Recent benchmarking results have reinforced a fundamental truth for Australian cattle producers focused on profitability: the foundation of strong trading returns lies in production efficiency, which begins with selecting the right genetics. These insights highlight how targeted breeding strategies can transform herd performance and drive real financial gains.
A recent analysis by Agrista Consulting, reported in Stock & Land on July 15, 2025, showed the top 20% of cattle traders achieved notably higher profit margins than the average. The study examined profit margins from over 10,000 cattle traded across Victoria, NSW, and Queensland over one year, providing solid insight into what separates the best from the rest.
The top producers added 33% more weight per head on the same feed and received a 36c/kg higher sale price than their peers.
This shows profitability isn’t about buying cheap and selling high. It’s about selecting cattle with the genetic ability to efficiently convert feed into weight gain and reliable performance.
Agrista director John Francis said the most successful producers didn’t necessarily pay less for their cattle. Often, they paid more — but they chose animals that could deliver consistent, efficient growth. The top group averaged 33kg of liveweight gain per 3000 megajoules of feed, compared to 23kg for the average.
Supporting this, the latest Angus Australia benchmarking report highlights ongoing genetic progress in the Te Mania Angus herd across key traits. Our Angus breeding focuses on fertility, calving ease, moderate mature cow weight, carcase quality, and temperament — all with the goal of improving profitability for commercial producers looking to build Angus cows for profitable herds.
At Te Mania Angus, our breeding program is built on this foundation of performance and efficiency, backed by decades of objective data. We’ve further invested in a Net Feed Intake (NFI) research project using Vytelle feed intake technology to measure individual feed consumption against growth.
This research helps us identify bulls that grow faster on less feed, improving feed efficiency and reducing costs. Early findings also link better feed efficiency to lower methane emissions, contributing to more sustainable production.
Our genetics focus on:
- Feed conversion and growth efficiency
- Moderate mature cow weights for herd sustainability
- Proven carcase performance and fertility
- Temperament and structural soundness for ease of management
These traits don’t just look good on paper. They build herds that deliver stronger, consistent returns. As John Francis says, “If those cheap cattle aren’t the right genetics to deliver the highest weight gain, then you’re shooting yourself in the foot.”
At Te Mania, we breed bulls that deliver value through performance — bulls that help producers lift productivity, reduce costs per kilo of gain, and generate solid returns in any market. Our commitment to Angus breeding ensures that your investment supports sustainable herd improvement and long-term profitability.
If you want to be among the top 20% of commercially focused producers, genetics is where to begin.
Find out more about the Te Mania Angus breeding program, and how our bulls can help you drive profitability through performance.
*Data reference source – Stock & Land
