THERE were some long-term positives for producers this week with the news well-known and respected industry identity Joe Catalfamo has purchased both the Deniliquin and former Castricum Bros Dandenong abattoir sites with plans to create state-of-the-art processing sites at both locations.
Deniliquin will be dedicated to sheep and lambs with Dandenong having a focus on cattle.
J.B. Swift has also announced the reopening of its Prime City feedlot located at Tabbita in southern NSW.
At a time when seasonal conditions have obviously decimated livestock numbers in many parts of Queensland and NSW, both announcements are real indicators for the growth of our red meat export markets and add substance to industry indicators on positive competition for lamb, mutton and beef.
Peter Homann joined Elders this week, formerly the general manager agency for Ruralco.
Peter commenced his new position as southern zone livestock manager.
Peter has significant experience in leadership positions within the agency and meat industry and is a real positive for our livestock business and Elders.
Last week I was invited to a Bred Well Fed Well day hosted by John Sutherland and the Pooginook team.
I recommend any commercial sheep operator get involved in this great industry-funded initiative.
The Bred Well Fed Well concept is joint initiative between Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation focusing on making more money from sheep.
The Pooginook team have certainly aligned themselves to best industry practice and John Sutherland is passionate about the message that Bred Well Fed Well delivers, highlighting the importance of combining measurement and visual traits with leading edge nutrition.
Livestock price indicators have shown consistent growth during the past week.
Sheep and lamb prices are already getting their share of headlines but more importantly, prime cattle prices are finally moving upward.
Weaner cattle prices from Carcoar to Omeo have given vendors some well earned reward with prices for quality cattle selling to acceptable rates.
Peter Cox is a livestock sales manager for Elders Rural Services and is based at Wagga Wagga.
