Unique embryos offered in debut auction

An elite Angus embryo auction in March could give the breed impetus to challenge Wagyu in the premium end of the market.

A series of unique embryos carrying a top 1% Angus Breed Index will be offered in Barnett Angus’s debut auction starting on March 24.

The Elite Carcase Maker embryo sale marks a focus on high-quality carcasses designed to improve the market reputation of the Angus breed.

Barnett Angus is based alongside Red Earth Genetics at Mark Barnett’s Bramblewick Farm at Westbury, 25 minutes west of Launceston.

Stud principal Mark Barnett said he expected strong interest in the sale which offers a unique opportunity to enter a premium market for high-quality carcasses.

Mr. Barnett said the Angus breed has the genetic variation to compete with Wagyu for the high marbling premium market and excel with high weight-gain and highly fertile animals.

“Our genetics are based on superior carcass-maker principles underpinned with high fertility and growth, and ultimately consumers will notice that elite quality,” he said. “Carcass qualities dictate the customer experience, which is where Wagyu has done very well and Angus can do just as well.”

Mr. Barnett said an intensive embryo transfer and IVF program had allowed Barnett Angus to have a unique offering of superior carcass maker genetics.

Highlights of the auction include three embryos from Barnett Aussie Legend Q1 MBAQ1 x Kenny’s Creek Beast Mode Q5 NDIQ5 and three from Ayrvale Queenscliff Q73 HIOQ73 x G A R Home Town USA19266718

All embryo lots are sold with a 1-to-3 pregnancy ratio guarantee.

Mr. Barnett often says “it just as easy to feed a good one as it is an average one”.

The online auction opens from 3 pm, Wednesday, March 24, and closes at 5 pm Friday, March 26. Details can be found at www.raywhitegtsm.com.au or www.barnettangus.com.au.

Mr. Barnett expects strong interest in the stud’s first sale. “People are looking for good quality genetics. If they like our cows – which I’m sure they will when they see them - they will want to buy our embryos.”