• Geoff Phillips

DESPITE difficult seasonal conditions for the beef industry in many areas, beef cattle seedstock producers in Victoria and the Riverina have entered 216 studs in Beef Week 2008, which runs from January 28 to February 4.

This is the one of the best results ever for Beef Week, clearly indicating the importance seedstock producers place on Beef Week as a major marketing activity, according to Beef Week director Geoff Phillips.

In the 18 Beef Weeks conducted since the first in 1992, 3455 studs have opened their gates in an outstanding showcase of what seedstock producers in Victoria and the Riverina have to offer the commercial industry.

Last year cattle producers from all states visited properties and indications are they’ll be back to inspect cattle and discuss breeding programs with southern stud masters.

"We loaded up information on each of the participating studs on the Beef Week website www.beefweek.com.au prior to Christmas to give participants strong exposure and allow visitors more time to plan their visits," Mr Phillips said.

Participating properties have been sent a 23 point ‘tip sheets’ to assist in planning their open day and attract bigger crowds.

Most studs will have bulls and females for sale while many will have their sale teams on display for upcoming autumn on-property auctions.