LOTS TO SMILE ABOUT: Stud farm owners Derek Hubert and Trish Worth discuss tomorrow’s Central West Beef Week field days with chairman Jonathan Wright. All three agree now’s an exciting time to be involved in cattle farming. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0310lsbeefweek
JONATHAN Wright has been a cattle farmer in the central west for more than two decades and he believes now is the most exciting time he’s ever experienced in the industry.
Mr Wright spoke to the Central Western Daily yesterday in preparation for tomorrow’s launch of the 36th annual Central West Beef Week field days.
Some exciting new concepts, plus a booming export market to China, has Mr Wright and his colleagues excited about the future of cattle farming.
“The cattle industry is going pretty damn well overall, and through smart marketing and our industry bodies creating new markets, huge ups and downs in the industry just don’t happen anymore,” he said.
“So we do have waves and we may have been on a bit of a lower wave lately, but there’s some really exciting things happening including China - which is really starting to open up.
“That’s exciting for the industry - plus the quality of the product that we’re producing is getting better and better because of smart science and smart investment as an industry in our future.
“So it’s all pretty rosy.”
Mr Wright said cattle prices continued to remain steady and more options than ever would ensure they remained that way.
“The wonderful thing is we’re not all bound by the local market anymore,” he said.
“We can truck our cattle to abattoirs and saleyards all over the place and sell right across the state and the country.
“So we have a lot more options, including export to China which really is booming.”
Mr Wright said 18 cattle studs around the central west would open their gates as part of the field days, which run tomorrow and conclude on Thursday.
He encouraged anyone who had considered going into the cattle industry - or those looking for information or to purchase bulls and cattle to take part.
“The purpose of it is to give people the opportunity to come onto farms and see people’s whole breeding programs,” Mr Wright said.
“They can come and see bulls, cows, heifers and the whole program and also speak to all of the producers.
“People should take the opportunity to talk to the producers.
“Everyone who is open are enthusiastic cattle breeders and knowledgeable cattle breeders so it’s a great opportunity to get out and talk to them and tell them about your program and learn how they do theirs. Sharing ideas is a great way of getting off your patch and learning.”
For more information and to find out what studs will be open as part of the field days, visit www.centralwestbeefweek.com.au.luke.schuyler@
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