After ex-TC Debbie made landfall yesterday, several livestock sales are postponed and beef processors impacted in Queensland.
Stud Cattle Sales
Due to wet weather concerns or difficult weather conditions the Billa Park Leading Ladies Simmental Sale has been cancelled, which was scheduled for this Friday March 31, and will now be held on April 10 at Dulacca. The Rockhampton All Stars Elite Brahman Female Sale is also postponed from being held on April 1 due to the predicted heavy rainfall and flooding potentially preventing some cattle buyers traveling to the sale. A new date for the Rockhampton All Stars Elite Brahman Female Sale has not yet been decided by the sale committee.
Commercial Cattle Sales
Charters Towers cattle sale cancelled today (Wednesday).
Emerald cattle sale is cancelled tomorrow (Thursday).
Gracemere CQLX cattle sale is cancelled on Friday.
Blackall cattle sale is scheduled to go ahead on Thursday.
Queensland Beef Processors
Thomas Borthwicks meatworks at Bakers Creek near Mackay is currently without power and suffered minor damage to the facility. Livestock manager Malcolm Kinman said they are now dependent on the return of electricity and an ability to source slaughter cattle, which is currently unknown due to heavy rainfall across the hinterland region. The meatworks is expect to be closed for the rest of this week.
Central Queensland’s major meat processors Teys Australia Biloela and Lakes Creek plants, plus JBS’s Rockhampton processing facility are operating but expect potential cattle shortages going forward. JBS’s Townsville processing facility was closed on Tuesday but has now reopened today (Wednesday).
Related Story: Rain fires up young cattle market
Horse Sales
The Capricorn Yearling Thoroughbred Horse Sale at Rockhampton showgrounds is still going ahead on Sunday as of lunchtime Wednesday March 29.
