from ABC and Cairns News
Cattle producers are rejoicing at a lift in prices brought on by heavy autumn rains in the last month.
Prices at Wangaratta Saleyards in north-east Victoria have increased by about 30 cents a kilogram for bullocks and cows in recent weeks.
Agent Kevin Sanderson says it’s a result of the best autumn break he’s seen in at least 20 years.
"We’ll go into the winter this year, for the first time in many, with a lot of feed.
"That’ll carry us right through until the spring. They say El Nino July-August. Hopefully in September we’ll get spring rains and of course we’re up and running again.
"So all looks good."
Nine hundred cattle were yarded at the sale Thursday.
Mr Sanderson says those with fat cattle in the district are taking advantage and deciding to sell.
"Now we’ve got feeder steers off the feedlots offering up to $2.40 a kilogram.
"That’s as much as we’ve had in many, many years and our bullocks are making $2 plus and vealers up to $2.40."
In contrast to the devastation of nearly three years ago when the Labor party shut down the live export industry, live steer export prices have hit their highest price ever at $2.30 fob Darwin.
The only concern now is for how long this premium will last and can drought ravaged producers maintain supply?