RECENT rain across the Gunnedah region has seen a down-turn in cattle go under the hammer at the weekly Gunnedah cattle sale.
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The most recent Gunnedah sale saw 996 head of cattle up for sale, down almost a head from the previous week.
With more than 35mm of rain falling in Gunnedah throughout the month of October so far, experts believe the down-turn to be due to farmers reaping the rewards of fresh feed.
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Gunnedah stock agent Guy Gallen said the rain had left him feeling optimistic.
“I am actually pretty pumped up about the rain,” Mr Gallen said.
“It’s really pleasing to see this rain come and it give a bit of a reprieve from the drought conditions we have been seeing.
“The rain was needed that’s for sure, and while I don’t think it will be a break of the drought we were after, it will certainly benefit locals with a bit of fresh feed around.”
Mr Gallen said despite a drop in yarding numbers quality remained strong at the sale.
“Overall the market remained pretty strong and stayed pretty firm on last week,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see those sellers who have hung onto their cows and finished them be well rewarded.”
The Jacob Anderson stock agent said more rain would be needed to help local producers see out the summer months.
“To see any rain hitting our region is exciting,” he said.
“Here’s hoping it continues to fall regularly and we can be in a position to see out what is expected to be a hot summer,” he said.
“Let’s hope this recent rain isn’t a false break in the weather and we do see some more rain come over the next few weeks before the summer conditions take hold.”