Young Brangus visionary: 24-year-old already steering his family legacy

When his name was called as the winner of the Robert Barlow Brangus International Youth Scholarship, 24-year-old Grady Hansen knew it was more than a personal milestone.

It was a step into an international spotlight that could shape the direction of his family's stud, Oaklands Brangus, and strengthen the next generation of the breed.

"It was overwhelming, but very exciting," he said of the announcement during the Rockhampton Brangus Sale.

"The opportunity to be part of this scholarship program and represent the breed, the Barlow family, and travel internationally is something I have been thinking about for a good part of two years."

The scholarship, founded in memory of respected Brangus breeder Robert Barlow and supported by Triple B Brangus, carries $5000 to fund travel through the US cattle industry.

While it has only been running for four years, it has already become one of the most sought-after opportunities for Brangus youth.

Mr Hansen said he was honoured to join the list of past recipients and eager to bring back ideas for his family operation and the wider Brangus community.

Oaklands Brangus' story began in the early 2000s when Grady's parents bought a handful of commercial females, influenced by rodeo links with the Woodard family.

"Growing up, that's all I've ever seen them do, and that's what has led to my passion for the breed and the cattle industry as a whole," he said.

Today, the stud runs about 150 registered females alongside 40 head of commercial cattle, a base that has laid the groundwork for Mr Hansen's future ambitions.

"I'm not even going to be a big player," he said.

"But if I can have 20 to 30 cows and turn off four to five bulls a year that I'm happy with the quality of, that'll be putting me in a pretty good place."

Currently, he owns about seven registered females under his own stud prefix, Black Mountain, with two more purchased recently at the Central Brangus Classic Sale.

He said it was a small start, but one that kept him on track toward his long-term vision.

At the same time, his involvement on the Brangus youth committee has sharpened his leadership skills.

Since joining in 2024, he has helped deliver stronger auctions, refined catalogue processes, and expanded the committee's online reach.

This year, the Brangus youth committee raised $22,500 from 10 auction lots, with Mr Hansen conducting the sale.

He took up the gavel in 2023, learning auctioneering through Top X Gracemere and drawing inspiration from stud stock specialists.

"You don't always think about it at the time, but if you sell 10 pens of cattle, it could be someone's yearly income," he said.

"It's a privilege to have the opportunity, and that's something I try to keep at the forefront of my mind whenever I sell anything."

That same sense of responsibility drives his plans for Oaklands and Black Mountain Brangus.

"I want to be more involved in what my family is doing in their operation," he said.

"I want to take a bit more of an active role in the management of their herd, the sires they're using, and the breeding programs they're following."

He plans to travel mid-year to see studs, sales, and commercial herds across the US, comparing systems, management styles, and marketing strategies with those in Queensland.

"If I can soak in as much as I can and bring back even a few ideas that benefit our operation or the breed as a whole, that would be amazing," he said.