18/10/2026
🐂 ON THE GROUND WITH CS LIVESTOCK ~ Sell, Hold or Buy? Planning Ahead for Summer
As we head towards the hotter months across Mudgee and the Central Tablelands, now is a good time for livestock producers to take stock of their feed situation, stocking rates and marketing plans.
🌤️ What’s the weather outlook telling us?
The Bureau of Meteorology's latest November–January outlook is pointing towards above-average temperatures across much of NSW, with an increased likelihood of unusually hot days.
Rainfall predictions are less certain for our part of the state, and with a strengthening El Niño underway, it's worth planning for a range of scenarios rather than banking on summer rain.
🐂 So, should you sell or hold?
There are a few important things to consider:
✅ Assess your feed reserves. How much standing feed have you got, and how long will it realistically last if decent rain doesn't arrive?
✅ Look at your stocking rates. Would selling a portion of your stock now take pressure off your paddocks and allow you to carry your better-performing animals through summer?
✅ Do the sums on weight gain. Holding cattle or sheep for another 6–8 weeks might add value, but will the extra kilos outweigh the cost of supplementary feeding and any decline in pasture quality?
✅ Consider your market options. Don't wait until feed becomes scarce and you're forced to sell. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility around timing, presentation and where you market your livestock.
✅ Keep your options open. If you've got adequate feed and water, holding stock may be worthwhile. If things are tightening up, selling earlier could put you in a stronger position heading into summer.
💡 The takeaway?
You can't control the weather or the market, but you can control how prepared you are.
The best decision isn't always to sell everything or hang onto everything. Sometimes it's about identifying which stock are worth retaining and which are better marketed now.
At CS Livestock, we're on the ground keeping an eye on local conditions, buyer demand and market opportunities.
If you're weighing up your options heading into summer, give Chris a call and have a chat about the best approach for your operation.
