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Cattle industry confident of best season in a decade

Results from a Rabobank survey indicate farmer confidence in Queensland and especially the beef industry has improved after being in decline throughout the year.

The survey questions approximately 1200 farmers across the nation and Queenslands results go against the sentiment of most other states.

Market Analyst with Meat and Livestock, Peter Weeks says he wasn't surprised to hear the news with good rain and a low aussie dollar a perfect start to the summer season for Queensland graziers.

Mr Weeks also says the state may be looking at one of its best seasons in a decade.

Sheep meat holds up but wool continues to lose growers

Sheep producers in the region aren't able to share the same optimism that their cattle counterparts are showing.

Peter Sealy from Elders Longreach says wool producers are probably at their lowest in confidence in the industry with prices taking a blow due to the financial crisis.

He says though the picture isn't as bleak for sheep producers with steady prices being achieved all year.

The survey released by Rabobank yesterday also pointed out that Queensland producers mostly thought that they had yet to be impacted by the global credit crisis and that 85 per cent of farmers will be maintaining or investing further in their business.

Slightly better prices realised at Toowoomba's cattle sale

Toowoomba's saleyards were again filled yesterday for the weekly cattle market sale.

Analyst, Trevor Hess says there was an increased supply of cattle there and bigger buyer line up which saw prices increase in most categories.

Over the hooks prices remain unchanged for sheep

Meat and Livestock Australia report that prices for both lambs and mutton over the hooks has not changed from last week as contributors take a wait and see approach in the lead up to christmas.

Prices for lambs have averaged 350 cents a kilo dress weight.

Mutton rates have remained unchanged at 160 cents dressed weight for 14 to 18 kilo sheep to 210 cents a kilo for heavier sheep over 24 kilos.

Interestingly, over the border, saleyard lamb prices rose again last week to record levels of 406 cents dressed weight in New South Wales and 405 cents in South Australia.

The prices come because of an expectation their will be tighter supply of lambs in the new year.