Cattle missing from Richmond

Charters Towers Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad is investigating the disappearance of 405 head of cattle reported missing from the Richmond area between September 2009 to October 2012.  The cattle are either red Brahman X breeders, branded J1 laxy H, earmark E5, or grey Brahman X breeders, branded OCB script, earmark AP6. Police are requesting the assistance from the public who may have any information in relation to these cattle.  People with information that can assist police are urged to call the Charters Towers SARCIS office on (07) 4788 2512.

Price indicators rise on supply drop

Price indicators for most categories across all eastern states lifted by 3c to 5c/kg cwt this week. Meat & Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service has attributed the rise to a reduction in supply. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) fluctuated marginally to averaging 312.25c/kg cwt yesterday, as demand for yearling cattle remains subdued in the north, while numbers in the south are in short supply. Trade steers lifted 3c to average 345c, while the medium steer indicator maintained its week-to-week volatility due to fluctuating feeder and processor interest averaging 325c, up 8c/kg cwt. The heavy steer indicator improved by 3c to finish on 334c, while medium cows continued to improve on the back of a reduction in supply, predominantly in the south, with prices lifting by 5c/kg cwt. Feeder steers lifted marginally averaging 175c/kg lwt.   

Animal genetics leader recognised

Internationally renowned livestock geneticist, Professor Michael Goddard, has been awarded the prestigious Helen Newton Turner Medal for 2013. The Medal recognises excellence in livestock genetic improvement and aims to encourage and inspire scientists. Helen Newton Turner Trust Chairman, Dr Richard Sheldrake AM, said Professor Goddard has been a leader in Australia in developing molecular genetic methods and integrating these with performance recording-based methods of genetic improvement. “His passion and enthusiasm for animal genetics led to his lifetime work on quantitative genetics and the genetic improvement of livestock.” High on Professor Goddard’s list of achievements is his method of using genome-wide markers to estimate the genetic merit of animals for complex traits, a method now adopted internationally by the dairy, livestock and cropping industries. Professor Goddard is a Professional Fellow in Animal Genetics at the Faculty of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne, where he has held a joint appointment with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria since 1998. Professor Goddard will receive the Helen Newton Turner Medal at the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) Conference in Napier, New Zealand on Tuesday, 22 October 2013 and will deliver the Helen Newton Turner Oration following the presentation.

Joyce to open ABARES Darwin conference

Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce will deliver the opening address at the ABARES Darwin Regional Outlook conference next Thursday, October 10.
Promoting discussion on industry productivity, community vitality and environmental sustainability, the Darwin conference will balance national and regional perspectives; focus on the future and emphasise pastoral strategies that work in a context of economic volatility and climatic variability. Speakers include David Robertson, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank; Ian Baker, Northern Territory Farmers’ Association; Tony Matchett, Australian Guar Company; Joel Lisonbee, Bureau of Meteorology; Willie Rioli, Tiwi Land Council and Johann Van Der Merwe, Chevron Australia. More details on the program can be viewed here.

AgForce cattle forum

The AgForce cattle board will conduct a paddock to plate industry forum in conjunction with its annual general meeting at Gladstone on Saturday, November 9. Forum sessions will focus on topics including trends in grassfed consumption and opportunities (Teys Australia); International barriers to trade impacting on Central Queensland (Cattle Council of Australia) and innovations in production, processing, value adding and Meat Science Australia (Meat & Livestock Australia). An 'open mike session' will also be included. The free event runs from 9:30am to 3pm in the Vallis Theatre, Martin Hanson Building, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.  To register or for further information contact Anna Campbell, senior livestock policy director by email at campbella@agforceqld.org.au or call 0429 649 881.