While some of the rain that fell in north west Queensland was some of the best landholders had enjoyed in many years, it was still very patchy in the Charters Towers district.
Livestock agent Jim Geaney, Geaney’s, Charters Towers, said the falls to the north-west were excellent, but to the south of Charters Towers they were still needing more rain.
“The north-west downs country was the driest some producers had seen it for 40 years, but those who have had good falls will certainly benefit and enjoy a late season,” Mr Geaney said.
“Some producers about 100km to the south only received as little as 30mm in stark contrast to their neighbours falls of 150 to 200mm.”
Charters Towers Combined Agents cancelled their sale last week due to the rain, but were back in action this week with a yarding of 1240 head on Wednesday.
These cattle have mainly been drawn from the Gulf area and south from the Belyando district.
After much need rainfall on the Atherton Tablelands the Mareeba sale only yarded 62 head on Tuesday.
Jacko Shephard, Queensland Rural, Mareeba, said they had only just finished last Tuesday’s local sale when the heavens opened.
“We really received some good falls and certainly had our fair share of rain which put a good flow into the Tinaroo Dam,” Mr Shephard said.
“Before the rain producers were looking to sell-off cattle on the Atherton Tablelands due to the dry, but now these beef producers will be able to hold on and grow them out as fat bullocks, or to their preferred market.”
He said the smaller Mareeba yarding this week was to cater for the local butchers, and store buyers with numbers returning once it dries out.
Both livestock agents report they had sourced cattle destined for the live export market that had been rain delayed, but these cattle will be delivered to the export yards once it dries out.
“The sourcing of cattle was a bit tight last week, but cattle are coming forward now and will be yarded at either the Charters Towers or Woodstock live-ex depot in time for a vessel to load from Townsville later next week,” Mr Geanery said.