AS NSW graziers land in a 'purple patch' of seasons and continue the herd rebuild, they are travelling still further north to secure cattle, and paying handsomely.
This week the benchmark Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continued its upward trend, finishing on Tuesday at 1060.81 cents a kilogram carcase weight. While feeders made up most of the sales used to calculate the EYCI, restockers were present and paying premiums.
Nutrien Western agent, Boyd Curran, Longreach, QLD, said the sky-high demand for cattle in Queensland's Central West, particularly from across the border, had outstripped supply. He said that was reflected in the market price.
"New South Wales and Victoria are having phenomenal seasons, with moisture left over from the winter rain," Mr Curran said.
"For that reason we're seeing a lot of activity from the southern states and prices are reflective of the fact there is a shortage of cattle."
READ MORE:
GDL agent Jack Biddle, Quilpie, QLD, said a strong southern influence was at work across Queensland's saleyards and online selling platforms. In the south west of the State, he said that he'd also fielded phone calls from buyers from as far as Forbes, who were looking to handle cattle out of the paddock.
Mr Biddle said Bos Indicus-cross types, and weaners in particular, presented an affordable trading option and had proven popular with some southern restockers.
He said while the supply of heavier cattle had tightened, there were still plenty of weaners going up for bids.
"At Quilpie, a lot of graziers got in very early in the year and mustered" Mr Biddle said. "Because prices were so good in February and March people were selling then, although traditionally it's not a busy time of the year.
"Because the market was so strong, local graziers went earlier than usual. A lot of people thought 'we'll get in early before the market falls down,' but it hasn't. It's only gotten stronger.
"If we get this rain forecast for Central and South West Queensland and back down into New South Wales, people are still going to want the cattle, but they'll have to pay because there is no mercy in this current market."
The Bureau of Meteorology has already given a positive outlook for the wet season, with small and scattered storms starting further north.
- Regular Market Murmurs columnist Karen Bailey is on leave.
Love agricultural news? Sign up for The Land's free daily newsletter.
