Cashing in on cattle

The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) hit a high of 468.5 cents a kilogram on Tuesday, smashing last Friday's record of 460.75c/kg and 451.25c/kg set in February.

The record high EYCI has not fallen below 400c/kg all year and is predicted to reach higher levels before the colder weather sets in.

The Eastern States Feeder report generated by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), also suggested the record levels which had been set would continue higher.

MLA market information manager Ben Thomas said the EYCI was stronger than this time last year, up 30 per cent year-on- year and was driven by lotfeeders pushing up the prices for yearl-ings.

"Supply has dropped, prices have increased and the market is showing positive fundamentals," Mr Thomas said.

"International demand and lotfeeders are driving the demand for cattle.

"The Eastern States Feeder report shows how strong restocker interest is and the number of cattle on feed remains high for the rest of the year."

Mr Thomas said the United States beef market was still very strong and the Australian dollar was trading below 80 cents.

He said for Victoria and NSW it would be whether or not the prediction of rainfall came to fruition, which would play on people's business decisions.

"If we get a widespread break, slaughter and turn off rates for females will be strong," he said.

"If it rained it would be quite positive for the market and for places looking for feed."

Bob Jamieson Agencies director Bob Jamieson, Inverell, said there was a shortage of numbers.

"Before the drought four years ago, cattle numbers were 30 million plus and now cattle numbers are approaching 30 year lows," Mr Jamieson said.

He said for 25 years producers who struggled to make do would suddenly see a change in the market.

"The high weaner prices we're seeing will be the norm."

Paull and Scollard livestock agent Tim Robertson, Wodonga, said supply and demand was influencing the market, with demand high and numbers low.

"A lot of people headed out of cattle for other opportunities and now they're struggling to find the numbers," Mr Robertson said.

"People who stuck with cattle are now going to reap the rewards."

Mr Robertson said although most grades of cattle were selling exceptionally well, cows and pregnancy-tested cattle were worth their weight in gold.

"They're spurred on by awareness there'll be a shortage throughout winter and people are now securing their numbers," he said.

"Nothing gets dearer forever, there'll be a point where it'll stop getting dearer."

Price increase for Walcha steers

ALTHOUGH the season hasn't been great, Rob and Kelly Lamoureux, Armidale, (pictured) sold their 16 black Simmental cross Angus steers at the Walcha weaner sale last Wednesday, walking away happy with the results.

Selling steers just under 400 kilograms, Mrs Lamoureux said their pen returned 275 cents a kilogram, or $1100.

"We were very happy, it was a big improvement on last year even though seasonal conditions aren't much better," she said.

"It's almost double to what we got last year."

Mrs Lamoureux said although cattle numbers were down, there was increased demand from lotfeeders and restockers at the sale.

"The sale was up on the week before, the promise of rainfall last week made it a very strong sale."

Targeting the weaner market with their breeders, Mrs Lamoureux said most of their 300 head of cows were on agistment, while 80 head were left on their 728 hectare property "Kingsford".

"We've got lots of water, whereas a lot of people don't," she said.

"We will be fine - the paddocks are coming away slowly after we had a bit of late autumn rain, which improved things a bit."