MOST producers have emerged from the depths of drought into some of the best returns for sheep and cattle in decades - but more work on legislation to safeguard the industry is still needed.
With "exceptional" prices hanging around for more than 12 months, Livestock SA president Joe Keynes said it was a welcomed trend and producers were certainly enjoying it.
"Whether it was beef or lamb - returns have been exceptional."
Rainfall across the state was also welcomed by producers, with feed and stock quality setting many up for a better than average start to next year, according to Mr Keynes.
"With the majority of regions in SA receiving rain and across the border - there are no major headwinds on returns," he said.
"There will be a cattle restocker element that may have a dampener on prices - on the whole I expect prices to remain at these levels, if not slightly above."
Mr Keynes said even on the back of a slight retraction of price, solid returns would continue.
"Certainly in the areas that have been drought affected - rebuilding of flocks and herds is happening.
In times of a buoyant market, it is easy to lose sight of challenges circling in the background - labor, border restrictions and unfulfilled state government policy targets.
"The trespassers legislation was a win and we welcomed harsher penalties for those who enter farms without permission - it poses serious risks to biosecurity," Mr Keynes said.
But with success gained in some areas, others are seriously lacking in progress, according to Mr Keynes.
"We have a premium product - to maintain that, industry have to ensure biosecurity, animal welfare and traceability are progressing to maintain our market access.
Industry have sheep and beef blueprints with some pretty ambitious targets and Mr Keynes said the state and federal government had caused some disappointments that could threaten its success.
"There are a few disappointments from the current government - we will not have new biosecurity, pastoral or native vegetation acts and these have been worked on for some time.
Industry are carrying disappointment about NLIS discussions.
- Joe Keynes
"We need more effort from governments on this.
"It needs to be picked up by the incoming government to help continue investment into the sector and meet the blueprint targets.
Mr Keynes said in SA, industry pay 100 per cent of the National Livestock Identification System cost and he thinks it should be shared.
"In other jurisdictions, it is paid for in full or it is a shared cost. That discussion needs to happen soon."
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Vanessa Binks
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
