A year to remember in 2015

It got off to a strong start at weaner sales, with many vendors reporting profits 40 cents a kilogram to 50c/kg higher than at the same time in 2014.

A southern Australian saleyard record was set in January, with a Vic grazier paying a then-unheard of $2.94/kg for heifers at the Hamilton, Vic, saleyards.

At the same time, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator hit a then-record of $4.47/kg carcaseweight. As the year ends, the ECYI is bearing down on $6/kg.

Once the $2.94/kg record was set at Hamilton, eyes were then on when cattle would crack $3/kg in SA saleyards. It finally happened in May, when Padthaway farmers John and Di Fraser made $3.02/kg for five Murray Grey vealer steers at Naracoorte.  

From then on, prices of least $3/kg became the norm at selling centres across the state. Even lack of rainfall in the spring and drought conditions in the South East were not enough to dent prices. 

MLA reported that the cattle price rise in 2015 equated, in real terms, to being the highest returns farmers had enjoyed in 30 years. But, few will be surprised if prices above $4/kg are achieved in the new year weaner sales.

The year will also be remembered for the closing of one chapter in the SA agency business, with the Combined Independent Agents Association being bought out by Platinum Livestock.

Looking at the sheep side of things, Dublin hit a high point in February, when heavyweight crossbred lambs made to $206 and Merino lambs to $165.

Jamestown held its first feature breeding ewe sale in September, which was hailed a huge success, with 1.5-year-olds selling to $180.

Another first for the sheep industry was the inaugural North East pastoral Merino lamb sale held at Teetulpa at Yunta in December, with wethers making to $86. Farmers taking part unanimously agreed they would be keen to continue the sale into the future.

Throughout the year, lamb prices were generally sitting in the $5-$6/kgcwt region, giving producers good returns.

Let’s hope the good times roll into 2016!