Dubbo agents once again sourced substantial numbers for the cattle sale on Thursday, July 19.

The draw saw 5400 head allocated, and this number will more than likely be accurate with one agent receiving some 300 head after the draw, which no doubt caused that company plenty of heartburn as they try and fit the extra cattle into their allocated pens.

The outstanding highlight so far in the early sales has been the buoyancy enjoyed by those with cows in the market. Some cows could be 25c to 30c/kg better than last week.

Another point to not with joined cows and heifers is the current value of foetal blood to the industry.

One vendor today received some 15c/kg for his cows which listed red tags when compared to his following pen of cows which tested empty.

As yet I have not been able to confirm what the blood is worth per litre, but saleyard chatter suggest that the figure is substantial.

Cattle vendors looking to sell should give serious thought to further culling their cows (worth plenty at the moment) and hanging onto their light calves and weaners (worth very little).

We acknowledge that you can only cull our cows so far into your core breeders, but weaner cattle cost less to feed and are much easier to look after.

Some time ago a client asked did I think lambs would reach $300 per head.

My answer to that question was a very definite no, now I am not so sure.

The best pens of lambs at Dubbo on Monday reached $277.00 and the following day at Forbes they reached the $281.00 mark.

Who knows for sure how far prices may rise in this current cycle of high demand and shortage of supply.

The next goat sale here at the Troy complex is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14.

As regular vendors know the regiment for goats regarding the paper work and tagging is similar to the sheep industry requirements.

Please advise your preferred agent early to facilitate advertising and allow them to be aware of your pen requirements.

Mentioned in the last weeks column that Jason Hartin of Hartin Schute Bell Narromine was in the final three for a major award sponsored by the Rural Marketing Agents Association (RMA) for an agent who shows extreme dedication to his company, his clients and the overall industry in his day to day activities.

It gives the column great pleasure to tell the general rural public that Jason was the winner of this very prestigious award, a truly remarkable achievement.