Wet weather has delayed the return of cattle selling at Roma for 2021, with the first sale of the new year now expected to be held next Tuesday, January 19.

Rainfall recorded across Australia in the seven days to Sunday, January 10.

The first sale after the Christmas/New Year break was due to be held tomorrow, but recent falls of 50-100mm of rain in the Maranoa led to the cancellation of this week’s return sale.

At last Thursday’s draw only 500 cattle were put forward, prompting a majority of local selling agents to vote in favour of pushing the first sale back by a week.

“Rain was the main factor,” Nutrien Roma livestock agent Rod Turner explained.

“People want to sell cattle but they can’t get them out this week because they have just had the rain.”

Mr Turner said the best rain in the district included falls of 100mm near Mitchell, while he said a client at Yuelba was rejoicing after receiving more than 225mm (nine inches) since Christmas, perfectly timed rain following the completion of a fencing and blade ploughing program.

Cattle selling in Queensland resumed today at Toowoomba where a small yarding of just 40 head were sold, while Peter Bird at Eastern Rural said Dalby will resume selling this Wednesday, with 800-1000 cattle booked for the sale starting at 7:30am.