“We expect these studs will display 5000 bulls and will sell them for $35 million during Beef Week  and at annual on-property bull sales during February and March,”, according to Beef Week director Geoff Phillips.

Of the 196 studs in Beef Week, 35 will conduct on-property bull auctions during the busy autumn bull selling season. These annual sales have catalogued 2500 bulls and these will all be on display for potential buyers to inspect during Beef Week.

“The 161 studs in Beef Week that do not have on-property sales will offer bulls during Beef Week and will also have on display bulls catalogued for the big multi-vendor national sales coming up at Wodonga and Dubbo later in the year. We estimate another 2500 bulls will be cleared by these 161 studs,” said Mr Phillips.

Stock and Land Beef Week is the biggest event of its type in Australia and showcases the nation's leading beef genetics, particularly in the British and European breeds. Entry to properties is free.  

The two best represented breeds are Angus with 58 studs and Herefords with 57 studs. The next most numerous breed is Limousin with 17 studs followed by Charolais and Simmental with 10 studs each.

The variety of breeds and genetics available in south-east Australia is on full display and there are genetics and breeds to suit every purpose.

There are long established breeds such as Shorthorn, South Devon, British White and Belted Galloway while some of the newer breeds to Australia, such as Speckle Park and Wagyu, are certain to create interest.. There are also lesser known breeds on display such as Australis, Senegus, Simangus and Speckleline.

“All breeds have a contribution to make to the beef industry depending on target markets and environment in which they need to operate”, said Mr Phillips.

Stud breeders will be on hand at host properties to explain the attributes of the various breeds and advise and discuss the needs of stud and commercial producers. Livestock agents and breed society staff use beef Week to visit clients and members to gain first hand knowledge of the latest industry trends .

Beef Week opens on Monday, January 29 in the north-east Riverina and progresses through nine days until it concludes in North East Victoria on Day 9, Tuesday, February 6.

The RASV Heifer Challenge conducted in conjunction with Beef Week has attracted 45 entries with studs displaying 10 heifers from their 2016 drop that will be replacements in their registered breeding herd. These entries will be on display on their Beef Week day and will be judged by former Galloway, Angus and Buchan Black breeder Malcolm Cock, who has been breeding, showing and advising in the cattle industry for over 40 years. The champion pen of 10 carries a $3000 cash prize and the reserve receives $1500.

Further Information is on the Beef Week and Stock & Land websites. The 100 page Beef Week book with maps, directions and details of each stud will be an insert in Stock & Land on January 11. A supply of the books will be at each of the participating studs on their Beef Week day.