!!!February 1, 2024
Locally owned and independent
The Northern Rivers Times
RURAL NEWS 35
Positive Momentum in Livestock Markets Signals Bright Start to 2024
Key Points: • Both cattle and sheep markets experience an upswing. • Positive weaner sales contribute to the buoyancy, particularly in Victoria. • Processor demand drives robust lamb market. As 2024 unfolds, encouraging signs emerge in both cattle and sheep markets, setting a positive tone after the Christmas
break. Cattle: The outlook for the year begins on a robust note, with cattle prices witnessing a significant surge in recent months. This upswing is attributed to the current phase where calves born in winter and early spring enter the market. As these calves’ transition into yearlings, the demand for weaners reaches its zenith. The restocker yearling
steer indicator, reflecting this trend, rises by 56¢ to 366¢/kg live weight (lwt) over the past month. The focus on weaner sales in Victoria contributes to the positive momentum in cattle prices. Market reports from the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) indicate steady bidding at Wodonga, with buyers exhibiting price
sensitivity. Quality also plays a role, with price premiums observed in weaned steer calves over 400kg, while calves under 280kg lwt maintain their market presence. Sheep: The sheep market demonstrates remarkable strength, with prices nearly returning to early 2023 levels for both trade lamb and light lamb indicators. The trade lamb indicator records
a substantial increase of 134¢, reaching 774¢/ kg carcase weight (cwt). Wagga experiences a surge in prices for trade and light lambs, rising by $15-30/head, driven by heightened demand from processors and supermarkets positioning for the new year. Hamilton saleyard prices in the first week of 2024 reflect an increase of $15-20/head, although
a slight softening of $5-15/head is noted in the subsequent week. The market remains robust, supported by interest from restockers and lot feeders. Quality yardings, mainly comprising trade weight lambs with a smaller offering of heavyweights and export sheep, maintain a healthy balance of supply and demand, contributing to the market’s overall strength.
Meat & Livestock Australia Initiates Search for New Managing Director In a pivotal move for the Australian red meat and livestock sector, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has commenced the recruitment process for a new Managing Director. The position is seen as a significant leadership role within the industry, and applications are invited until the closing date of February 2, 2024. MLA Chairman, Mr. Alan Beckett, expressed enthusiasm about the
prospect, emphasizing the opportunity for a seasoned senior executive to collaborate with a skill-based board and contribute to an organization with a global footprint. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in delivering outcomes that enhance the global competitiveness, sustainability, and profitability of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.
Cedardale Park
Pet Crematorium
“The Managing Director will be tasked with developing, refining, and implementing the company’s strategic plan. Identifying key priorities in alignment with the industry’s strategic plan, Red Meat 2030, will be a primary focus,” stated Mr. Beckett. Engagement with stakeholders across all levels and possessing excellent supply chain knowledge are essential aspects of the role. The
position is framed as an exciting opportunity for an individual to become part of a dynamic and innovative industry, collaborating with a dedicated and passionate team. MLA serves the red meat industry through its innovative research, development, and adoption programs, along with effective domestic and international marketing and market development initiatives.
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MLA Chairman, Mr. Alan Beckett.
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