US and Canadian genetics dominate world markets, but Genetics Australia’s (GA) beef manager, Damien Thomson, says the time is right for Aussie products to make a mark on the international scene.

“Many of the most used sires in Australia are either American or out of American sires,” Mr Thomson said. “But the strength of our Australian bulls, GA’s partnership with GENEX and the upcoming World Angus Forum will open doors for products to go both ways between Australia and America.”

“GA’s connection with GENEX through its joint venture with URUS was consolidated at Beef Australia’s 2024 Beef Expo when Senior Director of Beef Programs Cody Sankey joined the GA team.

“That was an incredible opportunity for us to understand how the GENEX catalogue works and how Australia could benefit, but it also gave Cody a real appreciation for Australian cattle and what producers are looking for.

“He watched the judging and commented on the strength of the bulls and I showed him some of the top bulls based on their figures, and he was very impressed with their structural and marbling EBVs.

“There are things happening in the global Angus landscape that are opening up opportunities to export Australian genetics to America.

“This visit was an important step to that. The World Angus Evaluation was another important step and the next will be the World Angus Forum in 2025 where we will have many international delegates coming to Australia where they will see the strength of Australian cattle and have the opportunity to bid on them at auction.”

Mr Thomson said that while a lot of the export potential was in Angus genetics, there are also opportunities in Wagyu, some Bos Indicus breeds and high-performing Herefords that have performed well when tested in sire progeny tests in the US.

“There have been some exports of beef genetics from Australia to the US but only on a small scale,” he said. “We are looking to expand that.”

“Beef producers were in good spirits about the industry. Prices aren’t high but they’re much better than September-October last year, which is a good base level.

“Genetics Australia has a growing beef portfolio and we’re strengthening our partnership with GENEX and looking to solidify our domestic bull line-up to have a strong presence in the market.”

“There’s a lot of trust in Australian farmers, and that is allowing us to capitalise on the opportunities that are coming forward.”

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 24 May 2024.