With the recent rains there are a number of health issues with stock to be on the lookout for. With clover present in many paddocks, some method of bloat control may need to be considered. Also, the same conditions will cause Pulpy Kidney, which is often confused with bloat. You can vaccinate all cattle with 5 in 1 vaccine, every 2-3 months in these risk periods, as well as putting out bloat blocks.
Fly control will be important as well, and you should remember to secure your product early as they will come under supply pressure.
Now is also the time to start your fallow commencement for 2017 if you want to have any chance at all in getting on top of annual grasses. The advantage of spraying now is in controlling many annual grasses and broadleaf weeds prior to them setting seed. Don’t skimp on rates, if in doubt lift the rate.
In relation to the cattle and sheep sales out of the Forbes Livestock Centre, Paul Breen, KMWL Forbes said, “With all of the wet weather we have been expecting high yardings, however apart from one week where we had in excess of 40,000 sheep, the yardings have been unexpectedly low. This week saw 20,000 lambs and 6,000 mutton, with prices around $10 up to $165 and old lambs whilst back to $178, were still up $8.00 on last week.”
Paul said, “Cattle have been easing with 550 kg steers selling for around $3.17kg and $3.25 for prime cattle, which is around a $0.70 drop. The numbers for cattle are still fluctuating, and on Friday 11th November we are holding a store cattle sale at Carcoar, based on last month’s yarding of 3500, we should have around a similar yarding.”