June Reflections: A Critical Time for Agricultural Operations

June often signals a slowdown in agricultural activities, with shorter days and colder mornings. This period presents a valuable opportunity to Reflect and Debrief on both past achievements and future plans. Many farming operations often overlook this crucial step, merely transitioning from one task to another. It is advisable to gather your team off-site to discuss these matters without being distracted by minor issues, like a flat tire on the truck.

PCAS: A Missed Opportunity

The recent discontinuation of the Pasturefed Cattle Assurance Scheme (PCAS) highlights a lost opportunity. It perplexes me why individual processor programs could not have been streamlined into a single entry process linked to the PCAS system, simplifying registration for producers. This change could have fostered greater engagement among processors while significantly alleviating the administrative burden for producers and their agents.

Alice Springs Show Sale: A Unique Market

The Alice Springs Show Sale has recently concluded. It is remarkable for its diverse participation, attracting buyers from across Australia and featuring a mix of breeds. According to Steve Gaff of Red Centre Rural, prices for steers ranged from $3.50 to a peak of $4.55 for the Undoolya Poll Hereford Cross steers. Notably, Sandover Pastoral cows, weighing 605 kg, fetched $3.20, showcasing a healthy market in Alice Springs.

Upcoming EU Deforestation Requirements

The EU Deforestation Requirements that were deferred last year are set to come into effect in six months. Regardless of production method—whether feedlot or grass-fed—the requirement will be to verify that beef, lamb, and other agricultural products destined for the EU have not originated from deforested properties. Conversations with various EU beef suppliers indicate confusion regarding the Australian Government’s lack of a clear protocol, unlike competitors such as Uruguay.

Transaction Levy: A Call for Review

Transaction levies, whether federal or state, often sit dormant on account statements until discussions arise about their amounts. Small numbers tend to create the most uproar in the livestock industry, and it’s crucial to remember that many producers lack a voice in representation or allocation decisions. To address this, I propose:

• A review of spending to eliminate non-essential items.
• Enhanced adoption for existing research, rather than duplicating efforts.
• An articulated value proposition for spending to enlighten producers, rather than hiding behind “industry decisions.”

Seasonal Updates from Around the Regions

On a recent drive from Adelaide to Tamworth, I noted a significant lack of livestock feed until north of Forbes. Reports from various regions, including:

• Nick Brooks, Elders Burra SA: Windy with minimal rain; crops are dry.
• Chad Mason, Creek Livestock Casterton: Greenery with insufficient feed for cattle.
• Reg Woodiwiss, Webb and Woodiwiss, Tasmania: Recent rains were beneficial, but too late for effective growth.
• Angus Stuart, Milling Stuart Dunedoo: Northern NSW is well-positioned with good moisture and grazing crops.
• Cameron Wilson, Elders Queensland: A promising outlook for winter across Queensland.

Market Trends and Next Steps

The reduction in breeder numbers in the South presents an opportune moment to consider upgrading genetics. A focus on quality and identifying necessary improvements will be crucial for sustaining production values. For cattle, the latest sales indicate steady prices, with buyers favoring weight over headcount.

The Future of Livestock Trading

Following innovative practices highlighted by Nigel Kerrin, Kerrin Agriculture, it is clear that understanding nutritional weight gain and utilizing advanced tools like Opti Weigh will define the next generation of livestock systems.

Managing Pest Populations

With over 90 foxes eliminated from my property in two years, it has become alarming to witness their growing numbers across Australia. It’s essential for state governments to address feral populations seriously and assist farmers in managing wildlife, particularly in light of rising numbers of various feral animals.

Sheep and Lamb Market Impact

Conversations with industry experts indicate that the liquidation of the WA flock may have significant national ramifications. Current pricing in WA now matches that of the Eastern states, leading to concerns about breeding capabilities in the future. This spring may see a precarious market for stocking up without adequate volumes from WA.

Concluding Thoughts on Market Opportunities

• Reassess and reset business strategies.
• Focus on cows and calves.
• Prepare PTIC heifers for spring demand.
• Maximize lamb weight gains.
• Capitalize on favorable mutton prices.
• Consider agistment options for spare feed.
• Invest in staff training.
• Involve future generations in pest control.

Chris Howie is a regular columnist at Beef Central and Sheep Central and the CEO of RMA.