VICTORIAN beef studs are getting bulls ready for sale, as they gear up to sell during the coming autumn bull selling season, which kicks off next month.
This year’s sales follow what was a record year for many beef studs, when individual price records were broken on many occasions.
From Monday, over 5000 bulls – with a predicted worth of $35 million – will be on display during Stock & Land Beef Week.
The event that offers cattle for sale during the open day, or sold at the stud’s on-property sale, is an opportunity to investigate breeders’ genetic investment, according to Elders stud stock manager Ross Milne.
Mr Milne said the Beef Week open days would be a good opportunity for new and existing clients to check out bulls prior to many sales.
“New clients, who haven’t experienced the program before, can come in and have a look, and existing clients can do their own pre-sale selection in a relaxed environment,” he said.
Mr Milne expected prices during this year’s bull selling season to reach similar heights to last year’s.
“On the back of some solid weaner sale results in the last two months, and reasonably good seasons, particularly in south-east South Australia, and western Victoria, I think we’ll see some strong stud sales this year,” Mr Milne said.
“There has definitely been stability in the cattle job, it’s still very good, and a lot of other commodities are also going in the right direction.”
Mawarra Hereford stud, Longford, smashed its former on-property sale record price by $14,000 last year, hitting a top price of $36,000.
Stud co-principal Deanne Sykes said last year’s sale was highly successful because of the sale bulls’ versatility.
“I think we offer a large number of bulls, with a range of genetic options, market suitability and price points,” Ms Sykes said.
She said the stud treats Stock & Land Beef Week as a preview to its March sale, having participated in the event for almost 15 years.
“We have all of our sale bulls, and some of our breeding herd, on display, and it can be a very much no-obligation inspection of your herd,” she said.
“It gives our clients the opportunity to have a good look at the bulls at their own leisure, and we’re all available on the day to discuss genetics and performance, without the pressure of sale day.”
She said despite having a difficult year season-wise, bulls are looking good.
“We make sure the bulls have all the nutritional requirements they need to be able to perform at the optimum level,” she said.