As the season worked out, 2016 would have been the perfect year to buy and join heifers.
With the proliferation of grass over southern NSW, replacement females would have thrived in the lush conditions.
But, according to livestock agents from Moree to Corryong, most of the stock from the 2016 Wodonga weaner sales went to feedlots and export trade.
Jeff Garland from B and W Rural in Moree, bought stock for feedlots, as did Southern Riverina Livestock’s Jeremy Bell. The latter bought on behalf of a client who finishes his cattle on grass at Morundah. Elders International bought pens for export, as did other commission buyers on behalf of Chinese interests.
Agents from northern NSW bought up big on behalf of feedlot and live export clients with many B-doubles making the long journey with southern-bred cattle even though prices have never been so high.
Contracts had to be filled and this strong demand meant prices continued to rise on successive days, according to reports from The Land.
Leanne Gray, “Altana”, Finley, attended the Wodonga sales with her son.
“We buy weaner steers to grow out then re-sell, but the prices were way too high for us to make any money on them”, she said. “We eventually bought weaners at Wangaratta where there wasn’t as much competition.”
However, three pens of heifers from “Buckenbong”, Narrandera, are now in the Glen Innes district, joined to Angus bulls and due to calve from February.
One of the buyers, who does not wish to be identified, was happy to pay $1180 per head as he knew they would do well in that country and conditions.
“Although we didn’t really fuss about them through winter, most of them are in forward condition and we’re expecting a good calving percentage,” he said. The three pens totaling 64 head have been added to elite Angus herds.
In spite of record prices being an incentive, many breeders in the Upper Murray are retaining about 15 per cent of their females as breeders, according to Costello Rural’s Justin Costello in Corryong.
“At Wodonga, we bought weaner steers for clients to finish then trade,” he said.
“Those who did buy are happy with their decision.
“Growers in this area prefer Angus, Herefords or Murray Grey cattle and the high prices this year have inspired some to sell a few more head due to the prices than they may have otherwise.
“Not many wanted heifers, as proven breeders are more reliable and a cow and calf unit is a good investment.”
He said earlier in the year the season was looking a bit unpredictable but in April it started raining and has not long stopped.
“In this area, the amounts of grass are huge with one example of a particular paddock cutting 180 bales last year and, this year, 650 have been cut,” he said.
“I’d say confidence in the beef market is at about 55 per cent, with equal measures of satisfaction and caution about next year.
“Property sales reflect overall confidence in raising cattle in this area as growers expand their enterprises.”
Pennie Scott
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
