I caught up with Brad and Donna McNally and they advised me that Monto’s last sale for this year was held on Wednesday December 7 and the first sale for 2017 will be held on January 18.
Brad and Donna purchased the liveweight selling complex from John and Peg James in 2003.
John James is retiring from working at Monto Saleyards after many years of both owning saleyards in Monto and also working at Monto Saleyards.
Cannon Hill reunion
It is hard to believe that it is 25 years since Cannon Hill Saleyards closed for business.
Many valued friendships were formed during those years and so it has become customary for a Christmas get-together to be held annually. The latest took place on Thursday, December 8 at the Pineapple Hotel, Kangaroo Point and was enjoyed by all.
Another year older (some now have celebrated their 80th birthdays) and still going strong. So enjoying lunch together were: Alan, Geoff and Brad Teys; Leo and Roy Pugh; Reg Clanchy; Brian Kassulke; Mick Mullins; Barrie Greenup; Bob Hooper; Ross Attwood; Ian Kennedy; Tony Munns; John Higgins; Glen Dunn; Jim Scully; Keith McRobert; Don Wild; Eric Bassingthwaighte (who puts a lot of effort into organising the day), and yours truly.
This esteemed group was made up of buyers, livestock agents and top cattlemen. While we were in action against ourselves as buyers, auctioneers and opposing agents, we would be aggressive getting the best deal for our clients from buyers and also opposition agents, but at the end of the day we would all get together usually for some “quality time” often at the Colmslie Hotel and call it a day!
By the way it is interesting to see the decline in numbers of Australia wide stock agents and wool brokers then compared to today. In the era we are discussing the large agents included Dalgety, New Zealand Loan, Queensland Primary Producers (Primaries), Winchcombe Carson, Elders, AML & F, Goldsborough Mort, McTaggarts and Grazcos. After a succession of mergers, we have now finished up with Landmark and Elders, but we now also have a great progression of private agents throughout the country.
US imported beef market quiet
The imported US beef market has remained quiet this week, on the back of thin trading and wide gaps between asking and offering prices.
End users are reportedly reluctant to put on significant positions for product moving into the New Year, and remain focused on holiday business.
In their weekly report commissioned by MLA, the Steiner Consulting Group reports that the imported 90CL beef indicator eased 1.5USc from week-ago levels, to 190.5USc/lb CIF (down 5.8Ac, to 562.37Ac/kg CIF).
Part of the reason for a wide trading range is the increase in cattle slaughter in Australia and New Zealand, which is expected to boost supplies in the short term. More cattle became available for slaughter in Australia during November as a result of much drier conditions, a 21,600 head increase from September levels, albeit back 11pc from the same period last year.
Global dairy prices have recovered notably in the last six months, reducing the number of dairy animals going to slaughter in both New Zealand and the US. There is uncertainty as to which way prices will trend over the coming months, as the supply of cattle is largely dependent on seasonal conditions and dairy demand in key importing countries.
The market for round cuts in particular continues to be a challenge with increased US fed beef availability and US domestic product trading 10-15c/kg lower than imported offerings.
Steiner Consulting Group highlights the ongoing influence of the exchange rate on the US import beef market. The US dollar appreciated 3pc against the Australian dollar over the last month, which has benefited Australian producers and exporters – increasing their returns in the US market.
Roma Prime Sale
A total yarding of 779 head of cattle were penned at Roma’s Prime Sale last Thursday.
Steers over 550kg sold to 310c/kg and averaged 295c, while steers in the 400-550kg sold to 310c and averaged 297c.
J.P Cleland, Angry Jungle, Wallumbilla, sold Santa steers to 310c for 645kg to return $2003.
C.R & P Cleland, also of Angry Jungle, Wallumbilla, sold Santa steers to 310c/kg for 588kg to return $1828.
Spreadborough Pastoral Co, Finsbury Park, Roma, sold Droughtmaster steers to 306c for 582kg to return $1785.
Heifers over 450kg made to 299c and averaged 286c, while heifers in the 350-450kg sold to 296c and averaged 270c.
Yarrawonga Cattle Co, Yarrawonga, Wallumbilla, sold Santa heifers to 299c for 643kg to return $1924.
Womblebank Cattle Co, Womblebank, Mitchell, sold Droughtmaster cross heifers to 286c for 520kg to return $1488.
Ian Brumpton Holdings, Oaklands, Roma, sold Angus cross heifers to 296c for 480kg to return $1423.
Cows over 500kg peaked at 284c and averaged 247c, while cows in the 400-500kg class topped at 279c and averaged 230c. Cows 300-400kg sold to 271c and averaged 188c.
B.C & A.K Adams, Alice, Taroom sold Santa cows to 263c for 666kg to return $1752.
Kindee Pastoral Co, Cowangah, Taroom, sold Santa cows to 254c for 685kg to return $1743.
Cameron Fraser Grazing, Culburnie, Barcaldine, sold Santa cows to 259c for 627kg to return $1626.
Ninderra Grazing Co, Ninderra, Injune, sold Cross breed cows to 255c for 631kg to return $1613.
Hillside Grazing, Hillside, Wallumbilla, sold Santa cross cows to 253c for 587kg to return $1487.
P & S Crocker, Crochdantigh, Muckadilla, sold Hereford cross cows to 242c for 545kg to return $1319.
Bulls over 600kg sold to 271c and averaged 248c.
