Further to the devastating news from Japan in relation to the foot and mouth disease outbreak, some of the figures that are emerging are quite startling.
Over 200,000 animals have been destroyed since March, with a 150,000 of those being pigs. Apparently one of the country’s prized Wagyu herds is still intact. This certainly brings back the absolute need for our quarantine authorities and federal government to lift their game to the highest priority. One would not wish to think about the devastation that could be reaped upon our National herd. Just the economic cost, with figures between 9 and 12 billion, plus the International reputation to our clean, green, disease free food would be irreparable.
The fact that the Government is refusing to provide an additional $260 million per year, recommended by it’s own quarantine review panel, makes you wonder where their real priorities are in this time of throwing money around in all directions…….except ours.

Isn’t it great to see a few smiles around the area from local graziers again even though we are in the toughest part of the year feed wise for stock the fat market is now starting to provide some good returns for cows , bulls and bullocks. Have had reports of close to $1000 for good quality ages cows lately, not a bad return after they have done their job. The other part of the cattle market is starting to show prices heading in the right direction is the feeder market, with quotes this week of $2.15 for quality vendor bred cattle. The diminishing Australian dollar certainly isn’t hurting us in any way regarding exports.

The importance of supplementary feeding of cattle over this month and the next will certainly come to the fore, as the low protein levels and available quality of grasses will be of not much value to the stock. Lets hope a little early rain in spring to get the clovers and summer grasses going.