Beef Week: worth the money

The 5000 bulls from 30 breeds on display will sell during the nine day event, or at on-property sales in the following months, for about $35 million based on the bulls of all breeds selling at an average price of $7000. 

Stud producers will also be on the lookout for special bulls with quality genetics and will be forced into a higher pricing bracket.

While commercial producers rarely venture more than $10,000 for bulls, $1500 steers give them confidence to go higher for the right product.

More heifers are being retained as Australia’s breeding herd expands so more bulls are needed putting more upward pressure on the market.

Stock and Land Beef Week is the biggest event of its type in Australia. 

It has been said, and it could be true, that it is also 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, the event 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.  

Stock and Land 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. 

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

“While the Stock and Land Beef Week formula is tried and proven, the introduction of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) Heifer Challenge has proved to be highly successful, “ Mr Pearson said.

“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 the event, including ferrying the judge throughout Victoria and the Riverina to assess entries, and this is appreciated.”

Sponsors are critical to the success of Stock and Land Beef Week and many are long standing loyal supporters. 

Mr Pearson thanked the naming sponsor Stock and Land that provides excellent media coverage plus Merial, RASV, Rivalea, Rural Bank and Rural Finance for their valuable assistance.

The event 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,” Mr Pearson said.

“Norm provided his wisdom and advice for almost 20 years and for that we sincerely thank him.”

Director Geoff Phillips who has been involved with the event for over two decades predicted increased buying activity during Stock and Land 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,” Mr Phillips said.

“In 2016 most bull auctions had clearances in the 90 per cent 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 25pc higher than the $5800 average for 2015.

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

For all the latest photos, videos and an interactive map of Stock and Land Beef Week head to www.stockandland.com.au