The balancing act seedstock producers are walking this bull selling season

The balancing act between maximising returns and only offering bulls that will bring repeat custom is more precarious for the seedstock producer in 2025 than it has ever been.

Three years of red hot results, including record-breaking prices, averages and clearances, has provided plenty of incentive to produce more bulls.

Widespread good seasonal conditions and plenty of strength in the cattle market has further set the scene for confidence that demand will be there for an increased number of bulls.

Those dynamics are sparking plenty of talk around sale rings that there are potentially more bulls in the system this year than required and that selection pressure has been eased, particularly where phenotypic traits, such as structure, are concerned.

Some observers say that shift has combined with a trend towards greater employment of estimated breeding values to create a situation where buyers are at times even overlooking, or opting to trade off, structural soundness.

Experienced stud stock agents have differing opinions on whether or not there is a general kick in numbers of bulls on offer. If there is, it appears it is certainly not universal.

The more well-established seedstock producers had not changed their program at all, genetics advisor Alastair Rayner, RaynerAg, said.

"It is a fine balance studs need to strike - they require numbers to justify being in the business and that is always a pressure that might allow for a few bulls being offered that you might question," he said.

"But equally, it's well known that if you put up lesser bulls, people won't come back.

"Seedstock people are treading that tightrope very carefully this year."

Accounts across the board are that bull selling in 2025 is travelling in a solid manner but not exceptional.

Analysis of sales covered by Queensland Country Life this August versus last August shows clearance rates are slightly down but averages are up.

"That says buyers are being discerning," Mr Rayner said.

"There is enough choice that they don't have to compromise on what they are looking for.

"They don't have to put up with poor structure and I really don't think they are. A look across the sale results says that the money is just not there if a bull is not up to standard.

"Of course, no bull is 100 per cent perfect in every aspect and trade-offs are made but I don't think buyers are settling for less."

Beef consultants across the board say it is critical in a time like now, when bulls are often being bought to go into expanding operations, that producers are very clear on what their breeding objectives are and what they are trying to achieve.

"We are seeing a lot more people talking about breeding objectives but it's not always established how phenotypic traits like structure fit into a program," Mr Rayner said.

"Look at it this way - the bull presents a resume in his genetics, then he has the interview which is his physical presentation.

"A buyer is looking for a candidate for a job. An important thing to ask is whether the bull can physically do the job."

Mr Rayner said breeding objectives put the emphasis on long-term profitability and measurable traits.

Clear objectives also establish a framework for monitoring progress, he said.

When decisions don't move the herd toward the desired outcome, it is noticed earlier and that is a protective measure against going down a track of fads, he said.