Optimism in the belief that every cloud has a silver lining was never more applicable than at the Roma store sale this week with prices rising 10 to 15 cents.
Teasing clouds did little to lift spirits east of the Channel Country but the flow on effect surely lightened the mood with many carefully suggesting ongoing price rises.
Steve and Robyn White, Tarrebar, Roma, sold 77 Charolais Angus cross weaner steers and heifers on Tuesday and Mr White said their timing was just right.
“We’ve had no rain since February but it’s not always about what the weather does here when you’re selling,” he said.
“While it’s not falling on our properties, the rain out west is working well for us and we’re happy with the prices here today.”
Of the 77 head sold, the 52 steers averaged 287kg for 332c/kg to return $951/head. At 250kg, the heifer portion averaged 298c/kg returning $744/head.
Mr White said he and his wife usually planted oats for the winter but the seed was still in the shed.
“50mm of rain would be lovely but as it stands at the moment we haven’t got enough moisture to even think about planting,” Mr White said.
“We’re almost at the point where we need to draw a line in the sand and store the seed in a container for next year.”
With many producers feeling the pinch of dry weather, Landmark key accounts manager Rod Turner, Roma, said the cattle market was facing brighter days.
“There’s been about 120mm west of a line between Cunnamulla and Boulia so there are no western cattle here today and neither is there a full volume of buyers but on the flip side, the market is dearer,” he said.
“I’d think there will be a big shortage of cattle in another month or so after the frosts hit and the Maranoa and Warrego cattle come through.”
Danny Duff, Elders Cunnamulla, reported decent rainfall totals in the Channel Country with 98mm at Nockatunga, 120mm at Bulloo Downs and 50mm at Birdsville.
Mr Duff said he expected rain over the New South Wales border to drive Queensland cattle prices in the coming weeks.
