Cattle numbers were consistent with 932 head yarded with the market frm to a shade dearer for some descriptions. The market for the lighter trade and the cows showing the most improvement, whilst the other categories were frmly supported by the restockers and feed on buyers. Processors are still flling their orders as long as the stock suits their demands.
Vealer steers av 311.6c/kg topping at 356.2c/kg or $720.29 to $946.90
Vealer heifers av 225.6c/kg topping at 322.2c/kg or $505.14 to $998.82
Feeder steers av 326c/kg topping at 365.2c/kg or $1174.53 to $1527.36
Feeder heifers av 250.4c/kg topping at 290.2c/kg or $840.94 to $1499.61
Yearling steers av 326.3c/kg topping at 370.2c/kg or $1065.63 to $1429.17
Yearling heifers av 247c/kg topping at 310c/kg or $790.40 to $1613.92
Steers av 279.7c/kg topping at 323.2c/kg or $1622.83 to $2349.34
Heifers av 258.7c/kg topping at 270c/kg or $1394.25 to $1908.20
Manufacturing steers av 223.2c/kg to return $870.48.
Cows av 216.8c/kg topping at 245.2c/kg or $1255.59 to $1910.66
Bulls av 261.6c/kg topping at 300c/kg or $1534.67 to
$2875.21
Sheep and Lamb numbers were back with 1379 head meeting the market, with the prices stable for most descriptions. The bulk of the stock yarded was in the lamb categories with some good runs available. Mutton saw a few better types
Lambs topped at $122 to av $78.61 ($2up)
Hoggets topped at $100 to av $47.81($19 down)
Ewes topped at $100 to av $38.14($12 down)
Wethers topped at $100 to av $51.57($11up)
Rams topped at $100 to av $76($14up)
Lamb Rams topped at $75 to av $48.92($5down)
Ewe lambs topped at $0 to av $0 ($0)
Sale total averaged $67.28 a fall of $3/head week on week.
Sows sold from $80 to$110, Boars from $80 to $110, stores from $40 to $170
Ducks sold to $32.50, Ducks trio to $17.50, trio to $35, Turkey stags to $17.50, Turkey hens to $30, Hens to $17.50, Roosters to $15
Written By: Ross EllisMC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT
Agents today yarded 1379 head for the weekly sale 75% being lambs/hoggets with the remainder mutton, with some good lines of ewes and a run of fne wool wethers. The market remained frm for the lambs, cheaper for hoggets and ewes , stronger for wethers and rams , slightly down on a limited number of lamb rams. Lambs topped at $122 to average $78.61($2 up), hoggets topped at $100 to average $47.81($19 down), Ewes topped at $100 to average $38.14($12 down), Wethers topped at $100 to average $51.57($11 up), Rams topped at $100
to average $76($14 up), Lamb rams topped at $75 to average $48.92 ($5 down). The total yarding of 1379 head averaged $67.28 a drop of $3/head week on week.
Warwick State High School sold Texel lambs 54kg to restockers for $118
Gradenfoe Past Co sold Dorset x lambs 45.6kg to GR Prime for $103
Bazley Family sold Suffolk x lambs 56kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $105, Ewes to Take IT Easy Meats for $100, rams to restockers for $100
Nioa Past Co sold Dorper lambs 57.8kg to Thomas Foods for $108
Arolla Past Co sold Australian White lambs 54.2kg to Thomas Foods for $104, 53kg to Eversons for $100, 52.8kg to GR Prime for $109, 46.2kg to Leslie Lamb for $95, Ram lambs 54kg to Self Meats for $75
Alaringa Rural Enterprises sold Dorper lambs 56kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $108, 40kg to Highchester Meats for $66, ewe hoggets 65.6kg and 57kg to Eversons for $60.50, 4th ewes to restockers for $60, ewes to Thomas Foods for $55 and Eversons for $41.50
Kim Nielsen sold 1stx ewes shorn to Thomas Foods for $60
Martin Roberts sold Dorper x lambs 53kg to restockers for $100, 51kg to Warwick Meats for $92, 43.3kg to Warwick Meats for $65
Robert Deans sold Dorper lambs 42kg to Grants Quality Meats for $90
Mick & Katrina Gibbs sold Dorper lambs 44.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $99, 40kg to Luck Meats for $110, ram lambs and hoggets 51.5kg to Self Meats for $66, Rams to Self Meats for $68
Hitchhiker pests are not native to Australia and have a specifc biology or behaviour that allows them to ‘hitch a ride’ to Australia via sea containers, imported goods and other forms of transportation.
As concerns surrounding the international movement of hitchhiker pests via sea containers rise, Australia is spearheading international efforts to manage biosecurity risks associated with the sea container pathway.
First Assistant Secretary of Biosecurity
Plant and Science Services, Monica Collins said that the department, in close collaboration with industry stakeholders and governments worldwide, is actively addressing this issue in its work under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Recently, the department co-hosted
the IPPC’s International workshop on ‘Pest risk mitigation of sea containers and their cargoes and the facilitation of international trade
representatives, international organisations and international peak industry bodies, fostering valuable discussions on managing biosecurity
said.
“The department is committed to preventing the entry and establishment of exotic pests that could pose signifcant threats to the
the global fght against hitchhiker pests.
“We recognise the importance of collaboration and we are actively working with international partners to
pests.
Given the substantial volume of global trade transported in sea containers, the risk posed by this pathway demands a collective and coordinated response on a global scale.
In collaboration with Australian universities, research organisations, industry and international counterparts, the department is taking signifcant steps to address the hitchhiker pest risk associated with the sea container pathway.
- defning the way forward’ in Brisbane from 17 to 19 July 2023.
This workshop brought together global stakeholders, including government
risks associated with the sea container pathway.
“The IPPC workshop was a signifcant milestone in our efforts to fnd effective global solutions,” Ms Collins
country’s agriculture and supply chain industries, economy, environment and way of life.
“As a world-leader in biosecurity, Australia is at the forefront of
fnd effective solutions to this complex issue.”
In recent years, Australia and other countries have witnessed a surge in the global movement of hitchhiker
The department is exploring innovative technologies to enhance automatic detection capabilities, researching modifcations to sea container design and leading global discussions on comprehensive solutions to mitigate this risk.
Emigrant Creek in northern NSW has undergone a remarkable habitat transformation with the collaborative efforts of OzFish Unlimited, local landholders, and North Coast Local Land Services. A two-year project, funded by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration program, resulted in the planting of 4500 new native trees and the installation of 25 reef balls, along with the creation of a connected foodplain wetland. This restoration effort has created a thriving habitat for native fsh and other wildlife along a 2.65km stretch of the creek.
The project’s innovative aspect involved the pilot of concrete reef balls, a frst for OzFish in a freshwater environment. These reef balls were strategically placed in the creek to address the
lack of in-stream habitat complexity, especially in areas where freshwater mixes with salt. Fishers will monitor fsh use, algae growth, and other organisms on the reef balls to gauge their effectiveness.
One of the project’s signifcant achievements was the reconnection of a critical fsh habitat corridor, serving as a spawning zone for Aussie bass and linking the creek to an open freshwater wetland, which acts as a native fsh nursery during high water levels. Additionally, the restoration efforts tackled the infestation of woody weeds, particularly camphor laurel, along a 4km stretch north of Tintenbar on the western side of Emigrant Creek.
The community’s dedicated efforts over the past fve years have turned Emigrant
Creek into a haven for native fsh, platypus, and turtles. Over 7km of riparian zone has been planted and restored through various initiatives funded by Ballina Shire Council’s Healthy Waterways Program and Local Land Services, showcasing the commitment of OzFish and its partners in this transformation.
Cassie Price, OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs, praised the collective efforts, emphasizing the positive impact on local fsh habitats. The restoration work involved reconnecting wetlands to the creek, reintroducing native plants to the riverbank, adding woody and rocky structures to the river bottom, eliminating invasive weeds, and addressing pest species to ensure the thriving populations of native fsh.
Although the return
of platypus sightings signifes the success of the restoration, there remains concern about the presence of carp. OzFish encourages the community to report carp sightings in Emigrant Creek, allowing for targeted eradication efforts and supporting the recovery of native fsh populations.
OzFish welcomes input from the Emigrant Creek community, urging residents and anglers to share their views and contribute to future actions in rebuilding Emigrant Creek as a haven for fsh habitats through their website. The collaboration and commitment shown by all parties involved have been instrumental in the impressive transformation of Emigrant Creek’s ecosystem.
The state’s peak farming body is supporting fve bright young minds from country communities to complete their studies.
The NSW Farmers 2023 Tertiary Scholarships, each worth $4000 annually, were awarded to members or their children to support their university or vocational qualifcation in an agriculturerelated feld.
This year’s recipients include Bega’s Amelia Whyman, who is studying a Bachelor of Animal Science, Megan Seis from Dunedoo, who is studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, aspiring Occupational Therapist Tiarna Burke from Jerilderie, Sam Johnson from Forbes, who is studying a Bachelor of Property Value, and Annabelle Shannon from Bugaldie, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts. Scholarships are based on academic performance, commitment to agriculture and rural communities, and allround ability including leadership qualities and communication skills.
NSW Farmers Rural Affairs
Committee Chair
Deb Charlton said since its inception in 1993, the scholarship program had shown the Association’s commitment to fostering the future of farming.
“There is a wealth of opportunity in agriculture, and it’s incumbent on us as an industry body to both highlight and help improve access to these opportunities,” Mrs Charlton said.
“Opportunities in agriculture will only grow more exciting as the sector enjoys a boom period and as technology and innovation drive greater variety and dynamism in agricultural careers.
“The sector has huge potential, and the future success of agriculture truly lies in the hands of the talented younger generation coming through.”
Mrs Charlton said the scholarships had a proven track record of helping the younger generation fnd their passion in agriculture, and she was confdent this year’s contingent would go on to achieve great things.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has been advised by the Indonesian Agriculture and Quarantine Agency (IAQA) that Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has been detected in a small number of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia—after those cattle had arrived and spent some time in Indonesia.
“Australia is and remains free from lumpy skin disease, as confrmed today by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Offcer,” RMAC Chairman, Mr John McKillop, said.
“The robust systems that Australia has for the ongoing monitoring of our animal disease status supports us to trade
around the world.
“We respect the right of Indonesia’s technical
LSD.”
NFF President, Ms Fiona Simson, said
“In the meantime, Australian livestock products continue to be
the unfolding situation, and its highly technical nature, all enquiries should be directed to media@aff.gov.au at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“The Department and the Minister have been very proactive in providing industry with information on this developing situation
and the Department continues to be the agency responsible for communicating the situation,” Ms Simson said.
regarding the live export of Australian cattle to Indonesia.
The groups met as part of a standing industry response taskforce that includes: The Red Meat Advisory Council, National Farmers’ Federation, Cattle Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Australian Meat Industry Council, Australian Livestock Exporters Council, LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia.
authorities to seek relevant assurances that live cattle exported from Australia comply with their animal health requirements. This includes being free of
the industry and the states and territories are working closely with the Australian Government to provide the assurances sought by Indonesia’s authorities.
traded, including live cattle to Indonesia where the trade remains open,” Ms Simson said.
Ms Simson said that due to the governmentto-government nature of
Red meat and livestock industry stakeholder groups met this afternoon to discuss the communication from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Industry and stakeholder groups will be providing the information to their members as soon as practicable, using the offcial information from DAFF.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jane Weatherley as General Manager of Communications and Adoption.
Dr Weatherley comes to the role from Integrity Systems Company (ISC), a subsidiary of MLA, where she has been Chief Executive Offcer since 2016. Prior to this, she was MLA’s General Manager – Livestock Productivity, managing Meat Standards Australia (MSA), livestock genetics and sheep productivity RD&E.
In her new role, Dr Weatherley will provide strategic direction and leadership to
develop and implement stakeholder engagement and communication strategies that build awareness and adoption of MLA activities and programs. She will also spearhead the adoption of innovative agricultural practices among livestock producers by enhancing the critical linkages between adoption and communication. With a keen focus on delivering impactful messaging to stakeholders and the broader public, she will play a pivotal role in promoting the benefts of the Australian livestock industry and its commitment to sustainability and ethical
practices.
Dr Weatherley said she was excited to be taking on the role and to be strategically driving communication and adoption strategies that enhance the proftability, productivity and sustainability of the industry.
“I look forward to working with the MLA team in this role to help red meat and livestock producers build greater connections with MLA R&D and marketing activities and also to continue to build our positive communications with the broader community, telling Australian red meat’s incredible story,” Dr Weatherley said.
MLA’s Managing Director, Jason Strong, said MLA was thrilled to announced Dr Weatherley as the General Manager of Communications and Adoption.
“Jane has extensive experience in communications, adoption and extension backed by a deep knowledge of and passion for the industry,” Mr Strong said.
“She has an incredible track record of
delivering high value and impactful initiatives for the industry.”
Dr Weatherley commences her new role on 21 August
2023. MLA has also commenced recruitment for a new Chief Executive Offcer for ISC with an internal and external search.
For the week ending 2 August 2023, a series of cold fronts brought isolated falls to parts of western, southern and south-eastern Australia. Scattered falls were also recorded across parts of northern Queensland, and the interior of Northern Territory. Across cropping regions, rainfall totals of up to 10 millimetres were recorded in central and southern New South Wales and across Victoria, parts of South Australia and Western Australia. This has likely only been enough to sustain crop and pasture growth but insuffcient to build up soil moisture reserves. Little to no rainfall was recorded in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Rainfall during July 2023 was slightly above the long-term average at a national level. An unseasonal rainfall event brought above average to extremely high rainfall to northern Australia. In cropping regions, July rainfall was extremely low in Western Australia and large areas of South Australia. Rainfall was below average across much of Victoria and large areas of New South Wales. Below average rainfall has seen little improvement in soil moisture levels in northern New South Wales, and central and northern Western Australia. These areas will require timely rainfall in the coming weeks to sustain crop growth at current levels.
For the 3 months to July 2023, above average rainfall totals resulted in above average to extremely high pasture production for this time of year across much of central Western Australia, and parts of southern Northern Territory, South Australia, western and southern New South Wales, parts of western and southeastern Queensland, and central Victoria. Average to extremely high pasture production across grazing regions will likely enable farmers to continue to maintain current stock numbers and provide opportunities to build standing dry matter availability. Below average pasture growth
over the past 3 months will likely result in graziers not being able to maintain current stocking rates leading to increased turnoff across parts of tropical northern Australia. Across southern Australia, graziers will be more reliant on supplementary feed to maintain stocking rates and production. Over the 8 days to 10 August 2023, a low-pressure system is expected to bring showers to southern parts of the country early in the week. Onshore winds are expected to bring showers to coastal Queensland. A high-pressure system is expected to bring mainly dry conditions to the remainder of the country. Across cropping
regions, rainfall totals of up to 50 millimetres are expected across southern Western Australia, while falls of between 5 and 25 millimetres are expected in Victoria and up to 15 millimetres in southern parts of New South Wales. South Australia is expected to receive lighter falls of up to 10 millimetres. If these falls eventuate as forecast, they are likely to be suffcient to support ongoing crop and pasture growth and development. Little to no rainfall is forecast for cropping regions in central and southern Queensland, northern New South Wales and northern Western Australia. Crops is these areas will be particularly prone to heat and moisture stress over
spring.
Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) increased between 27 July 2023 and 3 August 2023 by 3672 gigalitres (GL). Current volume of water held in storage is 20 704 GL. This is 1 percent or 139 GL less than at the same time last year.
Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke increased from $118 on 27 July 2023 to $126 on 3 August 2023. Prices are lower in the Goulburn-Broken and regions above the Barmah choke due to the binding of the Goulburn intervalley trade limit and Barmah choke trade constraint.
Tullamore animal genetics practitioner
Mark Mortimer has been awarded the prestigious Helen Newton Turner Medal for his major contributions to Australia’s livestock genetics research and development.
Named after Dr. Helen Newton Turner, a distinguished researcher renowned for her dedication to enhancing sheep genetics for superior wool production, this award celebrates exceptional accomplishments and remarkable contributions to the feld of animal genetics in Australia.
Kate Lorimer Ward, Chair of the Helen Newton Turner Trust and Deputy Director General of Agriculture for NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said Mr Mortimer was a welldeserved recipient of this medal.
“Mr Mortimer has played a pivotal role in enhancing the genetic quality of livestock in Australia through his remarkable achievements
in implementation, innovation, and research,” she said.
“For example, in 2003 Mark worked closely with the Sheep CRC to develop the use of RFID tags in the stud, successfully developing software linking the systems for data collection and decision implementation.”
Mr Mortimer is currently the Technology and Data Analysis Manager for the Nucleus Stud and Centre Plus Merino Group, a family partnership with his father Robert and brother Doug. His skill in data management and attention to detail is demonstrated by the Centre Plus Merino group’s rating of 98.6%
for the accuracy of data entered into the Sheep Genetics database.
“It’s amazing to learn that his journey into this feld began at just 16 when he took on a data entry position with his parents’ sheep breeding operation,” Ms LorimerWard said.
“Today, his status as one of Australia’s leading genetic practitioners is demonstrated by his inclusion on many industry advisory groups, including the Sheep Genetics Advisory committee, and Meat & Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Genetics Consortium.”
Adding to the 2023 honours list, beef genetics research
scientist Dr Brad Walmsley received the inaugural Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award, acknowledging his accomplishments as a rising talent in animal genetics.
“Dr Walmsley is a real asset to the Australian beef industry through his continued initiative in applied quantitative genetics,” Ms LorimerWard said.
Dr Walmsley is a research scientist at the Animal Genetics
and Breeding Unit (AGBU), NSW DPI’s joint venture with the University of New England. He provides leadership in the BREEDPLAN research team responsible for the technical and implementation stewardship of BREEDPLAN and BreedObject. His guidance also extends to supervising postgraduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and staff, ensuring the
continued success and implementation of BreedObject.
Among his many achievements, including 18 scientifc journal papers and 11 genetics presentations since 2014, Dr Walmsley is an active contributor to the design and ongoing conduct of the Southern Multibreed project, a major cattle genetics project involving NSW DPI, the University of New England, AGBU and Meat and Livestock Australia.
“Awards like this not only encourage and inspire those working in animal genetics, but also reinforce the pivotal role it plays in improving animal productivity, health, welfare, enhancing sustainability in agriculture, and conserving biodiversity,” Ms Lorimer-Ward said.
The offcial award ceremony was held at the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAAGB) Conference in Perth.
Advertising in The Northern Rivers Rural lift out offers numerous advantages for businesses seeking to reach and engage with rural communities:
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Sweeping paddocks of grain crops are a familiar sight that greet people across much of regional Australia, but how many stop to think that those crops end up in their sandwich or breakfast bowl?
In fact, the average Aussie wheat farmer produces enough grain to make 3 million loaves of bread and 2 million tins of Milo.
In the fnal week of a crusade to better connect consumers with where their food comes from – and to value that food – the NFF-led campaign under the Australians Farmers platform aims to connect those dots.
Collaborating with kitchen creatives and cookbook authors Alex Elliott-Howery and Jaimee Edwards from Cornersmith, the six-week campaign has put the spotlight on six
foods and six farmers who have grown those foods.
NFF President Fiona Simson, a grain grower herself from New South Wales’ Liverpool Plains, hoped the Australian Farmers campaign had opened people’s eyes to just how much work farmers invested into growing food sustainably, even the everyday foods you wouldn’t normally think twice about.
“This week we’re putting the spotlight on a household staple – bread. It’s main ingredient, wheat, is also a staple in the farming world,” she said.
“Cereal grains comprise 21% of the agricultural production pie because they’re incredibly important to feeding Australians and people across the globe.
“You don’t have
to drive far from an Australian city or town to see a grain crop, but how many people consider those crops might just end up as the main ingredient in a bowl of cereal or pasta?”
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the organisation had crunched the numbers and found the average Australian grain farmer grows enough wheat to produce 3 million loaves of bread and 2 million tins of Milo each year.
“Australia produces a huge 23 million tonnes of wheat each year. This is used in bread, pasta, pizza dough, cake, instant noodles, dumpling skins and even animal feed,” Ms Gawel said.
“Our farmers work hard to grow crops sustainably, producing high quality food not only for today, but for
generations to come.”
Given bread is one of the most wasted foods in Australian households, the Cornersmith duo will explain why bread is too precious to waste. They will show people how to store it properly and what to do if it goes stale (and it’s not throwing it in the bin!)
People will meet Brad Jones, a farmer from Western Australia, which is the nation’s largest wheat growing state, producing about 8.5 million tonnes each year.
From the outset Brad’s farm looks like any other cropping property but dig a little deeper and you’ll fnd they’re introducing satellite imaging, have more than 700 soil testing sites and using a robotic sprayer to reduce chemical use by 95%.
NSW Farmers Energy Transition spokesman Reg Kidd says upgrading existing powerlines would short-circuit community pain over transmission projects.
A proposal from the Victoria Energy Policy Centre to use existing powerline easements to house 80-metre-high pylons and high voltage powerlines was worth investigating for NSW as well, Mr Kidd said.
“We’ve got people being told their farms will be cut in two
by enormous towers carrying high-voltage powerlines, and it’s creating a real headache for landholders and communities,” Mr Kidd said.
“This suggestion from Victoria would basically re-purpose the existing transmission line routes, drastically reducing the pain for landholders and giving people more certainty about what will be installed and where.
“At the very least this is worth serious consideration, particularly if it will
save not only time and money but also prevent disruption to food production.”
The major investment into wind and solar installations across rural and regional communities had caused signifcant tension in recent years, with complaints of developers turning up with lines drawn on maps, Mr Kidd said.
“To date the genuine consultation has been pretty ordinary in some places, and it seems it’s the result of someone
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Comments attributable to Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers’ Federation
The National Farmers’ Federation notes the update from the advisory panel on the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
in an offce somewhere drawing lines on a map willy-nilly,” he said.
“We’ve already got the potential social problems of catering for an enormous, short-term workforce during construction of these projects, with shortages of doctors, nurses and other professions likely to be exacerbated.
“Why not take the opportunity to reduce the hassle – and the expense – and repurpose the existing powerline easements?”
Report acknowledges the signifcant impacts on sheep and cattle producers, the wool industry, broadacre cropping, other businesses in the supply chain, wellbeing, communities, animal welfare, trade markets and more.
The panel has found the “overwhelming majority of those people who attended our public meetings voiced their opposition to the government’s decision”.
It also found people were feeling “uneasy” and the “potential impacts on livelihoods has been unsettling”.
This sentiment was refected in three separate
analyses recently released by Rabobank, jointly by Australian Wool Innovation and Meat and Livestock Australia, and Voconiq.
The NFF stands with 24 other peak agriculture bodies and farmers across Australia to oppose the ban or any process to phase out the trade.
We knew majority of the community was behind us and this should be a reality check for the Government.
The Government now needs to make a choice, will it support Australian farmers and regional communities or radical activists pushing vexatious and misleading agendas?
We’ve said from the beginning this is a red line issue for all of Australian agriculture. Let’s now see a red line drawn through this policy so farmers can get back to what they do best – producing food and fbre for Australia and the world.
