Speaking with James McMillan last Thursday at Leongatha, only enhanced my thoughts on how hard this drought has been for many producers.
James farms at Candello, not too far from Bega in News South Wales, and has had the worst of the drought.
For a young farmer trying to stay in the industry, the drought has been excessively hard.
It could be said that taking a gamble, and sending his cows and calves all the way to Leongatha was a gamble, as prices have not been good, especially for poor condition cows and calves.
James, like many other producers has been holding off selling his cows and calves,waiting for spring rain. However, it has come too late for James, so the journey was on.
As it turned out, this was a very good decision, as the prices for all cows and calves were $150 to $250 dearer than two weeks ago.
As can be seen in the photo, James’s cows are in poor condition and struggling hard to keep the milk up to their young calves.
However, strong demand in South Gippsland saw these cows and calves sell to $1360, which James was very happy about.
James also sold cows which were in calf, and these very light weight cows, in very plain condition, sold from $450 to $810, which was mostly above their fat value.
