Heat fails to hinder beef enthusiasm
The decision to revamp Stock Journal Beef Week to four consecutive open days across the state has been largely well-received by SA and interstate stud and commercial beef producers.
In a change to the long-running tradition, the opening day in the Mid North was held on Saturday instead of Friday, giving those who work during the week a chance to look around on the weekend.
On Sunday, the action moved to the Adelaide Hills, Riverland and Fleurieu Peninsula.
The Upper South East and Lower South East days also swapped from 2024, with those around Coonalpyn, Keith, Bordertown opening on Monday instead of Tuesday, and the final day (Tuesday) held in the Mid and Lower South East.
Producers - who are still reeling from huge hay bills to maintain their herds last year - are expected to have less to spend on bulls.
However, it seems many also recognised this could be a good year to snare great value bulls with studs - even those in the Lower SE where temperatures sizzled - still reporting strong interest.
Stock Journal editor Quinton McCallum thanked the 44 studs for their participation in Beef Week and wished them the best of luck with this year's sales.
"While there is some uncertainty about what drought conditions will mean for this year's buying demand, studs should be commended on the presentation of their bulls in what has been a challenging past 12 months," he said.
"Stock Journal Beef Week 2025 showcased the professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm with which SA beef breeders operate and we are confident some rain will put a kick in the market and give them their just rewards."
For many studs, Beef Week is a great prelude to their annual bull sales in the coming few weeks and a chance to show the maternal power of their breeding herds, but there were also plenty of sales on the day.
The Koopman family, Bottlesford Murray Grey stud, Tungkillo, sold two bulls at $6000 and three heifers at $2500 each.
Bottlesford stud principal Darren Koopman was happy with how the event went and the number of visitors, including a few new ones.
Mr Koopman said Beef Week was an important date on the stud's calendar.
"It's a chance to showcase the herd, and show people the type of animal we're breeding, as well have a discussion about their breeding programs and how we can potentially help," he said.
Jon Coldwell, Coldwell Speckle Parks, Kenton Valley, who was among two studs to debut in Beef Week 2025, was "thrilled" with the consistent run of people throughout the day, including from the Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and South East.
"It was fantastic to meet people interested in the breed and show off what we do," he said.
In his second year holding his field day in Strathalbyn, Broomfield stud principal Brett Graham was also pleased with how his Sunday panned out - a strong improvement on the year prior.
Despite visitor numbers dropping off after lunch, he had a very busy morning, selling nine bulls to $8000 and interest on two more.
"We also had a lot of inquiries for next year, which was good, plus some that hadn't seen the stud in Strathalbyn before," he said.
