From all reports it would seem that there is a raft of abattoirs in southern New South Wales and Victoria that have shut the doors in an effort to catch their breath.

There difficulties in the main are twofold. Firstly COVID-19 is taking its toll.

The second problem is that some areas have sold off or sent remaining stock away on agistment creating a vacuum and the international trade is sluggish at best with our meat, some of the dearest on the world trading scene.

The cost of power, wages, regulations, bureaucracy and a host of other incidental fees and charges appear to be causing untold damage to our competitiveness in the global marketplace.

One of the really good agents in the Dubbo area has decided that he needs a change of scenery and will shortly leave the industry.

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In this I refer to Steve Gay who until his departure has worked very successfully with the Carter Lindsay and Weber team.

He is a really charismatic person with a huge wealth of knowledge relating to agency matter.

Steve will be sorely missed not only by his employers but also by the Dubbo Association.

Not sure what Steve's future plans are but the column wishes him and his family all the very best for the future.

On a positive note Terry and Nicky Rothery 'Yeronga', of Geurie were both on hand last Thursday to see their 25 Mix Sex Angus Weaners sell extremely well.

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The calves still on their mothers were finished on an oat crop with no extra supplements.

The best of the calves eight to 10 months old fetched 428 cents per kilogram and came back at $1926.00 when purchased by a very successful Wellington butcher who at all times insists on securing the best available stock.

The steer portion of the consignment averaged a touch over $1500.00 while the heifer returned at $1446.00 per head.

Had the good fortune to be invited to attend a seminar conducted by professional facilitators on behalf of the Dubbo Regional Council.

This meeting consisted of a controller who kept the gathering in order although we witnessed some robust discussions and speeches between agents, council staff and councillors.

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The general consensus appears to be that coming together of all stakeholders was an outstanding success with many differing points of view on various topics being expressed.

Topics addressed included but was not limited to, the future of Dubbo Friday Store Cattle Sales, the rights and cost that may or should be applied to travelling stock that use the facility as a transit lounge.

The expansion plans for the complex includes the demolition of the horse ring, agent's office, canteen and council office, all of these buildings to be situated in a new green field site adjacent the car park.

Initial drawings by the architect are well advanced and should be on display after a suitable period of time.

Many other items were also discussed at the meeting.