The registered dairy industry in Australia is stronger than the commercial end of the business in general, according to Semex's General Manager Jim Conroy in the wake of the Semex Spectacular Sale at International Dairy Week (IDW) recently.

Forty-four lots averaged $8303 AUS with commanding top three prices of $28,000, $19,000 and $17,000. All three were born from imported embryo packages, sourced by Semex for its Australian clients. In all, the 10 calves, which had been born from imported embryo packages, averaged $11,050 ($2747 above the sale average).

It was also the second successive year that an animal, which was imported as an embryo by Semex on behalf of its client, topped the Spectacular Sale.

"The sale average was an outstanding result, because at the end of the day buyers can go to most dispersals where the top price will be $8000 and the sale will average $2500 for a whole herd of cows," Jim Conroy said. "In this sale, we've averaged $8303 with a top price of close to $30,000 and we're talking (in most cases) about young animals here.

"To put 45 young animals up on stage for an average like that tells us the breeding industry is alive and well, as opposed to the dairy industry which still suffers from a lack of funds."

Jim believed some of the money for high-end cattle was coming from the proceeds of producers selling heifers on the buoyant export market. He said embryos gave anyone the chance to achieve top-price results at auction. And it seems many Australian dairymen agree, because embryo sales sourced through Semex have grown since 2006.  

"There's no question that there remains lots of opportunity for people to buy into the embryo market - and to potentially offer the top-priced lot next year," Jim said.  

Jim confirmed that business was brisk throughout the week, with Monday being the best day he had ever experienced at IDW for enquiry regarding product and services.

Semex's Manager of International Embryo Sales Dann Brady (who is based in Canada) returned to International Dairy Week (IDW) for the second successive year (his third visit in six years).

Dann said embryos have undoubtedly helped Australia on to the world stage.

"We've seen embryos be one of ... if not THE most affordable way for buyers around the world to get in on these great families and have the possibility of great results within their own herd in their own country," Dann said.

For complete sale results click here. To contact Dann and the Semex Embryo Division click here or call 519-821-5060 ext 219.