Most cattle hitting Roma saleyards in surprisingly good condition

“It was a great weekend at the Roma Picnic Races starting off with the Black Tie Ball Friday night with over 400 people attending, one of the biggest crowds seen at the ball,” Cyril said.

“Saturday followed on with a five-race program with a good size crowd watching.  The weather was perfect for the race meeting but the majority of conversations were about how patchy rainfall has been. 

“Some districts south of Roma are still experiencing little or no rain to report.  On the other hand, where the falls have been following the Warrego Highway along some farmers are talking about planting oats. 

“The condition of most cattle hitting the saleyards has been surprisingly good considering the varied season.  Last week saw a bigger yarding of 8000 head penned which attracted quite a strong panel of NSW buyers.  Numbers brought these buyers to Roma as well as potential rainfall late last week.  Values were stronger by 10 to 20 cents/kg. 

“The next few months in Roma will herald the start of the weaners coming onto the market.  Without further rain we may see some lighter weaners being early weaned to give the cows chance of making it through winter.  It would be nice to see the market hold its own at current levels to absorb the bigger numbers when they arrive.”

Cyril noted that in early April the Sydney Royal Show will host the National Competition for the Young Auctioneers across Australia. 

“I will be attending the ALPA Young Auctioneer Dinner the night before the competition.  This is where the young auctioneers are introduced to the crowd and sale draw for the next day is conducted,” he said.  

“I would like to wish Lincoln McKinlay, now working alongside Brad Mulvihill at Gracemere, all the best as he represents Topex and Queensland in this strong field of competitors. The winner of the national title wins a trip to the Calgary Stampede to sell alongside other auctioneers from around the world.”