Landfall looks to Northern Australia again

Dilston Angus stud Landfall will resume auctioning its cattle in Queensland after an 18-year hiatus.

The sale of 105 bulls is scheduled at the Roma saleyards on July 30, following growing interest from its private buyers in the area.

Landfall farm manager Tim Wheeler said with two-year forecasts predicting higher prices for beef it could be an opportune time to resume auctions in the northern state. 

“We sent bulls up there last year to sell privately and our brand is well known in the area, so we hope to make things easier with the auction,” Tim said.

“We’re the only Tasmanian breeder selling cattle in Queensland and the few other southern Australian studs that take cattle up there are selling privately and not at auction.”

Landfall decided to stop supplying Queensland when biosecurity requirements and testing around Bovine and Ovine Johne’s Disease became restrictive and unviable.

“The cost of doing bloodwork plus the freight made it a very marginal exercise for us – we were probably only having two good years in 10 at a time when demand for Angus wasn’t as high as it is now,” Tim said.

“It’s still not as lucrative selling in Queensland as it is in Tasmania but it’s shaping up to be a good year for them and we could strike it lucky.”

The GenAngus forum held in Tasmania last week included projections of a positive time for beef cattle ahead.

Predictions were based off the US market, which is at a low point with its beef population and domestic prices are high and supply low.

Combined with the effects of president Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs putting Australian beef ahead of American beef in some markets, the domestic market is expected to reach new heights.

Landfall has 2800 registered females which will calve in August and September and while the dry autumn has affected feed supply, the farm has plenty of fodder on hand if needed.

Landfall’s local sale will take place on September 17.