Australia's Genetic Showcase for Beef Cattle

AUSTRALIA - The outstanding beef cattle seedstock available in south-east Australia will be on display again with 200 plus studs opening their properties for the 26th Stock & Land Beef Week from 27 January to 4 February.
calendar icon 14 December 2016
clock icon 3 minute read

Beef Week is the biggest event of its type in Australia. It has been said, and it could possibly be true, that Beef Week is the biggest event of it type in the world as local and interstate visitors tour the studs in search of their next stud sires or herd improving bulls for commercial herds.

Increasingly, Beef Week is attracting many international cattle industry people keen to discover what the Australia seedstock industry has to offer, especially in the British and European breeds. Australian seedstock producers have been astute in sourcing the world’s best genetics and now the world is coming to Australia to find superior genetics.

Beef Week exhibitors display thousands of cattle for visitors. As many as 5000 bulls from 30 breeds will sell during Beef Week or at on-property autumn sales in the following weeks in transactions that will put something like $30 million into the pockets of Beef Week exhibitors.

Beef Week serves as a high value low cost marketing opportunity for seedstock producers from those selling a handful of bulls to the big operations which can sell hundreds.

Beef Week committee chairman Daryl Pearson urged those seedstock producers considering becoming Beef Week participants to get around as many Beef Week properties and as many breeds as possible and find out what the successful studs are doing to attract visitors.

“While the Beef Week formula is tried and proven, the introduction of the RASV Heifer Challenge has proved to be highly successful. Those who have been fortunate to make the final 10 and those who take out the championships and reserves have commented on how the exposure has increased demand for their cattle. The RASV and its staff manage this important section of Beef Week , including ferrying the judge throughout Victoria and the Riverina to assess entries, and this is appreciated,” said Mr Pearson.

Sponsors are critical to the success of Beef Week and many are long standing loyal supporters. Mr Pearson thanked the naming sponsor Stock & Land that provides excellent media coverage plus Merial, RASV, Rivalea, Rural Bank and Rural Finance for their valuable assistance.

The Beef Week committee comprises a group of enthusiastic and experienced industry people who volunteer their time to benefit the beef industry. The overarching body is Stud Beef Victoria which represents the state’s beef seedstock industry.

“Last year long standing committee member and former committee Chairman Norm Fry retired from the Beef Week committee. Norm provided his wisdom and advice for almost 20 years and for that we sincerely thank him,” said Mr Pearson.

Beef Week director Geoff Phillips who has been involved with the event for over two decades predicted increased buying activity during Beef Week and at the autumn on-property sales which follow.

“Following a good season and exceptional beef cattle prices, stud and commercial producers are investing in the best genetics they can find,” he said.

“In 2016 most bull auctions had clearances in the 90pc to 100pc range and $10,000 plus averages were not uncommon. The average for the 22,000 bulls of all breeds sold at auction in 2016 was around the $7200 mark, a staggering 25% higher than the $5800 average for 2015,” according to Mr Phillips.

“While the requirements of bull buyers are varied, Breedplan figures, raw data, polledness, temperament and reputation of the vendor come through as major issues”.

Lists and maps can be found on www.beefweek.com.au or the Beef Week book can be obtained from participating properties on their Beef Week day.

TheCattleSite News Desk

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