Monday 20 May 2019
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Markets

Young cattle prices ease in 11,285 head AuctionsPlus offering

Prices in most young cattle weight categories eased in AuctionsPlus trading this week, in line with saleyards trends. April was an all-time in-month record for turnover on AuctionsPlus for both sheep and cattle, with 244,000 sheep and lambs and more than 45,000 cattle listed.
..Read More

Beef Central, May 18, 2019

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: New-crop prospects colour cash markets

Timely and widespread winter-crop planting across much of southeastern Australia has softened cash-market values this week, while talk of Chinese interest in sorghum has helped to boost its prices in the north. ..Read More

Henry and Liz WellsF, May 17, 2019

Markets

Goatmeat prices soar past $10/kg, as TFI leverages goatmeat exports off beef and lamb trade

Thomas Foods International has lifted its offer to goat producers to a record $10/kg for heavier carcase weight goats, as part of a value-adding initiative and strong demand for goatmeat in the US. The record price is an 80c/kg lift on TFI’s previous highest price of 920c/kg late last week, and up from 800-820c/kg before that…Read More

Terry Sim, May 17, 2019

News

No tidal wave of consumers turning to veganism

“Anti‑meat extremism” may have recently spiked in news headlines, but there’s no tidal wave of consumers turning to veganism, according to MLA’s consumer insights…Read More

Guest Author, May 17, 2019

Production

Wagyu Edge 2019: What’s driven 30 years of breed growth?

In 30 years the Wagyu breed has grown from a standing start to become a major player in the Australian beef industry.What has driven that growth?..Read More

James Nason, May 17, 2019

Property

Weekly Property Review: Recent property sales wrap

Neighbour competition produces premium paid for Moura’s Wilga Vale | Western Qld market selling strongly | Corfield’s Thordale sells post auction | Crookwell’s Mt Henry North sells for $6400/ha | Epenarra withdrawal has knock on effects..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, May 17, 2019

Property

Movement at the Station – recent property listing highlights

Former PM offloads Hunter Valley gem | Qld’s best beef country attracting strong interest | Mixed grazing opportunity in Central NSW | Grass and water on Richmond’s Windsor Park | Longreach’s Ban Ban listed for $5.1m | Sweet country for sale near Boulia | Scale, channel flood-out country on Roxborough | Boorowa bolt-on
..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, May 17, 2019

Property

NT cattle stations make $20m, $58m in separate property deals
Property editor Linda Rowley, May 16, 2019

Recruitment

Recruitment: Does your business really need an employee induction program?
Jon Condon, May 17, 2019

Markets

Dubbo sale 16 May 2019: Weaners, cows dominate yarding
David Monk, May 17, 2019

Lotfeeding

Cattle on feed hit record 1.145 million head as drought pressure continues
Beef Central, May 16, 2019

News

People on the Move: Appointments, retirements, achievements
Jon Condon, May 16, 2019

Production

Wagyu Feed Calculator launched to boost marbling
James Nason, May 16, 2019

Industry Dashboard

$A / $US Graph

Updated 7am daily
Today
0.6880
Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

20 May 2019 (updated 10am daily)
Company Price Trending
Elders $6.51
Australian Agricultural Co $1.12
Graincorp $7.81
Ruralco $4.39
Ridley $1.30
Woolworths $34.01
Wellard $0.04
$
Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

144994
Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

460.5
Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

Imported 90CL cow beef price. Landed US, Ac/kg CIF

Today

690.9
Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

Live export feeder steer prices ex Darwin (c/kg liveweight)

Today

290
Source: Trade contacts

SOI Graph

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

-1.3
Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer Graph

Shortfed feeder steer 380-500kg - c/kg paddock sales, eastern states.

Today

299
Source: MLA's NLRS

What readers are saying

New Zealand to adopt mandatory pain relief for dehorning

Does anyone know if organic producers can use a product for pain relief and still maintain organic accreditation? Dalene, Simone or Alister - can any of you you provider some..

Paul Franks
More
Cattle Baron board game selling like hot cakes… an ideal Christmas present

Sounds interesting might have to get one. Are they still available? I have an original squatter game (all money and costings are in pounds not dollars......) Might even be..

Raymond dixon
More
Wagyu Edge conference: AA Co moves into Polled Wagyu

A lot of great points made about eating quality, consumer sentiment, sustainability, genetics and animal welfare - relevant to any breed really. From a strictly AACo perspective, a key..

Greg Campbell
More
Repeat offender farm invasion activists escape with $1300 and $1000 fines

Imagine the uproar if a group of 100 Farmers walked in to these peoples backyards on a Sunday morning and started taking photos of their garden and through their..

Mark Lake
More

News

No tidal wave of consumers turning to veganism

“Anti‑meat extremism” may have recently spiked in news headlines, but there’s no tidal wave of consumers turning to veganism, according to MLA’s consumer insights…Read More

Guest Author, May 17, 2019

Recruitment: Does your business really need an employee induction program?

Whether yours is a small cattle-producing business or a larger organisation somewhere along the red meat supply chain, you’ll need an employee induction program. When a new employee commences, it’s important that they quickly understand their role and responsibilities – and a good induction program gets them off to a great start…Read More

Jon Condon, May 17, 2019

People on the Move: Appointments, retirements, achievements

Former ACC processing exec moves on to exporting/trading project | Ex-AA Co feedlot and Wagyu manager joins Hancock | Elders new head of northern property | Heritage Seeds appoints MD | New head of property valuation for CBRE | New project officer at MINTRAC | New FIRB board member…Read More

Jon Condon, May 16, 2019

Australians come together to improve animal welfare

A recently launched University of Queensland initiative, The Animal Welfare Collaborative, has brought together more than 60 groups to work towards a shared goal—to make Australia a global leader in animal welfare…Read More

Beef Central, May 16, 2019

Markets

Young cattle prices ease in 11,285 head AuctionsPlus offering

Prices in most young cattle weight categories eased in AuctionsPlus trading this week, in line with saleyards trends. April was an all-time in-month record for turnover on AuctionsPlus for both sheep and cattle, with 244,000 sheep and lambs and more than 45,000 cattle listed.
..Read More

Beef Central, May 18, 2019

Goatmeat prices soar past $10/kg, as TFI leverages goatmeat exports off beef and lamb trade

Thomas Foods International has lifted its offer to goat producers to a record $10/kg for heavier carcase weight goats, as part of a value-adding initiative and strong demand for goatmeat in the US. The record price is an 80c/kg lift on TFI’s previous highest price of 920c/kg late last week, and up from 800-820c/kg before that…Read More

Terry Sim, May 17, 2019

Dubbo sale 16 May 2019: Weaners, cows dominate yarding

Large numbers of weaners and cows dominate numbers as people make the decision not to feed their cattle through what is shaping up to be another tough winter…Read More

David Monk, May 17, 2019

Dalby Prime Sale 15 May 2019: Cows dominate yarding

Buyer attendance was good, with the return of a local export processor into the market.However, prices eased across most classes, with bulls the only exception…Read More

Beef Central, May 16, 2019

Production

Wagyu Edge 2019: What’s driven 30 years of breed growth?

In 30 years the Wagyu breed has grown from a standing start to become a major player in the Australian beef industry.What has driven that growth?..Read More

James Nason, May 17, 2019

Wagyu Feed Calculator launched to boost marbling

A smartphone tool launched this week will take Australian Wagyu producers “to the next level” in maximising the marbling potential of their cattle, Australian Wagyu Association CEO Dr Matt McDonagh predicts…Read More

James Nason, May 16, 2019

New Zealand to adopt mandatory pain relief for dehorning

The New Zealand beef and dairy cattle industries will adopt mandatory pain relief in dehorning of young cattle from October this year. Changes to government legislation will prohibit the disbudding of calves without appropriate pain relief from October 1, leading to the approval this week of an analgesic product for use for the purpose…Read More

Beef Central, May 16, 2019

Beef achievers invited to nominate for NABRC Medals

Nominations are open for the 2019 North Australia Beef Research Council Medals, which recognise the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to the northern Australia beef industry in the fields of production, research and development, and communication or extension…Read More

Beef Central, May 15, 2019

Processing

Two thirds of red meat processors hampered by labour issues

Almost two thirds of Australia’s red meat processors are prevented from running at capacity due to what AMIC calls a ‘Labour Deficit Epidemic’ in regional Australia. ..Read More

Jon Condon, May 14, 2019

Grid prices steady, as cattle flows persist heading towards June

While some southern direct consignment grid prices have risen over the past week as typical pre-winter seasonal supply issues emerge, over-the-hooks rates in Queensland have remained unchanged again this week, continuing a three-week trend…Read More

Jon Condon, May 14, 2019

Cootamundra abattoir back on the market

Diversified agribusiness investor the Manildra Group has launched a public expressions of interest campaign to sell its Cootamundra multi-species abattoir in the NSW Riverina region…Read More

Jon Condon, May 10, 2019

Weekly kill: ABS data reflects the extent of first quarter beef slaughter

Beef production in March reached its highest monthly level since 2015, statistics released by the ABS this morning show. The prolonged and lingering impact of drought across eastern Australia continues to be reflected in unusually high rates of kill, especially for cows. Adult cattle slaughtered across Australia during March was 12pc higher than the corresponding March kill a year earlier, ABS data shows…Read More

Jon Condon, May 7, 2019

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: New-crop prospects colour cash markets

Timely and widespread winter-crop planting across much of southeastern Australia has softened cash-market values this week, while talk of Chinese interest in sorghum has helped to boost its prices in the north. ..Read More

Henry and Liz WellsF, May 17, 2019

Cattle on feed hit record 1.145 million head as drought pressure continues

Cattle on feed across Australia hit a new record high of more than 1.145 million head in the March quarterly feedlot survey. The number is close to 120,000 head more than this time last year.
..Read More

Beef Central, May 16, 2019

Improved result in latest grainfed trading budget, as feed costs start to ease

While feeder steers are a little higher in price in Beef Central’s latest 100-day grainfed trading budget projection calculated yesterday, an easing in ration costs and stronger forward contract price on slaughter cattle has delivered an improved financial outcome…Read More

Jon Condon, May 15, 2019

Feedgrain Focus: New-crop prices tumble on forecast rain

Trade-driven selling has taken up to $30 per tonne off new-crop wheat and barley prices as received and forecast rain brightens prospects for 2019 cereal plantings…Read More

Guest Author, May 3, 2019

Live Export

SE Asia Report: Major Indonesian feedlot operator closes its doors

The distressed state of the Indonesian feedlot industry was highlighted during April by the closure of one of the country’s largest importer/lotfeeders based in West Java. This company had two large feedlots capable of a total capacity of around 40,000 head and had been a successful operator for decades, writes Southeast Asia market columnist, Dr Ross Ainsworth…Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, May 10, 2019

Bahasa: Laporan Pasar: Industri Daging Sapi Asia Tenggara

Sebuah operator feedlot besar di Indonesia menutup bisnisnya secara permanen | Turunnya harga daging kerbau India di Indonesia meningkatkan persaingan terhadap daging sapi segar | Wabah African Swine Fever merebak di Vietnam dan Kamboja | Musim hujan di Northern Territory gagal
..Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, May 10, 2019

Dehumidification trial begins for livestock vessels

The first step in trialling dehumidification and other technology on livestock export vessels is underway, with environmental monitoring equipment being installed on a ship in Fremantle this week…Read More

Beef Central, May 7, 2019

ALEC and LiveCorp court merger

In a possible foreshadowing of broader red meat industry reform to come, two key live export industry bodies are preparing to merge into one…Read More

James Nason, April 30, 2019

Trade

‘Tremendous opportunities’ for Australian premium beef

It may come as a surprise given the amount of media attention given to the vegan movement in recent times, but global beef demand, rather than being in decline, is not only growing, but growing rapidly…Read More

James Nason, May 14, 2019

Is Australian and NZ beef out-competing domestic beef in the US market?

Due to seasonal factors Australian lean grinding beef is likely to trade at a discount to US domestic beef for 4-5 weeks during late May and early June, but for the rest of this year is likely to be at a premium over domestic US supplies, with the potential in October and November to reach an unprecedented US30c/lb, meat industry analyst Simon Quilty suggests in his latest report…Read More

Guest Author, May 13, 2019

China growth continues in Australia’s April beef exports

Beef exports in April softened a little off the extreme highs seen in March, but remain well ahead in year-on-year comparisons, as many eastern states beef producers facing feed and water shortages continue to reduce cattle numbers heading into winter…Read More

Jon Condon, May 8, 2019

New beef brands make debut in Brisbane’s branded beef competition

A number of significant new Australian red meat supply chains made their first foray into branded beef competition in Brisbane on Friday, among 50 entries competing in the 2019 Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show. Among them were the North Australian Pastoral Co and Harmony Agriculture.
..Read More

Jon Condon, May 7, 2019

Genetics

Culcairn field day will focus on unlocking the power of genomics

Unlocking the power within a beef herd through the use of genomic technologies will be the over-arching theme of a genetics field day being held near Culcairn NSW on 21 May. Guest speaker will be Dr Kent Andersen, director of genetics technical services with Zoetis in the US, who will discuss where the development of genomic testing in beef cattle is up to globally, and the benefits and learnings from how genomics has been applied in US beef breeds. ..Read More

Beef Central, May 15, 2019

Records smashed as buyers re-define the value of elite females in Wagyu genetics sale

Records fell like ten-pins during the 2019 Elite Wagyu National Sale held during the closing stages of the breed’s annual conference in Adelaide on Friday afternoon. Fullblood females peaked at a new national all-breeds female record price of $280,000, and went past $100,000 three times during the sale, while embryos sold to a new national record of $10,200/each…Read More

Jon Condon, May 13, 2019

Poll Wagyu breeding program making rapid progress

Driven by artificial breeding programs and carcase performance data collection on a massive scale, an ambitious Poll Wagyu breeding program involving an alliance of seedstock producers across three states is making rapid progress…Read More

Jon Condon, May 2, 2019

Weekly genetics review: Trends from a tough autumn bull sale season

With the bulk of Eastern Australia’s autumn bull selling season now drawing to a close, there are many bull breeders closely examining the results and trends to emerge, writes genetics editor Alastair Rayner. ..Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, April 30, 2019

Ag Tech

Agtech: Young farmer’s mission to simplify farm-management software

Returning home to his farming roots and Victorian family property, engineer turned entrepreneur Jock Lawrence is on a mission to simplify the farm management recording system. ..Read More

Beef Central, April 17, 2019

The hidden killer of profitability in cattle

In beef production systems the potentially severe effect of internal parasites has not been given the attention it deserves but technology is now giving producers the ability to see what has previously been invisible, writes veterinarian Dr Matt Playford…Read More

Dr Matt Playford, Dawbuts Animal Health, April 12, 2019

Farm2Fork event livestream

Tune in for the latest ag innovation and knowledge from today’s Rabobank Farm2Fork Summit in Sydney – covering the latest developments impacting the agribusiness space, major trends across key commodities and insights from industry experts on sustainability, waste and technology…Read More

Beef Central, March 28, 2019

Agtech: Automated refuelling station has safety, efficiency implications + VIDEO

A robotic, automated refuelling station developed for mining industry use could one day find applications in agriculture…Read More

Beef Central, March 26, 2019

Property

Weekly Property Review: Recent property sales wrap

Neighbour competition produces premium paid for Moura’s Wilga Vale | Western Qld market selling strongly | Corfield’s Thordale sells post auction | Crookwell’s Mt Henry North sells for $6400/ha | Epenarra withdrawal has knock on effects..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, May 17, 2019

Movement at the Station – recent property listing highlights

Former PM offloads Hunter Valley gem | Qld’s best beef country attracting strong interest | Mixed grazing opportunity in Central NSW | Grass and water on Richmond’s Windsor Park | Longreach’s Ban Ban listed for $5.1m | Sweet country for sale near Boulia | Scale, channel flood-out country on Roxborough | Boorowa bolt-on
..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, May 17, 2019

NT cattle stations make $20m, $58m in separate property deals

Two large Northern Territory grazing properties, Carmor Plains and Kalala, have transacted separately for around $20m and $58m recently, in an expression of the continued strength of the top end property market…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, May 16, 2019

Weekly property review: Border patrol stops the rain

While grazing property listings are thin across many parts of southern Australia due to the drought, buyer interest remains strong across NSW, Victoria and South Australian pastoral regions, property editor Linda Rowley found in this regional summary ..Read More

Guest Author, May 8, 2019

Sheep Central

Thomas Foods International offers record $10/kg goat meat price

LEADING Australian meat processor and exporter Thomas Foods International has announced it will pay a record $10 a kilogram for goat meat to supply a new value-adding initiative in.. Read More

Lamb prices reach $300 mark months earlier as supplies tighten

LAMB prices surged in more saleyards this week, with demand pushing extra heavyweight rates up around the $300 mark nearly three months earlier than last year...Read More.. Read More

‘First look’ climate outlook drier for some in June-August 2019

WINTER is likely to be drier than average for much of Queensland, NSW, Victoria, southeast SA, northern Tasmania, the NT, and northern and far southwest WA according to the.. Read More

Long-haul animal shipment risks too high, says animal welfare professor

LONG-HAUL live export of sheep and cattle represents too high a risk to the animals’ welfare and should not be conducted, a leading world animal welfare expert has claimed...Read More

Grain Central

Queensland ag merchants meet in Toowoomba +PICS

The Queensland Agricultural Merchants (QAM) Association meeting yesterday not only heard from guest speaker Australian Lot Feeders Association president Bryce Camm, but also gave a fitting sendoff to now-retired.. Read More

Dalby’s Dalgrains goes into liquidation

Dalby-based company Dalgrains has gone into liquidation, ending months of speculation within the trade that the company has been in financial difficulty...Read More.. Read More

Ruralco diversification drives half-yearly growth, profit and dividend

Ruralco has attributed its three per cent growth and after tax of $16.6 million for the half year ended 31 March 2019 to its diversification strategy...Read More.. Read More

Billionaire sees big changes in farm financing

One of Australia’s newest and youngest billionaires is predicting big changes in the way farmers finance working capital in future...Read More.. Read More

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