The 2022 Stock Journal Beef Week is being hailed as one of the most successful ever for both private treaty sales and interest in upcoming auctions.
Across the four days (from last Friday until Tuesday), 50 studs opened their gates from the Mid North to the Lower South East. Twelve breeds were represented.
Breeders from SA and western Vic, who regularly attend, turned out in force and with the borders re-opening and eastern state herds in rebuild, interstate buyers from further afield were also keen to inspect offerings.
Stock Journal livestock sales representative Mark Scown says Beef Week has proven again to be a very important part of the beef industry calendar.
"With confidence in the beef industry at an all-time high and the ag industry becoming very trendy Stock Journal Beef Week field days drew visitors from Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA," he said.
Mr Scown said it was great to see interstate breeders looking to source South Australian genetics.
"There has been a real buzz and enthusiasm with potential buyers viewing sale bulls and genetics and having the ability to operate online at upcoming sales over the next few weeks," he said.
On Sunday, the Fogden family, Nangaringa Santa Gertrudis stud, held their first field day on the stud's homestead property at Nangari, east of Loxton, since 1996, after installing new yards early last year.
They had an exceptional day, selling 17 bulls to $15,000, for an average of $7588 and 21 pregnancy-tested in-calf heifers averaging $7205.
Stud principal Peter Fogden said the family were overwhelmed by the strong support they received, with more than 60 visitors on the Sunday and many others phoning in to place their bids on the offering.
"We only just decided on Tuesday last week to advertise the females for sale on Facebook, while our classifier (Nigel Ferguson) had also been on the phone to those who might be interested in our traditional style of Santa cattle," he said. "I think our growing presence in Qld certainly helped, people are starting to know where we are. It got a bit hectic there with the bids on the day."
On Tuesday, Jillangolo stud, Willalooka, had one of its best field days too, selling 15 of 20 Red Angus bulls for a $6800 average. This was up about $1500 on last year.
Stud principal Mark Llewellyn was rapt with the interest, especially considering it was a hot day.
"We were quietly hoping it would happen (good sales), more and more people are looking at the cattle for their relevance to the industry and choosing bulls on what they can do for their herd rather than just looking at coat colour," he said.
"People are also seeing the value of spending money on genetics, so rather than buying the cheapest option they are looking for the best option for their operation," he said.
Mr Llewellyn said this was also good for the seedstock industry, giving breeders such as themselves the confidence to chase top end genetics to breed their next drop of bulls.
Also on Tuesday, Bendulla stud, Mundulla, sold 26 of its 34 Poll Hereford bulls, which were priced between $6000 and $10,000.
Stud principal Andrew Bennett is confident the remaining ones will be sold by the middle of next week.
"Northern rains make a massive difference selling Poll Hereford bulls but it was a lot easier to sell the better end bulls this year," he said.
"Last year buyers were still a bit price sensitive but this year they went straight to the better pens first."
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