Further strength in the finer microns was somewhat overshadowed last week by weakness in the broader types. 19.5-microns was the pivot point with finer microns gaining 20 to 40 cents whilst the broader microns fell 20 cents.
Over the past month the finer microns have firmed slightly whilst 21 to 23-microns have lost ground, resulting in the Northern Region 19 – 21 micron price differential jumping from 25 cents in early August to 134 cents this week. Thursday provided a strong finish to the week, with all fleece categories closing in front. Lots with a low CVH found good support attracting significant premiums to the rest of the market. The skirting market followed a similar trend with finer microns holding up reasonably well. While the medium to broader microns were generally 10 to 20 cents cheaper.

Crossbreds were reasonably limited in supply but managed to post increases for the broader microns, while the finer end eased. Oddments also firmed slightly on a limited selection.

We are a month into Spring but are yet to see a break in the weather. This has lead to a slow start to property sales, as it is too wet to get onto most prospective properties. This gives us time to look at the options of auction or private treaty. In many cases there are neighbours or parties that might be interested, but it is also important to advertise the sale of your largest asset, in many cases.

These days there are many different options, from traditional newspaper to varied online advertising. Your agent will know which is best for your property. With values where they are, advertising is a small marketing cost that could bring large returns. We are constantly receiving enquiries from outside our local area, showing how much
demand there is for property from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

An auction may come with a definite end day, depending on whether the property sells. Auctions come with a higher advertising cost due to the need to push your property onto prospective buyers. It must also be noted that all properties are not right for auction. If your property has been on the market for a while to turn around and put it up for auction isn’t necessarily going to bring buyers out. It may be better to consider where you are advertising or how you are promoting the property’s assets.

Private treaty combined with the right marketing is a good option with rural property due to the many varied considerations, for example the inclusion of crop, sale of livestock, organisation of clearing sales and walk-in, walk-out options. It is easy to say that commission is a cost, as is advertising, but remember this is the sale of your largest and in many cases your final asset. It costs nothing to talk to us and discuss your options.

Our livestock markets have been heavily affected by the weather in recent weeks with numbers varying as roads opened and closed. The sucker market has been solid until last week when we saw numbers increase
and prices fall to between $5.50/kg/dw to $6.00/kg/dw. The weather has meant that many lambs booked in direct have been unable to be delivered and are waiting on farms for a break in the weather. Old sheep have remained strong on minimal supply.

The cattle market has seen feeder steers and heifers fall slightly while cows and heavy cattle remain very solid. We need to consider what numbers are out there waiting to hit the market. Our markets are still very good and even with corrections will still remain solid.

By Geoff Rice

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 Bollon, 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 also have many more variables that affect ease of calving, namely gestation, length, muscle pattern, and nutrition especially in the third trimester.

By Cheryl Newsom

A.A.Blatch has been an icon of the Central West farming community since 1952 and is now operated by third generation owners, Allan and Susannah Blatch. Not only is A.A.Blatch your exclusive supplier of “Black Bearings” from NTN, the world’s finest agricultural ball bearings, it is also your official distributor of Timken-Fafnir and NSK bearings to name a few. If this is not enough, A.A.Blatch is the only place you can buy Tsubaki chain, the world’s number 1 roller chain.

This harvest, for bearings, belts, roller chain, feeder house slat chains, filters, idler pulleys, flame-hardened tooth sprockets, industrial hosing, clutch and much, much more, remember A.A.Blatch has been serving the Central West since 1952. A.A.Blatch is open from 7am-5pm Monday to Friday and 7am-12pm on Saturdays. Call them on 6862 2666 with any queries.