The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is pleased to offer beef producers a new online workshop that aims to de-mystify the use of BREEDPLAN EBVs and Selection Indexes in animal selection. The hour-long workshop will explore how BREEDPLAN information can be utilised, alongside visual assessment, in animal selection.

 “A bull purchased this sale season will have a long-term impact on the direction of the herd,” says Catriona Millen, ABRI Extension & Engagement Team Leader.  

“Therefore, it is important that beef producers understand how to identify and select bulls with the best genetics for their particular production system.”

Topics to be explored in the workshop will include:

• How to interpret BREEDPLAN EBVs and Selection Indexes.
• A guide to using this information in your animal selection decisions.
• How to search the online database to create a shortlist of animals with suitable genetics for your operation ahead of sale day.

“Attending a bull sale with a shortlist in place allows you to concentrate on inspecting your pre-selected bulls for structure and temperament, while knowing that they have suitable genetic merit for your operation’s breeding objectives,” Catriona says.

“In doing so, beef producers will be able to make more informed selection decisions at sale time.”

The free Using BREEDPLAN Information in Animal Selection workshops will run throughout 2025, with the first scheduled to take place at 7pm AEDT (6pm AEST) on Tuesday 25 March. Further workshops are planned for May, July and September.

Bookings are essential, and can be made online here.