Rod Turner, Landmark Roma, gave me the latest update on Roma and the Maranoa. Rod noted what a positive transformation there has been in the Maranoa / Warrego, with cattle up to their shoulders in green buffel grass, and tractors pulling planters, putting oats in. For those lucky enough to have received the drought breaking rain the fattening prospects are looking great for at least the next month or so.
Rod added: “Yes, we have got plenty of Buffalo fly, so spraying and tagging are in full swing. Most properties have completed branding and should now enjoy a good weaning with heavy weaners.
“In the Roma saleyards numbers were back last week, but projections are showing we will yard some considerable numbers in the coming weeks. Numbers are coming from some western areas that have still not got a good break in the season.
“The results are mixed west of Charleville, some rain, and some flooding coming down from the north west. Up to 400mm of rain has fallen north of Winton. North western NSW is contributing numbers with a drying season. Mainly fat cattle have been coming in from NSW. Good to see cows back up to 247c in Roma last week, and grass bullocks 280c.”
Rod said Roma Picnic Races were held last weekend, with plenty of celebrating happening.
“What great facilities we have here in Roma at Bassett Park Racecourse.”
Rod said he was there the weekend before, for the Craig Leggett, Rockybank and Abbey Dunn Megine wedding.
“It was great reception, and far enough out of Roma town, that the good times were hardly heard. It was good to catch up with Paul Quigley S. Kidman & Co. Adelaide, at the wedding – he had driven up from SA on the Monday before and visited their Channel Country properties. Paul said they are still in need of more rain and substantially more flooding in the Channels.”
Vale Bob McDonald
I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of noted northern Australian pastoralist Bob McDonald.
Bob, together with brother Don and late father Jim (AJ) McDonald, forged one of Australia’s largest private family grazing businesses, based at Brightlands, Cloncurry. Bob passed away in Brisbane.
My sympathy goes to Bob’s widow Susan, sisters Trish, Mary and Angela, and children Marjorie, Katie, Alistair, Adelaide, Eleanor and extended families.
