Most of Victoria enjoyed a late, but very good spring season, but much of the high country around Tambo, Ensay, Swifts Creek and Omeo, was not as fortunate.
In fact, it was one of the worst times seen for eastern Victoria.
Now, as summer draws to a close, at least by the calendar, the rest of the state continues to dry out.
However, while it is the end of February, and an autumn break might only be a few weeks away, those weeks could play a big part in the supply of livestock for sale.
Already, there are comments coming from Queensland sources, that the Australian herd could well be declining again.
Any cyclone or seasonal storm activity has been mainly along the coasts of northern Western Australia, the top end, and the east coast of Queensland.
Little activity has fallen over the larger pastoral lands of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Meat & Livestock Australia’s recent figures indicate a rise in the slaughter of cattle in the north, especially female cattle.
This has triggered the recent comments of a declining herd.
While much of Victoria has dried out, the ready availability of silage, hay, or grain, keeps farming in a good place here.
Having said this, while traveling around recently, producers have said they hope to keep young stock for another three weeks, prior to the annual Mountain Cattle Sales.
We are almost at the end of these annual weaner and young cattle sales, and from then on supply could well fall away, especially if there is an early break in the weather.
So where do producers stand in the short-term future? Most sheep and cattle producers are able to play the market a little, which is evidenced by the market reports.
Lamb and sheep supply has fallen on the back of weaker prices, and this week there has been an increase in processor demand.
The supply of cattle is steady and therefore prices are mostly stable. The quality of slaughter cattle is slipping, which is affecting prices.
The question is: will there be much improvement if we get an autumn this year?
This question is difficult to answer, but if the number of cattle, both older and younger, steers and heifers, being purchased by processors to grain feed is any indication, then there may be hope.
Most of these cattle will be fed for 60-100 days and be slaughtered from the end of April through to June.
