EXCELLENT rains in the past six weeks have restored confidence in the South East, although paddock feed is still tight.
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Cold temperatures have restricted pasture growth but many areas are receiving at least 80 millimetres to 100mm for July.
Livestock producers hope wet conditions will continue into spring.
Lack of spring rains in the past couple of years saw many with huge supplementary feed bills which they will now be looking to recoup.
Livestock SA president and Bordertown farmer Richard Halliday said paddocks had not had such a good germination of clover for many years, raising producer confidence in spring results.
There is now water lying around many parts of the South East, which is what is needed for a good season.
"If water is lying around and the drains are flowing it is running potential in front of you into spring," Mr Halliday said.
He said many livestock producers were more hopeful of being able to market steers and lambs in prime condition in spring.
"With grass comes confidence and if they are selling their lambs we could see ewes back in the $120 to $150 range for 1.5-year-olds later in the year."
Solly Business Services consultant Ken Solly described the feed situation as "sporadic".
He said those who had spelled paddocks to enable them to get away now had green feed but pasture growth in general had been slow.
Feed supplies are expected be tight for three to four more weeks.
*Full report in Stock Journal, July 25 issue, 2013.
