Rick's Beef: Welcome to winter chill

Katikati farmer Rick Burke. Photo / File

Welcome to winter everyone. The cold snap of a couple of weeks ago certainly gave stock and farmers a dose of Mother Nature reality.

And that rain? Global warming is sure having an effect on our weather patterns.

Firstly I'd like to thank those of you who commented on last month's column regarding regulation to manage on farm nitrogen allocation. We've had excellent feedback on the article.

It's a frustrating battle to fight but we are going to win. We currently have 3000 farmers in the Waikato behind us -- a formidable force of tractor power if required.

Our goal is to have regulations crafted in a way which is fair and equitable for all farming sectors.

Lamb: It's all positive news from the markets. Is it just a short-term shortage of supply pumping up the markets? Time will tell. But there is a global shortage of supply and a big factor is a lack of Australian sheep meat entering the global market.

Two months ago we talked about lamb getting to more than $6 but now we have a range from $6.20 to $6.40 per kilo CW for 17kg lamb.

Beef: A late rush of cows continue to keep the processors busy. Processing space is tight, which is a bit frustrating for farmers wanting to destock their finished cattle prior to winter.

Schedule cattle prices have remained relatively steady of the last month with 300kg CW bull attracting a schedule price between $3.40 to $3.70. Similarly, a prime steer is attracting between $5.50-$5.70.

The store cattle market has softened over the last month due to wetter, winter conditions kicking in early and the backlog of cattle waiting to be processed.

The store cattle market for weaner bulls around the 250kg range is $3.50-$3.75 and for same weight weaner steers $3.75-$4.05.