Angus Australia's Northern Program
10 Frequently Asked Questions

Over half of Australia’s beef cattle population is in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and the opportunity exists to increase the numbers of Angus in the north.

Does northern Australia offer breeders of Angus bulls marketing opportunities?

There are opportunities to increase the number of Angus bulls sold into northern Australia. However Angus breeders must be aware that the major part of this increase will occur in the lower-price, volume bull market. This is accompanied by the fact that on the whole the northern market has specific environmental requirements which place a much greater emphasis and selection for phenotypic traits, especially coat and hair type.

Why are there now opportunities for Angus in northern Australia?

Opportunities for Angus in the north now exist due to several factors. Firstly, the steadying and increased fragility of the live export trade. Secondly, after multiple generations of Brahman and other Bos Indicus (BI) breeds, many northern herds are now close to pure and the maximum BI content required for their environment. The combination of these two factors is driving a change in the focus of many northern producers and has fueled their desire to obtain greater market flexibility and suitability. Increased running costs and land values are also forcing them to discover ways of increasing productivity, leading to selection for increased fertility. More calves on the ground means more income from progeny turn off.

Will the growth of feedlots in Central Queensland have benefits for Angus?

There is currently significant growth occurring in the number and capacity of feedlots in northern Australia with subsequent increased demand for Angus influenced cattle. The strengths of Angus for meat quality will have a positive impact on the demand for Angus cross cattle, to allow feedlotters in this area greater versatility of turn off and access to higher quality more lucrative markets.

Are there different sales factors to think about when marketing bulls to the north?

In 2005, new Angus bull buyers entered the market or expressed interest in Angus bulls. Many of these people are volume buyers looking for 15 to 30 bulls, both as one off purchases and on an annual basis. Large numbers of bulls purchased in the north are purchased in large lines buy private treaty. To capitalise on this, Angus breeders who have large numbers of bulls suitable for northern producers need to let the market know they are there.

Could the Angus breed benefit from a more concise sales schedule in the north?

Many producers now looking at the use of Angus bulls are located north of the line from Rockhampton to Longreach. At best, they are five hours traveling time from a sale of significant numbers of Angus bulls. Currently this means if they are considering the purchase a large number of Angus bulls at auction they will have to travel to southern Queensland on several occasions, go to sales weeks in the southern states or decide that Angus are too much hassle and use another breed.

Is price a factor for large volume northern buyers?

Large northern producers are used to buying their other lines of herd bulls for around the $2,000 to $3,500 mark. Many purchase lines of between 30 and 100 bulls. The sheer numbers required by the producers, many of whom are operating stations in harsher environments, means that it is difficult for them to justify spending large amounts on individual bulls.

Are there opportunities in the north for high quality bulls with the right attributes for the environment?

For those getting bulls to use as multipliers or infusing them into stud Brangus operations, there is a desire for higher quality Angus bulls which have all the phenotypic and genetic traits desirable for northern beef production. Producers using bulls in multiplier situations generally identify elite females within their breeding operation. These females are used as the carriers of new genetics into the herd, through their sons sired by sires introduced to the herd. We are seeing a number of Brangus breeders wanting to capitalize on the genetic advances made by the two parent breeds over the past ten to twenty years, so they are infusing elite Angus and Brahman bulls into their herds.

What phenotypic traits do breeders need to be most aware of to satisfy northern producers?

The single most important trait which concerns more northern producers than any other is coat type. Northern producers want animals which are slick coated and fine haired. Animals with these characteristics are more desirable due to greater heat tolerance, lower tick burdens and a general impression that they are better doing. After hair type there are other phenotypic traits which are more or less or different in their requirement depending on the individual producer.

If I intend to sell bulls to the north do I need to visit producers in the area?

Northern cattle production is very different from that of southern areas. If Angus bull producers wish to supply bulls to northern markets it is imperative that they see the environment for themselves and meet northern producers to fully understand the market and its requirements.

How do I find out more about the opportunities for Angus in the north?

Contact Angus Australia on 02 6772 3011 or email

Click on the links below to read about Angus in northern Australia
(articles from the 2006 Angus Australian Journal)
Angus Infusion (673kb pdf)
Angus in the Centre (570kb pdf)
35 years of Pure Bred Angus(807pdf)