Kevin Graham on how Angus genetics are changing the Queensland beef scene

Queensland livestock consultant Kevin Graham, Brisbane, and his wife Jill, clock up hundreds of kilometres at this time of the year, attending northern NSW bull sales, and representing clients who live in far-flung parts of Qld.

Each year, he buys about 500 bulls for his clients north of the border, and over the years, that number would now be in the "many thousands", he said.

An example of his focus on securing the right cattle was exemplified with the Clunie Range sale on August 1, where he bought 12 bulls for three clients at Nebo, Richmond and Warwick, while the following Monday, at the Glenavon sale, Guyra, he bought two bulls for an Injune beef operation.

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"We're finding more and more people are becoming comfortable with the Angus breed in areas where it was traditional Bos Indicus cattle country," Mr Graham said.

"I think beef producers are realising they're able to gain a fair bit more fertility and good improvements as far as meat qualities are concerned.

"But I think the fertility factor is the major driver."

Mr Graham said the place of Brahman-infused cattle in the north of Australia will continue to play an important role.

"They have a very important role to play, but as you notice around the world, people who can afford it are looking for a little bit better meat quality.

"There are those who can afford it, and others can't afford it. It's horses for courses."

Mr Graham said that as beef producers in the open, western grasslands who are introducing Angus genetics to the herds are also adopting management changes to allow the Angus to assimilate and thrive.

"Some of the big places are starting to halve the size of the paddocks, but not all," he said.

"They've done a lot of improvement in their brigalow country."

However, the key factor in selecting bulls for the open range country was the importance of selecting for structure and mobility.

"As long as you look for structure, that's quite important. And if the structure of any bull is not correct, it'll break down, for sure."

Mr Graham said one unnamed client ensured his Angus bulls got the best start by buying them as weaners and growing them out in his country before joining them to his cow herd.

"They live in the Gulf (of Carpentaria) and they are really committed to their program," he said.

"They've forward contracted for a delivery next year, and this is a growing trend, I think, as long as you make sure your management's right.

"I think it's something that a few other people can give a bit of thought to, to be honest."

Mr Graham also believed the infusion of Angus cattle was allowing producers to be a little more conservative with their stocking rate numbers.

"That's most probably one of the other factors you're going to see as a result of the Angus infusion," he said.

"You have to remember, our carcass weights have increased.

"Some people think our cattle are getting fatter, but no, if you talk to the meat processors, the carcass weights have increased even in northern Qld.

Mr Graham said he didn't seek carcase feedback from meat processors, it's something his clients chase.

"I don't get a lot of feedback from meat works," he said.

"But I know the clients, they're getting good, positive feedback, and the other thing that they're able to get, their bullocks off at an earlier age.

"One thing we do know is that the stronger demand from the feedlots and returns for feeder calves are much improved."

He said the feeder steer producers were working with much improved genetics and didn't have to carry the cattle as long: turning them off at the right weights, and then focusing on the next drop of calves.