Angus records biggest increase in Australian cattle numbers
NSW breeders Stephen and Jodi Peake are selling their Herefords to focus on Angus and Wagyu as they approach retirement.
Australia's Angus herd expanded by 1.76 million head over 2023–2025, putting it ahead of other breeds for growth in a recent survey by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Santa Gertrudis ranked second, followed by Droughtmasters.
The changing breed preferences are reflected on Stephen and Jodi Peake's property in north-west New South Wales. After breeding Herefords for six decades, the couple are selling all their cattle of that breed and turning their attention to Angus and Wagyu as retirement approaches.
Angus Australia's Brad Hine attributed some of the breed's popularity to marketing. He pointed to the association's introduction of verified-label guidelines in 1995, premiums offered by Japanese buyers for black cattle and McDonald's promotion of Angus products.
Dr Hine said AuctionsPlus figures indicated Angus now fetched more per animal for farmers. However, market analyst Charles Boog said tracking breed preferences over long periods was difficult because saleyards were not required to record breeds.
Herefords Australia chief executive Hamish Chandler said the association's membership had steadied over five years. He also said the national breeding herd contained around 26 per cent more Hereford cows than two to three years earlier.
