Loxton dynamo set for a big year as Santa Gertrudis Youth Ambassador

Fourth-generation Santa Gertrudis breeder Eleni Fogden has met many great people exhibiting cattle from her family's Nangaringa stud at shows across the country.

And as the recipient of the RJ Kleberg scholarship, she is looking forward to making many more connections in the beef industry in the coming 12 months, as well as developing her leadership skills.

The 22-year-old from Loxton, says it is a big honour to succeed Mia Doering from Tansey, Qld as the new Santa Gertrudis Australia Youth Ambassador.

"She is such a fantastic role model and has been a great friend through all of it," Ms Fogden said.

"This scholarship is not just an investment in my development, it's an opportunity for me to represent and give back to a breed and community that has shaped who I am."

Ms Fogden is a passionate advocate for the Bos Indicus breed, as well as running the Boulview Charolais stud with her siblings Alizah and Thomas.

The trio bought the stud in 2006 from their maternal grandparents.

"The two breeds each serve their purpose but as a cross they make magic," she said.

As the Santa Youth ambassador, Ms Fogden is looking forward to having the opportunity to be more involved in events such as the Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp for the next generation.

"Youth is a passion project for me, also being the Charolais youth president and the secretary of the SA Young Beef Breeders Association," she said.

"It is really important to me that I help those coming through see all the career avenues in agriculture; the opportunities are huge even if you are into marketing or accounting."

The ambassadorship will also expand Ms Fogden's horizons.

As well as representing the breed at numerous conferences, such as the Young Beef Producers Forum to be held later this year in Roma, Qld, she will receive $5000 towards a trip to the United States.

The itinerary for her first overseas trip will include special access to operations at the birthplace of the Santa Gertrudis breed, King Ranch, in Texas, as well as experiencing Fort Worth and San Antonio Stock Shows.

"I'm particularly interested in gaining insight into their genetics, how they compare to ours in Australia as well as observing how their businesses operate and how they market their breed.

Ms Fogden has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) online and worked for a local accounting firm for five years.

She is relishing a change working with her partner Kylen Malycha on their newly established lamb feedlot, as well as helping out with her family's farming business.

"To be in an industry that you love with the people that you love, there is not much else you can ask for," she said.

Santa Gertrudis Australia general manager Brad Cooper is excited about the year ahead and the fresh energy, insight and innovation that Ms Fogden will bring to the association.

"Eleni exemplifies the values the association admired in the next generation of beef leaders- integrity, initiative and a deep commitment to the breed," he said.

"Her strong industry networks, combined with the travel and development opportunities this scholarship provides, will further strengthen her impact and broaden her reach.

"Eleni also brings entrepreneurial flair and a tireless work ethic, shaped by her family's long-standing legacy as Santa Gertrudis breeders in South Australia."

It was a big few days for the Fogden family at the Ekka with Thomas Fogden, 24 one of the youngest breeders to ever be elected to the federal Santa Gertrudis council.