RaynerAg

18/06/2026

🐂Most producers spend a lot of time assessing individual bulls.
But how often do we step back and look at the bull team as a whole?

The reality is that a joining group is rarely exposed to just one sire. The genetic direction of your herd is determined by the average performance of all the bulls you use, not just the standout individual.

A high-performing bull can easily be diluted by several average ones.

That's why I've developed a Bull Team Index Benchmark calculator.

It allows you to compare the average genetic merit of your bull team against breed benchmarks and quickly see whether your sire purchases are actually moving the herd forward.

It's a simple way to answer some important questions:
• Is my bull team above breed average?
• How does it compare with the top 50%, 25% or 10% of the breed?
• Am I investing in genetics that will deliver long-term improvement?

Genetic progress doesn't come from one good bull. It comes from consistently assembling a team of bulls that align with your breeding objectives.
You can try the calculator here:
https://www.raynerag.com.au/bull-team-index-benchmark
I'd be interested to hear where your current bull team sits compared to the breed benchmarks.

Enter your bull team's index values and see how the team average compares to the breed — by percentile and on the breed distribution curve. Covers Angus, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis, Charolais, Droughtmaster and Brahman

16/06/2026

In my genetics column for Beef Central I have tried to unpack some thoughts around value and genetic merit.

I wanted to touch on this ahead of the bull selling season while we are still setting budgets. Most people only think of what it costs to buy or replace a bull. But we need to think of the ongoing value that genetics bring to a herd.

At any bull sale this spring, most producers are likely to price bulls off what is visible in the yards or the sale ring, plus BreedPlan data appearing in the catalogue. However its important to try to place a price on what he contributes over time to the herd in the form of genetic impact, and not....

16/06/2026

💵💵🐂How much should you really pay for a bull? 💵💵🐂

Most of us price one on what we can see, five grassfed steers or a cost per calf. But that only values the calves he sells. The bigger return is the genetics his daughters carry, for years after he is gone.

I've updated my free calculator that works out what a bull's genetics are worth over an average bull, the most you can justify paying, and when that premium is earned back. Have a go with your own numbers and let me know what you think!

Work out what a bull's genetics are worth over an average bull, the most worth paying, and when the premium is earned back

15/06/2026

Sharing a few thoughts on bull selection with Vytelle Australasia this week!

14/06/2026

This weeks RaynerAg Bull of the Week comes from Ronelle Park Trojon Shorthorns. This is TROJON VEGAN HATER. He is a bull with plenty of muscle and length of body to combine in a very appealing way. He will be Lot 20 at this weeks National Shorthorn Show & Sale (intefaced with AuctionsPlus)

13/06/2026

A huge thank you to HY Angus for hosting the latest BredWell FedWell workshop. It was terrific to be presenting to a really engaged group who had attended from Yass as well as locally. There’s been a lot of positive feedback on both the day and the bulls that made up the assessment sessions.

This is a great workshop for any beef breeder so if you can attend one you should grab the opportunity!

Phillips Livestock Solutions ABRI Extension Services Meat & Livestock Australia

11/06/2026

🌾🐂Winter is a good reminder that quantity and quality are two different things.🌾

Many northern producers will still have feed in front of cattle over the coming months, but the nutritional value of that feed can change dramatically as the season progresses.

One of the consequences can be an increased risk of botulism. As pasture quality declines, cattle can become more inclined to seek out alternative sources of nutrients. Unfortunately, that can include bones, carcasses and other material that may carry the toxin responsible for botulism.

Botulism is one of those diseases where prevention is considerably easier than dealing with the consequences. As you work through your winter management plans, it may be worth reviewing:
• Vaccination programs
• Phosphorus and protein supplementation
• Paddock hygiene and carcass disposal
• Weaner health treatments

09/06/2026

This week marks the return of my genetics columns with Beef Central. I'm looking forward to sharing ideas in the months of bull selling season. To start I've asked two leading industry agents for their views on where this spring selling season might head.

While destocking due to drought will inevitably impact bull buying demand in regions like the New England and NSW Northwest this year, on the upside, bull buying is likely to be strongly supported by the current cattle price boom and continued above average pasture conditions in Queensland, southern...

09/06/2026

This Friday I will be delivering the Meat & Livestock Australia BredWell FedWell workshop for beef producers at HY Angus in Dunedoo. This is a great workshop, and there are still some places left if you are keen to attend. You can register your place at: mla.com.au/bwfw

RaynerAg provides independant, technical agricultural advice, assistance and training for graziers and associated sectors in the agricultural industries.

08/06/2026

This weeks RaynerAg Bull of the week is BELVIEW WESTERN FORCE W012 (U) (PP) (ET) from Belview Brangus in Northern NSW.

I have always admired the Belview Brangus herd for the structural correctness, growth and muscle which characterises the breeding herd.

This young bull continues to show the traits that are so prominent in the herd and offers so much opportunity for breeders to introduce adaptability as well as growth and muscling traits. He will be Lot 29 at this years sale on 19 June ( interfaced with StockLive).