If they prove to be correct the good prices should continue as we move through 2018.

They suggest beef exports to China to increase by 15 per cent to 120,000 tonnes and overall beef and veal production to rise by 12 per cent.

Live cattle exports of feeder cattle are tipped to gain an extra seven per cent bringing that figure to 875,000 head.

This extra demand will mainly come from Indonesia and Vietnam as those countries experience rising incomes, population growth and greater urbanisation with greater competition from South American countries and buffalo meat out of India and elsewhere.

Australian producers may expect to see some downward pressure on their returns for live cattle.

Mutton prices are expected to firm by some six per cent to average 440 cents per kilogram based on increased demand and the re-building of the national flock.

ABARE forecasts lamb production will trend higher by three per cent to 23 million head with a higher lamb marking and hopefully we can maintain similar carcase weights. This should equate to 518,000 tonnes by the end of the financial year.

Lamb exports are forecast to improve by two per cent to 260,000 tonnes with an export value to our economy of $2.1 billion. This surge is expected to be driven by increased demand from China, the United States and some countries in the Middle East.

New Zealand, one of our major competitors in the global lamb and mutton market, is thought to be going to have less supply available for export.

Mutton exports are expected to rise 19 per cent to 161,000 tonnes while wool is tipped for a 15 per cent rise to average 1630c/kg clean.

Dubbo agents will scan 3500 head for their first prime cattle sale in February.

Friday, February 2 a yarding of 2000 head or better was expected. Numbers here continue to hold up with rain over the drawing area patchy and comprising mostly light falls at best.

Early trends for today’s sale show definite signs of improvement with one or two extra orders operating.

Having observed some more of the market the trend is definitely dearer.

Cows at the best end could be 15c to 20c/kg dearer and some very good pens were available.

The lighter end of suitable restocker and backgrounding cattle, both steers and heifers, probably enjoyed a somewhat similar rise.

Heavy feeders were probably a fraction better. Most other cattle enjoyed more buoyancy than the past day.

Bulls were no stronger.

The council continues to add to the facility with the new double-deck loading ramp now in operation.

With the completion of the ramp in its current location the saleyards have been able to deliver an extra three major delivery pens.

This does not seem a lot extra but on a big day the staff appreciate the added yards.