Last week we touched on the share of the fresh meat market controlled presently by the various players with Woolworths and Coles now having more than 50 per cent in this space.

The statistic which did surprise was that the fresh meat being sold in farmers markets was in serious decline and this had been the case for the best part of a decade.

With so much emphasis these days being placed on healthy lifestyle and knowing the background of what we eat these figures released recently by the Roy Morgan fresh food survey did present a different picture.

While Aldi has already encroached on the big two, further inroads involving big players from Europe is now anticipated. Already supermarkets giants from overseas such as Kaufland and Lidl are in Australia looking for suitable supermarket sites with Kaufland at least having purchased a site in both Melbourne and Adelaide. Super markets under the Metcash banner such as IGA appear certain to struggle to maintain market share.

Dubbo Agents came forward with a greatly reduced offering for this week’s prime cattle sale of 3940. A typical drought sale yarding with many pens of young and plain cattle available.

There was a small percentage of well finished cattle available and these met with improved competition. Best young cattle to the trade were up to 25c/kg dearer selling to a top price of 324c/kg, when this column went to print good quality feeder steers made near to 300c/kg.

Grown steers sold to a stronger trend and cows improved as the sale progressed with later sales seeing many proper cows sell above the 200c/kg mark.

James Shield son of Greg well known in the trucking side of our industry has secured a trainee-ship with JBS. James who had been employed by Lord Dakin has long harboured the desire to become a meat buyer. James has been around saleyards and livestock since he was a very young boy.

My information is that initially he will be based at Scone in the Hunter Valley where the company has one of their many plants. The column wishes James the very best in his new career path.

The NSW Police force continue to drive their latest programme of interaction with the general public.

A very successful and well marketed strategy titled “Coffee with a Cop” has really taken off and I would imagine that this concept has been successful beyond the forces expectations.

Dubbo Regional livestock market is to host a gathering on Thursday, May 17, commencing at 10am, as the flyer says free coffee and conversation, no agenda, no speeches, just an opportunity to ask questions, voice any concern and really just to get to know your local law officers. A great opportunity for the rural community. We all should be there at the saleyards.