Rain brings optimism to farmers as region celebrates
- 18 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Story by Tricia Duffield
Consistent, welcome rain has turned the paddocks green and brought life to the landscape, lifting the mood across the region and boosting confidence in the agricultural sector and our local economies.
Not everyone has had their share, but there’s been enough rainfall to give a substantial boost for graziers, according to Nutrien Walsh Hughes Managing Partner Greg Seiler.
Greg is in constant contact with farmers, and the mood this season has been upbeat, and for good reason.
“Anywhere north, south or west of Bourke, has had considerable rainfall at varying times and in varying quantities, but it’s all adding up to be significant now,” he said.
“And we’ve got a week in front of us where we could receive another inch to two, so the winter season that’s shaping up is probably as good as we’re going to see.
“Interestingly enough, we’ve had very mild weather over the last few weeks and we’re seeing the summer grass still trying to grow. There’s a terrific germination of the winter herbages and clovers, but it’s probably a little slow growing,” Greg said.
The good season makes a big difference in the saleyards and for farmers’ bottom line, and Greg reckons the financial impact has been significant.
“We’ve seen everything improve in value in the past few months,” he said.
“Goats were probably at $5.50 to $6 a kilo then, but they’re out to $8 a kilo now. We’ve seen cows in saleyards making more than $4 a kilo every day of the week, up to $4.40 a kilo.
“We’ve got good feeder steers making out to $6 a kilo in places, so the increased values have been very significant, which all goes to the bottom line. […]
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