Mid North stud breeder David Leese says the beef industry is in a “consolidation phase” after a stellar price run, but is hopeful commercial buyers will continue to invest in herd-improving genetics.
“The price we are getting for our end product has come off but it is still good money,” he said.
David and wife Rochelle will hold one of the first SA bull sales for 2018 – the Davelle Opportunity sale – on February 9.
Through AuctionsPlus, Davelle will offer 15 rising two-year-old South Devon bulls and two Droughtmasters, plus another 15 mixed age, pregnancy-tested in-calf females.
“Last year we had a good sale selling to WA, Qld, NSW, Vic and a few locally so hopefully we can be somewhere around the mark again,” he said.
Mr Leese sees strong long-term demand for Australian beef with the growing world population.
“We can’t compete on price so we need to ensure our product remains clean and green and is better than other countries’ products,” he said.
But he admits sheep and lamb returns are outshining cattle prices.
“People are killing it with wool and lamb prices which we can’t compete with, so it is about ensuring we continue to promote that beef is a good source of food,” he said.
