For seedstock producers the combination of a great season, strong cattle prices and a positive outlook for our export beef means the stars may have aligned for them this year just in time for the start of the spring bull selling season.
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In addition to the market outlook the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a La Nina Watch which means the chance of La Nina forming in 2020 is around 50%-roughly double the average likelihood. La Nina may form in late winter or early spring.
Female numbers are lower but producers looking to improve their herd should have the confidence to bid up with some of the top quality genetics catalogued this year. (see preview pages 6-7).
Kempsey Stock & Land auctioneer Ben Tyson who spoke to Town and Country while preparing for the company's feature weaner and feeder sale said the market had been exceptionally strong as western district buyers came to the coast seeking cattle to restock after they received some decent rainfall.
"The area from Gloucester to Coffs Harbour along the Mid North Coast is the traditional nursery for these western buyers and we are glad to have them back after the drought," he said.
"Numbers hold the key to prices and there simply isn't the stock around. Finished cattle are now arriving having been fattened on early sown crops so that may take the heat out of that job for a bit."
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) is sitting around 754c/kg/cwt down from the record 772c/kg/cwt earlier in June but its still a massive 250c above the same time last year.
Cows and calves are selling for between $2300-$2600 thanks to restocker demand.
Maitland and Gloucester based agent Bowe & Lidbury's, auctioneer Michael Easey said records were set to be broken and he was glad to see producers who had battled three tough years of drought were now enjoying these fabulous prices.
"It will help them recoup some of the costs of drought feeding and for those affected by the bushfires its the best news they can receive," he said.
With plenty of feed about he also expects prices to remain firm for a while along with a strong demand for females.