BEEF FOCUS
Global beef markets to ease
HERD contraction in the world’s four largest beef-producing nations – the US, Brazil, China and Europe – is expected to lead to the first reduction in global beef supply since the Covid-19 pandemic, altering trade flows in the year ahead, Rabobank says in a recently-released research report.
In its latest (Q4) Global Beef Quarterly, titled ‘Navigating declining global production, uncertainty in 2025’ , the agribusiness banking specialist says Brazil and the US are likely to lead declines in beef production next year.
“Reductions in China, Europe and New Zealand are also likely and Australia may be the only top-10 beef-producing nation to post year-overyear production gains in 2025,” the report said.
While North American cattle prices have been high for close to two years as a result of lower cattle numbers and strong consumer demand, the report says other regions around the world have experienced low cattle prices.
“This trend has started to change as declines in global beef supply start to firm up support for cattle prices in South America, Australia and New Zealand,” it said.
With available supplies altered across the top global beef markets, the report says beef trade is expected to shift dramatically.
report lead author, RaboResearch senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley Baird said he anticipated Australian beef producers would increasingly depend on exports to absorb stronger domestic production, while Brazil would see global markets as a better demand opportunity compared to lacklustre domestic demand.
The report says global beef production has the potential to swing dramatically if weather patterns change.
“US producers are waiting on more dependable precipitation to rebuild the herd, and Brazilian production is being slowed by rain delaying the supply of cattle fattened on pasture,” it said.
The report says Australia has maintained relatively adequate rainfall for the past few years, but the threat of dryness could lead to more production (as producers are forced to turn off more stock).
Though, Mr Gidley-Baird said when it comes to weather for 2025, the forecasts suggest a favourable season.
“The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation models are predicting La Niña weather conditions to persist into quarter one 2025, before a transition to a more neutral pattern by midyear,” he said.
“This will support Australian beef production. Furthermore, year-over-year declines in US beef production will remain relatively small, as US
cow herd rebuilding remains stalled by slower replacement heifer development.”
Australia continues to produce and export record volumes of cattle while prices hold, the report says.
Mr Gidley-Baird said quarter three production volumes for Australia showed a new record for the quarter, up 17 per cent on the same time last year.
“This brings total Australian beef production for the year to date (to September 30) to 1.9 million metric tonnes (mt), also an increase of 17 per cent on the same period last year,” he said.
The report said higher slaughter numbers had been the main contributor to this growth in pro-
duction – up 19 per cent for the year to date.
Mr Gidley-Baird said the female proportion of total slaughter numbers remained above 50 per cent.
“This would normally indicate liquidation of the herd. However, RaboResearch believes this higher proportion reflects the high number of cattle in the systems and the reduced need for replacement cattle,” he said.
The higher beef production volumes have led to Australia setting new monthly export records, the report said.
“In October, a new record of 130,000 mt shipped weight was exported, surpassing the previous record set in July,” it said.
Mr Gidley-Baird said the US was taking a large chunk of these exports, with 29 per cent of total volumes heading there in the first 10 months of the year.
High export volumes could see safeguardmeasure thresholds potentially exceeded under various trade agreements – in particular South Korea, China and the US – triggering additional tariffs, he said.
However, these would reset at the beginning of 2025.
Despite the record production volumes, Australian cattle prices have been holding steady, the report said.
Mr Gidley-Baird said heavy steers had been trading between AUD 3-AUD 3.50/kilogram lwt (live weight) from late October onwards, with weaner cattle trading at around the same level.
Cattle prices softened slightly in mid-November, he said, potentially reflecting an easing back in demand from processors with exports approaching safeguard thresholds.
“However, with safeguards resetting at the beginning of next year and declining cattle volumes from Brazil and the US, RaboResearch believes prices should hold into the new year,” he said.
Farmers rally for cross-border bushfire relief
By Sophie Conlon
A number of South East farmers have rallied around their cross border counterparts as fire continues to burn through the Grampians.
The bushfire was sparked by a lightning strike on December 16 and has burned through more than 76,000 hectares.
As clean up efforts continue, one Kalangadoo local decided to help out the best way he knew how, he organised a hay run.
After securing a truck from his boss at Edmonds Transport, Kyle Nicholas put the call out for hay on social media and was quickly blown away by the response.
He collected the hay from properties around Kalangadoo, Coonawarra and Millicent on Thursday, January 2, and initially did not think he would get a full trailer load.
“This morning I didn’t actually know that I was going to even come up with a full trailer, one trailer, and by lunchtime I’d had a couple of other phone calls, and I had to find a second trailer because I’ve actually got too much now,” he said.
“I’ve had another couple of phone calls this afternoon saying that if I do another run, that more people would be happy to donate something to go over.”
Mr Nicholas said he was inspired to help out after seeing the generosity of others during the 2019 Adelaide Hills bushfires, which tore through his wife’s family farm.
“Back in 2019 I went through a similar situation myself with my wife’s family farm and her family in the Adelaide Hills bushfires, and just the generosity that people showed towards her family back then and how much everyone’s happy to help out with a bit of spare time and a bit of spare hay, I just thought it’s my turn to repay the favour if I can,” he said.
“I know a few farmers in the local area, with my old man being one, and then my boss he’s actually a dairy farmer himself as well as having a few trucks.
“I had a truck, a bit of spare time and a trailer, so I thought why not do something good
with the time that I’ve got before I go back to work full time after the break?”
These hay donations come off the back of a tough winter and just three months after 1000 hay bales were donated to farmers across the region.
But, Mr Nicholas said that support was why farmers were happy to give up their fodder now after a good spring.
“We had a very unseasonal year this year in
the South East, as most people would know, very dry winter, and had a very good spring,” he said.
“You wouldn’t think that we would be here happily giving up hay after the winter that we had, that’s God’s grace of the South East in that you never know which way it’s gonna go.”
With two full trailer loads of hay, Mr Nicholas made the trip to the Grampians on Friday, January 2, where he met up with the Need For
Feed relief team on the ground.
“They do a great job going to drought, flood and fire affected areas all throughout the country to help out farmers,” he said.
“As you’d expect, after every natural disaster, everyone’s happy for a bit of help, so when I rang them and said that I’d organise a few to come over, and even that I had an extra trailer, they were over the moon.”
READY TO ROLL: Kyle Nicholas collected two trailer loads of hay in just one day to support fire impacted farmers in the Grampians. (Supplied)
GENEROUS: Kalangadoo truck driver Kyle Nicholas organised a hay run for farmers impacted by the Grampians bushfires. (Sophie Conlon: 452130)
HELPING HAND: Kalangadoo farmer Nick Widdison was one of many to donate to Kyle Nicholas’ hay run. (Sophie Conlon: 452130)
2025 OUTLOOK: RaboResearch senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley Baird. (Supplied)
Big bulls at Nampara stud
NAMPARA will offer 100 bulls on Tuesday, February 18, at 3.30pm on-property.
Without compromising on size and shape and with a focus on calving ease and a solid birth to growth spread, Nampara bulls cover some ground and are big, robust bulls.
Sire lines represented in this year’s sale include Texas Powershift P632, Dunoon Prime Minister, Texas Iceman and Landfall New Ground N90.
The Powershift bulls continue to impress and have been the top performing sire group at Nampara for the last two years.
They are bulls with shape, muscle and clean skin.
A calving ease bull, Powershift, is a trait leader for 600 day growth and EMA as well as being in the top three per cent of the breed for carcase weight.
Also on offer are Nampara’s first sons of the record-breaking $225,000 Texas Iceman.
Another low birth weight, high growth bull with EMA, rib and rump fat in the top five per cent of the breed.
New joining sire, Dunoon Prime Minister has certainly left his mark.
The Prime Minister bulls are thick and long with bone and shape.
A new alternative for buyers, these bulls are amongst the pick of the draft.
Again about 30 bulls in the sale have been used to join 600 females destined for the January Feature PTIC Female Sales at Naracoorte and Mortlake.
These bulls have been specifically selected to join heifers.
They are smooth-fronted, long and well-muscled.
All Nampara bulls are structurally assessed, fertility tested, have had relevant vaccinations and are well known for their quiet temperament.
Buyers will again be able to operate at the sale through Auctions Plus even if they cannot attend in person.
In addition, the bulls will be on display during Victorian Beef Week at the Mortlake Saleyards on Thursday, January 30, and on-property during SA Beef Week on Tuesday, February 11.
With an emphasis on productivity and weight for age, Nampara is proud of the product they produce.
For those looking to add more punch and constitution to their calves, the Nampara bulls are well worth a visit.
For further enquiries and/or a catalogue please contact Stuart and Natalie Hann on 0428 799 592 or visit the website namparapastoral. com.au
Breeders converge for World Angus Forum
THE World Angus Forum is coming to Brisbane this May.
Cattle breeders, Angus enthusiasts, and beef industry professionals from every corner of the globe are invited to converge in Australia for this extraordinary event.
Marking the first time the World Angus Forum has returned to Australian shores in nearly 30 years, the 2025 event will showcase the highest quality beef run sustainably in some of the harshest environments and will explore the concepts and challenges of the Australian Beef Industry’s quest for Carbon Neutral 2030.
Kicking off in Sydney on April 29 the World Angus Forum will commence with a welcome cruise on Sydney Harbour, with the days following playing host to an event pre-tour that will travel Australia’s south east, visiting operations across the beef supply chain utilising Angus genetics, including Millah Murrah Angus, Bald Blair Angus and Rangers Valley Feedlot.
Following the pre tour, delegates will con-
gregate in Tamworth, NSW for a two-day expo event at Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), pulling together the largest showcase of Australian Angus cattle and genetics.
The Expo will be the perfect showcase for members of Angus Australia to bring cattle to Tamworth and have them on display for international and Australian guests.
Finally, the forum event will hit Brisbane on May 7 and 8 and will provide delegates with insight into the latest technology, genetics and innovation available within the beef industry, with, a theme of ‘Beef for a Better Planet’.
Following the forum event, a post tour will provide delegates the opportunity to venture to central Queensland, to see firsthand the use of Angus genetics in the state’s varied climate.
Angus Australia chief executive officer Scott Wright said the forum would provide a unique opportunity for Angus breeders and industry professionals to come together to learn from
one another and to share their passion for this iconic breed.
“It also plays an important role in promoting the Angus breed globally and in advancing the knowledge and understanding of cattle breeding and management,” he said.
“Preparations are well under way to deliver an educational and informative event that brings together leading experts and advocates in a broad range of fields, as well as the opportunity to experience Australia with its unique wildlife and environment.”
The World Angus Forum will be an excellent opportunity for members to showcase Australian Angus genetics to a worldwide audience, with delegates expected from countries including North America, Europe, UK, Ireland and South America.
This prestigious event offers endless opportunities to showcase your brand, cattle, and innovations while connecting with fellow breeders, industry leaders, and Angus enthusiasts from around the world.
Here’s how you, as Angus breeders and supporting companies, can get involved:
• Secure Your Tickets: Don’t miss the chance to attend this landmark event. Purchase tickets now for the Neogen Forum and Gala Dinner, Welcome Cruise, the ZoetisAngusEXPO, the AngusTREK pre tour and the Post Tour.
• Exhibit Your Cattle: Be part of the spectacular showcase of registered Angus cattle. Limited spaces are available, so reserve your site early! Host a Trade Site: Showcase your products and services to a global audience at the Neogen World Angus Forum and Zoetis AngusEXPO. Book your trade site now to lock in your presence.
Enter the Sales: Participate in the Elite Angus Female Sale or the Angus on Ice Frozen Genetics Sale and take advantage of the world’s attention on Angus genetics.
• Be part of the Angus Breeders Directory: Connect with international delegates. Highlight your business, invite visitors, and leave a lasting impression.
For more information visit worldangusforum2025.com/
TOP BULL: Nampara Powershift T134, the $66,000 top-priced bull of any breed sold at auction in SA in 2024 to Hewitt Cattle Co.
Data-driven buying choices
ELOORA Shorthorns, located in Cavendish in South West Victoria, calves down 130 stud females annually, recording progeny for performance data, and combining this with DNA sampling of all sale bulls and retained females to provide greater accuracy data for clients, allowing them to make more informed, profit driving decisions.
Eloora 2025 sale bulls will see the first sons of Outback Sprys Solar R307, purchased for $37,500 whose progeny excel at calving ease and carcase quality, plus proven sires Eloora Geelong M24, American sire Byland Flash (11 traits in top 10 per cent) and Outback Sprys Buddy Q283.
ment Eloora’s genetics which thrive in a diverse array of climates and give clients flexibility to target many different markets.
The last 12 months have seen Eloora genetics sold into New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Victoria, a testa-
Demonstrating the outstanding results you can achieve with Shorthorns, long time clients Peter and Karen Black achieved tremendous results in the 2023-2024 Southern Grassfed Classic, with an Eloora sired steer winning Reserve Champion Carcase and their entries placing sec-
ond in best pen of five head and third in best pen of 10, showing the consistency of their steers. To gain some of the Shorthorn advantage for your herd and bottom line, visit Eloora on January 29 as part of Beef Week, with bulls and females for sale on the day, plus see team of bulls for the Naracoorte Shorthorn Sale on March 13. Alternatively give Eloora a call and arrange a visit anytime.
Weeran Angus set to chalk up 54th bull sale
WEERAN Angus is heading into its 54th Bull Sale on Tuesday, February 25, at 1pm, and invites you to visit the ripping line of bulls on offer.
Both two-year-old and 18-month old bulls will be offered at auction.
The Weeran Team are passionate about breeding bulls that are ready for producing animals to hit the targets for today’s markets.
Reference Sires include Sterling Pacific, Witherswood Bronc P197, Myers Fair N Square, Waitara Quidditch Q43, Landfall Mainland Q494, TeMania Perique P1224 and Dunoon Q317.
There is plenty of power, calving ease, phenotype, docility and carcase from these sires.
Sterling Pacific is creating a lot of interest in the industry.
He will have his second run of bulls for sale here at Weeran.
Landfall Mainland continues to tick many boxes after his sons sold very well in the 2024 sales.
from the dedicated team.
Weeran is investing in top walking sires, along with using leading genetics in the AI and ET programs.
It is an exciting time to be offering these genetics with the beef boom just around the corner!
The sale bulls have been bred from a cow herd of 850.
The females are proving their worth with the ‘old girls’ still performing, alongside the newest and latest genetics joining them.
You cannot underestimate the maternal power behind these bulls.
A number of the bulls in the sale have also been used as yearlings in Weeran’s own joining program.
With two sales a year clients can access Weeran genetics when needed.
There are very strict parameters for the bulls to reach the sale.
Free
Witherswood Bronc keeps breeding lead sale bulls.
TeMania Perique also has a number of embryo sons, with Dunoon Q317 producing calving ease and carcase sons with a very nice phenotype.
Quidditch is also a calving ease sire, who adds thickness to his progeny.
Myers Fair N Square is represented in the younger bulls for sale and his progeny have explosive growth with exceptional depth of muscle.
More than 50 years of performance recording continues to this day by the enthusiastic team who share the Weeran passion.
Every calf is weighed at birth, sale bulls and heifers scanned for IMF and EMA, regular weights taken and to top it off, genomics on all sale bulls.
To have the ‘actual’ information to back up the genomics, gives the figures great accuracy along with sire verification!
The success of Weeran is the honesty in the program along with the passion year in year out
All bulls are structurally assessed by Dick Whale of IBMS and fertility tested by Nationwide A.B.
Temperament is something to be very proud of, with Weeran having a great reputation for docility in the cow herd and sale bulls, fantastic feedback from clients backs this up.
It is important that Weeran bulls are performing across a number of different production systems.
The feedback received from clients along with photos is appreciated, it shows outstanding results for buyers!
Weeran welcomes inspections at its Beef Week Field Day on Wednesday, January 29.
There will be sale bulls on display, along with a group of Registered HBR and APR PTIC females that will be offered for sale on AuctionsPlus soon after the field day.
Please call if you would like to visit Weeran Angus at another time to look at the program.
To keep up to date, please visit weeranangus. com.au and follow Weeran Angus on Facebook and Instagram.
WEERAN: Witherswood Bronc CWJP0197 has sired many top selling bulls at Weeran Angus, with another line of very nice young sires being offered in this sale. (File)
CHAMPION: Eloora Shorthorns has been supplying profit driving sires for crossbred and purebred herds for more than 65 years. (Supplied)
Proven path to productivity
INCORPORATING Hereford genetics into your herd is a proven strategy for enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in 2025.
Hereford cattle offer exceptional fertility, lifting pregnancy and weaning rates, while their renowned longevity reduces bull cost per calf weaned.
Herefords Australia chief executive officer Alastair James said Herefords played a critical
role in the supply chain
“Particularly in the commercial sector with the reduced days to slaughter advantage compared to contemporaries,” he said.
“They deliver better body condition scores on less feed, improved fertility, and sustainability – all contributing to their strong commercial advantage.”
Their superior growth ensures higher weightfor-age at weaning, joining, and carcase stages,
and unmatched meat quality drives premium MSA Index outcomes.
Docility makes handling easier, improving productivity, while reduced days on feed enhance cost efficiency and sustainability.
Herefords also excel in crossbreeding, amplifying hybrid vigour and performance.
Gippsland grass finishers Gary and Samantha Owen have experienced these advantages firsthand.
Finishing 1500 Hereford and black baldy steers and heifers annually for Coles GRAZE, they have been impressed by the performance of black baldy weaners, which finished at 280kg carcase weight at just 16 months last year.
“We provide suppliers with carcase feedback weekly,” Ms Owen said.
“More breeders are keen to understand how their cattle perform, particularly with MSA grades.”
Stock in confinement? Don’t forget ‘A and E’
By Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer Hannah Manning
CATTLE and sheep need specific minerals and vitamins for normal bodily functions.
Many of these vitamins and minerals are consumed in green grass which is then stored in the animal’s body.
However, if green feed is lacking for an extended period, which many farmers are facing in the current dry conditions, animals may use up their reserves of vitamins A and E.
Usually, these vitamins are stored in the liver and through dry periods like summer, these
reserves are depleted.
In situations where an animal is confinement fed for an extended period, for more than three months, for example, they may run out of these reserves.
It’s easier and has a larger success rate if vitamin levels are maintained with supplements rather than treating the animal once their body has used up their reserves.
Clinical signs of vitamin deficiencies can include weakness, scouring, lameness, ill thrift and, in severe cases, death.
If farmers are considering containment feeding for an extended period over summer,
then it is advised that vitamins are added to the animal’s diet from the beginning.
Oral supplementation of vitamins A and E is recommended although not possible for every farm.
There are also injectable solutions available, however, being an oily injection it can be painful, so care should be taken.
When considering feeding livestock for an extended period, professional advice is recommended to make sure your mix is right.
Vitamins A and E are just one consideration.
If you need assistance in formulating a plan for your cattle and sheep, Expressions of Inter-
est are now open for farmers in drought affected areas of south west Victoria to register for a free one-on-one consultation with a farm advisor.
The program offers eligible farmers the opportunity to sit down with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.
The one-on-one includes a drought management planning session of up to 3 hours and follow up call to develop a Drought Management Action Plan.
For more information about dry seasonal conditions support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/ dryseasons or call 136 186.
BEEF FOCUS
February date for bull sale
MORGANVALE Beef Stud will be holding its on property sale on Wednesday, February 12, via a helmsman sale interfaced with Auctions Plus, bidding available from Monday, February 10.
A good time to view sale bulls will be at Beef Week Field Day on Monday, February 10, the sale bulls will be penned on the morning of sale from 9am.
This year’s bulls include sons of new sires Wirruna Quokka a heifer joining option, Wirruna Querido a high marbling sire +4.8 IMF and
Vielum Park Resilient a low BWT high carcase merit sire.
All sale bulls are sire verified, genomic tested, pestivirus free along with passing semen evaluation.
The herd is EU accredited and J Bas 6 .
A online catalogue is available on Morganvale’s website or under sales on the herefordaustralia.com.au
If you have any questions give Allan a call on 0408 859 953.
MELVILLE PAR K HEREFORDS
A pleasure to manage
Absolutely one of the calmest of breeds available, they are easily handled and a pleasure to manage.
Lindsay prides itself on breeding and producing top quality Murray Greys and investing in the best genetics available to keep the stud performing to produce highly marketable animals.
The aim remains focused on quality cattle with selection targeted at growth, muscle, softness structure and performance.
In the upcoming sale, the offering will consist of about 30 appealing bulls with a handful of real standout prospects.
In addition, there will be several terrific stud and commercial PTIC females available.
Delivery is free for bulls within 200km with assistance to all other areas.
All sale bulls are Zoetis Star accredited and both Bulls and Stud Heifers are DNA tested including sire verification and tested free of Pestivirus.
Please take the time to consider this versatile beef breed that is highly sustainable, very adaptable to any conditions, easy calving and quiet, profitable to market and pleasurable to manage.
LINDSAY: Lindsay Murray Greys would love to give beef producers the opportunity to view a truly versatile breed.
All the sale offering will be available for inspection at Lindsay’s field day during the Victorian Beef Week on Wednesday, January 29, as well as sires and stud females.
The 45th Annual Lindsay Production Sale will be held at Pigeon Ponds, Victoria on Tuesday, February 25, at 11.30am, Vic time. Contact Craig Grant on 0427 704 227 or via lindsaymgreys@activ8.net.au
LINDSAY Murray Greys would love to give beef producers the opportunity to view a truly versatile breed.
MORGANVALE: Morganvale Beef Stud will be holding its on property sale on Wednesday, February 12. (Supplied)
TOP QUALITY: Lindsay prides itself on breeding and producing top quality Murray Greys. (Supplied)
Boonaroo has sire power
BOONAROO Angus is excited to introduce five new powerhouse sires into the sale line-up this year.
The team have invested into the country’s best bulls, purchased exclusively to provide clients with the best outcross and the most versatile genetics available.
Te Mania Reaves R574 (the $130,000 record priced son of Peru), Te Mania Resolution R970, Lawsons Quantum R652 ($26,000) and R238 ($40,000), and the curve bending Cluden Newry R214 ($50,000), have been added to Boonaroo’s sire battery.
Boonaroo principals Shane and Jodie Foster said these were an outcross to mainstream bloodlines, offering new, fresh genetics of bulls that aim to increase market versatility, feedlots or grass finishing, feed efficiency, structural soundness and marbling without compromising type.
“At Boonaroo, we focus investment into genetics that make cattle versatile and suited to all markets,” Mr Foster said.
“New genetics producing balanced bulls that can sire progeny which excel in MSA grading and compliance and at the same time excel in the paddock maternally.”
Ms Foster said she was thankful to everyone who had supported Boonaroo through 2024.
“We want to send a huge thank you and all the very best for the new year to our clients, our agents and everyone who has supported us in 2024, it has been one of the toughest years imaginable and it has brought to the fore the need for feed efficient cattle which respond quickly to feed and bounce back with vengeance,” she said.
The Fosters, with children Tom and Claire, started the Boonaroo Angus breeding program back in 2003, concentrating on structure and phenotype, retaining females which thrive in the stud’s sandy soils, with good feet and temperament number one on the ‘must have’ list.
“We’re really conscious of catering for those clients who support the annual weaner sales and are grass finishing in the paddocks, to meet modern markets,” Ms Foster said.
“We aim to breed bulls with strong phenotype, soft, deep, with structural strength and docile temperament.
“We are focusing heavily on fat cover, muscling, and carcase quality in our 600 registered cows, combining these traits to produce cattle which can run at higher stocking rates without losing their ability to finish and be fertile.
“Our genetics aim to assist-grass finishing producers to breed an animal which can be efficiently finished year-round on grass.”
The majority of the 130 bulls in the 2025 sale group are ‘curve benders’ – they are 18 month old bulls which offer calving ease without com-
promising growth and quality.
Generations of New Zealand genetics back through the cow herd can be seen in the robust, sound, and deep-bodied line of bulls, many years of dedication to performance recording creates performance predictability and Boonaroo bulls are guaranteed sound and fertile.
Outside of the sale ring, Boonaroo’s major focus is pre and post-market service, with customer satisfaction their top priority.
“We want everyone to walk away from our sale with bulls and genetics that work for their environment and their production system,” Ms Foster said.
“Providing extensive genetic information on our bulls and working with clients up to the sale to identify their needs, then touching base
with them when we deliver bulls, learning about their individual businesses and just chatting one-on-one, is something that we really enjoy in what we do.”
Boonaroo Angus can be found at Foster’s Lane, Corndale and Jodie and Shane can be contacted for information on 0475 239 687 or 0487 133 824.
Boonaroo will have their first field day at “Clifton”, Hamilton on Wednesday, January 29, where 40 sale bulls and 10 heifers will be displayed.
The SA Beef Week Field Day will be at “Boonaroo” Tuesday, February 11, with all sale bulls and a heifer on display.
The 21st Boonaroo Angus Sale will be held at “Boonaroo” February 21, inspections from 9.30am, auction at 11.30am (Vic time).
Cluden Newry R214 ($50,000) & TeMania Reaves R574 ($130,000)
BOONAROO ANGUS
Auction: Friday Feb 21st, 11.30am (Vic time) Vic Beef Week: Wednesday Jan 29th, “Clifton”, Hamilton SA Beef Week: Tuesday Feb 11th, “Boonaroo”, Casterton
Fully vaccinated, registered, genomics tested, birth weighed, fertility tested, structurally guaranteed.
Enquiries to Shane and Jodie Foster 0475 239 687 or 0487 133 824 www.boonaroo.com.au
IMPRESSIVE: Boonaroo Angus is excited to introduce five new powerhouse sires into the sale line-up this year. (Supplied)
What’s next for US cattle herd?
By Tim Jackson, MLA Global Supply Analyst
THE United States (US) holds a unique position in global beef markets as the world’s largest producer, consumer, second largest importer and fourth largest exporter of beef in the world.
Due to the size of the US herd, fluctuations in the cattle cycle have impacts globally.
Herd dynamics
Despite signals of an imminent herd rebuild at the start of 2024, the American cattle herd has shrunk over the year. Heifer slaughter has partially compensated for lowered cow slaughter, keeping the herd in a liquidation phase.
Year-to-October, cow slaughter has declined 15 per cent to total 4.7 million head. Despite this decrease, heifer slaughter has remained constant at 8.3 million head.
The lower cow slaughter numbers have reduced the intensity of the US destock, though it has not stopped entirely; in the year-to-October the female slaughter rate (FSR) ran at 49.7 per cent. This rate is below the 51.4 per cent seen in the first 10 months of 2023, however it’s still above the 47 per cent tipping point.
The US cattle herd was 87.2 million head at the beginning of 2024 (the lowest figure since 1951). There are strong signs that in 2025, the herd will be smaller again.
Production dynamics
Despite lower cow slaughter, overall beef production has lifted; for the year-to-October, 10.1 million tonnes of beef were produced. This is a slight (0.3 per cent) increase on 2023 numbers.
The small increase has been caused by a substantial lift in steer and heifer carcase weights. To boost production, processors have been more willing to accept heavier cattle, meaning cattle have been spending more time on feed.
In October, US steers averaged 430kg carcase weight (cwt), a record for steer weights. This has meant production from steers lifted 9 per cent
year-on-year in October, totaling 583,000 tonnes.
In contrast, declines in cow slaughter meant cow beef production fell by 10 per cent year-onyear to 142,000 tonnes in October. Taken together, this means that production of beef from cattle in feedlots has risen, while non-fed production has fallen.
Effect on Australian trade
The decline in non-fed beef production has led to a shortfall in lean beef in the American market, creating an increased demand for Australian beef.
Prices for imported 90CL beef in the US market reached a new record in July at 988¢/kg. Prices have been at near record levels all year for lean imported beef.
The strong demand has powered exports into the US, resulting in the US becoming the largest market for Australian beef in 2024. In the yearto-date exports have risen 66 per cent to 317,532 tonnes, the largest export volume to the US since 2015.
The lift in volume has mostly come from exports of frozen, grassfed, and manufacturing beef. Looking forward
Due to the decline in cow slaughter and the lift in steer carcase weights, American lean beef production is low while fed beef production is remaining relatively high. If and when the rebuild kicks off in earnest, lean beef production will likely stay low and fed beef production will fall.
This will have two impacts. Firstly, it will
mean that (all else being equal) import demand in the US market will rise for beef and protein more broadly. It is also likely to shift the import mix, with lower supplies of steaks and other primal cuts available domestically.
The other impact would be a reduction in exports coming from the US. Just under 70 per cent of US exports this year have gone to Japan, South Korea or China. Lower American exports would create a boosted demand for imported beef from other sources.
Although it is unclear when rebuilding will commence in the American cattle herd, it’s clear that movements in the herd will have global impacts. This could potentially reduce global supply and provide opportunities for Australian exporters.
New directors elected
RED meat producers and industry representatives joined Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2024 annual general meeting (AGM), held in-person in Tamworth, New South Wales, and virtually.
The formal proceedings of the AGM included consideration of MLA’s accounts and the election of three directors to the board.
MLA members voted to elect three directors to the MLA board.
Saranne Cooke was elected to the MLA board, receiving 92.44 per cent votes in favour.
Dr Cooke is a director, board chair and audit and risk chair based out of South Australia with experience on a variety of boards across the research and education, agricultural, health, sport, financial and not-for-profit sectors.
Lachie Hart was elected to the MLA board, receiving 97.96 per cent votes in favour.
Mr Hart has 40 years of experience within the beef cattle industry and is chair of the Stockyard Group, a third-generation family business operating across the beef supply chain in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Stephen Lee was elected to the MLA board, receiving 96.95 per cent votes in favour.
Dr Lee is an expert in livestock research and adoption and is currently the Director
of the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
MLA members also voted to re-elect Julie McDonald as one of two grassfed cattle producer nominees to the Selection Committee with 98.39 per cent of the vote.
The MLA board is a skills-based board.
Directors have complementary skills to make important decisions for the long-term benefit of the red meat and livestock industry.
Outgoing MLA chair Alan Beckett thanked members for participation in the 2024 AGM.
He also welcomed John Lloyd as the new MLA chair and congratulated the new MLA directors for their appointments to the board.
“On behalf of the MLA board, I extend my thanks to Professor Manny Noakes and Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, who concluded their tenures as MLA directors as of this meeting. I thank them for their hard work and service,” Mr Beckett said.
“I step down as a director and chairman of MLA today. It has been a privilege to be on the board since 2014 and to be chair since 2019. It has been an absolute honour to represent red meat producers and levy payers.
“I congratulate John Lloyd, who is stepping into the role of chair. John has been a director since 2019 and has broad skills across agribusiness, R&D and the RDC system.”
NEW FACES: New MLA board members director Saranne Cooke, chair John Lloyd and director Stephen Lee. (Supplied)
(USDA,MLA)
IVF a viable option in cattle
By Melanie Riley
CATTLE In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a powerful genetic tool used to ensure your herd remains at a high calibre.
Cattle IVF candidates include older cows, problem cows, pregnant cows, young heifers or cows who over respond or do not respond to normal embryo transfer (ET).
Embryo Transfer Services of South Australia managing director and veterinarian Mike Boerema spoke about the benefits of cattle IVF, which has increased in popularity in recent years with the introduction of new technologies and simpler processes.
“A lot of IVF is done on superior cows that we stopped being able to collect embryos through conventional flushing - that was the first reason for IVF,” Mr Boerema said.
“And then more recently, it is the productivity - you can collect more embryos more frequently and with either some, minimal or no hormone stimulation.
“The beauty of IVF is that it can be done a few weeks after calving until the cow is pregnant, so that’s the advantage, you can actually get progeny sooner.”
Traditional embryo transfer would need to start 60 days after calving and can then be done every four to five weeks and then the cow can be put in calf after the last flush.
Due to the large amount of eggs on a cow’s ovaries at any time, the process of the collection of eggs can often be done at any stage, however, synchronising the cow’s follicle wave or stimulating growth of follicles with a follicle stimulating hormone to try and improve the quality of the embryos is an alternative process.
“IVF is always done on the producer’s best cows or heifers, and then you use the best semen going and that’s how you produce your superior calves,” Mr Boerema said.
“In Bos indicus breeds, IVF is more successful
than conventional flushing - Brahmans particularly - they produce a lot more eggs through an IVF program than with a conventional process.
“So there has been a big demand in that area.”
Mr Boerema said two big recent advances in IVF were improved portable ultrasound quality, meaning more oocytes could be aspirated, and improved media.
“I use media supplied by ART Lab Solutions which is part of Adelaide University and is now exported around the world,” he said.
“My embryos are produced at Adelaide University by Dr Jen Kelly who has over 25 years experience in the field.”
Mr Boerema spoke on the time and cost effectiveness of cattle IVF.
“Artificial insemination (AI) is all about multiplying the superior bulls, and embryo transfer, whether it’s IVF or conventional transfer, is all about multiplying the superior female,” he said.
“You can do that with AI but you are only producing one offspring, whereas here, you’re producing multiple offspring.
“The other big innovation is sexed semen, which means that embryo transfer becomes even more attractive, particularly for IVF.
“IVF with sexed semen works really well, better than sexed semen in flushing cows conventionally.”
Embryo Transfer Services of South Australia specialises in artificial breeding services, incorporating cattle IVF, and continually update their techniques to provide maximum benefit to cattle, sheep, goat & deer breeders.
BABY BOOM: Cattle IVF has increased in popularity in recent years with the introduction of new technologies and simpler processes. (Jim on Unsplash)
BEEF FOCUS
Next generation ag leaders
ANGUS Australia and specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Farm Insurance have opened applications for the Achmea Farm Insurance and Angus Foundation Cadetship —a unique program designed to assist and encourage the next generation of beef industry leaders.
The Angus Foundation Industry Cadetship Program has been designed to encourage and assist the involvement of young people in the Australian beef industry and provide a vast array of professional development opportunities for young beef breeders.
Through the cadetship, one successful applicant will be given a four-week placement opportunity to gain practical experience at Achmea Farm Insurance, a growing agricultural insurer that plays an integral role in supporting the agricultural sector.
This cadetship delivers an exciting combination of practical learning, professional development, and leadership training.
The chosen cadet will experience the day-today operations within Achmea Farm Insurance, gaining insight into their co-operative heritage and commitment to keep farmers farming.
As they follow the client journey, the cadet will experience their direct approach to insurance, which includes spending part of their cadetship alongside Achmea’s Farm Insurance Specialists.
The successful applicant will also be given a project to work on during their cadetship to give them real life experience in the workplace and an opportunity to add value to the business.
The Achmea Farm Insurance Cadetship builds upon a multi-year strategic alliance between Angus Australia and Achmea Australia, which has already supported more than 60 Angus Youth members through its flagship GenAngus Future Leaders Program.
Following their placement with Achmea Farm Insurance, the successful recipient will conclude their cadetship by completing the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Course.
The Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program is an intensive five-day workshop conducted on the college campus at Geelong, Victoria and is recognised as one of the longest running rural leadership programs in the nation.
It has developed a strong reputation in the agricultural and agribusiness sector, attracting support from a wide range of industry and rural community groups from diverse regional backgrounds.
The program will develop the skills and knowledge of participants to enable them to: undertake a leadership role in their industry or community competently represent their industry or community in decision-making forums understand and address the issues facing rural industries and rural communities This cadetship is open to driven individuals are members of Angus Australia , are aged over
18 , and are able to complete four weeks of placement (Achmea Farm Insurance provides flexible blocks and will work with the recipient to determine appropriate blocks).
If this opportunity excites you, don’t wait, applications close on January 31.
For more information or to apply visit angusaustralia.com.au/news/applications-open2025-achmea-cadetship
Ticking the boxes to defeat a deadly parasite
A vaccine developed at The University of Queensland has proven highly effective in early trials to address one of the country’s top cattle pests.
Dr Hannah Siddle from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation said the cattle tick vaccine was created by the Tabor laboratory at UQ’s Centre for Animal Science after more than 18 years of research.
“Professor Ala Tabor led small trials of the vaccine that have shown promising efficacy and we are now moving to larger trials,” Dr Siddle said.
“The Australian beef industry loses $128 million a year because of cattle ticks, and when you look globally, those costs swell into the many billions.
“The parasite causes loss of condition in the animal and the ticks also carry and transmit potentially fatal diseases.
“The beauty of this vaccine is that it protects the cattle from the effects of tick feeding and breaks the life cycle of any tick that bites a vaccinated animal – they don’t lay as many eggs and those eggs don’t hatch with the same efficiency.”
The existing treatment is to spray or dip cattle with chemical pesticides.
“That’s not a sustainable solution for the industry – we want to reduce the amount of chemicals in the food chain,” Dr Siddle said.
“There are also concerns ticks are developing resistance to current treatments, which is happening more often in different parts of the world.”
Thanks to an Australian Economic Accelerator Seed Grant awarded to Dr Siddle, the vaccine candidate is being tested on 30 cows in a proof-of-concept trial for commercial adoption.
“This trial will allow us to bridge the gap between the basic research and proving it’s a costeffective vaccine that works in a larger number of animals, allowing us to get a commercial partner on board,” Dr Siddle said.
Professor Tabor said the process was the culmination of a great deal of work.
“Getting to the commercial phase of anything is like a dream come true because you work on it for so long,” Professor Tabor said.
“It’s really special to be in a translational research space where you work on something that may actually be used in Australia and elsewhere.
“There are other vaccines around the world that people are claiming have good efficacy, but I think we are ahead of the game.
“This grant will allow us to prove it.”
Early work on the vaccine was funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, The University of Queensland, the Beef CRC (2005-2012) and the Queensland Government via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Qld Smart State Fund.
STUDY: Dr Hannah Siddle and Professor Ala Tabor. (Supplied)
TRIAL: Dr Hannah Siddle has begun trials for a cattle tick vaccine.
SCHOLARSHIP: William Richards completed the first Angus Foundation and Achmea Australia cadetship program in 2023 and said it was an eye opening experience. (Supplied)
Three decades of dedication
FOUNDED in 1991, Miller Whan and John (MWJ) continues to be a leading livestock and real estate agency servicing clients throughout the South East of SA and Western Districts of Victoria.
MWJ was built on the foundations of trust, experience, integrity and high-quality service, with these values remaining core to the business to this day.
The MWJ team’s large network, experience and understanding of farming enterprises has enabled the business to broaden their services to clients, offering flexible credit arrangements as well as providing connections for private capital for clients looking to grow their business.
These arrangements have proved very beneficial to clients over many years and continue to be a tailor-made service that MWJ can assist with.
This year MWJ celebrates one of the founding partners David John, who is transitioning to retirement.
David has been a much loved and admired identity in the livestock industry and local community.
The directors and principal agents of MWJ Peter Creek, Andrew Whan and Liam Durcan along with all the staff sincerely thank David for his hard work and dedication and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
In June 2024, Joe Noonan commenced with the business replacing David John as business manager.
Joe is South East SA born and bred and brings 20 years experience in agri business and finance roles covering the South East of SA and Western Victoria.
Joe is now a licensed real estate sales representative and in conjunction with his role as business manager, he will be specialising in rural real estate, appraisals and lease arrangements.
In other staff updates, Mitchell Whan started
as a livestock agent in 2023 and has recently completed his Certificate IV in Agriculture.
Mitch is the third generation of the Whan family to work in the business and his strong work ethic and personable nature is a great asset to the team.
Jordan Heinrich has been with MWJ since 2021 as a livestock agent and is managing the Upper South East clients, based out of Kingston SE.
Jordan has a well-rounded experience and understanding of all facets of livestock marketing including paddock sales, hooks, live export and Auctions Plus.
Scott Miller continues to be a commission
2024 year in review
By Emily Tan,
MLA market information analyst
AFTER a turbulent 2023, the cattle market got back on its feet during 2024.
The beef herd has now reached maturity, leading to more beef in domestic and international markets.
2024 has been marked by three key themes: stability, confidence, and a stronger supply.
Stability Without a doubt, the cattle market has stabilised – reflecting the balancing act between supply and demand which are influenced by weather, overall confidence and increased female slaughter, among many other factors.
Prices over the last 12 months have lifted by 20–39 per cent, indicating the recovery of the market from the challenging conditions in 2023.
The current prices are now tracking 1–20 per cent below the 10-year average and reflect the substantial recovery the cattle market has shown over a short period of time.
Over the last year, Australia experienced two different seasonal conditions split across the south and the north.
The seasonal conditions in pastoral regions in SA and western Victoria drove increased turn-off.
As a result, NSW and Queensland producers benefited from this turn-off due to their fa-
vourable seasonal conditions.
Confidence
Market confidence has certainly shifted from last year – many would say last year was the first time in a long time that producers made a decision based on a forecast rather than actual weather events.
This confidence influenced buying behaviour; however, despite poor conditions in Victoria and SA, prices remained strong due to demand from NSW and Queensland producers.
All eyes have been on the global market, particularly the United States, which has recorded the lowest cattle herd in about 70 years.
This has driven high cattle prices and thus increased the volume exported.
Stronger supply
Supply has remained steady over the past 12 months, with weekly slaughter capacity averaging 130,000 head a week according to the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS).
The second half of the year averaged slightly higher at 140,000 head a week.
Slaughter in 2024 is tracking just above the 10-year average and is around 16 per cent above the 5-year average.
Processing capacity has increased by around 20 per cent over the past four years, indicating the impact of the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and other labour schemes which have significantly grown processing capacity.
agent for MWJ with many years of experience to draw upon, representing livestock and rural real estate clients.
Jessie Gosden, who joined in 2017, manages the residential real estate side of the business in conjunction with office and livestock administration.
Jessie supports the MWJ clients and other stakeholders with a meticulous and well organised approach to her work.
Jessie leaves for maternity leave early 2025 and is wished all the very best with the pending arrival of her second child.
Gayle Mitchell is a long-term and loyal em-
ployee who originally commenced with the business in 1995.
Gayle manages the day to day running of the office and livestock administration, servicing the MWJ clients with a friendly, efficient and professional attitude to her work.
The MWJ staff are a motivated team with more than 150 years combined industry experience who are driven each day to support our clients to the highest possible standards.
Whether it be livestock or real estate, the team at Miller Whan and John are dedicated to advocating for you to achieve the best possible result for your business.
LOOK BACK: After a turbulent 2023, the cattle market got back on its feet during 2024. (File)
LEADING AGENTS: Founded in 1991, Miller Whan and John (MWJ) continues to be a leading livestock and real estate agency servicing clients throughout the South East of SA and Western Districts of Victoria. (Melanie Riley: 452956)
Tyre Specialist
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Let Marijan & his team look after all your rural motoring needs just like he looks after his quality beef stock.
We supply all major and specialist tyre brands, wheels and 4x4 accessories. We also provide auto repairs, servicing, tyre fitting, balancing, wheel alignments and more to ensure your vehicle is well maintained and safe to drive.
You can rely on us! Proud sponsors of “Cows for Kids”
An investment in quality
JB Angus Stud was established 2013 with the purchase of 40 cows, from the retiring Hidden Valley Angus.
During the next few years, JB Angus was fortunate to be able to add both value and diversity to the growing herd with purchases from the dispersals of two highly successful studs in Coolanna and Anvil, hosting its first online auction in 2015.
Since those humble beginnings JB Angus has continually re-invested in high quality Angus genetics, with embryos from Alpine Angus in Victoria’s high country, along with careful sire selections from both Alpine and Coonamble Angus studs.
During a poor season in WA JB Angus was offered and graciously accepted the opportunity to purchase 36 un-joined heifers from the heart of the Coonamble herd, WA’s leading Angus stud.
Located in Bremer Bay with similar environmental conditions to the Limestone Coast, featuring sandy soils and winter dominant rainfall, these heifers have slotted seamlessly into place.
Following the successful integration of Coonamble blood into the herd at Naracoorte, opportunity again presented when the Davis family decided to disperse their remaining autumn calvers, containing some of the finest examples of their most proven and prolific cow lines, resulting in a record-breaking sale.
JB Angus secured two fantastic daughters of Coonamble Hector, arguably Australia’s most successful cow maker of the modern era.
L339 a granddaughter of the prolific matron A61 was purchased for $32,000, and L109 granddaughter of highly regarded donor Z2 representing the Wilcoola cow family for $30,000.
These two cows have formed the backbone of JB Angus’s embryo transfer program for the last two years and will contribute heavily to the
QUALITY: JB Angus are proud to present for your inspection the 2025 sale line up during the Beef Week field days on Tuesday, February 11. (Supplied)
ongoing success of the JB brand in the years to come, with the first bull calves to be offered in the 2026 sale.
The breeding philosophy at JB Angus is a simple one, aiming high to produce correct, physically impressive and highly fertile cattle.
They believe that structural correctness is the most important trait as this leads directly to calving ease, standout phenotype, and the longevity needed to build a productive and profit-
• 27 young sires on offer, combining powerful phenotype and profit first ebv’s.
• On-Line Helmsman Auction, the easy and relaxed way to secure your new sire.
• Field day Tuesday 11/2/25 open at 9am join us for a BBQ lunch & ice cold beverages
• NEW sale date Friday 21/02/2025
• For your convenience and improved OH&S, all bulls have been professionally educated by “the Lee’s Working Dogs”
• Our selling agents PPHS Josh Manser 0428 290 147, SAL Alistair Haynes 0439 350 252, SpenceDix&Co Jonathan Spence 0427 084 951 (Baynes)
able cow herd, the backbone of any self-replacing business.
Hand in hand with attractive, sound cattle is of course fertility.
This is built into the herd through strict culling of empty cows, late calvers and off types.
With those non-negotiables in place, JB Angus looks to add value with strong breeding values starting with the birth to growth spread as the most profitable.
They then look to add carcass value with improved eye muscle area, the backbone of yield, and finally improved eating quality with improved intramuscular fat, and adequate fat cover for balanced cows and the ability to finish stock in a variety of systems.
More recently, through support of both Naracoorte and Urrbrae High Schools JB Angus gained great feedback from both students and staff as to the performance and handling of cattle, with both schools returning high ranking hoof and carcass results, including twice being named best Angus carcass of show.
Baynes Angus has also been giving back to the Keith community by mentoring local kids to show a Baynes’ heifer at the popular SA Junior Heifer Show.
Fresh off a win in the intermediate Angus heifer class with Baynes Ela U4, a daughter of JB Angus S10, purchased by Lakala Angus, Lucindale and dutifully shown by Piper Makin.
JB Angus are proud to present for your inspection the 2025 sale line up during the Beef Week field days on Tuesday, February 11.
All bulls have been independently assessed, semen tested, and are guaranteed ready for work.
In this 10th anniversary sale, JB Angus have added a new feature with all sale bulls having been professionally educated by “the Lee’s working dogs”.
David and Sarah Lee have built a strong business suppling quality trained working dogs and running highly successful schools, and they are recommended for the top class work they provide making all sale bulls dog ready with ease of handling and improved OH&S.
Join JB Angus Stud for the 10th anniversary sale and barbecue on the brand new sale date Friday, February 21, or online through Auctions Plus, from 2.30 to 4.30pm SA time.
Strength, variety at Allendale
ON February 24 Allendale will offer 40 Poll Hereford Bulls in conjunction with Day’s Whiteface.
This year’s draft features bulls with great Hereford quality, mid maturity and excellent doing ability.
The 2025 sale bulls are sired by a variety of Homebred and new sires.
A sire with a large (16 bull from Allendale) and
very good offering is Tobruk Southern Cross.
Southern Cross has really clicked with the Allendale females and there are many top lots.
Southern Cross also has outstanding Breedplan figures including low Birth Weight, excellent growth, fertility and top 1 per cent EMA.
Wirruna Real Deal also has a good offering with six sons catalogued.
Real Deal offers extra length, strong heads,
very good fertility and high IMF.
Allendale are retaining an excellent son in Allendale Pirate U068.
Allendale Laid Back S063 has five sons with excellent body length and carcass.
Laid Back is a trait leader for 200 and 400 Day Weight, Scrotal Size and is top 1 per cent EMA.
Other sires with some very good sons on offer are Cascade Magnate R007, Wirruna Querido
Q266 and Injemira Robert Redford Q287. All sale bulls will be fully vaccinated, semen tested, sire verified with genomic enhanced EBV’s.
Allendale Beef Week Field Day is on Monday, February 10, and inspections are welcome.
Please feel free to contact Alastair anytime to arrange an inspection.
SE Asia has growing appetite for Aussie beef
AUSTRALIA has the opportunity to cement itself as one of the key beef suppliers into South-East Asian markets – as the appetite for beef continues to grow among the region’s consumers, according to agribusiness specialist Rabobank.
In its new report, Growth opportunities in South-East Asia for Australian beef, the bank said there is an expectation the SouthEast Asian region will continue to experience growth in beef consumption – in the order of two to three per cent per annum over the next five years – and imports will be needed to meet the majority of this growth.
Report author, RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said a large population base and increasing wealth in key South-East Asian markets – including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – present an opportunity for Australian beef to position itself as a high quality but value focussed supplier for consumers through foodservice and grocery channels.
Mr Gidley-Baird said geographic proximity, trade agreements and product offering gives Australia a strong advantage in supplying countries in the region.
“Leveraging this advantage and further developing relationships and business partnerships as well as working to meet their product needs can help Australia capture future growth opportunities,” he said.
“And realising this opportunity will also support the ongoing growth of the Australian beef industry in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”
South-East Asia represents the fifth largest export market for Australian beef, Mr GidleyBaird said, taking approximately 10 per cent of the country’s exported beef volume and value in 2023.
In all countries, except Indonesia, beef sits behind pork, poultry and seafood on a per capita consumption basis and generally represents no more than six per cent of the total (including seafood) protein consumption.
The Rabobank report said in volume, Vietnam is projected to see the largest increase in consumption (up 152,000 tonnes) with Indonesia the second largest (up 97,000 tonnes) over the next five years.
“Beef retail sales volumes and values have been increasing at a healthy rate across the region,” the report said.
Mr Gidley-Baird said in many of the SouthEast Asian countries, formal retail sales channels were less developed and wet markets still played a very important role in food distribution, with wet markets believed to make up a large proportion of bovine product sales.
He said retail sales data reflected sales through formal channels (as reported by established retail outlets), rather than sales through wet markets.
“While we believe wet markets will continue to have a role in these economies, the growth in retail sales illustrates an increasing presence of beef in more formal food sales channels, providing opportunities for importers of bovine products,” he said.
Mr Gidley-Baird said in the past five years, “beef retail sales volumes (in South-East Asia)
have increased by five per cent per year, and sales values have risen by 12 per cent per year”
Rabobank expects domestic beef production growth in South-East Asia will be limited, largely due to land resource and capital constraints.
So, to meet the expected increase in consumption there will need to be an increasing supply of imports.
“The bulk of bovine product imported into the South-East Asian region is derived from three main suppliers,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“In 2022, India and Australia made up the majority (at 53 per cent and 18 per cent respectively) and recently Brazil has increased its volumes (to 13 per cent). The US is the next largest supplier at a much smaller six per cent of the market.”
Mr Gidley-Baird said South-East Asian countries are generally importers of low-value bovine products (the term bovine includes beef and buffalo products, as many South-East Asia countries imports buffalo products from India).
“Apart from Thailand – which is a relatively small consumer of bovine products, with one of the higher wealth levels – the other South-East Asian countries are similar with a low per unit import value of around USD 3.50/kg. This compares to an average per unit export value out of Australia of about USD 6.20/kg,” he said.
The report said Australia’s current exported cuts to South-East Asian markets and the origin of our exports reflected this lower price point market.
Brisket and “manufacturing cuts” are the predominant exported cuts from Australia to
these markets, Mr Gidley-Baird said, with some also taking larger volumes of knuckle (Indonesia, Vietnam), shin/shank (Vietnam) and chuck roll (Thailand).
“Queensland, with their higher bos indicuscontent beef and Victoria with a higher cow kill are the major exporters to the South-East Asia region, comprising 51 per cent and 31 per cent respectively of Australia’s total exports in the 2023/24 year.”
Mr Gidley-Baird said beef consumption was expected to gradually increase in the SouthEast Asian region, presenting opportunities for the Australian beef industry.
“The OECD FAO (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) project that beef consumption in the South-East Asian region will increase by 15 per cent (344,000 tonnes) over the next five years,” he said.
“Like other developing beef-consuming nations and following similar paths to more developed countries, we expect an increase in per capita (that is per person) consumption will drive the majority of this consumption growth.”
Increases in wealth, improvements in cold chains, urbanisation and westernisation of diets will all shape the consumption volumes of the future including what we expect to be an increase in South-East Asian beef retail and foodservice sales, Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“The growth in retail and foodservice markets provide a good opportunity to leverage the characteristics of Australia’s beef industry and increase exports to the region,” he said.
ALLENDALE: This year’s Allendale draft features bulls with great Hereford quality, mid maturity and excellent doing ability. (Supplied)
Elite bull line-up ready for sale
WOONALLEE Simmental will once again be holding their Elite Production Sale on property at Furner on February 13 at 1pm.
A great line up of 110 bulls will be offered featuring Black Simmentals, SimAngus and Traditional bulls.
With more than 350 bulls to select from, Woonallee assures they have drafted the very best for this sale!
This draft typifies what the Woonallee program is all about, a high performing group of bulls offering increased profitability with market flexibility, so you take advantage of whatever the season throws at you.
Increased softness and doing ability combined with extra muscle and carcase value is evi-
dent with this group of bulls.
Bull longevity is something we have been concentrating on heavily and we are confident this draft are designed and fed for the benefit of their entire life, not just sale day.
The traditional bulls are again an incredible group that offer extra growth and performance with strong maternal characteristics that will certainly take your herd to the next level.
The first of the Bandeeka Raffles sons are on offer and their extra length, muscle and docility will appeal to so many.
Also the first sons of the Homozygous polled ROD Shamrock will feature at the top of the catalogue, as well as the first of the Woonallee Kiwi Q73.
A high-quality draft form top to bottom!
The black Simmental draft continues to improve each year and this super sound group of bulls are impressive.
Long bodied bulls with extra capacity and performance without sacrificing carcase quality and marbling make these bulls a logical choice for a modern-day beef herd.
The new and the proven sires will be represented including the first of the Woonallee S.K.W, Woonallee Showstopper and KBHR Global sons which will be featured for many years to come.
The SimAngus draft are always a highlight; they offer so much flexibility and certainly represent the best of both breeds.
Industry leading bulls such as Millah Murrah
Rembrandt and Quixote and the proven SimAngus sires in Wombramurra Q129 and Woonallee R475 have bred a great group of industry focussed bulls.
It has been satisfying to see Woonallee bulls working in so many different environments from Tasmania to the gulf in Queensland.
With the industry requiring so much more Woonallee are confident you will find bulls in this draft to add and increase value to your herd.
Woonallee will not be holding a field day as part of the SA Beef Week field days due to the change of dates, however please feel free to contact Woonallee if you require any further information or if you would like to inspect the bulls prior to sale day.
BeefEx conference becomes ALFA flagship event
THE Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) have made a strategic move to retire its long-standing SmartBeef Conference after nearly two decades of hosting the industry technical focused event, to focus on enhancing its professional development offering and growing its showcase conference, BeefEx.
The decision comes as ALFA seeks to cater to the evolving Australian lot feeding sector.
The association will redirect its resources towards the newly launched ALFA Future Feeders Network, which will host its inaugural regional forum in September 2025, and continue to develop the comprehensive BeefEx conference, scheduled for 2026 on the Gold Coast.
Since its inception as BeefWorks and later rebranded as SmartBeef, the conference has brought together researchers, industry practitioners, technology innovators, and agricultural experts to discuss cutting-edge developments in feedlot production, animal welfare, sustainability, and technological advancements.
ALFA President Grant Garey said the conference has been a great opportunity for knowledge sharing and professional networking for lot feeding professionals across Australia over the last 20 years.
“Our decision to retire this event is not taken lightly, however represents a forward-looking approach to how we support and develop our industry’s talent and capabilities,” he said.
The retirement of SmartBeef coincides with ALFA’s increased investment in two key strategic initiatives: the newly launched ALFA Future Feeders Network and the expansion of the biennial BeefEx conference.
“The ALFA Future Feeders Network represents our commitment to nurturing the next generation of lot feeding professionals,” Mr Garey said.
“Our inaugural regional forum in September 2025 will provide new opportunities for young industry professionals to connect, learn, and shape the future of the Australian lot feeding sector.”
The BeefEx conference, scheduled to be
SWITCH UP: The next BeefEx conference is scheduled for 2026 on the Gold Coast. (Supplied)
held in 2026 on the Gold Coast, will now incorporate many of the technical and professional development elements that made SmartBeef a renowned event.
This expansion ensures that the depth of technical knowledge and networking opportunities will continue to be a hallmark of ALFA’s event programming.
ALFA remains steadfast in its mission to support and advance the lot feeding industry.
The retirement of SmartBeef represents a strategic milestone in the association’s commitment to developing industry capacity and meeting the needs of the evolving lot feeding
sector.
For more information on the ALFA Future Feeders Network, visit feedlots.com.au/ffnetwork.
To view upcoming ALFA events, training and professional development programs, head to feedlots.com.au/training-career-development.
Australian beef excels in Korean market
AUSSIE Beef has established a strong foothold in the Korean retail market, becoming one of the most trusted and recognisable brands among Korean consumers.
Its branding as “Hoju Chung Jung Woo” , meaning “clean and safe Australian beef,” reflects its image in Korea as a high-quality product.
Korea’s country of origin labelling laws are designed to inform consumers about the origin of products, particularly food items, to ensure transparency, prevent misleading practices, and protect domestic industries. There are strict rules for meat, including beef.
Sellers must clearly indicate whether the meat is domestic or imported, and the specific country of origin must be mentioned (e.g. US, Australia).
These laws have helped push on-pack Aussie Beef branding at the retail level to help customers differentiate the products’ country of origin (COO) when on store shelves.
The strategic use of more than 1.6 million Aus-
sie Beef branded stickers, produced and distributed by the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Korea office annually, reinforces the connection between Australian beef and its “clean and safe” image in consumers’ minds.
Through many years of continuous investment through MLA’s various activities and programs into the Aussie Beef brand, these stickers serve as a visual guarantee of authenticity and quality to shoppers at the point of purchase.
To measure the availability and distribution of the Aussie Beef logo in Korea, an annual logo penetration survey has been carried out since 2016; the survey initially focused on offline retailers, however in recent years, has also expanded to include online retailers.
The 2024 penetration survey ran from March–April covering 387 stores nationwide. Some key findings from the 2024 survey were:
• Of the 387 stores surveyed, the Aussie Beef logo and sticker was found to be present in 95.1 per
cent of stores, a slight decrease of 3.1 per cent compared to 504 stores surveyed in 2023.
• In E-mart and Home Plus, two of South Korea’s largest retailers, the Aussie Beef logo and sticker were present in 100 per cent of stores surveyed.
In offline retail, Aussie Beef held a 63 per cent share of imported beef on shelves compared to US beef with a 37 per cent share. This is an increase of 3.8 per cent when compared to the 2023 survey results.
In online retail, Aussie Beef held a 54 per cent share of imported beef listed compared to US beef’s 44 per cent share – an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to 2023.
• The Aussie Beef brand attachment rate for products other than refrigerated products (frozen meat, advertisements, etc.) was 48.6 per cent, an increase of 6 per cent compared to the previous year.
TOP BRAND: Aussie Beef has become one of the most trustable and recognisable brands for Korean consumers. (Supplied)
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SA ag to drive net zero target
RESEARCH into lowering greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices will be spearheaded by South Australia through an $8.4 million commitment alongside partnerships between state and federal governments and industry.
Led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research will be essential to help the state reach Net Zero by 2050, which will help to preserve SA’s environment for generations to come, and to support producers to maintain market access and establish new markets.
The South Australian Government has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels, and to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In South Australia, the agricultural sector was estimated to account for 37 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.
There are a number of sources of greenhouse gas emissions generated in the agricultural sector and on farms in South Australia.
Fertiliser production and use make up a large proportion of the emissions challenge for South Australian grain farmers, producers, and growers, followed by methane released by livestock.
This methane is produced by cows, sheep, and goats in their stomach, which is then released into the atmosphere, mostly when burping or through flatulence.
The State Budget in June 2024 committed $8.4 million over five years and will leverage Commonwealth and industry contributions of $16 million over five years to a total of $24.4 million.
This will establish the essential industry partnerships and collaborations necessary to reduce the states greenhouse gas emissions.
South Australia’s $18.5 billion agriculture sector will benefit from this next generation research and development that will build on the active initiatives in emissions reduction and sustainability that SARDI is undertaking, including;
Methane mitigation: Testing existing products or identifying novel bioactive molecules for livestock that result in less methane production while not impacting reproduction success, the quality of wool, milk, and meat products for producers.
• Plant breeding and selection: Plant breeding and trials to determine new feed base options which roaming livestock could eat, which naturally decrease the amount of methane produced. This is a key consideration required
to address methane produced from pasturebased ruminant systems in South Australia.
Agronomy and soils: Undertaking research aimed at improving soils to increase the opportunity for atmospheric carbon storage, or the expansion of legume crop production to reduce synthetic nitrogen use.
• Management for mitigation: Supporting SA producers to ensure they have access to the emission reduction solutions they need, as well as the new information and technology as quickly as possible as it is developed.
Much of this research will be undertaken at SARDI innovation farms, or in partnership with farming systems groups and growers, located across a range of the key rainfall and climate zones throughout South Australia, where new innovations will be trialled as they become available, and new research will be conducted to in-
vestigate new solutions.
This will ensure that farmers have early access to new solutions which are designed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from our unique SA farming systems and regions.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the global agricultural market was demanding producers demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions and using sustainable agricultural practices to maintain market access and competitiveness.
“This pressure will only increase in the years to come,” she said.
Having reached a 50 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels, Ms Scriven said there was still more to achieve.
“But to reach net zero by 2050 we really need to act now across all sectors, and this commitment is the first step towards our agriculture sec-
tor – which employs so many South Australians across our regions – to reach this target,” she said.
“SARDI is already doing great work in this space, including undertaking research and development in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and sustainability, such as methane mitigation in livestock and agronomic practices to reduce inputs and improve carbon sequestration.
“It is important to note this funding isn’t just to implement products into farms now, but it is also about the investment into the necessary research so the right solutions for our unique and beautiful environment can be developed into the future.
“I look forward to seeing the innovative research and development that will be achieved through this commitment to help us get to net zero and preserve our state for generations to come.”
Herefords proving their market flexibility
HEREFORD and Hereford infused cattle are proving their finishing ability off grain in the inaugural 100-day grain fed Inverell Feedlot Trial and Carcase competition.
With $6000 prize money on offer, the trial is hosted by Glen Innes and Inverell agency Colin Say and Co Pty Ltd in conjunction with Bindaree Beef, at the Myola Feedlot, Croppa Creek, NSW.
The trial drew 37 teams comprising 185 head of British bred, European and Bos indicus cattle.
Exhibitors were required to enter teams of five head with the competition starting on August 1, a field day held on October 30 and the final weighing day on November 20.
The cattle were processed on November 20 by Bindaree, carcases judged on November 21 and the presentations were made on November 29 with points awarded for average daily weight gain and carcase quality for both individual and team entries.
The trial comprised two classes with entry weights of 375-410kg and 411-450kg liveweight.
All cattle had to be pre-treated with Bovilis MH + IBR, be milk tooth and be HGP-free.
Points were given to the highest individual weight gain and the highest group weight gain.
Entries were yarded at the Inverell saleyards and judged by Bindaree’s grainfed supply chain manager Zac McInerney for their conformation, condition, weight gain, finishing ability and market suitability.
62.03.
The Myola Feedlot purchased all of the cattle.
A pen of black baldies, aged 11 to 12 months and averaging 442kg, from Mark and Wendy Campion, Amos Vale Herefords, Pinkett, were the reserve champion pen on the day.
The steers were sired by an Amos Vale Hereford bull and out of black baldy cows.
There were four Hereford teams entered by Younger Herefords, Inverell, Supple Whiteface, Guyra, Jindalee Herefords, Kings Plains, and Amos Vale Herefords, Pinkett, NSW.
Colin Say and Co director Shad Bailey said the trial was designed to give commercial and seedstock producers feedback to better their
operations and create market pull through for the genetics.
“There has been a big push to offload cattle as feeders or selling then as weaners which are then primarily targeted to feedlots. Feedback is crucial for both the seedstock and commercial producer, providing them with vital data and ensuring sire selections are correct and allowing benchmarking against other producers,” Mr Bailey said.
“We are partnering with Bindaree and have had an unbelievable response from producers with entries. Next year we would like to increase the involvement from studs by increasing the classes.”
Mr Bailey said the field day involved presentations from Zac McInerney on the rations, performance of the trial cattle and supply feeder steers to specifications.
“We aim to make this an annual event and open it to entries from a wider area. It’s about thinking outside the square – the more information we can give back to the clients, the more profitable they become,” he said.
Hereford steers from Vern, Margaret, Geoff and Gemma Younger, Younger Herefords, Inverell, weighed 454kg at 14 months, had been weaned onto hay and pasture, then backgrounded for a short time on forage oats before entering the trial.
The family finishes steers on forage crops for the Teys Grasslands program but entered the Myola trial to evaluate their cattle’s performance in a feedlot.
The majority of the 500 spring and autumn calving cow herd are AI bred using Fixed Time AI.
The herd had been totally Line One bred for 25 years and the Youngers continue to use the latest Holden and Cooper genetics from the USA, where they are renowned for their maternal traits, weight for age and carcase quality.
“We target the grass-fed market – the steers consistently grade with an MSA Index of 61+ with marble scores of one to three,” Vern said.
“The last load of 56 head averaged 362kg carcase weight with an MSA Index of 62.03 at 23 months of age.”
HEREFORD: Steers being finished for the Teys Grasslands program at Younger Herefords and they had an average MSA Index of
Their brothers were entries in the Myola feedlot trial. (Margaret Younger)
NET ZERO: Research into lowering greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices will be spearheaded by South Australia through an $8.4 million commitment alongside partnerships between state and federal governments and industry. (File)
PM rounds up pre-poll tour
By Kat Wong, Tess Ikonomou and Poppy Johnston, AAP
THE prime minister has beefed up his unofficial election campaign with a visit to an outback cattle station.
With Australians set to cast their votes some time before May 17, Anthony Albanese has embarked on a marginal seat marathon through Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The Lake Nash property in the Territory’s Barkly Tableland was his final stop on Wednesday, where he took the opportunity to highlight the economic benefits of China ending suspension of Australian beef exports.
“As a direct result of that, exports have gone back stronger to even where they were beforehand and now, over the coming 12 months in 2025, will exceed $2 billion,“ Mr Albanese told reporters.
“This provides a life blood for employment here in the territory.“
Diving into the political calendar shortly after new year was unusually early and while Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young understood the rationale, she noted there were still two parliamentary sitting weeks before the end of the government’s first term.
“There is unfinished business for this parliament,“ she told reporters in Canberra.
An environmental law overhaul, which the government initially slated for completion in 2023, has not yet passed after “nature positive“ legislation was scrapped at the last minute when the prime minister overruled his environment minister to scupper a deal with the Greens.
Labor is also yet to finalise its schools funding
commitments or changes to political donations and it is unclear whether it will release a longawaited response to a report on gambling advertisement before the election.
The prime minister’s tour resumed on Wednesday morning in Cairns, located in the seat of Leichhardt held by retiring Liberal MP Warren Entsch on a 3.4 per cent margin.
“At the next election, people will have a choice between Labor - committed to addressing cost-
of-living pressures while building Australia’s future - or (Opposition Leader) Peter Dutton, who will cost Australians more,“ Mr Albanese told the ABC.
He later headed west to Mount Isa, before journeying to the remote community of Alpurrurulam on his 12th visit to the Northern Territory since taking office.
Most of the NT is encompassed by the seat of Lingiari, held by Labor MP Marion Scrymgour on
a razor-thin 0.9 per cent margin, and the government will have to fight to hold on after their territory counterparts were demolished by the Country Liberal Party at the 2024 election.
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has said the prime minister’s cross-country blitz “smacks a little bit of desperation“ but the government knows it cannot be complacent.
“We don’t take any outcomes in the election for granted,“ Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC radio.
“The election will be very tough, it will be very tight.
“People are under very substantial pressure and they often express themselves politically.“
As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are directing their discontent at the major parties.
Polling predicts neither Labor nor the coalition can form a majority government, which could offer an opportunity for minor parties and independents to exert their influence.
“The stakes are really high,“ Senator Sarah Hanson-Young told ABC radio.
“We are living in a world where our climate is getting worse, our environment is on the brink of collapse.“
Though the Greens party went backwards at the 2024 Queensland state election, it received its strongest federal election result at the 2022 contest and the senator says recent polling has been favourable.
She urged Mr Albanese not to “cower“ to the mining industry when he continues his trip into WA.
Heat tolerance now part of the efficiency mix
SEVEN years ago, Trevor Parrish’s bull-buying clients were asking about the new Heat Tolerance Australian Breeding Value (ABV).
Now it doesn’t rate a mention, unless it is HOT.
But that’s not because the NSW bull-breeder’s clients don’t care about Heat Tolerance.
It’s quite the contrary.
These farmers, who are mostly in NSW and Queensland, consider Heat Tolerance one of the core breeding values that make-up a sustainable and efficient animal.
These farmers, who milk up to 2000 cows, expect high Balanced Performance Index (BPI) bulls to have an above average Heat Tolerance ABV.
“Clients, they are thinking longer term, we have to select for it,” the Kangaroo Valley farmer said.
“Into the future, they are going to want more of a compact cow, a cow that can handle just about everything.
“A smaller cow, with good feet – that can walk more – and convert feed into milk. A cow that’s efficient.
“Heat tolerance is part of that efficiency. As a breeder, you are trying to cover all the bases and Heat Tolerance – now it has an ABV – is part of a solid, good quality cow.”
DataGene’s Good Bulls Guide reflects the growing focus on breeding heat tolerant bulls.
In DataGene’s August 2024 ABV release, one third (197) of the Holstein Good Bulls had a Heat Tolerance ABV of 100 or more – which is the Australian average.
Included in this group were 34 Holsteins which scored at least 105 for Heat Tolerance; this means they are 5 per cent more tolerant to hot and/or humid conditions than the average. Or the fall in production due to these conditions would be 5% less than average.
This compares to a small number of bulls that ranked more than 100 for Heat Tolerance back in December 2016, when the breeding value was first released.
Australia was the first country in the world to have a Heat Tolerance Australian Breeding Value.
Scientists developed this ABV by identifying genetic markers for heat tolerance using ge-
nomic technology (DNA testing).
Mr Parrish said breeding was one of several tools he used to help their herd of up to 300 milking registered Holsteins handle the humid conditions.
“It is just one of those things, we put sprinklers on to try and ease the heat and we have shade – trees – you have got to have shade,” he said.
“Breeding for Heat Tolerance is just like planting a tree, how long will it be until the tree provides you with shade?
“But if you don’t start planting trees and looking to breed for Heat Tolerance, it is only going to get worse. It is about starting.”
Mr Parrish, his wife Leah, their daughter Toni and son-in-law Nathan are all part of the dairy business called Illawambra Family Trust.
Nathan and Toni have a rural contracting and fencing business that has been incorporated into the farm business.
They are taking over the running of the farm, while Mr Parrish is more of the herd manager.
There are four other full-time employees and two part time.
The business also sells about 60 bulls and 100 females annually to dairy farmers and supplies sires to be tested for artificial insemination (AI).
Breeding for AI also requires a focus on Heat Tolerance for the domestic and international market, according to Mr Parrish.
“A bull that’s above 100 for Heat Tolerance is a fairly good selling point and you will get royalties on those bulls,” he said.
Breeding the ultimate bull is a work in progress.
The latest bull to going to AI had a 575 BPI, 101 for Heat Tolerance and he was also A2A2. Selecting bulls and researching the market is one of Mr Parrish’s hobbies.
He enjoys breeding and has a set of criteria for how he selects sires.
“They have to have a higher HWI than BPI, and I like them to be A2:A2,” he said.
“BB Kappa casein, which ensures a higher cheese yield is preferred also.
“I look at the Feed Saved ABV and then I ruleout any with a Heat Tolerance ABV below 98.”
Mr Parrish can track improvements in these traits in his female stock through genomic testing.
The latest results showed their four highest BPI females where all above 100 for Heat Tolerance.
The highest was Illawambra Rocknroll Deonie with a Heat Tolerance ABV of 105, BPI 554
and a HWI of 652.
Selecting for high Heat Tolerance has paid dividends for Mr Parrish.
Most of his herd has a Heat Tolerance ABV of more than 96 which means the cows susceptible to heat “naturally culled themselves”
“What we used to see here is, in the summertime cows could be in calf and three months later they come in bulling because they have aborted their calf due to the heat,” he said.
“So, because of their fertility they end up incalf later or they don’t get in calf which means they are culled.”
The science behind the Heat Tolerance ABV has provided Mr Parrish with reassurance when it comes to making breeding decisions.
“The good thing with Heat Tolerance is there’s no human error,” he said.
“The reliability is at 48 per cent, yes, I would like it higher, but that is all a DNA test. A bull at 105 is better than 95, it is that simple.”
The Illawambra herd is medium-stature and fed a pasture/ TMR diet from about 70 ha plus about 2 tonnes/cow/ lactation in the bale of a pellet supplied from a nearby ethanol plant.
More than half the herd are heifers as Mr Parrish has opted to retain his best genetics.
Anything that’s not over 330 BPI may get a dose of Angus semen and all animals below 350 BPI are for sale.
Spring production was about 27 litres/ cow/day with 3.5 per cent protein and 4.2 per cent butterfat, which is expected to rise over time with the use of TMR to cover the pasture shortages.
“I think AI centres won’t take bulls that aren’t good for Heat Tolerance. It will be like calving ease – now they won’t buy a bull that causes difficult calvings,” he said.
To breed for improved heat tolerance, look for high BPI bulls with a Heat Tolerance ABV of more than 100.
DataGene recommends using a team of bulls to allow for the lower reliability of the Heat Tolerance ABV.
For more information contact: DataGene 1800 841 848 or enquiries@datagene.com.au or datagene.com.au
DataGene is an initiative of Dairy Australia and the herd improvement industry.
HOT TO GO: Trevor Parrish aims to breed dairy cattle with a high BPI and a Heat Tolerance ABV above 100. (Supplied)
ELECTION READY: Anthony Albanese has spruiked the importance of the beef industry during a cattle station visit. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
