THE wet weather has taken its toll on the sheep and lamb markets resulting in some sales being cancelled and others recording significantly reduced supply.
The average price for lambs was also back this week. On Tuesday The Land’s Trade Lamb Indicator, calculated by the National Livestock Reporting Service, was a bit over 20c/kg cheaper week-on-week and settled on 617 cents a kilogram (carcase weight).
Mutton followed a similar trend slipping to 400c/kg early in the week, which was back about 18c/kg on the same time last week.
Going against the trend were the restocker lambs which continued to rise this week and hit an average of 664c/kg.
The Restocker Lamb Indicator generally swings much more significantly between a dearer and cheaper trend than the other indicator, however with plenty of spring feed starting to come though we might see this dearer trend continue.
Walgett Angus heifers hit $1655
CLEMSON Hiscox and Company principal Chris Clemson, Walgett, was thrilled for his clients Gary and Leanne Hall, “The Mole”, Warren, who sold some fantastic heifers on AuctionsPlus last week for $1655 a head.
Mr Clemson said the Te Mania-blood heifers were 12 to 14 month old and had an average weight of 361kg. The unjoined heifers were sold in a run of 58 head and on a cents a kilogram basis made 458c/kg.
Steady rates for yearlings
CATTLE markets across the eastern states recorded mixed trends early this week.
This resulted in the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator remaining steady at about 714 cents a kilogram (carcase weight).
On Monday the Tamworth market experienced a significant correction for young cattle. The market slipped to an average of 724c/kg – but, still well above the EYCI.
Slaughter levels tighten further
LAST week eastern states cattle slaughter totalled 107,326 head according to Meat and Livestock Australia. This was down 28 per cent on the same time last year – with substantial rainfall across major producing regions in Queensland and NSW continuing to impact availability.
Although anticipated to be lower year-on-year, MLA said wetter conditions in recent weeks have further subdued the seasonal lift in cattle turnoff so far this spring, with access restrictions to several physical markets contributing to even tighter availability, and stronger cattle prices throughout most regions.
China beef ban lifted
AFTER 13 years China has lifted a ban on some beef products from the US, according to the China Ministry of Agriculture. However, there are a number of technical access conditions to be negotiated between China and the US, and until these are defined it’s unclear when the US re-entry will come in to place and how it will affect Australia’s supply to China.
Validating the benefits
SHEEP and goat producer groups can apply for funding through Meat and Livestock Australia’s Producer Demonstration Sites program to validate the on-farm benefits of adopting MLA research findings and technologies.
The program provides funding of up to $25,000 a year for three years to demonstrate, develop and adopt new practices.
