Peter Kostos asked me a few weeks ago if I would tickle the keyboard whilst he enjoys some R & R.
I previously filled in for Peter and Murray Arnel in August 2013, and August 2015.
Looking back at my notes then I can’t help thinking how dynamic and fascinating this Australian livestock industry is.
I doubt whether there has been a more interesting period in Australian agriculture than right at this minute.
Crystal Ball gazing would never have been tougher.
As John Lennon once wrote “strange days indeed. Most peculiar Mama”.
As I write, it is eight degrees and a hailstorm has just hit Pakenham.
The season over virtually the entire continent has done as bigger turnaround in the past six months as the cattle market has the last two years.
Every part of the country, to my knowledge, has had plenty of rain and grass is growing.
Goulburn Murray storage levels are at a combined 85 per cent and rising.
You may have to go back 30 years or more to find such a promising seasonal outlook over such a wide area.
The single most important factor affecting livestock prices is availability of grass and this is what’s holding prices where they are.
After a stellar run of profit making years, processors are now tearing up money and trying to pull the price back but lack of numbers is making it hard for them.
Farmers have feed and aren’t forced to sell.
The incredible strength of the store market also has a knock on effect with the fat market.
I have no doubt that if we were having a tough season now the market would be at least 20pc cheaper.
The signs were there last week at Pakenham and Ballarat that store buyers are trying to buy cheaper but grass fever is hard to combat.
The only thing that could be more excitable than a ‘cockie’ with a paddock full of grass is a Western Bulldog supporter three weeks ago.
The recent passing of some well known industry identities is cause for reflection.
As a youngster in the ‘70s I used to find the buzz and theatre of Newmarket captivating and at the centre of it all was the ringmaster, Jimmy Mathews (see page 54 for obituary) the consumate, professional Stock Agent.
When I went to Wagga in the early 80’s I remember standing at the Bomen Saleyards with my then Boss, Ted Nixon, (who coincidentally also passed away last week) looking to the west at a paddock dotted with thousands of Black cattle.
Ted told me they belonged to Stan Henwood and they had just been pulled off the road in readiness for a Store sale the following week.
In the years since I have seen countless thousands of Henwood cattle on the NSW Stock Routes Stan died a few weeks ago, marking the end of an era.
Strange days indeed.
I wonder what John Lennon would make of the current US presidential election?
All I can say is I would feel much more comfortable with either Jimmy or Stan, or Ted for that matter, running the show than Donald or Hilary.
Farmers have feed and aren’t forced to sell.