THE cattle market has certainly been the focus of much discussion due to easing prices and weakened seasonal conditions through out much of Queensland and NSW.
Grain prices have continued to impact feedlot pricing as the softening of the cattle purchase price is equalised by seasonally driven rises in grain and hay.
In round terms the quote given to me last week was "the feeder cattle price is down about $200 a head from last year and feed prices are up $190 a head at the same time".
The dynamics affecting the continued easing price are many: seasonal conditions; global demand/competition; Aussie dollar, and record numbers of cattle placed in feedlots due to failing seasonal conditions.
The general consensus for the longer term view is still positive, seasonal conditions aside we continue to have nearly zero growth in the national cow herd.
Millah Murrah Angus stud, Bathurst, will be offering a wonderful opportunity for people interested in the Angus breed.
On October 19, the Thompson family will present 230 stud females, pregnancy-tested-in-calf or with calves at foot, by the best sires in the industry.
Millah Murrah is the home of the highest averaging bull sale ever recorded in Australia.
In 2016, 109 bulls sold to average $16,348. At the corresponding sale earlier this month, 122 bulls were sold to average $15,590 - the highest average for a bull sale this year.
The Millah Murrah female sale will feature the sisters to these bulls and many of their dams.
Andrew Bickford of Elders Bathurst (0427 943781) can help with more details for those interested.
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association annual general meeting is in Adelaide on October 20.
ALPA celebrates 13 years this year as a national organisation representing 1200 member agents across the nation.
Being a member organisation, ALPA strives to make a tangible difference when dealing with issues that will affect the stock and station industry now and into the future.
ALPA continues to represent best practice at regional, state and national levels having lodged nine submissions to state and federal governments.
We continue to challenge regulatory bodies throughout Australia to deliver their responsibilities.
This is becoming increasingly more difficult as state funding for Department of Primary Industries and other agricultural services shrinks with the expectation that agents and others will fill the void.
