Following on from last week’s discussion around market stability and buyer confidence, the past week has reinforced a key theme emerging across the Angus industry — measured optimism backed by disciplined selection.

Seasonal conditions across much of Victoria and southern NSW remain variable, but feed availability and finished cattle prices are providing producers with enough confidence to continue investing in genetics that improve long-term herd performance rather than chasing short-term gains.

Demand is rewarding balanced genetics

What we are seeing increasingly is buyer preference shifting toward balanced Angus bulls — cattle that combine:

• sensible birth and calving ease figures

• solid 400- and 600-day growth

• good carcase attributes, particularly IMF and EMA

• and sound structural scores for longevity

This aligns with feedback from processors and backgrounders who are rewarding cattle that finish efficiently and meet specification without excess inputs.

From a commercial perspective, this reinforces the value of performance-recorded bulls with reliable EBVs, particularly where those figures are supported by phenotype and structure rather than extremes.

Seasonal variability reinforces selection discipline

While conditions are not uniform across regions, seasons like the current one tend to highlight the importance of:

• moderate mature cow size

• fertility and doing-ability

• and bulls that sire adaptable progeny rather than highly specialised types

In practical terms, herds that have prioritised functional, moderate Angus genetics are generally coping better with variable feed availability, while still retaining access to premium market opportunities when conditions allow.

What this means for bull buyers

For producers planning bull purchases over the coming weeks and months, the message is clear:

• buy for reliability, not hype

• focus on bulls that suit your cow base and environment

• and use EBVs as a guide, not a single-number decision tool

At Pavey Angus, our selection emphasis continues to centre on structurally sound, performance-recorded bulls that are bred to work in commercial conditions, not just on paper.

Many of the current V-Series bulls reflect this approach, offering balanced calving ease, growth and carcase performance suited to both heifer and mature cow programs.

Looking ahead

As we move further into the year, market signals suggest steady demand for Angus genetics that deliver consistency and efficiency. Producers who maintain selection discipline now are likely to be well placed when seasonal and market conditions align more favourably.

We will continue to monitor market trends, seasonal conditions and buyer sentiment and share practical insights as they develop.

About Pavey Angus

Pavey Angus are stud Angus breeders in Victoria, specialising in performance-recorded genetics, EBVs and structurally sound cattle for commercial herds.