Herd building strategy: breeders lured to Southern Beef Week despite wet conditions
The cold and wintry weather conditions didn't stop producers from getting out to see what genetics were on offer throughout The Land 2025 Southern Beef Week.
The event held from July 28 until August 2 saw a total of 30 studs throughout southern NSW open their gates to producers see the upcoming sale bulls on offer as well as a portion of their female program.
Despite the near-arctic temperatures and flood waters (in some areas), studs say there was a mix of regular and new faces coming through the gates, with heifer bulls creating the most interest.
Robyn Dove, The Pines Angus, Moss Vale said despite the torrential rain, repeat purchasers secured a pair of heifer bulls on the day, after purchasing two bulls six years ago.
"This herd building strategy is to provide very safe calving eases and maintain the capacity of the sires," she said.
While at Myanga Angus, Chatsbury, Samantha Moeck said the visitors had a similar type on their lists.
"People want calving ease, they don't want to pull calves and everyone is just chasing their next heifer bull," she said.
Jasmine Green, Summit Livestock, Roslyn, said their young family was pleased with the day.
"We had about half repeat clients and half new ones come during the day," she said.
"We received really good feedback about the bulls, it was a good call to action."
Earlier in the week, Dane Rowley, Springwaters Angus, Boorowa, said he had a mix of clients looking for cow bulls as well as heifer bulls.
"One little trend we got was a few people that they could limp through without a bull this year, but are thinking they are going to buy one this year, so they don't have to but two next year," he said.
"They were thinking with optimism in the cattle market that this year may not be a bad year to buy a bull compared to what we could get in the next few years."
He said although a few clients had sold a percentage of heifers this year, they still saw the need for a bull to join with the remaining females, which the chance bulls could be more sought after next year.
"I think a lot of people will be keeping a lot of heifers if we get a good season next year," he said.
"Therefore, instead of needing one heifer bull, they'll need two or three.
"A few said if they're wrong and it happens to be a dearer selling season, and they get there and have their catalogues marked, they'll go to their budget, and that's it really.
"But if they can get one for their budget, it will take the pressure off for next year."
Glynn Langford, Bannaby Angus, Bennick Murrell, and Taralga said it was probably the worst weather for the event they had ever had, yet the best day with the number of visitors who came to visit.
"People were really interested in our Alpine Real Deal R163 sons," he said.
"I think people are after a bit more growth this year, after more weight and gain in their cattle.
"At the end of the day, we get paid by cents per kilogram; the heavier the animal, the better."
On the south coast first-time participant Clinton Leahy, Charlton Park Beef, Coolagolite, said it was a successful day for the young family with their Manadalong Special herd.
"We had one father and daughter drive down from Kempsey and Tamworth to see the cattle," he said.
Studs open during the event included:
- Hicks Beef, Holbrook
- Raff Angus, Book Book
- The Glen, Walwa
- Wirunna Poll Herefords, Holbrook
- Yavenvale Herefords, Borambola
- Bannaby Angus, Bendick Murrell
- Benell Poll Herefords, Bendick Murrell
- Kennys Creek Angus, Boorowa
- Springwaters Angus, Boorowa.
- Milong Angus, Berthong
- KO Angus, Darbalara
- Redbank Angus, Cowra
Day three, Wednesday, July 30:
- Kidman Angus, Gilgandra
- MAK Speckle Park, Stubbo
- HY Angus, Dunedoo
- Pibbon Red Angus, Mendooran
Day four, Thursday, July 31 and day five, Friday, August 1:
- Dalwhinnie Angus- Byng (Thursday)
- Glanmire Murray Greys, Glanmire (Friday)
- Hillview Angus, Bungendore
- Charlton Park Mandalong Specials, Coolagolite
- Summit Livestock, Roslyn
- Greenleaf Angus, Crookwell
- Myanga Angus, Chatsbury
- Bannaby Angus, Taralga
- The Pines Angus, Moss Vale
- Ashgrove Angus, Moss Vale
- Lynbrook Limousins, Moss Vale
- Gundungarra Angus, Moss Vale
- Redbank Angus, Bodalla
- Spring Hill Angus, Lake Bathurst
- Circle 8 Bulls, Marulan
