RECENT sheep store sales have set a benchmark, showing solid prices are here to stay for now, instilling confidence for producers leading into spring.
The July store sale in Wodonga saw prices averaging around $8.50-9kg dressed weight where the Corowa store sale reflected similar prices, instilling confidence in the sheep market.
Boorhaman sheep producer and livestock manager Dale Martin runs 270 ewes and lambs on 100 acres and believes that despite a tough beginning to the year, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“The autumn break was very late, although we really didn’t have one as such,” Mr Martin said.
“We had a glimmer of hope in early March with rainfall, but the expectations turned quickly as conditions deteriorated, creating issues.
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“Store sales were way down which created pressure during this period and forced the farm to add costs to feeding out hard feed.
“We were in a position a couple of years ago where processors were packed to the rafters and farmers couldn’t move there stock due to the influx of lamb.
“Adding to feeding costs affected our bottom line as little to no feed could be found in our paddocks.
“Pressure on feeding out on our lambs during the autumn period added to extra costs with feeding and maintaining good weight on the animals.
“The unusual situation we have had is feeding out as far in a July.
“By now the paddocks should be plentiful with grass and fodder for the sheep but unfortunately frost conditions are slowing things down and it simply comes down to waiting for warmer temperatures to eventuate to speed growth along.
“The expense of feed gives us no option as keeping our stock in good condition for sale means hard feeding is important.
“Overall we are feeding out 500kg of corn per day which is an added expense.”
Most local producers have all experienced the same woes when it comes to an unusual year, however, as spring is fast approaching, the tide is turning, seeing a shift in circumstances with store sales giving farmers a glimmer of hope to see a return.
“Eight years ago you could buy a good store lamb for $50, since then the market has had plenty of ups and downs and finally prices are sitting in a healthy position at $9/kg, giving confidence to local producers,” he said.
“I believe these prices are here to stay for months to come as processors are preparing for spring which will drive demand and again, hold firm prices.
“With a positive outlook on a steady price structure, this will bridge the added expenses during the autumn and winter periods and add a return to our bottom line.
“We have contracts with our processors where our lamb will end up locally at Woolworths, Coles and IGA Corowa which is positive for consumers that our lamb stays local.
“Moving forward, with some good spring rain and maintained pricing, we should see a very busy and profitable end to 2024.”
