The pressure is right on across eastern Australia as the drought conditions gradually widen and spread across the state.
At Glen Innes we are drying off like everywhere with the continuing hot, dry, windy conditions.
The district had enjoyed a good start generally, but conditions have changed.
So far this month just 15mm of rain has been recorded at Glen Innes across a number of minor rainfall events. That’s compared with the average rain for February being about 86mm.
The country to our west on the edge of the slopes which was really good at Christmas has changed dramatically and is now border line.
The area immediately to the south is the best of the district with the balance only just and producers starting to think about how the upcoming winter is going to pan out.
This is the third hot, dry summer in a row and it is a long time since any rain depressions have come across the state giving everybody a good drink.
So where too now?
A lot is at stake this time of year as our area moves into full swing with our seasonal turn off of sale stock.
The cattle markets although a long way behind the peak, are historically not too bad which is encouraging for when goods rains do return conditions to normal.
The big thing on the Tablelands agenda is the upcoming weaner sales and wondering where all the calves are going to go.
A lot of productive country is out of action with the dry, so there will certainly be some bargains if it doesn't rain in the next few weeks.
Producers targeting feeder markets will be able to replace their dearer heavy steers on hand with cheaper lighter ones.
It will be a time to be brave if you are a backgrounder/finishing and put some cheaper cattle away.
The sheep and lamb markets are certainly still a highlight and with the wool still bowling along it is the king of the grazing industries at the moment.
Recently the Glen Innes annual prime lamb show and sale was conducted along with the monthly special store lamb sale.
Vendors are to be commended on the presentation of the lambs, principally Poll Dorset and White Suffolk cross.
The sale was a big success and is amazing how well the lambs sold considering how dry it is.
The sale was sponsored by Andrew Say’s Yasloc Poll Dorset stud and their sale is coming up on Friday March 2.
It is always a highlight on the local calendar with an excellent draft of about 180 rams.
Full breed plan data is available.
I hope it rains in your neck of the woods soon!