The number of sheep, lamb and cattle into the saleyards this week have started to drop right back. Brendan Mansbrigde of Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon & Co (KMWL) attributed this to the harvesting season starting. “Farmers are making hay and getting ready for the harvest. They do not focus on stock.” Brendan said there was also a lot of feed available so producers were keeping lambs and young cattle for longer.

In combination with these factors, prices have also started to fall in the lamb market as Western Victoria is reaching its peak season with a later spring. “A lot of lambs have hit the market in Hamilton and Ballarat, which is part of the annual cycle,” said Brendan. Prices this week fell the most for old season shorn lambs reaching a top of $163 – about $3 cheaper than previous week. Heavy new season lambs went for $159. Old sheep sold for $3 to $4 dearer, while Merino wethers reached a top of $130 and Merino ewes went to a top of $118.

The cattle market did not see much change this week, except old cows were 5 to 6c per kilo cheaper compared to the previous week. Looking ahead, Brendan said prices were still good – it had just come off the recent record prices. Numbers should increase again by March next year.

As grain harvest begins across the cropping districts of NSW, machinery operators need to remain vigilant when working near overhead powerlines and power poles. Regional manager Essential Energy, Mark Summers, said harvest machinery should be kept at least 3m clear from the electricity network to ensure the safety of agricultural workers.

“Last season there were numerous incidents of machinery contact with the network resulting in significant costs to individuals, loss of production, damage to power infrastructure and inconvenience to the wider community due to loss of supply.” Maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity network are available by calling 13 23 91 or visiting essentialenergy.com.au/overhead. “If your machinery does contact the electricity network, stay in the cabin and call 13 20 80,” Mark said. “Bystanders should always remain at least 8m away and treat powerlines as if they are live.”

To report an incident call 13 20 80 or Triple-0 (000) if the situation is life-threatening.

A senepol bull of the Southern Star Rural Senepol stud at Canowindra achieved a top price of $12,000 at the 14th annual 5 Star Senepol and African Hybrid Bull Sale held at Rockhampton recently. Clayton and Sarah Maynard own Southern Star. Their bull was sold to the Goodard family from Queensland.

With 81 lots auctioned, the sale grossed a total of $545,000 with an average of $7,569 and the top lot going for $16,000. Buyers came from Queensland and northern NSW. What sets these bulls apart from other Senepol bulls is that they are selected from over 500 male progeny. Selection is done whilst running on ticky forest country at Mt. Eugene, Jambin and Belmont Research Station, Rockhampton. They have to perform on grass, adapting to heat, ticks, flies and Lantana, with minimal chemical treatment. Geoff Maynard, stud principal for 5 Star Senepol, said there had not been a better time for the cattle industry with record prices throughout the country.

Clayton and Sarah also produce Senegus Bulls (Senepol Angus cross) which were all sold at the auction for an average of $6,000. The Senegus bulls are small birth weight and suited to heifer matings. They have many more variables that affect ease of calving, namely gestation, length, muscle pattern, and nutrition especially in the third trimester.

After another month, markets across all categories are still staying strong. With water slowly starting to recede and
some strong numbers starting to hit the markets, we have interesting times ahead. Cattle are still reaching record prices with very strong restocker activity pushing prices to high rates with restocking steers and heifers fetching from $3.80 and up to $4.50c/kg. Kill cattle are reaching steady prices for good kill steers and heifers making from
$3.50 to $4.00c/kg. There is strong competition for breeders as well with some mixed age cows and calves making in excess of $3,000 per unit. These prices are a good indication of confidence in the future of the cattle market.

Sheep and lamb markets are starting to feel a little pressure with more numbers on the market. The restocking market for sheep ramped up with good 1st X ewes making well over $200 and very good joinable oneyear merino ewes up to $250. Restocking lambs are hard to buy unless you have a big cheque book, with store lambs making from
$90 to $120.

In the fat market, prices are starting to ease with more numbers becoming available to purchase. Prices for very good suckers make from $5.50 to $5.80c/kg and the best of the mutton make up towards $4.00c/kg. I believe all livestock prices will ease over the coming month but will remain relatively strong.

By Adam Chudleigh

Week ending 6 October 2016
A smaller than expected offering and an easing in the AUD saw this week’s market open on a solid note, leaving
the NRI to close the week 8 cents dearer at 1341. Wednesday’s market saw most merino fleece types gain 5 cents with some strong buying pressure on the 18.5 and the 19.5 microns areas. Thursday’s market was overall firm with the
fine to medium microns slightly dearer, while the broader microns were just off the pace, with the higher mid break
lots lacking some buyer support.

Merino skirtings gained 20-30 cents for the better style finer types with low Vm, while other types remained firm.
Oddments were also well supported, with Locks & crutchings closing fully firm, while stains were 10-15 cents dearer.
This week’s crossbred offering was firm and unchanged for 26 micron and broader on a limited offering.
Next week’s market is currently forecast at 37,681 bales.