Welcome to winter chill

Welcome to winter everyone. The cold snap of a couple of weeks ago certainly gave stock and farmers a dose of Mother Nature reality.

And that rain? Global warming is sure having an effect on our weather patterns.

Firstly I’d like to thank those of you who commented on last month’s column regarding regulation to manage on farm nitrogen allocation. We’ve had excellent feedback on the article.

It’s a frustrating battle to fight but we are going to win. We currently have 3000 farmers in the Waikato behind us— a formidable force of tractor power if required.

Our goal is to have regulations crafted in away which is fair and equitable for all farming sectors.

It’s all positive news from the markets. Is it just a shortterm shortage of supply pumping up the markets? Timewill tell. But there is a global shortage of supply and a big factor is a lack of Australian sheepmeat entering the global market.

Two months agowe talked about lamb getting to more than $6 but nowwe have a range from $6.20 to $6.40 per kiloCWfor 17kg lamb.

Lamb:

Alate rush of cows continue to keep the processors busy. Processing space is tight, which is a bit frustrating for farmers wanting to destock their finished cattle prior to winter.

Schedule cattle prices have remained relatively steady of the lastmonthwith 300kgCWbull attracting a schedule price between $3.40 to $3.70. Similarly, a prime steer is attracting between $5.50-$5.70.

The store cattlemarket has softened over the lastmonth due to wetter, winter conditions kicking in early and the backlog of cattle waiting to be processed.

The store cattlemarket for weaner bulls around the 250kg range is $3.50-$3.75 and for same weight weaner steers $3.75-$4.05.

Beef: