Cattle farmers around the region are continuing to enjoy high livestock prices and demand due to the torrential rainfall in northern New South Wales.

Mount Gambier Combined Agents chairman Andrew Whan said good prices were being achieved at the market, however stock numbers in the South East were starting to decline, which would continue until October.

“Whether you are in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Warrnambool or Hamilton it is just what happens at this time of year,” he said.

“I think we will have a quiet winter as far as supply is concerned because of the current price, unless something unusual happens overseas.

“If stock prices stay the same way I think we will have a pretty strong market.

“Last year because of the rain in New South Wales the market kept increasing but now the prices are up there I expect they will stay.

“We are happy with where the market is at, it does not need to be any higher.”

Mr Whan said while the meat companies were not happy with the current price increase, it was a different story for sellers who were pleased.

His comments were echoed by Hamilton farmer Allan Crozier, who welcomed the strong prices.

“I have never seen stock at a better price then it is now, it is unbelievable,” he said.

Meat & Livestock Australia has predicted the national herd forecast will grow by 1.1 million this year as herd rebuild becomes more pronounced.

In addition, slaughter numbers are forecast to rise by 11% due to increased supply.