PHOTO: Beef cattle farmers reported to show the biggest drop in industry confidence
Declining confidence among NSW farmers, particularly those running beef cattle was recently reported by Rabobank. The top three influences producing this sentiment are rising commodity prices, rising interest rates and expected dry conditions in the coming season.
According to Coonamble farmer Don Schieb, who breeds Angus and Black Simmental cattle as well as growing wheat on his property, these seasons are part of a cycle that farmers are used to.
“Prices for commodities go up and down all the time,” Mr Schieb said. “A year ago we were getting about $1000 per head more for weaner cattle than we do now, but three years ago prices were similar to today. It’s just part of farming. In the nineties cattle prices were good – it’s swings and roundabouts…