Seasonal outlook

More than 50 local farmers turned out to the seasonal outlook workshops in Orbost and Newry this week to hear timely presentations from Agriculture Victoria Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson, Agribusiness Consultant Colin Peace, Dairy Extension Officer Benita Kelsall and Irrigation Extension Officer Alexis Killoran.

Mr Anderson provided an overview of recent climate/seasonal conditions and key climate drivers behind the state's seasonal variability, with an insight into recent trends and the range of forecast tools available to farmers.

If you couldn't make it along to the workshops, Agriculture Victoria is running a series of lunchtime climate webinars next year, giving participants the opportunity to hear the latest science, insights and innovation from a range of expert speakers.

Market report for 18th December

There was an array of old stock agents, vendors and friends with some sad faces at Warragul Saleyards for our last sale ever, with some retired agents selling a handful of the cattle with one comment made “They’re still better than the young blokes.” With all buyers attending in a sale where good cattle sold well, secondary cattle selling to less demand with top vealer selling to 312.0 cents per kilo.

238 velaers sold to 312.0 cents and averaged 253.2 and per head $850.49, down 10.4 cents from last week.

51 heifers sold to 265.0 cents and averaged 233.3 and per head $1106.05, up 50.2 cents from last week.

61 steers sold to 280.2 cents and averaged 248.7 and per head $1269.73, up 5.2 cents from last week.

12 cows sold to 234.6 cents and averaged 171.1 and per head $870.64, down 28.5 cents from last week.

15 bulls sold to 217.6 cents and averaged 185.2 and per head $907.25, down 19.4 cents from last week.

The yard average for 377 head was 240.7 and $945.76 per head, down 10.9 cents on last week.

Vealers 1 CharX 1 LimX 1 LimX 1 Lim 5 Lim 5 Lim 2 Lim Heifers 1 Ang 1 Lim 6 Ang 3 M/G Steers 5 R/A 1 Lim 3 R/A 1 Ang 1 LimX 1 Ang

GR&LR Jones, Warragul BK Ryrie, Crossover JJ Willis & Son, Nilma DJ Britt, Lillico

RA&EB Evans, Bass RA&EB Evans, Bass DR&MC McLeish, Drouin

A Moyes, Boolarra RA&EB Evans, Bass D&G Hunter, Trafalgar E&M Rayner, Bona Vista

MJ Sewell, Rokeby RA&EB Evans, Bass L Cutler, Willow Grove A Moyes, Boolarra JJ Willis & Son, Nilma P&A Drew, Mt View

395 520 380 415 465 390 390

445 400 458 537

540 525 403 480 500 555

312.0 1232 309.2 1607 305.2 1159 305.0 1265 300.0 1395 297.6 1160 295.0 1150

265.0 1179 257.6 1030 252.6 1157 245.6 1318

279.6 1509 278.6 1462 275.6 1111 275.0 1320 271.2 1356 264.2 1466