BEEF Central’s ever-popular weekly genetics review coverage returns next week, after its summer recess since the completion of 2017 spring sales in November.

Weekly autumn bull sales and genetics coverage will recommence next Tuesday, running through to the end of April, before re-appearing from late June to cover the 2018 spring sales program.

Alex McDonald

Taking over the reins as genetics editor for Beef Central for the autumn bull selling season this year is well-known and respected seedstock industry administrator, Alex McDonald.

Until his recent retirement, Mr McDonald worked with the Agricultural Business Research Institute, where his main role was managing the Southern and Northern Beef Technology Services operations.

He spent several years as managing director of ABRI up to 2015, and 22 years prior to that in breed administration with the Australian Limousin Breeders’ Society.

Mr McDonald has enjoyed a diverse career across the livestock sector, working initially in RD&E with the Victorian Department of Agriculture for 12 years, based at Wodonga. In 1986 he became the national coordinator for Breedplan, before moving in 1989 to the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit as coordinator of the National Carcase Evaluation Project, involved in the introduction of real-time ultrasound scanning technology to Australia’s livestock industries.

From 2006 he consulted with Southern Beef Technologies Services, a joint venture between MLA, ABRI and 15 temperate cattle breed societies aimed at increasing the understanding and use of genetic technologies by beef cattle seedstock and commercial breeders.

Upcoming Bull Sales directory

Beef Central is currently updating its comprehensive national Upcoming Bull Sales directory for 2018, as this year’s dates are finalised by breeders.

The directory, accessible here, provides a handy reference guide for intending bulls buyers and others interested in the progress of the seedstock industry.

Last year’s list included some 340 bull sales covering 14 major breeds, stretching from Charters Towers to southern Tasmania, to WA’s Kimberley region. Spring sales will be added in greater detail as the year progresses. Vendors, agents and other stakeholders are asked to check the 2018 autumn sales dates listed in our summary, and if there are any omissions or errors, please email jon@beefcentral.com

Beef Central’s listings of Upcoming Bull Sales and Recently Completed Sales are the only comprehensive national, all-breeds, all-agents sales listings compiled in Australia.

Marketing opportunities

Stud breeders are reminded that online pre-sale advertising opportunities for the autumn bull-selling season are still available on Genetics Central. To discuss marketing packages suitable for your sale, contact Rob Hibberd on 0437 870 127, rod@beefcentral.com or Sally Inslay on 0419 471 578, sally@beefcentral.com

• Click here to access Upcoming Bull Sales
• Cick here to access Recently Completed Bull Sales
• Click here to access Beef Breed Record Prices.