The dollar has traded firmer for a second day, rebounding from recent underperformance, which had been a reflection of the Fed’s aggressive actions to satiate demand for dollars. More broadly, global markets have settled in what are comparatively narrowly ranges by recent standards. The commodity currencies have traded softer, suggesting there is little buy-in to… Read more »
Month: March 2020
Options emerge for online property auctions
What options are out there for prospective rural property vendors looking at moving to online auction, in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings of people? A recent investigation showed there are five or six platforms already in the market, each offering somewhat different services. Source: Beef Central Options emerge for online property auctions
Weekly property review: Solutions to marketing property in the COVID-19 era
The real estate industry is rapidly embracing online auctions, given Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement last week that traditional public auction gatherings and ‘open houses’ will cease under COVID-19 control measures. The rural property market is no different, with a number of online auctions now scheduled for the months ahead. Source: Beef Central Weekly… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 31, 2020
The dollar has traded firmer for a second day, rebounding from recent underperformance, which was a reflection of the Fed’s aggressive actions to satiate demand for dollars. More broadly, global markets have settled in what are comparatively narrowly ranges by recent standards. The pound is showing a near 1% decline against the dollar, and is… Read more »
Weekly kill: Rates decline continues, as beef demand uncertainty mounts
Eastern states cattle slaughter leapt a remarkable 17pc last week, despite continuing downwards pressure on finished cattle prices. There’s been some further downwards adjustments in slaughter cattle direct consignment rates, but mostly to align offers with other competitors in a deteriorating market, rather than pushing still lower. Source: Beef Central Weekly kill: Rates decline… Read more »
Feeder cattle prices drop 10pc in a matter of weeks
There’s been a dramatic retraction in feeder cattle prices over the past two or three weeks, with many export and domestic feeder categories falling 10 percent on values seen earlier in March. Source: Beef Central Feeder cattle prices drop 10pc in a matter of weeks
New rules include Middle East summer sheep shipment ban
LIVE sheep shipments from Australia to the Middle East will be banned for 3.5 months during the the northern summer months of June to mid-September under tougher new guidelines released by the Federal Government today. Source: Sheep Central New rules include Middle East summer sheep shipment ban
COVID-19: GTA calls for communication, consultation
Grain Trade Australia has held the first of three webinars for its members to help them navigate through a raft of financial and employment issues tied to COVID-19. Source: Grain Central COVID-19: GTA calls for communication, consultation
Wagga sale 30 Mar 2020: Prices back 10-15c
After defying the drying conditions across the supply area and the COVID-19 outbreak, cattle prices cheapened as industry absorbs the global climate. Source: Beef Central Wagga sale 30 Mar 2020: Prices back 10-15c
Govt urged to ‘urgently expand’ biosecurity dog numbers
The Department of Agriculture has been urged to urgently expand the number of biosecurity detector dogs being used at incoming passenger and mail centres. Source: Beef Central Govt urged to ‘urgently expand’ biosecurity dog numbers
African Swine Fever confirmed in PNG
African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected for the first time in Papua New Guinea, bringing the disease to within a few hundred kilometres of Australia’s coastline. Source: Beef Central African Swine Fever confirmed in PNG
Does genetic progress have to slow during herd rebuilding phase?
With the current lack of stock across the country, many herd managers will not have the luxury of culling that they normally would. This raises the question of how genetic progress is affected by, and should be managed in, different seasonal conditions. Source: Beef Central Does genetic progress have to slow during herd rebuilding… Read more »
African swine fever outbreak in Papua New Guinea has Australian biosecurity on high alert
A disease that has devastated the global porcine population, killing 800 million pigs, spreads to Australia’s closest neighbour. Source: ABC Livestock African swine fever outbreak in Papua New Guinea has Australian biosecurity on high alert
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Mar 30, 2020
The Dollar index bounced modestly in N.Y. on Monday, after getting hammered lower last week. The DXY rallied from opening lows of 98.92 to 99.31 highs. The USD touched its worst levels of the day following the Dallas Fed index, which plunged to -70.0 from 1.2, on the back of coronavirus and cratering oil prices…. Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Mar 30, 2020
The dollar has traded steady-to-firmer against the other main currencies so far today. Influenced by a 0.5% decline in EUR-USD, the narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) lifted to a 98.98 high, over 60 pips up on Friday’s closing level and setting the index up for its first daily gain since last Monday. The yen has… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 30, 2020
The dollar has traded steady-to-firmer against the other main currencies so far today. Influenced by a 0.5% decline in EUR-USD, the narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) lifted to a 98.92 high, over 50 pips up on Friday’s closing level and setting the index up for its first daily gain since last Monday. The yen has… Read more »
Agriculture Victoria support continuing, but bounty centres closing
VICTORIAN farms and agribusinesses continuing to keep Victorian supermarkets stocked and food on the nation’s tables during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with have the help of Agriculture Victoria. Source: Sheep Central Agriculture Victoria support continuing, but bounty centres closing
New online sheep auction platform waives fees during COVID-19
NEW online sheep seller FarmGate Auctions is waiving listing fees for its livestock customers following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Source: Sheep Central New online sheep auction platform waives fees during COVID-19
Merino ewe lamb prices lift $6 in big AuctionsPlus offering
MERINO ewe lamb prices average $20 higher on AuctionsPlus last week, as the national online sheep offering stayed historically high. Source: Sheep Central Merino ewe lamb prices lift in big AuctionsPlus offering
Top young Australian wool brokers sought for 2020 award
THE annual search for Australia’s top young wool brokers is on again, with nominations being sought for the sector’s top award. Source: Sheep Central Top young Australian wool brokers sought for 2020 award
Isolate elderly and chronically ill during COVID-19 + VIDEO
RURAL communities and farmers have been urged by epidemiologist and public health specialist Professor Tony Blakely to isolate and look after their elderly and chronically ill during the coronavirus COVID-19… Source: Sheep Central Isolate elderly and chronically ill during COVID-19 + VIDEO
Anger and relief as AWEX keeps non-mulesed definition on NWD
A DECISION to maintain the current interpretation of non-mulesed wool on Australia’s National Wool Declaration has been welcomed by the nation’s peak grower body, but condemned by some breeders and animal welfare interests. Source: Sheep Central Anger and relief as AWEX keeps non-mulesed definition on NWD
COVID-19 impacts key focus, as analysts’ digest JBS financial results
COVID-19 trade and operational impacts dominated questions from financial analysts and investors taking part in JBS’s annual global conference call on Friday, following the release of record financial results for the company’s 2019 trading year. Source: Beef Central COVID-19 impacts key focus, as analysts’ digest JBS financial results
MLA working to realign Olympics beef marketing partnership
Meat & Livestock Australia says a small number of activities related to Australian Beef’s marketing partnership with the 2020 Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams have already commenced, but work is now underway to align the marketing program with the new, yet-to-be-determined Tokyo Games schedule. Source: Beef Central MLA working to realign Olympics beef marketing… Read more »
Vale Robert ‘Bobby’ Gregory
When Bobby Gregory was recognised as a “Show Legend” by the NSW Royal Agricultural Society at the age of 81 in 2016, he had attended every single Royal Easter Show since he was three years old. Source: Beef Central Vale Robert ‘Bobby’ Gregory
‘Calm the farm, we’ve got this, have a great day’
Mungindi farmer Sam Heagney’s video message to Australian people: don’t sweat food security, Aussie farmers have got you covered. Source: Beef Central ‘Calm the farm, we’ve got this, have a great day’
FIRB extends overseas buyer scrutiny, in the wake of COVID-19
The Federal Government last night announced deeper levels of scrutiny of foreign investments in Australia, in the wake of any economic impact brought on by COVID-19. It stressed, however, that the move was not a ‘foreign investment freeze.’ Source: Beef Central FIRB extends overseas buyer scrutiny, in the wake of COVID-19
GRDC announces formation of Grains Australia Ltd body
GRDC has today announced the formation of Grains Australia Ltd to deliver industry-good services and functions including variety classification. Source: Grain Central GRDC announces formation of Grains Australia Ltd body
Rice industry seeks water allocation to counter drought, COVID-19 impacts
SunRice has commenced discussions with the Commonwealth Government for an allocation of water to rice growers ahead of the 2020 planting to ensure the continued supply of rice for domestic consumption. Source: Grain Central Rice industry seeks water allocation to counter drought, COVID-19 impacts
Australian chilled beef exports notch up 50-year milestone
Exactly 50 years ago today, the Australian beef industry embarked on an export project that would change the face of the industry forever. The nation’s first commercial shipment of chilled beef was consigned on 29 March, 1970 to customers in Japan, in what was arguably the biggest single step the beef industry has taken in… Read more »
Yoda the green sea turtle returns to the wild — 30kg heavier
A 117-kilogram green sea turtle named Yoda is returned to the sea, five months after she was found covered in barnacles, underweight, sunburnt and dehydrated. Source: ABC Livestock Yoda the green sea turtle returns to the wild — 30kg heavier
Everyone is buying rice — so why is Australia's biggest rice company struggling?
Panic buying is adding to the pressure on rice supplies at a time when drought and water reform have led to one of the smallest crops in the industry’s 70-year history in Australia. Source: ABC Grain Everyone is buying rice — so why is Australia’s biggest rice company struggling?
Young cattle trends mixed in another monster AuctionsPlus offering, but connectivity bugbears arise
Some young cattle categories lifted a little in price, while others eased in AuctionsPlus trading this week, in another enormous catalogue of 28,852 head. Friday’s sales encountered technical problems brought on by COVID-19 issues, however. Source: Beef Central Young cattle trends mixed in another monster AuctionsPlus offering, but connectivity bugbears arise
Queensland family cattle company buys NT station for $23m
Bunderra Cattle Co, owned by the Pickersgill family from near Rockhampton, buys the NT’s Murranji Station and 12,500 cattle for $23 million. Source: ABC Livestock Queensland family cattle company buys NT station for m
The consequences of climate change are far reaching
As humanity branches out across our warming, interconnected world, we’re at risk of encountering new diseases — thankfully, medicine is getting better at fighting back. Source: ABC Livestock The consequences of climate change are far reaching
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Mar 27, 2020
The Dollar index fell to near two-week lows in N.Y. on Friday, sliding from 99.80 to 98.51. The USD lost ground to all major currencies, as unwinding of safe-haven Dollar flows continued to reverse the gains seen in thew prior two-weeks. It was risk-off through the session, as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed China…. Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Mar 27, 2020
The dollar declined and then recovered some of its losses, which saw the narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) print a nine-day low at 99.15 before recouping levels back above 99.50 . At the lows, the index was showing a correction of 3.2% from the 38-month high that was seen last week, which can be credited… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 27, 2020
The dollar declined and then recovered some of its losses, which saw the narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) print a nine-day low at 99.15 before recouping levels back above 99.40 . At the lows, the index was showing a correction of 3.2% from the 38-month high that was seen last week, which can be credited… Read more »
Supermarket shelves depleted of rice as low production stymies re-stocking
Rice was the first staple food to be restricted in supermarkets when Coronavirus hit and panic buying erupted, and restocking shelves has been near impossible with rice production critically low. Source: ABC Grain Supermarket shelves depleted of rice as low production stymies re-stocking
Agriculture saleyards and auctions can continue: Littleproud
David Littleproud confirmed today that livestock saleyards and wool auctions are able to continue, as livestock peak councils back industry-wide steps to keep saleyards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Source: Beef Central Agriculture saleyards and auctions can continue: Littleproud
AuctionsPlus online selling option surges into focus under COVID-19 challenges
The AuctionsPlus online livestock marketing platform has recorded exponential growth in turnover during the past few months, and the latest COVID-19 constraints around gatherings of people, leading to saleyard closures and strict yards operating conditions, have only intensified that trend. Source: Beef Central AuctionsPlus online selling option surges into focus under COVID-19 challenges
Recruitment: Quads, tractors again lead farm accident list
Latest annual statistics for non-intentional farm related incidents in Australia reinforce why a serious culture shift in work health & safety is needed if the agriculture sector is to shake its hazardous reputation. Figures revealed 58 on-farm deaths were reported in 2019, down from 68 cases in 2018, with quad bikes and tractors again the… Read more »
Feedgrain Focus: Prices firm on export, domestic demand
Australia’s grain supply chain is operating efficiently amid COVID-19 measures in place across the country, and wheat, barley and new-crop sorghum are in hot demand. Source: Beef Central Feedgrain Focus: Prices firm on export, domestic demand
Shearer sale reaps capital boost for Wellard
Livestock shipping company Wellard Limited has received a timley working capital boost following confirmation today that its sale of M/V Ocean Shearer to the Kuwait Livestock Transport and Trading Company (KLTT) has been completed. Source: Beef Central Shearer sale reaps capital boost for Wellard
COVID-19: Tricky for truckies but working for road, rail, sea
Border closures in Queensland and South Australia to limit the spread of COVID-19 are not impeding the flow of interstate grain, but heightened cleaning requirements are making it tough for truckies on the road. Source: Grain Central COVID-19: Tricky for truckies but working for road, rail, sea
Wool forward trading increases as auction market stabilises
WOOL’S forward trading market has recorded its highest weekly volume for the year, with growers opting for some certainty in these uncertain times. Source: Sheep Central Wool forward trading increases as auction market stabilises
Fine Merino wool prices steady as Chinese mills return
AUSTRALIAN Merino wool prices generally regained ground this week in the face of a less favourable exchange rate as competition between major exporters and Chinese buyers improved. Source: Sheep Central Fine Merino wool prices steady as Chinese mills return
COVID-19: WA acts to support farm labour, freight movements
WA has taken steps today to underpin agricultural production and head off farm labour shortages in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, including exempting workers and freight from cross-border restrictions. Source: Grain Central COVID-19: WA acts to support farm labour, freight movements
Australian sheep shearing continues, but fearing a lockdown
SHEEP shearing is continuing around Australia, but with sheds implementing social distancing strategies consistent with government and industry advice as the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis continues. Source: Sheep Central Australian sheep shearing continues, but fearing a lockdown
Recruitment: Quads, tractors again lead farm accident list
Latest listings on Jobs Central recruitment page: Chief Executive Officer, Palgrove – via Rimfire Resources Feedlot Supervisor, Joanna Plains – Central Agri Group Farm Maintenance Leading Hand, Joanna Plains –… Source: Beef Central Recruitment: Quads, tractors again lead farm accident list
Meet the latest detection dog at the frontline of keeping Australia free of swine fever
JD has a penchant for treats and pats, and his ability to sniff out high-risk biosecurity threats makes him an invaluable asset keeping African swine fever out. Source: ABC Livestock Meet the latest detection dog at the frontline of keeping Australia free of swine fever
NLRS cattle market indicators in limbo, due to COVID-19 impact
Meat & Livestock Australia’s livestock market indicators have been temporarily suspended, under a raft of measures put in place through the National Livestock Reporting Service under COVID-19 constraints. Source: Beef Central NLRS cattle market indicators in limbo, due to COVID-19 impact
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Mar 26, 2020
The Dollar was lower across the board in N.Y. trade on Thursday. The unwinding of huge flows seen into the USD over the past couple of weeks related to virus related safe-haven buying has been driven by huge Fed stimulus, and the passing of the Congressional virus aid package. Barring new COVID-19 developments, we look… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Mar 26, 2020
Dollar weakness emerged as the dominant theme in currency markets, even against the commodity currencies amid a risk-off backdrop, while managed to rebound from weakness seen during the early part of Asia-Pacific session trading today. AUD-USD, for instance, printed a two-day low at 0.5780 in Sydney before recouping a big figure to a 0.5881 high…. Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 26, 2020
..and, back to a risk-averse trading pattern in currencies after a couple of days of reprieve, with the yen back to outperformance and commodity and developing-world currencies to underperformance. The dollar has firmed up against the latter two groups, but has lost ground to the yen and even the euro thanks to the Fed’s spigot… Read more »
COVID-19 cuts deep as Middle East lamb market vanishes into thin air
Tasmanian producer’s market collapses from 6,000 carcasses a week at the start of this month to nothing. Source: ABC Livestock COVID-19 cuts deep as Middle East lamb market vanishes into thin air
JBS logs record pre-tax profit for 2019 year
The world’s largest meat processor, JBS has logged an adjusted pre-tax profit of R$19.9 billion (equivalent to about A$6.76b) in full-year financial results announced this morning, Australian time. Source: Beef Central JBS logs record pre-tax profit for 2019 year
Can bottle shops remain open amid moves to limit the spread of COVID-19?
The liquor industry, which generates $42 billion for the economy, wants to keep bottle shops open despite the risk posed by coronavirus, saying closures will result in massive job losses. Source: ABC Grain Can bottle shops remain open amid moves to limit the spread of COVID-19?
Seasonal climate outlook Apr-June 2020
April to June are likely to be wetter than average across WA, western and southern NT, most of SA, western and central Victoria, and northwest Tasmania, according to BOM’s latest three monthly rainfall outlook. Source: Sheep Central Seasonal climate outlook Apr-June 2020
Seasonal climate outlook Apr-June 2020
April to June are likely to be wetter than average across WA, western and southern NT, most of SA, western and central Victoria, and northwest Tasmania, according to BOM’s latest three monthly rainfall outlook. Source: Beef Central Seasonal climate outlook Apr-June 2020
Two potentially deadly viruses lurk in SA's Riverland, but they're not COVID-19
Horse owners along the Murray River are urged to keep an eye out for the symptoms of two mosquito-borne viruses. Source: ABC Livestock Two potentially deadly viruses lurk in SA’s Riverland, but they’re not COVID-19
Sheep Producers Australia backs COVID-19 response initiatives
SHEEP Producers Australia is supporting sheep and red meat industry initiatives on agriculture-related transport, live export and wool supply during the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. Source: Sheep Central Sheep Producers Australia backs COVID-19 response initiatives
MLP Project data makes it to MERINOSELECT database
WOOL producers will soon have access to more rams with improved Australian Sheep Breeding Value accuracy with the long-awaited inclusion of Merino Lifetime Productivity project into the national genetic benchmarking service MERINOSELECT. Source: Sheep Central MLP Project data makes it to MERINOSELECT database
COVID-19 restrictions impact farm workforce
Travel bans and state border closures introduced to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus have thrown a question mark over labour force availability during sowing and harvest. Source: Grain Central COVID-19 restrictions impact farm workforce
Supply test for live export prices
After returning to previous highs not seen for three years, northern live cattle prices are set to come under pressure in coming weeks, as the first of the annual dry season mustering rounds pushes fresh supplies of export cattle back onto the market. Source: Beef Central Supply test for live export prices
Nufarm posts $122 million half year loss
Nufarm has announced a loss for the first half of 2020 of $122 million (1H19: $14m), with revenue down six per cent to $1,477 million. Source: Grain Central Nufarm posts 2 million half year loss
Venue lockdowns drive chicken farmers to crack open alternate avenues of revenue
As coronavirus restrictions tighten and public venues close around the country, egg producers turn to other avenues of income to get by. Source: ABC Livestock Venue lockdowns drive chicken farmers to crack open alternate avenues of revenue
Why farmers are looking to goats to turn a profit in tough times
Twenty years ago, Neil Cadzow can remember getting 50 cents a kilogram for a goat carcass. Now he gets more than $1 a kilogram for an animal once considered a pest. Source: ABC Livestock Why farmers are looking to goats to turn a profit in tough times
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Mar 25, 2020
The DXY firmed in N.Y. morning trade on Wednesday, peaking at 101.87, before easing back to 101.24. The index has posted three consecutive sessions of lower daily highs, which have likely come following stimulus measures including Dollar swap lines from the Fed to G7 countries, which have reduced the demand for USD in the FX… Read more »
Inspiring young farmers receive PPP’s Zanda McDonald award & Lachlan Hughes Foundation award
Two impressive young livestock farmers on either side of the Tasman have earned significant industry awards this week….. Source: Beef Central Inspiring young farmers receive PPP’s Zanda McDonald award & Lachlan Hughes Foundation award
XE Market Analysis: North America – Mar 25, 2020
The commodity and many developing world currencies pared gains against the dollar, yen and Swiss franc. The pound also continued to outperform for a second day. Asian stock markets rallied after the DJIA equity index posted its biggest single-day rally on Wall Street since 1933, though European markets gave up early gains, while S&P 500… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 25, 2020
The commodity and many developing world currencies have continued to rebound, while the dollar, yen and Swiss franc have traded generally softer. This comes with Asian stock markets rallying after the DJIA equity index posted its biggest single-day rally on Wall Street since 1933. The U.S. Senate and White reached agreement on a $2 tln… Read more »
Hides offers dissolve, in face of COVID-19 global impact
Cattle hides are the latest beef industry commodity to buckle under the impact of COVID-19, with reports this week that international buyers have more or less withdrawn from making offers on Australian hides. Source: Beef Central Hides offers dissolve, in face of COVID-19 global impact
A dogged Kelly is Victoria’s top rural woman
A DUNKELD working dog enthusiast’s passion to boost community spirit and resilience with her four-legged friends has won her the 2020 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. Source: Sheep Central A dogged Kelly is Victoria’s top rural woman
Livestock saleyards survive latest COVID-19 restrictions
SALEYARD selling of livestock in Australia is set to continue despite a further tightening of coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions on business and the public nationwide. Source: Sheep Central Livestock saleyards survive latest COVID-19 restrictions
Vets register ventilators ahead of possible use on coronavirus patients
Some veterinarians in Tasmania are sceptical about suggestions animal ventilators could be used on humans during the coronavirus pandemic, with some warning making them fit for purpose may be too expensive. Source: ABC Livestock Vets register ventilators ahead of possible use on coronavirus patients
Australian wool sales continue as South Africa shuts down
AUSTRALIA’S wool auctions are expected to continue despite the second stage business and personal gathering restrictions announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night. Source: Sheep Central Australian wool sales continue as South Africa shuts down
Wool buyers step back from online AuctionsPlus buying
WOOL buyers stepped back from online sourcing last week as the physical auction market was hit harder by the growing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Sheep Central Wool buyers step back from online AuctionsPlus buying
Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 25 March 2020
COLD fronts and troughs brought moderate falls to the western and southern mainland, as well as Tasmania, and onshore flow produced moderate falls along the country’s far north. Source: Sheep Central Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 25 March 2020
Come to bootcamp with Lambs Alive and Sheep Central + VIDEO
AUSTRALIA’S first online bootcamp for sheep farmers will meet the COVID-19 pandemic head on with a series of free webinars from Lambs Alive and Sheep Central next week to help producers boost returns in today’s markets. Source: Sheep Central Come to bootcamp with Lambs Alive and Sheep Central + VIDEO
Researchers find COVID-19 social distancing uptake needs to be over 80pc
IF 90 percent of Australians adopt social distancing, the spread of COVID-19 could be controlled by July this year, a University of Sydney data study has found. Source: Sheep Central Researchers find COVID-19 social distancing uptake needs to be over 80pc
Red meat supply chains stronger together in fight against COVID-19
Australia’s red meat and livestock industry held its second virtual round table on Monday to ensure all parts of the supply chain adapt to the evolving COVID-19 response and ensure high quality and nutritious meat for all Australians. Source: Beef Central Red meat supply chains stronger together in fight against COVID-19
NSW sets up COVID-19 team to assist primary industries
The NSW DPI has activated a new specialist Primary Industries Liaison Team and launched an online resource to help the primary industries sector navigate the challenges and impacts of COVID-19. Source: Grain Central NSW sets up COVID-19 team to assist primary industries
Vets call for ‘essential service’ designation during pandemic
Veterinarians are calling on the Federal Government to acknowledge the important role they play in society, following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement last night of a lockdown on ‘non-essential’ businesses and services to curb the spread of the COVID-19. Source: Beef Central Vets call for ‘essential service’ designation during pandemic
Bull breeders respond to COVID-19 with online selling strategies
Bull breeders across Australia have been quick to respond to latest government restrictions over gatherings of people, swinging quickly to online auctions in place of face-to-face bull sales. Source: Beef Central Bull breeders respond to COVID-19 with online selling strategies
Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 25 March 2020
Cold fronts and troughs brought moderate falls to the western and southern mainland, as well as Tasmania, and onshore flow produced moderate falls along the country’s far north. Source: Beef Central Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 25 March 2020
Roma store 24 March 2020: Prices ease in second successive 8000 head yarding
The larger yardings continued at the Roma Store Sale with a total yarding of 8,032, down by only 3 head from the previous week. Source: Beef Central Roma store 24 March 2020: Prices ease in second successive 8000 head yarding
New realities of social distancing playing out in the cattle sector
From on-property cattle yards to Australia’s largest meatworks, the coronavirus crisis is forcing changes of behaviour that just a few weeks ago would have seemed impossible throughout the cattle industry. Source: Beef Central New realities of social distancing playing out in the cattle sector
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Mar 24, 2020
The Dollar pulled back overnight, leaving the DXY at 101.07 into the N.Y. open on Tuesday. From there, USD demand returned, taking the index back over 102.10. Hopes for a Senate coronavirus stimulus package buoyed Wall Street, with major indices up near 10% intra day. New home sales were better than expected, though the results… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Mar 24, 2020
Currencies have been moving in a risk-on formation, with the dollar, yen and Swiss franc weakening against most other currencies, with the commodity and many developing-world currencies outperforming. This came with S&P 500 futures rallying strongly, by over 5% to more than reverse the 2.9% closing loss the cash version of the index saw yesterday… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Mar 24, 2020
Currencies moved in a risk-on formation, with the dollar, yen and Swiss franc weakening against most other currencies, with the commodity and many developing-world currencies outperforming. This came with S&P 500 futures rallying strongly, more than reversing the 2.9% closing loss the cash version of the index saw yesterday on Wall Street. Asian stock markets,… Read more »
Camera grading sharpens Wagyu genetic selection
Objective carcase measurements in the Australian meat industry are helping provide Wagyu beef supply chains and BreedPlan genetic evaluation with more precise data than is currently available through manual assessment. Source: Beef Central Camera grading sharpens Wagyu genetic selection
Record prices, farm debts make it hard for livestock producers to rebuild herd
As Australia moves into lockdown and closes state borders, farmers face some big underlying challenges to maintaining food production. Source: ABC Livestock Record prices, farm debts make it hard for livestock producers to rebuild herd
Record prices, farm debts, and border closures make it hard for livestock producers to rebuild herd
As Australia moves into lockdown and closes state borders, farmers face some big underlying challenges to maintaining food production. Source: ABC Livestock Record prices, farm debts, and border closures make it hard for livestock producers to rebuild herd
Milk, bar: Country pub's virus response lifts local spirits
A New South Wales hotel is among businesses finding innovative ways to diversify as jobs are cut and coronavirus panic buying continues. Source: ABC Livestock Milk, bar: Country pub’s virus response lifts local spirits
Weekly genetics review: Considerations for bulls heading north
While many of the bulls sold over the autumn period head to southern production regions, a considerable portion are purchased with the intention of using them in herds based in the northern production zones. To ensure the successful adaption of bulls into a northern based program, there are some practical options that both seedstock producers and… Read more »
Weekly kill: Grids slide further on pessimistic trade outlook
Queensland processor direct consignment grid offers came under considerable pressure last week, as further reports about export trade difficulty surrounding COVID-19 surfaced. Source: Beef Central Weekly kill: Grids slide further on pessimistic trade outlook
Stockies accreditation fast-tracked
Accreditation of livestock handlers is being fast-tracked to ensure enough experienced staff are available to protect the welfare of sheep and cattle on live export vessels Source: Beef Central Stockies accreditation fast-tracked
Wagga sale 24 Mar 2020: Market eases 10-30c in bigger yarding
Cattle prices reflected the wide variation in the condition of stock and buyer participation being sold at Wagga this week. Source: Beef Central Wagga sale 24 Mar 2020: Market eases 10-30c in bigger yarding
Qld releases more detail on border closure measures
Further details about how Queensland’s border shutdown will work have been released by premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today. Source: Beef Central Qld releases more detail on border closure measures