Things just keep getting better. What a month it has been: we have seen both sheep and cattle reach record highs, especially in the cattle market. With widespread rain over the last month we are seeing the makings of a great season, which is fantastic.

On the sheep side of the market we have seen all markets very strong. We are also noticing a good number of new season suckers coming onto the market that are receiving very strong competition and seeing the best of them make up $160 and $170, but take note with more numbers due to come onto the market these prices will only be sustainable for the best of them. On the trade and export markets we are still seeing prices in the mid to high $6/kg for the better finished lambs. The mutton market is still kicking along very strongly with most grades hovering around the 400c/kg mark.

The cattle market is still going from strength to strength with good feeder cattle attracting record prices with well bred steers reaching up to $4.25c/kg. These prices are bringing some great returns for clients. We are still seeing some good lines of grain fed cattle coming through the yards with grain fed steers making $3.40 to $3.90/kg, and the heifer portion making up to $3.70/kg. The cow market is still very strong with some of the best euro cows making in excess of $2.90/kg, but the majority of the good 3 and 4 score cows are still around the $2.50-$2.80/kg mark.

With spring just around the corner we are starting to see some strong activity from restockers trying to either restock or make use of ample feed. I think during the spring we will see very strong competition for all types of restocker livestock. With all this in mind I think we are in for very interesting times.

For any other information on market trends or marketing options don’t hesitate to call us.

By Adam Chudleigh

A total of 690 animals were sold at the pig sale last Friday. The trend of the sale saw pork selling for $10 to $20 dearer, bacon remained firm and backfatter went for $5 to $10 cheaper.

Price range on the day for the different categories were:
• Weaners: $64 to $128
• Light pork: $134 to $148                                                                                      Heavy pork: $176 to $192
• Light bacon: $180 to $204
• Heavy Bacon: $240 to $320
• Light Backfatter: $55,04 to $275,65
• Heavy Back fatter: $335.96 to $470.40
The next sale will take place on Friday, 19th August. Contact Murray Reid on 0488 432 207 at VC Reid & Son for more information.

Established in 1903, Miller and James Real Estate Temora is much more than just a traditional real estate business. Miller and James principles, Chris Reardon and Angus McLaren have been involved in agriculture all their lives. They were both raised on family farms and know agriculture in our region back to front. They understand that rural property transactions involve a lot more than putting a sign on the front gate and a couple of ads in the local paper.

Mr McLaren says the key to the success of Miller and James is relationship building. “Our business has been operating for 113 years. We have been dealing with some clients for three generations or more. Whether people are selling, buying or leasing rural property, we have a database that can find a solution to what our clients require in any situation. That is where we add value.”

Mr McLaren also said that as farms have become larger, Miller and James had made a conscious decision to increase the geographic spread of the business. “We basically service from the Lachlan to the Murray. We pop up all over the place. We may be based in Temora, but we travel everywhere. No farm is too big or too small for us to look at.”

With the rural property market very strong at the moment, Mr McLaren believes now is a good time for those people considering retirement or a change in direction to contact Miller and James to arrange an onfarm
meeting. “We provide free market appraisals and the best thing is that it doesn’t cost you a cent to talk to us,” said Mr McLaren

Wow what a month we have seen. With widespread rain throughout all of the eastern states of Australia we have seen some fire in our livestock markets. With this wide spread rain we have seen numbers restrict further in the sheep and cattle markets which intern has had positive gains in prices.

In the cattle market we are noticing a purely supply and demand driven market, with numbers low through all grades we are seeing restocking and feeder steers making from $3.40 to $3.80 c/kg, feeder and restocking heifers are making in excess of $3.00 c/kg and up to $3.50c/kg. On the export front we have seen some great gains with heavy steers and bullocks back over the $3.00 c/kg mark and up to $3.25c/kg, and cow supply has tightened and seen most grades receiving promising gains with the best of your heavy cows making up to $2.50 c/kg. I believe this cattle market for the next month will stay considerably strong as long as numbers stay low and demand keeps high.

To the sheep and lamb markets, hold onto your hats because things are really heating up, but for how long? With the lamb market we are seeing very strong gains in both domestic and export markets with most domestic and export processors offering over the hook rates in excess of $6.00 c/kg and in the saleyards we are seeing the best heavy trade and light export lambs making from $145 and up to $170 and the extra heavy lambs making up to $230.

The mutton market has rallied on to sky high rates with most mutton making in excess of $4.00c/kg and in the yards with the best of the heavy mutton making up to $170 for full wool heavy merino ewes and wethers.

So until next month let’s hope for these strong prices to continue. For any other information on market trends or marketing options don’t hesitate to call.

By Adam Chudleigh