Genomics add value to genetics

Albury stock agent Matt Spry says bull clients are seeking performance data on animals like never before to help hit target markets.

Rapid changes in genetic evaluation and genomics, that have occurred in the seedstock industry over the last decade, are no more apparent than to Albury stock agent Matt Spry.

Growing up in the family seedstock business, Matt stepped into the stock agency world and spent time as a beef buyer and livestock manager for Woolworths before breeding his own bulls.

He was instrumental in introducing Angus to complement the Sprys Shorthorn program and says for seedstock producers to remain relevant, they needed to be across their performance data.

“The seedstock industry has become a lot more data-driven in terms of we are seeing a lot of buyers of bulls and stud females looking for high data as well as a good phenotype with their genetics in their cattle,” Matt said.

“Genomics is becoming extremely popular in some breeds. The indication is that producers buying those animals are really paying a lot of attention to that data as well as phenotype.

“It can provide a more balanced approach to hit their target markets.”

Matt Spry of Ray White Rural and Livestock at Albury. Picture: Nikki Reynolds

Matt, who works for Ray White, recently spent time at the January weaner sales buying cattle for clients and judged the Herefords Australia best-presented pen at Hamilton.

He said quality was very high, with solid restocker demand for female cattle.

“There was a lot of orders for heifers to go back into the paddock and be joined come winter time for autumn calving next year,” Matt said.

“People are still rebuilding herds. The rebuild could take as long as another five to eight years moving forward if the seasons go with us.”

As a result, Matt expects prices at upcoming bull sales to remain high.

“A lot of people are expecting bull sales to be back a bit, but I think industry-wise quality will sell, and the bull market will be strong,” he said.