Angus premium set to advance in 2023 and beyond

The Angus breed continued throughout 2022 to exceed all expectations both commercially and at a seedstock level, according to Angus Australia Chief executive Scott Wright. “The real test of Angus success is market demand — clearly demonstrated through a substantial growth in both the number of Angus bulls sold at auction and the average value per bull,” he said. “In 2022, 11,811 bulls were sold across Australia at an average value of $15,770 compared to 10,866 bulls sold in 2021 at an average value of $13,743 — a hugely impressive growth on what was considered in 2021 a very successful year.” Mr Wright said the supply and demand dynamics through the herd rebuild had contributed to this great result. “The exceptional growth in Angus has continued above markets due to increased objective performance of Angus genetics and a preference for ‘Angus’ quality beef by consumers both domestically and export. “We are getting good feedback that beef brand owners continue to increase their Angus programs. “The Breed Hoofprint report, released by AuctionsPlus during 2022 showed in an excellent objective report the Angus feeder steer premium against other breeds.” Mr Wright said it also showed the numerical growth of the breed and growth of the breed into northern markets in Queensland and pastoral zones in Central Australia and WA. “As a society, Angus Australia’s board of directors has just completed a new five-year strategic plan which will be released at our annual conference in May 2023,” he said. “The new plan will outline a range of initiatives to strengthen engagement with members, to continue to build platforms that assist advancing genetic gain of the breed and will enhance the Angus premium. “In December 2022, Angus Australia produced a range of enhancements to our TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation in order to provide breeders with the tools to make more accurate breeding decisions. “These included a new algorithm for calculating EBV accuracies, new software for calculating docility EBVs and a groundbreaking publication of ImmuneDEX RBVs for all genotyped animals.” Angus Australia’s annual enhancements are aimed at ensuring that Angus breeders have the most accurate tools available for making breeding decisions. Mr Wright said WA Angus members had an excellent result in 2022. He said 25 WA Angus bull sales sold 1023 bulls at an average of $11,729. “WA Angus continues to be one of our more active affiliated Angus groups with an active interest in increasing the breed’s footprint into pastoral zones,” Mr Wright said.