Breeder competition, rising quality of genetics and presence of bidr® will set the season favourably for the market

This year’s bull selling season will commence in mid-May, with the bulk of sales occurring over the following six weeks.

Competition among breeders should be a strong feature of this year’s sales. A lift is indicated in the number of bulls offered, and with the quality of the genetics rising year on year, from a commercial perspective the sales season will provide plenty of opportunity to secure excellent stock at appealing values.

Genetics are increasingly coming to the fore, potentially with answers to environmental challenges, as well as enhancing herd performance. Anyone breeding and raising beef cattle needs to understand the EBV’s work for you, and how to use estimated breeding values to improve their livestock and therefore their business.

Use of bidr® will step up another level at this year’s bull sales, widening market scope for the studs offering stock. Extending sales to parts of the country they have not previously reached, and growing the potential market should lift standards across the board, improving the genetics and productivity of the national herd.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager