The new small species abattoir north of Bourke is apparently on schedule and the people behind the venture hope to commence slaughtering by the middle of 2018.
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A spokesman for the company said initially the plant would have a capacity of 6000 goats per day or 30,000 head for a normal working week.
For the rangeland goat industry in the west of the country this could be the catalyst to take the industry to the next level.
To the writer these numbers appear substantial, but no doubt studies have been concluded with regards to their sustainability over the longer term.
One can only imagine the boost to the economy of Bourke and surrounding districts once this shed is up and running with the flow-on effects to be massive.
On the topic of abattoirs, it was announced recently that Chinese authorities had lifted the ban on six Australian beef plants, four in Queensland and one each in NSW and South Australia.
My understanding of the dispute was the Chinese took offence because some cartons in some consignments were incorrectly labelled.
We may never know if this is the full story, but the stand- off lasted for three months or better and it has been stated the cost to the plants involved was one million dollars per day.
All concerned appear happy the dispute has finally been resolved and this very important market has been re-opened to those involved.
Sheep and lamb markets are enjoying a buoyancy rarely seen at this time of year.
At Dubbo last Monday in a reduced yarding of some 2,500 head the writer saw heavy export lambs well-presented from Collie make $192 and shorn medium framed wethers from Bugaldie receive a tick under $150.
With the recent rain, restocker enquiry is strong and the sheep and lamb industry as a whole is enjoying good times once again.
The cattle market is also enjoying a resurgence in prices since the good rains were received over much of the pastoral regions.
To the north, grain harvest is in full swing and even locally in the central west, machines are being given their final checks in anticipation that some crops may be ready in the next seven to 10 days.
While Christmas still seems a long way off, people suggest that Christmas Day is roughly seven weeks away.
Dubbo stock and station agents have released their final sale dates for the 2017 calendar year.
The last prime cattle sale will be on Thursday, December 14, and the final store cattle sale on Friday the 15th
There will also be a prime sheep sale on Monday, December 18.
Dubbo agents scanned 3882 head at their prime cattle sale on Thursday November 2.
Consensus was that quality feeder steers and heifers were considerably dearer and most prime cattle lacked the fire power of last week’s sale and tended on the softer side.
