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In a market full of options, it’s not just about buying a good bull — it’s about selecting the right one for your herd. For commercial producers focused on Angus genetics, the objective is clear: invest in sires that improve fertility, calving ease, growth, and carcase value — and deliver consistent results over time.
At Te Mania Angus, we’ve worked alongside thousands of producers to help them achieve exactly that. Whether you’re preparing for the 2025 Northern Spring Bull Sale in Walgett, NSW, or refining your long-term breeding program, these five straightforward steps can help guide your bull selection and support more confident buying decisions.
Step 1: Know Your Herd and Conditions
Start with your cows. Understanding their strengths and identifying areas for improvement will help define what you should look for in a bull.
- Are you looking for more calving ease in your heifers?
- Looking to improve fertility or lift marbling?
- Are your cows too large for your feed base, or lacking growth?
It’s also important to factor in your environment. A bull suited to high-rainfall southern systems may not perform in a lower-input northern program. Aligning genetics to your conditions is the foundation of a productive breeding strategy.
Step 2: Know Your Market
Identify your target market early — whether that’s grassfed, feedlot, long-fed export, or breeding replacement females. Your end market should shape the traits you select for.
Defining this early helps you breed animals that hit specifications — and gives you a better chance of setting your price, rather than taking what you’re offered.
Step 3: Use $Indexes to Shortlist Efficiently
Once your herd goals and market are clear, $Indexes are a practical way to narrow the catalogue. These values combine multiple Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) into a single figure, reflecting predicted profitability in specific production systems.
For example:
- Targeting grassfed beef? Look for bulls in the top 20% for the Grassfed $Index
- Supplying the feedlot market? Focus on the Heavy Grain $Index
Even if EBVs are new to you, $Indexes simplify your shortlist. They offer a big-picture summary of what a bull’s genetics are likely to deliver — saving you time and helping you make informed decisions, fast.
Step 4: Set a Budget and Prepare Backups
It’s easy to get caught up on sale day. To avoid stretching your spend, set a budget per bull ahead of time — and back it up with a solid shortlist.
If you’re planning to purchase five bulls, identify at least 15 to 20 that meet your criteria. Online catalogues, such as the one for the 2025 Te Mania Angus Northern Spring Bull Sale (available via AuctionsPlus), allow you to search and sort by $Index, EBVs, and other key traits, making this process efficient and effective.
Step 5: Buy From a Seedstock Producer You Trust
Not all catalogues are created equal. When you’re investing in new genetics, it’s worth working with a stud that delivers reliable data, accurate assessments, and ongoing support.
Choose an Angus seedstock producer that:
- Records high-accuracy EBVs through TACE Breedplan, using large contemporary groups
- Carries out independent structure and temperament assessments
- Applies consistent vet checks and health protocols
- Offers strong after-sales support
If something goes wrong — such as a bull breaking down — having a trusted team behind you makes all the difference. Every empty cow is a cost. Having the right support helps protect your bottom line.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Te Mania Angus Northern Spring Bull Sale
This August, Te Mania Angus will present 140 performance-recorded bulls, developed in a program focused on delivering long-term commercial impact.
Join us on Tuesday, August 12 2025, in Walgett, NSW, or bid online via AuctionsPlus.
The sale team includes bulls selected for calving ease, fertility, carcase quality, quiet temperament, and superior marbling. With strict structural standards, proven performance, and high-accuracy EBVs, each bull represents genuine value for commercial producers aiming to lift performance and profitability.
