2025 breeding bull season with strong commercial momentum
The second week of the 2025 harvest closed with numbers confirming the strong performance of the breeding market. According to data, 1,541 bulls have already been sold at farm auctions, representing a 13.73% increase compared to the same period last year.
Price evolution and leading breeds
The average value per animal reached US$4,421, marking a 24.10% increase compared to the 2024 harvest. The Angus breed leads in volume, with 752 animals sold, equivalent to 49% of the total. Its average price is US$4,604, 22% more than last year.
Hereford and Polled Herefords account for 31% of sales, with 484 bulls placed. This breed also shows growth: 11% in volume and 28% in price, with an average of US$4,818.
Synthetic breeds and market behavior
Among synthetic breeds, Brangus and Braford maintain a strong presence. 122 Brangus cattle were sold, 21% more than in 2024, at an average price of US$4,227. Braford cattle total 58, with a slight increase of 2% in volume and a significant 37% increase in price, reaching US$4,322.
Ranking of auctions with the best averages
In Angus, the ranches with the best prices were San José de Pérez Frontini (US$5,562), Campo Norte and Manantial Verde (US$5,273), and El Puesto de Irazábal (US$5,026). In Hereford, Las Anitas de Alfonso leads the way with an average of US$6,790, followed by Loma Azul de Rubio (US$5,226) and San José del Yaguarí (US$5,169).
Brangus had its best auction at El Coraje, with 75 bulls selling for US$4,670. At Braford, La Victoria/Los Paredones stood out, with 51 bulls selling for US$4,414.
Market trends and expectations for the harvest
This season's performance confirms a trend that has been emerging since the first half of the year: increased demand for quality genetics and producers' willingness to invest in bulls with solid backing. The rise in average prices reflects not only commercial interest but also confidence in the auction system as a replacement tool. The herds that have managed to position themselves with high averages did so by investing in well-presented animals with objective data and a good adaptation to the country's production systems.
Furthermore, the growth in volume of breeds such as Brangus and Braford indicates that northern and coastal pastoral systems are beginning to incorporate synthetic genetics more frequently, seeking hardiness without losing meat quality. This phenomenon could become more established in the coming weeks, as auctions are added in departments such as Artigas, Salto, and Rivera.
Projections and upcoming auctions
With more than 1,500 bulls sold in just two weeks, the 2025 harvest is expected to far exceed last year's records. The auctions scheduled for October and November include landmark events such as Bayucuá, La Elisa, La Palma, and Santa María, where strong participation from buyers from the coast and central parts of the country .
Operators agree that the market is firm, with good liquidity and sustained demand for functional bulls with EPD data and good conformation. If this trend continues, the close of the harvest could mark a new record in volume and prices , consolidating the role of the ranches as suppliers of strategic genetics for the national herd.
Closing and looking to the future
The 2025 harvest confirms the dynamism of the Uruguayan cattle market. With auctions still underway, numbers are expected to continue rising, consolidating the role of cattle ranches as key suppliers of genetics for the national herd.
