s praise.
“Jack represents the future of our industry in the very best way, someone working for benefits across the entire sector,” she said.
Among Mr Laurie’s notable achievements is a project on Norfolk Island, conducted in partnership with Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast.
“There was a long-standing protein deficiency caused by inbreeding, so my role was to supply semen and embryos to help address this issue and support the Norfolk Island cattle industry,” Mr Laurie explained.
While Mr Laurie is passionate about the cattle industry, he also has a deep love for the ocean and music.
“I once considered becoming a marine biologist,” Mr Laurie said. “But working in the cattle industry is both interesting and rewarding, offering opportunities to work with outstanding people worldwide.”
By Wendy BUSWELL
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