When Matt Cooney was announced as the 2024 recipient of the Matthew George Young Stockman Award, he was ready to honour the legacy of a young man who dreamed of seeing the world through the lens of cattle breeding. Little did he know, his own journey would become an extraordinary adventure across ranches, farms and show rings on three continents.
Matt’s travels took him from his home in Australia to the rolling pastures of Idaho’s Archer Valley Ranch, where Ellen and Jeff Archer warmly welcomed him into their operation. Specialising in American Aberdeens, known here as Australian Lowlines, the Archers' ranch offered Matt a first hand experience of world-class seedstock breeding. He quickly became part of the team, preparing cattle for the prestigious National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado.
“Being able to see Archer Valley Ranch and the setup has been phenomenal and I’m very thankful for the friendship,” Matt shared.
At the Denver show, Matt not only contributed to a string of major wins but was also invited to speak at the Aberdeen Banquet Dinner, a moment that reflected his growing reputation in the international cattle community. His time in the US also included stops at Muddy Creek Ranch in Montana, Gunnderosa Aberdeens in Wyoming and major genetic facilities like ORIgen, Champion Genetics and Transova. Matt soaked up every opportunity to learn more about cattle breeding practices, genetics and innovation.
Above: A highlight of Matt’s US tour was seeing a dream come true: leading AVR Mastercraft to a Reserve Junior Champion Full Blood Bull title, a result of many years of friendship and collaboration with the Archers.
But Matt’s journey did not stop there. He ventured on to Europe, starting in Belgium, where he met breeders who had imported Australian Lowline genetics years earlier. “It’s amazing to see this breed thriving all over the world and meet likeminded individuals," Matt said. "Seeing the calves born from embryos we sent years ago was truly special." Seeing the resulting calves in person was a special moment that underscored the impact Australian genetics are having around the world. Matt also travelled to farms across the Netherlands and Germany, meeting likeminded breeders and forging new international partnerships.
"I was able to visit Australian Lowline Breeders in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. We captured a special moment, four nationalities together in one photo, united by our shared passion for the breed." 
Throughout his journey, Matt experienced the very best of the cattle industry’s camaraderie, innovation and ambition, values that Matthew George himself held dear. Like Matthew, Matt shares a passion for great cattle and great genetics and he returns home richer in knowledge, friendship and opportunity. Matt reflected, "this truly has been a once in a lifetime trip, but it’s only just the beginning".
We look forward to seeing Matt's next steps as he grows from strength to strength.
Applications Now Open for the 2025 Award
If you, like Matt, are passionate about cattle breeding and dream of growing your skills on the world stage, applications for the 2025 Matthew George Young Stockman Award are now open.
The Award, facilitated by the Ballarat Foundation, provides young breeders aged 21 to 30 with the chance to undertake a study tour focused on beef cattle breeding programs, developments and practices and to act as ambassadors for the Australian beef cattle industry.
Since 2009, sixteen young industry leaders have been supported by this award, creating a legacy of innovation and excellence in agriculture.
Entries open Monday 12 May and close Wednesday 4 July 2025.