Angus leads, but Black Baldys and Shorthorns steal the spotlight in NSW starting nine

New South Wales has set the benchmark for throughput on AuctionsPlus, offering nearly 243,000 head across 6,450 lots, with an overall clearance of 81% since July 1, 2025 to March 20, 2026.

As previously outlined, drawing inspiration from the 18 players per side in AFL (here halved), the “starting nine” lists the top cattle breeds in each state based on throughput since July 1, 2025 to March 20, 2026.

Angus continues to dominate the NSW market, accounting for the lion's share of listings with more than 184,000 head offered, clearing 82% at an average of $1,778/head. Much of this volume continues to flow out of the New England region, with Glen Innes firmly entrenched as the state’s leading supply hub, particularly for Angus weaner cattle.

Hereford cattle held second spot by volume, offering just over 9,300 head and clearing 81%, but it was the crossbreds, particularly the well-known “Black Baldy” (Angus x Hereford), that injected competition into the market.

Out of Walcha, Angus x Hereford yearlings recorded one of the standout results, clearing 89%, while also pushing average prices to $1,780/head, edging above straight Angus. These results highlight continued buyer appetite for British cross cattle that offer both hybrid vigour and feeding performance.

However, the real standout performer in the NSW line-up was the Shorthorn cattle.

Shorthorn cattle not only achieved the highest clearance rate among the major breeds at 84%, but also delivered the strongest value over reserve at $210, signalling the most competitive bidding environment of any breed in the state, with Warren in the state's Western Plains, the top listing town.

Across the broader market, a clear pattern emerges.

Angus continues to dominate on volume and price consistency, but it is the crossbred cattle and British breeds, particularly Black Baldys and Shorthorns, that are driving competition, lifting clearance rates and, in some cases, outperforming on value.