STRONG LIVESTOCK SALES
2025 is looking to be the biggest year on record for Australia’s cattle industry, with China likely to source any shortfall in its prime beef supplies from the country.
Meanwhile, the popularity of Australian beef is being felt in livestock markets across the nation, including in the small rural community of Rutherford.
Local stock agent Tony Bowe, who has been selling livestock most of his life, recognises the importance of these sales.
He said he believes the current volatility triggered by the Trump tariffs and the possible repercussions bode well for the Australian market.
“Those uncertainties in the world are definitely going to help our industry,” said Bowe.
“I think going forward in 12 months’ time, we’ll see a very big lift in the cattle market and the livestock industry in Australia.”
Compared to industrial-scale saleyards across Australia, the Rutherford market is small but it plays a vital role in the livestock supply chain.
Many of the cattle there are bought for the long-term because of their size.
“There’s always a bargain to be had by buying an animal that nobody else wants for whatever reason,” said cattle farmer and buyer Stephen Low.
“But they’re good quality cattle here and the prices are not as much as I would have found here last month.”
