Currently our livestock and rural property markets are in a very good state. Almost on a weekly basis we are seeing
price records for cattle. We are used to seeing close to $4.00/kg/lw for light weight weaner cattle but we are now seeing those levels and better for feeder steers and close to those levels for heavy finished cattle. Cows are in short supply and are coming back at levels that were normally seen as top prices for cows and calves.

The word on the cattle market is that we are coming close if not at the top, as you can imagine, feedback from processors and feedlots is saying that it is starting to affect their profitability significantly. With current seasonal conditions looking very promising for a good start to Spring, the prospect of an over-supply situation forcing a correction is looking very unlikely.

Our sheep and lamb markets are also at very high levels. New seasons lamb numbers are growing steadily from week to week in our Forbes yarding’s with average pricing between $6.50-$7.00/kg/dw being achieved. Older lambs, both trade and heavy, are continuing to see levels around the $6.00/kg/dw if they are finished and fresh.

Where we are starting to see price pressure is on the lighter off type crossbred and merino lambs. This isn’t news to most but it should be remembered that these prices are still well above average for this time of year.

Our old sheep are still selling very well and it is not uncommon to see prices over $100/hd for well finished old sheep, which when you combine this with wool returns, your young replacement ewes are relatively under the market. As you can imagine store demand for both light cattle and store lambs is very high and hard to acquire. For those who don’t wish to outlay the high prices there are many people looking for agistment from areas not as lucky as ours. Feel free to contact us regarding any marketing information.

Our rural property market is continuing to see interest from both local and interstate. There is enquiry from areas where arable cropping and grazing values are well above our own, and people are looking to alternative areas such as ours. With the above livestock market values we are seeing grazing values increasing dramatically and therefore affecting overall land values.

For more information about any livestock or rural property marketing, feel free to contact us or visit www.langlandshanlon.com.au

By Geoff Rice

What an interesting 12 months it has been that have passed. Most farmers and graziers I would think, would be happy to have behind us. A short Spring followed by a severe Summer, with lots of hot and dry weather, and a late autumn break has offered little relief for most graziers. Pastures have felt the pressure, and more robust perennial pastures have been pushed hard, allowing greater broadleaf weed invasion. Each locality, farm and/or paddock will have its own weed issues. Any one or a combination of thistles including Saffron, Variegated, St Barnabys, Spear (Black) and True Scotch thistles seem to be prevalent. Capeweed and Paterson’s Curse could also be an issue in some localities.

However with the success of biological controls it may not be necessary to use herbicide control for Patersons Curse. MCPA or 2-4D Amine, often with spike rates of Clopyralid (Lontrel), can be used for control of most thistles. The addition of Turbutyn (Igran) may be necessary for effective control of Capeweed. This should be applied as soon as possible, avoiding temperatures above 18 degrees, and also before the capeweed gets too advanced. Where possible, thistle control should be undertaken as soon as practical, particularly on the slopes where early sub clover varieties will start flowering through August.

HAYDEN FLETCHER – SPARE PARTS INTERPRETER
Hayden started his first job working at McPhersons in August 2015. Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, he’s always been interested in agriculture, specifically big machinery. In his role he has to provide professional service to customers by supplying the right part for a particular machine. The parts department is computer linked to the
major suppliers to provide immediate parts sourcing when a part is urgently required. Hayden finds his job very interesting as he has to constantly research catalogues and online to find spare parts. He enjoys being part of the McPhersons team in Parkes.

LUKE DUNN – PRECISION FARMING
Luke started in his role five years ago and was very happy to start his working career in a job where he could use his interest in the auto electrical and technology fields. He looks after clients by helping them to use their machinery and to ensure they are getting the best out of their machines. He also looks after GPS guidance, application control, user interface with machinery, technical and electrical issues with modern equipment and data management. He not only
needs to keep up with the fast pace at which technology is changing all the time, but also needs to stay
ahead. Luke feels that is the hardest part of his job, but he is constantly researching and learning.

JAMES SYMINGTON – MECHANIC
James started at McPhersons about six years ago after completing his training at the TAFE in Dubbo. As McPhersons is an agricultural dealership, he works on any kind of machine from lawn mowers to big agricultural machinery. In his role he also fits ARB bull bars and accessories. He enjoys fitting bull bars, as he works on cars in his spare time at home. Luke needs to be in a constant process of learning to stay up to date with product ranges. He often goes on training courses to be able to service new machinery and use all electronic service tools available from manufacturers. James enjoys gaining experience on so many different types of machinery.