THE short supply of cattle is certainly going to be the ongoing topic of 2017. JBS livestock manager Steve Groom said Dinmore started on January 10 operating on a single shift, four days a week basis. Double shifts are expected to start at the South East Queensland plant at the end of the month. JBS's Rockhampton plant kicked on Tuesday this week on a six day a week basis. However, a start date for Townsville is still to be determined. The excellent rain across much of the north is adding to challenge of getting the northern plant into operation.
VERY interesting to hear Commonwealth Bank economist Tobin Gorey's upbeat assessment of the US cattle market. Seems US live cattle futures are improving after falling in the New Year. It seems less cattle will be available in the US in the first three months. Tobin says near‑term Australian cattle prices look more solid, with the EYCI gaining another 5c/kg to 650c on Tuesday.
CHARTERS Towers is on track for its first sale of the year next Wednesday. While numbers won't be known until Monday, agents at the important northern selling centre are keen to get the ball rolling for 2017. The limiting factor could be some handy rain over the weekend.
THE season in the Burnett continues to be very patchy with water increasingly becoming an issue for many producers. Paul Hastings from Burnett Livestock and Realty said an example was 80mm fell on one side of Biggenden and only 10mm on the other. About 1300 head are expected to be yarded at Monday’s fortnightly sale.
WHAT a great job Meat and Livestock Australia has done making lamb not only the 'official' meat but also a focus of Australia Day. I reckon this year's 'Aren’t we all boat people?’ is one of the best yet, partly because it has created a bit of controversy. It really goes to show just how powerful a marketing campaign can be. I'll certainly be throwing a few loin chops on the barbecue next Thursday.
