Welcome to the first edition of ‘What’s in Store’. I wish all of our readers a happy, prosperous and hopefully wet New Year. Thanks to the QCL for inviting me to contribute.
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Julia Creek: Congratulations to Glen Laffey, manager, Elders, Julia Creek, on attaining 50 years of service on January 9. Glen started his career with AML&F and worked his way through the ranks at various branches including Wandoan and Cunnamulla before transferring to Julia Creek 33 years ago. Best wishes to Glen and his wife Judy for many happy years ahead.
Glen said there have been some useful falls of rain over the area, however it is still patchy at this stage. There has been some movement of heavy live export cattle to Indonesia through Darwin at very good rates. Glen reported some live export quotes out of the port of Townsville – feeder steers $3.60, feeder heifers $3.30, slaughter steers $3, medium cows $2.20.
Longreach: Phil (Pip) Avery, Topex Longreach, reported some useful patchy storms over the past month. He said the area needs a good wet to ensure grass growth in February and March to go into autumn and winter with some cover. Phil said there was limited stock movement at this stage with short numbers and heat as the main reasons.
Blackall: Brian Fisher, Landmark Blackall, told me the district had received some patchy storm rains over the past month, however he said the country needs a general fall to get some growth before the end of summer. The first cattle sale is set down for February 9.
Roma: Brad Neven, principal, Watkins and Co and president of Roma Livestock Agents Association advised that the first store sale has now been put back to January 17 due to a lack of numbers. Brad said rainfall over the Maranoa has been extremely patchy. Most cattle in the area are in good condition. He also said there are a few producers who have had good rain looking to purchase cattle to put on summer forage.
Toowoomba: Paul Holm, area manager, Elders, told me the Harristown saleyards offered 406 head of cattle on Monday. Although a small yarding, quality was good and buyer attendance strong. Values were on a par with end of year sales.
Rockhampton: Mick Lynch, area manager, Landmark, advised that the first Gracemere sale will be held Friday January 13, weather permitting. The first Miriam Vale sale will be held on January 31, once again weather permitting. He advised that most of the Rocky area has received useful to heavy falls further north. Rainfall has been fairly good south to Bundaberg but has been light west of the range.
Southern Weaner Sales: Peter Holman, Southern Zone Livestock manager, Elders said the cattle being sold are generally in forward store to store condition. There was a premium for EU Black Angus cattle. Rates quoted: Weaner steers 370-425 c/kg weaner heifers 340-360c/kg. Most of the cattle are being purchased by local and Tasmanian feedlotters and growers. The market is generally dearer than last year.
