THE high number of cattle sold at recent sales has many concerned about a future gap in the market as many producers have opted to sell much of their breeding stock.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
More than 4000 head of cattle went under the hammer at Gunnedah’s weekly cattle sale on July 31.
Prices remained consistent with recent sales and gave the usual buyers plenty of choice while still allowing farmers value for their product.
However, Boggabri stock agent Guy Gallen said the influx of cattle being sold would create a gap in the market in the future.
“I reckon you will see a substantial drop in numbers coming to market,” Mr Gallen said.
“I would say the drop would be any where from 50 to 75 per cent in six to 12 months from now.
“That’s because of the drought, pure and simple.
“People are having to sell due to lack of feed and lack of rain.” Mr Gallen said rain would help to ease the number of stock going to sale.
“I know the studs are doing it a bit tough but I don’t think they will disappear,” he said.
“If it does rain you will see the numbers ease and less people selling their breeding stock.”
Read Also:
Stud producer Juliana McArthur said she had scaled back due to drought conditions.
“We have stud properties in Manilla, Emerald Hill and Goolhi,” Mrs McArthur said.
“Things are tough and we have had to scale back our breeding stock quite considerably due to the prolonged drought conditions.
“While recent freight subsidies will help cover some of the cost for feed, it hasn’t been enough and we’ve made some tough decisions regarding our stock.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
