ELDERS clients are being told to invest in their livestock, despite the global economic and tariff-led trade uncertainty.

In his latest market wrap, Elders analyst Richard Koch said the beef market is still trying to sort itself out in the wake of Trump’s 10 percent tariff announcement last Thursday, a plunging $A, a dramatic change in northern seasonal conditions and a plethora of livestock movement issues.

But he said feeding stock is an investment now, it’s not a cost.

“By the end of next week, the picture should be clearer, but the signs look positive, even in the south where conditions continue to be tough.

“With beef, lamb and mutton prices rising, producers should take heed of the advice of one of our agents: ‘Feeding stock is an investment now, it’s not a cost’”, he said.

Mr Koch said last week’s Wagga sheep sale last week was off the charts for mutton. A well-respected agent was quoted as saying, “It‘s the strongest mutton market I’ve ever seen in my 40 years in the game”, he said.

“There was some restocker interest in ewes, but they didn’t get a look in with all the mutton going to processors.

“Sheep meat looks very, very strong and we are telling clients feeding stock to hang in there as ‘it is an investment now. It’s not a cost’, he said.

“For every dollar you’re spending feeding them, you’re probably getting at least $1.50, if not more, back.”

Mr Koch said although circumstances are dire and rain is needed, one good thing is there is still feed available — hay and corn — particularly now it has rained in Queensland, all the feed is staying down south.

Mr Koch said Tasmania, like the rest of southern Australia, is still looking for a genuine autumn break.

“The sheep, lamb and cattle job over here is just ticking along nicely, particularly on mutton as everyone alluded to up $20-30/head while lamb was $3-9/head higher.”

Mr Koch said says water and sulphur deficiencies are issues in southern New South Wales, as shown by cattle with dull coats or sheep with poor wool quality, or even wool falling out.

“Because of the run of wet years (prior to the last few), and because no one uses single super anymore, we are starting to see some serious sulphur deficiencies.”