Editor’s note: The original version of this item overlooked the Cluden Newry Angus Sale in Tasmania last month, which saw a season-high top price of $275,000 for Cluden Newry Uppercut U15 – a Tasmanian record. Article below and the tables now amended.*  

WITH the Easter break rapidly approaching, the pace of the autumn bull sales has significantly slowed. The autumn sales have been challenging given the backdrop of drought conditions in South Australia and below average rainfall across much of southern Australia. These conditions have seen producers become more cautious in their purchasing decisions.

Overall, the national price offered across all breeds reported through Beef Central’s sale reports, the national average per head has fallen to $9800, which is a 22 percent drop from the $12,600 average recorded in 2023.  Demand for higher tier genetics remains strong, however sale top prices have (in general) also softened this year.  The exception was the $275,000 top price at the Cluden Newry Angus Sale in Tasmania on 18 March – considerably better than  last year’s top price at this stage of the year of $240,000 paid at Landfall Angus.

Across the sales 3293 bulls were offered with the major offerings from Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Shorthorn, Simmental and Speckle Park. Given the seasonal pressures many southern producers are experiencing, clearance rates reflected the caution of felt by many producers.  Clearance rates in 2025 fell to 84pc across all breeds, down 10pc from the 2023 levels.

Although the national average for autumn was 84pc, there is some divergence between breeds and between breeders within breeds. Many Angus and Simmental breeders recorded clearances well over 90pc, there were several Hereford and Shorthorn sales which saw below 70pc clearances, clearly reflecting the seasonal caution and tighter budgets of many producers.

It is important to view clearance rates in the context of both the seasonal impact across southern Australia, as well as the market share of breeds offered across the autumn sale period. For example, in autumn 2025, Shorthorn bulls made up less than 5pc of bull offered, so small shifts in buyer demand may result in much broader percentage swings. The clear message from clearance rates this autumn are producers appeared more selective and have focussed on value as well as performance data, rather than attempting to secure top end genetics at a high price.

Since 2019 the Beef Central Sale Results saw a steady increase in Autumn offerings, rising from 1800 to more than 3000 in 2025. Although the past two years have been seasonally challenging, many seedstock producers have maintained or slightly increased the numbers offered.  It is clear from the data that the softer prices and clearances are aligned with seasonal conditions and not an oversupply of bulls.

The overall growth in catalogued numbers is a response to commercial demand rather than a speculative push to increase numbers off the back of the high prices received in 2022 and 2023.

Across the sale results of autumn there is a strong trend reflecting the support producers have shown for programs with high reputations among producers. Within the Angus breed, Tasmania’s Cluden Newry attracted headlines, creating a new Tasmanian bull record at $275,000 and averaging $13,6573 for 52 bulls, for an 84pc clearance. Banquet Angus also posted a strong result, achieving a top price of $64,000 and a sale average of $16,166, reflecting its consistent offering of high-index bulls and deep commercial alignment. Similarly, Coonamble Angus recorded the second highest sale price for 2025 so far, at $72,000, reaffirming buyer willingness to pay for elite genetics—particularly when combined with fertility data and system-fit traits.

Within the Simmental breed strong market confidence continued to be shown by producers. Woonallee Simmentals, for example, cleared 93% of their offering and averaged over $11,000, demonstrating the enduring demand for European terminal sires with growth, muscle, and docility. These results contrasted with the broader softening trend, reflecting loyalty from commercial buyers.

In contrast, Hereford and Shorthorn breeders faced a more mixed reception. Several studs, recorded clearances below 70%, and others experienced falling average prices despite maintaining consistent catalogues. The lower clearance rates for these breeds appear more closely tied to seasonal constraints and regional buyer caution than to breed performance—though it does reinforce the need for targeted marketing, transparency in EBVs, and clear points of differentiation in increasingly competitive bull markets.

Angus offering continue to dominate offerings in terms of total numbers—accounting for more than 75pc of all bulls offered.  However, results varied widely between studs. Some Angus programs struggled to clear their catalogues, while others such as Landfall, Rennylea, and Te Mania continued to post clearance rates above 95pc. This highlights a maturing buyer market, one that is increasingly discriminating between offerings based on structural soundness, genetic consistency, and post-sale service, rather than brand alone.

Reflecting on what has been a challenging few months, it is clear that while clearance rates and prices have been lower than many would have hoped, producers are not disinterested or is the market oversupplied.  Seasonal pressures have potentially placed more emphasis on value and fertility traits rather than prestige or record-breaking potential.

Looking ahead to Spring it may be worth factoring in this refined buyer behaviour, where there appears to be stronger support for programs that can consistently deliver commercially relevant genetics. Those with clear data, customer alignment, and strong after-sale support will be best placed to meet the next wave of demand.

Alastair Rayner is the General Manager of Extension & Operations with Cibo Labs and Principal of RaynerAg.  Alastair has over 28 years’ experience advising beef producers & graziers across Australia.   He can be contacted here or through his website www.raynerag.com.au