Rain boosts demand for weaners

Numbers are down across the region, mostly due to a dry spring in 2015, which led to a reduced number of calves.

Producers also haven’t been able to completely rebuild their stock numbers since the severe drought, and some producers may need to offload weaners early to the current dry season.

C.L. Squires agent Robbie Bloch, Inverell, said the number of weaners was down by about 25 per cent on previous years.

Mr Bloch said this was simply because producers were retaining more heifers to help rebuild their numbers.

That lack of numbers could be a bonus for vendors, boosting demand for high quality weaners.

Tamworth agent Chris Paterson said the cattle market had become dearer in the last week, with that rise expected to hold on for weaner sales.

Davidson Cameron and Co agent Luke Scicluna, Gunnedah, said the market was definitely stronger than last year, with prices up by about 20 per cent. 

He expected the market would remain strong as long as producers kept getting rain. With up to 50mm of rain in parts across the New England and Northern Tablelands, some producers have been able to plant early oat crops. 

Mr Scicluna said having good winter feed in early would give buyers confidence to purchase weaners this season.

Mr Bloch said last season’s weak grain market had led to more producers planting forage crops over wheat and barley.

He said there was significant demand from restockers after widespread rain and an exceptional season in the district. 

Recent prime and store sales have been mixed in quality but the weaner sales were expected to bring the best quality calves, Mr Scicluna said.

“The weaner sales is where restockers should be purchasing their replacements.”

Demand for weaners has been strong at Tamworth, with lotfeeders and restockers looking for medium and heavy steers and processors bidding on the heavier end of the heifers.