![‘Hit and miss’ summer storms leave Newstead desperate for rain ‘Hit and miss’ summer storms leave Newstead desperate for rain](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Fjc97JFBmLYW9DSUSgjdD/17517c46-f58e-4f85-a541-8a0d5a0e058a.jpg/r103_62_746_1149_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Margie Neill, Newstead, Surat, advised that once again, the storms over the past week have been “hit and miss”.
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“There have been some good falls reported if you were under them but generally disappointing for those desperately looking for some hope of relief,” she said.
“Newstead received 2mm on Saturday afternoon when a narrow storm dumped 70/80mm over the town of Surat – 20km away. Unless there is some relief in the coming weeks, destocking will become a real possibility.
“We have received about 130mm since September in 15 falls – averaging 8mm per fall. The winter rain produced an abundant crop of pimelea and unfortunately with no summer feed for this weed to complete with, the problem is very much still around.
“There are reports of significant losses around this area. Now into autumn, there is only a short window to grow any feed before winter. There was a small flood in the Balonne River last September and my stock have lived on that river country until the last two weeks.”
AuctionsPlus
Ben Hiscox reported Bob Jamieson Agencies sold 1450 PTIC females on Friday March 3 in the Eastern State AuctionsPlus sale. The magnificent draft of future breeders went as far south as Penola in South Australia, north into Dalby and east to Casino. The competition was very strong on the lead draft of heifers for NA & ML Jamieson’s dispersal with 65 EU choice Angus bred heifers (joined for 42 days to low birth weight Choice Angus bulls averaging 474kg) to realise $2020 on farm. With the property sold the Jamiesons cleared another 570 mostly EU heifers to average $1397.
Norland Past Co of Boonal Station sold 277 Angus / Brangus cross females PTIC for their 2nd and 3rd calf to Weebollabolla Shorthorn bulls to average $1551 on farm. Norland Past Co also sold 156 Kindee bred heifers AI’d to Weebollabolla Westgate, the Shorthorn bull was in the top 1pc for IMF and Fat EBVs and top 10pc for birthweight and calving ease. These heifers made to $1300 on farm. All in all, a remarkable sale for what is a falling market.