Ekka Grand champion bull Mervale Lone Star U14 with Sarah Benbow, Mount Kilcoy, judge Ben Passmore, Benjarra Limousins, Mitch Jackson, Elders, and Stewart Ellem, International Animal Health. Picture by Bella Hanson
This is branded content for the Australian Limousin Breeders’ Society
Limousin cattle are surging in popularity across northern Australia, with sale rings, show rings and markets all telling the same story: buyers are backing muscle, yield and adaptability.
From Tamworth to Rockhampton, the carcase breed is stepping into a broader role in Bos indicus and tropically adapted herds without losing the traits northern producers rely on.
The 2025 northern selling season has been a vote of confidence in Limousin genetics. Across five Queensland sales, nearly 200 bulls sold with clearances above 90 per cent and a combined average of more than $10,000.
The standout result came at the BJF Limousin Invitational, where O’Sullivans Ulysses U23 topped at $36,000 to Alexander Downs, Merriwa. Confidence also flowed through female offerings, with heifers averaging above $4,000 at several events and semen selling to $250 a straw.
Across the catalogue season, studs leaned on estimated breeding values (EBVs), genomics and strict temperament culling, giving buyers confidence that bulls will walk, scan and sire predictably in northern systems.
Commercial results are matching the stud momentum for northern finishers and feeder programs chasing dressing percentage and lean meat yield.
At the Tamworth prime cattle sale, Limousin and Santa steers from Gemarden Pastoral, Loomberah, NSW, sold at a high of 524 cents a kilogram, and Limousin cows sold by Ian Morgan Livestock reached an impressive 430c/kg.
Northern Limousin Breeders sale top-priced bull Angledale Ugo U18, sold for $26,000 to Wayne Parkins, Murrurundi, NSW, pictured with Tom, Shelly, Craig and James Devine, Angledale, Willow Tree, NSW. Picture supplied
Brisbane’s Exhibition added even more weight behind the Limousin breed’s commercial appeal up north.
In steer judging, the O’Dwyer family of Bell, Qld, claimed lightweight champion steer and grand champion school steer and sold for an EKKA record of $81/kg dressed at 376kg.
In stud beef, the Limousin breed showcased a strong line-up, attracting 50 head across various classes. Jen-Daview Krystal S13 was the standout in the female division, being named senior and grand champion female, while Mervale Lone Star U14, also the $30,000 sale topper, was crowned senior and grand champion bull.
Judge and breeder Ben Passmore, Benjarra Limousin, Ellangowan, said the Limousin line-up reflected the fundamentals of what commercial producers demand.
He noted the winning cattle carried the right mix of structure, growth and balance.
“Good cattle still start with sound feet and legs, weight for age and the ability to keep doing a job for years in the paddock,” he said.
“From there, you look at balance, maternal strength and industry relevance.”
Jen-Daview Krystal S13 stood out to Passmore as a practical female doing an excellent job on her calf, with the udder quality needed for longevity in northern herds.
Mervale Lone Star U14, the senior bull, was noted as a modern Limousin type carrying muscle, softness, bone and substance, the kind that adds weight and value in commercial programs, where “weight still pays.”
Passmore said client feedback across Queensland had been reinforcing the sale and show ring results.
“Producers are telling me the genetics are boosting fertility, improving carcase traits and fat cover, and giving them more options across the weaner, feeder and bullock markets,” he said.
“At JMC Grazing, for example, they’re finding Limousins are lifting fertility in replacement heifers, while northern pastoralist Greg Wells of Rolleston has seen the carcase traits give him more marketing flexibility, whether he’s targeting the domestic feeder trade or grass-finishing bullocks.
“The temperament has also been a standout.”
Brahman-Limousin cross cows with calves, combining tropical adaptability with carcase performance in northern herds. Picture by Queensland Country Life
Mr Passmore said this adaptability under grass-based systems was now one of the breed’s strongest selling points.
“They’re finishing better on grass with the right cover for domestic feeders and bullock fattening, and that’s feedback I’m hearing consistently,” he said.
For northern systems, the appeal is practical. Limousins lift muscle and dressing percentage, often 57 to 59pc, with lean meat yield two to three points above plant averages, without blowing out fat cover.
Crossed over Brangus, Santa or Brahman-based cows, they deliver hybrid vigour while retaining heat tolerance, walking ability and tick resistance.
Modern Australian bloodlines add slick coats, improved temperament and fertility.
Grid pressure is not easing, with feedlots and processors wanting consistent specs and higher yield while seasons continue to test resilience.
Limousin genetics are helping herds bridge that gap. In weaner programs, calves present thicker at a similar age; in feeder pathways, they reach induction weights earlier; and on grass, they hold condition without running overfat.
Abattoir feedback sheets reflect the shift: more saleable beef, fewer trim penalties and steady MSA performance when cattle are managed to spec.
Put simply, the north is rewarding cattle that convert country into kilograms efficiently and predictably. The sale ring is signalling confidence, commercial markets are paying, and the show ring is validating type and structure.
With averages consistently sitting between $8,000 and $12,000, clearance rates in the 90 to 100pc and multiple tops above $25,000, Limousin bulls are finding homes across the north.
For producers seeking to add carcase value without sacrificing adaptability or longevity, Limousin offers a practical path.
No longer the quiet achiever, Limousins have proven themselves a dependable tool for building profitable, northern-fit herds.
This is branded content for the Australian Limousin Breeders’ Society