Coordinator Murk Schoen said there was no doubt the event, to be held at Armidale next year, would return to the Border.

The roundup, held over four days up until last Sunday, attracted 145 participants from across Australia.

But a stand-out was a jump in the number of young people drawn from the Border region.

“They were very engaged and exciting people who got among the whole program,” Mr Schoen said of the overall event.

“It was every bit as good as we were hoping it would be.”

Held at the Wodonga Showgrounds, it is considered the premier event for young Angus cattle enthusiasts –  it was open to those aged 8 to 25 – in Australia.

The roundup catered for the novice through to the experienced, with many from previous roundups returning.

It included a series of education sessions by industry experts on a range of topics, such as halter making, livestock nutrition, animal selection and creating a business.

Mr Schoen said the calibre of this year’s speakers was a highlight.

“I had a couple of guest speakers come up to me afterwards – and this is probably the first time I’ve seen it – and just couldn’t speak highly enough about how well the participants got involved.

“I had one in particular who said he’d be pretty disheartened if he didn’t get invited back, he was that excited by the participation.”

Mr Schoen said it was vital the event continue to take the long-term view of linking young people with mentors.

This, he said, had been a great success.

“Whether it be knowledge building or just having someone there who these young people feel comfortable to contact into the future and ask those questions to build that knowledge, I think goes a long way to keeping people in the industry.”

Anyone who wants to get involved in the program can call Mr Schoen on 0427 558 023.

They can also visit the website angusaustralia.com.au/angusyouth.