Also in the frame was the competition being mounted by other breeds to grab a slice of the premium beef market. Hardly scintillating news, however where were the speakers detailing how these markets could be protected with integrity down the supply chain? Is angus beef always angus beef? It was also pointed out that within the breed there are a so many variables, genetic, feeding regimes along with geographic environmental influences.

The elephant in the room should have been that the Angus Society emasculated the winning formula of certified Australian angus beef.

Property and breeding origin was strictly monitored through licensed processing plants. Every cut of beef could be traced back to the producer of origin.

Anecdotally, it was obvious this was difficult to achieve. However, some outstanding relationships were put in place.

The baby was thrown out with the bath water when less than competent managers were appointed to grow certified Australian angus beef. Yes, it is difficult, as was witnessed when Hereford Prime fell over.

It is hardly the role of breeders to ensure compliance past the farm gate.

They are well aware of the premiums careful target breeding programs can achieve and they righty share in these returns.

Another hurdle is the wide discrepancy of top quality across the angus breed.

Sure lot feeders and processors are cognisant of this fact and are prepared to pay premiums for performance.

Very similar to certified Australian angus beef is the ability of the pork industry to be able to trace from consumers back to a kill code.

This technology, Physi-Trace, allows any piece of fresh pork to be traced back to the farm on which it was produced, giving confidence to all who buy the product and an ability to react quickly when food safety issues arise. Similarly, the poultry industry is across the same issue on packaged chicken products.

Unlike beef, pork and poultry production, individual breeds play little part.

The heat will be on the newly elected federal government to address the urgent issue of water availability in the Murray-Darling basin, and the southern region in particular.

Undoubtedly, the elephant in the room is the water being diverted to the environment and the growth of non-agricultural water traders.

David Littleproud has said he will act immediately on water trading, and so he should.

You can bet the green bureaucracy will have more than an oar in the water, however they will need to be told to buzz off - and not politely. We need more storages and diversion forethought. Not next year, but right now. The drought will break and storages will be needed.