With drying conditions affecting majority of Queensland cattle producers, the number of cattle being sold has been steadily increasing.
With limited amount of cattle going back to the paddock, most stock have been trucked to saleyards in Blackall, Roma and Dalby. This has caused a slight decrease in the market as feedlots and abattoirs have reached their quota.
Over the next couple of months I believe cattle will be short in supply, as Queensland producers have only restocked to about a third of their carrying capacity.
With the favourable season in New South Wales and with oat crops ready available I think there will be a lift in the cattle market and this should stay firm for an extended period. Some producers have already made the decision to send stock to southern markets in search of a higher price.
Beau Frame, Frame Rural Agencies Blackall advised me that Brisbane based Jim Scully from his Blackall property, sent a line of Santa cross autumn drop weaners to the recent Frame Rural Agencies and John Mair and Co Annual Weaner Sale last Thursday in Inverell with great results. With local graziers looking to restock their paddocks steers were in high demand. Steers topped at $3.68c/kg with an average weight of 370kg.
I think the cattle and sheep industry is looking very positive at this point in time and should stay there in the coming months.
Toowoomba
A total of 701 cattle were yarded at Elders Harristown saleyards on May 15 with prices firm to slightly dearer overall. Heavy feeder steers sold to 315c/kg.