The Ballarat Foundation is thrilled to announce Matt Cooney as the recipient of the 2024 Matthew George Young Stockman Award. At 25, Matt, from Lemnos, Victoria, has over a decade of experience showing livestock. Recently, he made the bold choice to leave his telecommunications career to focus fully on his passion for livestock, launching his business, Cann Valley Cattle Co & Consultancy, which has already made its mark on the industry.
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Above: Wayne Weaire, Lorraine George, Darren Sexton, David George and Matt Cooney at the Royal Melbourne Show Agriculture Hub in October.
Matt’s impressive achievements include serving on the Australian Lowline Cattle Association Council and the Royal Melbourne Show Beef Cattle Committee. His show ring success is outstanding, with Supreme Exhibit wins at the Royal Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney Shows, and setting an Australian record for the highest-priced Australian Lowline ever sold at auction.
About the Award
The Matthew George Young Stockman Award, facilitated by the Ballarat Foundation, supports young breeders (ages 21-30) through a study tour to explore innovative beef cattle breeding practices. Since 2009, 16 young leaders have been honored, continuing the legacy of Matthew George, a passionate cattleman whose life was tragically cut short at 21.
The award keeps Matthew’s dream alive, inspiring young breeders like Matt Cooney to push the boundaries of the industry.