DESPITE the mixed seasonal conditions throughout 2009, restockers have been increasingly active at MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets, registering a 14 per cent rise in purchases year-on-year.
Despite national supply falling over the same period, producers purchased greater numbers from the majority of categories.
Rainfall in parts of Queensland and Northern NSW in the beginning of the year encouraged producers to restock after a couple of dry seasons.
Victoria and SA also witnessed a significant improvement in the season towards the end of the year, which enhance restocker demand after a very tough season.
Consequently, 14pc more vealer steers returned to the paddock, while 35pc more heifers went to restockers in 2009 compared with last year.
In contrast, restocker purchases of yearling steers fell 7pc, however, producers secured 4pc more heifers year-on-year.
Grown steers returning to the paddock slipped 14pc year-on-year, while graziers acquired 40pc more cows.
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