Southern studs are preparing for autumn sales

After a tough season last year the Moyle family have their sights set on a stronger 2025, ahead of their 60th production sale next month.

The Moyle family from Pathfinder Angus, Gazette, will mark 30 years of bull selling in 2025, and this February, their 60th production sale.

Southern studs are gearing up for what is hoped to be a more upbeat the bull selling season, which kicks off in earnest next month.

The Moyle’s milestone marks longevity for the family business, co-principal Sara Moyle said.

Pathfinder is one of Australia’s most successful studs, and continues in the tradition of breeding quality Angus cattle, started by Nick Moyle’s parents in 1956.

The Pathfinder stud was born in the mid 1980s with roots in South Australia.

It was founded using a base of elite cows from The Basin herd, formerly run by Don and Diana Moyle, with the addition of leading genetics from throughout Australia and around the world.

Pathfinders’ southern autumn sales – offering 100 per cent grass-fed bulls – kick off on February 20 with 140 to be offered in South Australia, followed by their Victorian fixture on the 26th of that month, with 130 up for sale.

While last year’s bull selling season was a tough one, the couple’s daughter Elle said it had its highlights. “We did sell a bull for our highest-ever price last year, $136,000, at our Queensland sale to Barnett Angus, Tasmania,” she said.

Nick said the past 12 months had been tough.

“That said, the outlook for prices this year and next is really good,” he said.

“The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator was as low as 380c/kg at points last year, and now it is back up to around 680c/kg which makes a big difference to grower returns.”

Nick said the outlook for pricing was also positive on international markets.

“We recently sold cows for $1800; last year they were $1150, so that is a big jump.”

Pathfinder has many clients selling in weaner sales in Hamilton and SA saleyards of Mount Gambier and Naracoorte in coming weeks.

Clients chased their genetics, known for their ability to grow fast and put on weight, as well as their longevity. “We are paid on weight so our focus is on growth,” Nick said.

Elle said docility was also a key characteristic of their cattle. “The average age of a farmer is 60 years and I’m on the wrong side of that, and we are not as quick as we used to be so docility is very important,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to work with docile cattle,” Elle said.