The quality of genetics the Hereford breed has to offer the beef cattle industry will be highlighted at the 59th Herefords Australia National Show and Sale to be held on May 15 to 16 at the Wodonga Exhibition Centre at Racing Wodonga.
Judging for this year's show portion of the event will commence at 9am on Wednesday, May 15, while the sale will follow from 9am on Thursday, May 16.
A total of 141 bulls, including 93 Poll Herefords and 48 Herefords have been selected from 46 studs. This number includes six vendors who will make their sale debut this year.
Herefords Australia chief executive officer Michael Crowley, said the bulls to be offered are a first-class representation of what is possible with the breed.
"We're expecting top competition from stud and commercial breeders from across the country," Mr Crowley said.
He said a broad range of genetics will be on offer to suit a wide selection of markets.
"The vendors work closely with their buyers and have developed strong relationships over the years. Buyers keep coming back as a reflection of the quality of the offering year on year.
"Hereford cattle are shining in delivering profitable outcomes in grass and grain fed programs with low cost of production, fertility, longevity, fantastic weight for age, and deliver superior MSA index outcomes."
In 2023, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland were represented in the bid card list. In what was a tough cattle market environment, the sale result was solid as 121 bulls sold for a clearance of 75 per cent, to average $11,917 for a gross of $1,442,000 and a top price of $75,000.
"It was a strong result as seasonal conditions were highly variable across the country and the outlook was uncertain however buyers were looking ahead to the future and continued to invest in the top genetics on offer."
He said there is a lot more optimism around the season and the market outlook this year.
"Both factors play a big role in buyer confidence.
"The fundamentals of the industry are strong and with a broad range of market options for Hereford and Hereford-cross cattle, buyers should be operating with confidence."
On May 15, American Hereford Association (AHA) COO and director of Breed Improvement, Shane Bedwell will have the honour of judging the cattle across 15 classes, split into junior, intermediate, and senior divisions.
Mr Bedwell has had the opportunity to judge cattle in 33 states, including as the invited judge at all major and national shows in the U.S. Additionally he has judged in two foreign countries.
Mr Crowley said all animals to be judged were required to meet a range of criteria including being free from all known genetic conditions, full performance recording, sire verified, and all bulls had to have been genotyped so that the Breedplan figures are as accurate as possible.
Those unable to attend the sale can bid from home via the AuctionsPlus online platform.
The bulls will be on-site from Monday, May 13, and can be inspected from Tuesday, May 14.
"Viewing the show on May 15 provides a great opportunity to see the bulls out and about."
The catalogue is online now on the Herefords Australia website.
On May 14, Herefords Australia is hosting a breed forum titled "Productivity Driven Sustainability" which will take a supply chain approach to unlocking opportunities to reduce costs, improve profitability, and inform the attendees of the future opportunities to add value to their livestock and their businesses. This forum will also encompass a social function at 6pm, following the forum, at Wodonga Racing. Registrations are essential and can be completed by visiting the Herefords Australia website. All are welcome.
Neogen Australasia is sponsoring a dinner function at Huon Hill to be hosted by Herefords Australia and the Wodonga Show and Sale committee on Wednesday, May 15, from 6.30pm. Hereford Boss beef will be served to guests at this event. The dinner will include an auction raising money for the Herefords Australia National Youth program which supports the next generation of cattle breeders.
"As you will see in the catalogue, all pedigree and performance data is presented for full transparency."
For animal enquiries please call Elders sale agents Ross Milne, 0408 057 558, and Ryan Bajada, 0435 411 536, or Nutrien Ag Solutions sale agents Peter Godbolt, 0457 591 929, and Tim Woodham, 0436 015 115.
