Federal government support for the north west of the state has been swift and effective. Prime Minister Scott Morrison wasted no time getting up to the hardest hit areas of Julia Creek and Cloncurry to assure graziers and local businesses of government support and cutting red tape to action what is needed. The armed services were deployed as soon as they were able to move in and assist. Mining companies with active sites in the region must recognised for their major contribution to assisting flood-affected graziers with digging mass graves to bury the dead stock. The resources sector was largely untouched by the flooding, although they, like all, will be affected by the damage to infrastructure by way of rail and roads unable to move minerals. Apart from providing digging equipment, mining companies have donated over $3.5 million to help rebuild the northern grazing industry. ”Despite the enormous devastation to the cattle industry, the economic impact on the resources sector will be much less and the focus of many resource companies at the moment has been to help out cattle producers who have felt the brunt of devastating losses,” Queensland resources boss and former federal cabinet minister Ian Macfarlane said.

The port of Townsville is not only a major gateway for the live export trade out of North Queensland, it is also a significant and efficient gateway provider for the mining industry. The Townsville port is not only responsible for moving resource minerals out of the country, but is also a depot for mining supplies and equipment to access the northern and central areas of the state. Minerals and livestock are the lifeblood of the north and to witness what the mining Industry is providing to graziers needs to be fully appreciated by all Queenslanders.

There is no doubt this season and last season have had negative impact across all of Queensland. Well over half the state is in drought, with 52 out of the 77 local government councils having to manage some type of a disaster with the support of state and federal governments.

Great news to hear that JBS has started processing livestock at its Townsville plant this week. The city is overdue for some positive news. Livestock are not only moving from Central Queensland to the northern plant, but livestock have been secured as far south as Roma and Dalby. Industry talk is that while numbers are solid with forward supply, weights and finish are becoming a concern, with the dry affecting condition. There is no doubt numbers will keep coming if there is no break in the season.

Trapped and dead livestock caused by flooding west of Julia Creek. More than a year's rain fell on large swathes of north and western Queensland. (AAP Image/supplied by Rae Stretton).

Charters Towers will resume sales at the Dalrymple facility on Wednesday, March 6. Mareeba saleyards has not missed a sale this year. While numbers have been minimal, the prices have been solid.

Live exporters are still moving livestock, with feeder cattle to Indonesia and slaughter cattle to Vietnam. While Townsville port was out of action, exporters were forced to move the vessels to Port Alma in Central Queensland and did not have too much trouble securing numbers. Prices have remained steady over the past month, with feeders trading around 290c/kg live weight and heifer equivalent at 260c live weight. Slaughter bullocks and bulls are attracting the same type of pricing at both Port of Townsville and Port Alma at around 290c live.

Charters Towers will resume sales at the Dalrymple facility on Wednesday, March 6.

Emerald market has seen numbers increase on a weekly basis with 3200 head moved through the complex. The centre draws from a wide catchment area including Alpha, Capella, Springsure and local areas. Prices have remained solid with buying support including restockers or speculators from local areas and also Nebo and some livestock moving out into western Queensland. Lighter weaner steers sold to 291c live. Feeder heifers sold to 235c and lightweights to 214c.

Gracemere sale also had increased numbers, with 3500 penned. Again, there was buying activity from western areas. Steer calves sold to 300c live weight and medium weight heifers to 227c. Prime cows quoted easier to 218c.