Looking back on my diary for 2014, it has been an extraordinary year! I established RaynerAg in March 2013, and that was a big year in itself. I really hoped 2014 would be a year to build on. Looking back, I'm a bit blown away to see so many goals achieved!
The year commenced with pregnancy testing across the North West of NSW. Pregnancy testing took me from Tamworth to Gunnedah, up to Barrabra and the Horton Valley, across to Boggabri, over the Liverpool Plains and down as far as Wellington.
I really enjoyed this work. I met a lot of new people and I got a chance to see new areas and to talk about managing fertility, plans for managing pregnant cows and nutrition programs for the season ahead.
I'm already taking bookings from some of these producers to do next years testing, and I'm really pleased to be going back and building on those relationships.
The continued drought across much of eastern Australia tested many of the producers I worked with. We spent a lot of time working on plans to mange the season, developing rations and strategies to cope with the impact of the drought.
Every drought is a learning experience, and this year I learnt new things about feeds such as grape marc. While we hope to see drought conditions ease soon, I am happy to come and help anyone revisit and renew drought plans or rations if the season hasn't changed in the new year.
This years bull selling season provided a few opportunities to support producers making decisions on buying bulls. I'm really grateful to Kilburnie Angus; Yamburgan Shorthorns & Elite Poll Herefords for engaging me to support their sales and assist their clients.
This years bull sales were a challenge. According to Beef Central numbers sold nationally were down around 9.7% on last year. However the good news was prices lifted slightly (around 3.3%) on last year. So that I guess suggests continued confidence in the industry. Some big improvements on prices were Brahmans with an increase in average sale price of 14.6%; Shorthorns by 7.9% and Charolais by 7.5%.
These are good increases. Although it might be that price is a result of smaller catalogue numbers, improving the quality on offer and increasing competition.
I've greatly enjoyed the chance to participate in a number of industry training field days and events this year. I had a couple of trips to South Australia for the SA Junior Heifer Expo and then for the South Australian Beef Assessment School at Mount Compass.
I reckon these events are really important for the beef industry. Not only for sharing knowledge and skills, but for connecting people and making sure we have a network that supports each other in production and socially. I really have a lot of fun at these events and I'm appreciative of the chance to be involved this year.
There have been plenty of other big highlights in 2014! Supporting local agricultural shows is an ongoing focus for me. I have been pleased to be a judge at several local shows, as well as the Brisbane Ekka. The commitment to the Sydney Royal Easter Show gives me a great chance to see some of the best agricultural exhibits anywhere in the country.
I have to admit I am very excited about my involvement with the team from ClassiMate and the project to develop a cattle assessment system. I am positive this will present a lot of opportunities for breeders next year, and I can't wait to meet some new people who are already asking me to assess their cattle.
I reckon this year has been an amazing year. There have been some big highlights, and a chance to share lots of ideas and suggestions with people all over the country.
However the best part of the year has without doubt been the support and encouragement of producers.
I appreciate the trust shown in me to invite me onto your farm to observe and comment on your business and your livestock. I'm very glad that I've been able to help you all achieve your goals and I look forward to continuing to support you throughout the year ahead.
I hope you, your family and friends have a happy and safe Christmas and a very successful and rewarding 2015.