SEASONAL and market conditions have got together to produce a positive outlook for livestock producers in southern NSW.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator has been above 530 cents a kilogram for all of July, and doesn't look like it has stopped climbing just yet.
And with Meat and Livestock Australia's (MLA) third quarter cattle projections showing there will be a 3.2 million head drop in Australian cattle from 2012 to 2016, demand is likely to continue.
Genetic gains on farm will become more important than ever if, as MLA predicts, the processing sector has 23 per cent less cattle to slaughter by 2017.
Improved carcase weights, which have increased between 1kg and 1.5kg over the long term, could slightly counteract the declining herd numbers, but producers will need to remain on the forefront to keep them rising.
Elders Goulburn agent Steve Ridley said this had been shown through the higher demand for heavy cattle,
"We have seen a market for the past 12- to 18 months that has offered more cents a kilogram the heavier they are liveweight, where in the past it has been the other way round, with lighter cattle demanding the higher rate," he said.
"The prime market is really in the 450kg to 600kg weight range at the moment and they are getting highest cents per kilo."
Mr Ridley said while the early indication was bull sales might be slightly stronger, they will represent good value going forward.
"We have never ever seen the cattle market any stronger, and it looks like continuing that way for quite some time," he said.
"Season wise, most of the southern country has a good moisture profile, setting ourselves up for a really good spring.
"The bull market can take a while to catch up to the physical market, so there will be opportunities to buy bulls for good comparisons to the prime prices."
The price of trading in an old bull for a new one was also on the side of the producer at the moment - one of the best reasons to be buying a bull - according to Elders stud stock agent Josh Crosby, Dubbo.
"Season wise, most in southern areas are having a good run and it is and ideal time to be looking for new genetics," he said.
"When you can trade an old bull in for about $2500, buying a replacement sire becomes very affordable."
This year's Southern Beef Week will give cattle producers the opportunity to assess, compare and invest in important next-generation genetics.
Kicking off at the end of the month, Southern Beef Week will run for seven days, beginning on Monday, July 27, and continuing until Sunday, August 2.
The event will have 44 studs from 15 breeds opening their doors to old and new visitors alike, and covering much of southern NSW from Cooma to Cowra, Canberra to Culcairn, and everywhere in between.
"The benefits of using Livestock.com.au, especially during Beef Week, is you can compare cattle during the week and go home and bid at your leisure," Mr Crosby said.
"It is a cost effective way of selling, which benefits the vendor, and a low-pressure option for buyers, because they don't have to make a decision on the day."
Visitors and exhibitors can download the Southern Beef Week app for free, giving them a comprehensive map for each day, and travel directions and background information for each stud.
The Holbrook area will be the first stop, with five Angus and Poll Hereford studs opening their gates on day one, July 27, before eight studs around Young and Wagga Wagga welcome guests on day two, Tuesday, July 28.
On day three, Wednesday, July 29, three studs north of Dubbo will be on show, seven studs in the Cowra/Orange region will open on day four, Thursday, July 30, and three studs will participate around Bathurst on day five, Friday, July 31.
The weekend will cap off the event, with day six, Saturday August 1 the biggest day of the week, with 11 studs opening in the Crookwell and Moss Vale area, while day seven, Sunday, August 2, will have seven studs from Canberra to Cooma.
