Stud female sales rise in 2025 offering strong results and opportunities

The number of stud female sales has surged for the 2025 autumn selling season, with AuctionsPlus hosting 17 sales between February and May—almost double the nine held last year. This increase reflects a rising demand for quality registered females as breeders look to strengthen their herds.

Nearly 80% of stud female sales interfaced through AuctionsPlus in 2024 achieved clearance rates above 80%, setting a strong precedent for the year ahead. The surge in sales aligns with key trends in the seedstock industry, particularly as herd rebuilding efforts following the 2019–20 drought near completion.

New entrants to the seedstock industry are leveraging female sales to establish or expand their registered herds. For those looking to launch or grow their stud operations, purchasing quality registered females is a crucial step in breeding and marketing their own bulls. Established breeders are also active in these sales, seeking genetic outcrosses to enhance their programs and maintain competitiveness.

Eaglehawk Angus, based in Glen Innes, recently offered its entire autumn-calving herd in a one-time online only dispersal sale. The PTIC cows, due to calve in early March, presented a rare opportunity to secure proven, maternal-focused genetics developed over generations.

The sale drew over 4,300 catalogue views, with 40 of 51 cows selling for an average of $5,675. The top-priced lot, Eaglehawk Moon S265 (lot 29), sold for $14,000.

Described by the stud as being “out of one of the best cows we ever bred and by one of the most prepotent cow-maker bulls in the last five years, Musgrave 316 Exclusive,” S265 and her full sister (Lot 28) were among the sale highlights.

Another notable female-only sale debuting in 2025 is the ‘Ladies of Autumn Sale’ from Futurity Pastoral, operated by the Catts family in NSW.

Stud Principal, Jason Catts, explained the sale is part of a strategic stud realignment, dispersing the entire autumn-drop female cohort to streamline operations.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to transition entirely to spring calving. Many of these females have consistently produced top-quality progeny, but from an operational standpoint, this change will make management more efficient,” Mr Catts said.

“With our registered Shorthorn herd approaching 600 cows, we’re also pleased to share some of our best genetics with other breeders.”

Scheduled for March 7, 2025, the auction will offer 45 PTIC cows and 10 yearling heifers, featuring genetics from sought-after sires. The sale includes progeny from Futurity Next Level N326—sire of the record-breaking $85,000 Futurity Rapid Gain—as well as Futurity Edged In Stone K148 and Trojon Romper Stomper, known for producing heifers with low birth weights and high IMF.

Mr Catts expects interest from both newcomers to the Shorthorn breed—particularly in Queensland—and established breeders seeking to integrate new female lines.

A key highlight of the sale is the final genetic package offering from Bayview Daytona Q34, Australia’s highest API-proven Shorthorn and the second-highest for marbling. Daytona’s daughters are renowned for fertility and easy-doing nature, while his sons have topped sales at $40,000 and averaged $18,300 in recent years. With Daytona passing last year and limited semen stock remaining, this will be the final opportunity to secure his genetics.

Opportunities for commercial producers

Beyond stud operations, commercial cattle producers are also expected to participate in these female sales. Many are looking to integrate registered genetics into their herds to breed bulls for their own use. Others may be aiming to improve herd performance by incorporating high-quality females, ultimately boosting weaner values and overall productivity.

With strong clearance rates and increasing demand, the rise of female stud sales in 2025 presents valuable opportunities for both new and established breeders looking to invest in quality genetics.

View all upcoming female sales here.