Farmers’ and breeders’ desire to invest in the best available genetics make this a standout season for two-year-old bull sales.

May and June proved to be a stellar period for breeders as farmers driven to secure the best genetics available propelled this year’s two-year-old bull sales to new highs.

Surpassing last year’s all-time records, this year’s bull sales underline the beef sector’s buoyancy. Across all breeds, clearances, averages, sale attendances, online engagement and top prices all exceeded what breeders achieved last year.

Competition for top end quality bulls was outstanding. Farmers are happy to hunt the genetics they need and dig deep when they find a bull exhibiting them. This enthusiasm carries a loud and clear message: exceptional bulls with the right attributes will make good money, whether supported by commercial farmers or stud owners.

Farmers have adjusted their sights upwards to reflect the rising beef industry and are now prepared to pay more for the genetics they require to maximise returns. Over the past two months, that has been evident flowing through the sales ring, resulting in average prices at a typical sale between 20 and 30 per cent above where they were last year and clearance rates at 95 per cent.

Adherence to excellence in genetics was the common theme for those studs that best capitalised. Invariably such a profitable year comes on the back of several decades, if not generations, of strict focus on steady improvement, sensitivity to market demands, and tracking breeding value data.

Although Angus took the headlines with the record price for a bull broken twice within a week, first by Taimate Angus, Ward for $168,000; then a week later by Kaharau Angus, Gisborne for $220,000, another four Angus bulls also surpassed the six-figure mark, while other breeds were equally keenly sought. Charolais broke their own national record with a Silverstream bull that made $70,000. Bulls of all breeds have captured attention this year, particularly from farmers striving for calves that will provide traits that meet next season’s market demands.
 

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