G’Day to the UK - Jack Harper’s May Blog

With blog number three comes a change in season. Spring has well and truly sprung, and summer is on our doorstep. This glorious spell of British weather has proved to be a real catalyst for a growing sense of familiarity and belonging in the North West.

Well, here we are again, another month down the track. June, I guess, could be the first major milestone on this adventure. This month’s blog marks three full months as part of the H&H team. Once again, Borderway and the wider H&H Farmstock group has had another eventful month.

The month began with more pedigree bull sales, all of which followed the trends from the Limousin sale, which I touched on in last month’s blog. All of the breeds that went under the hammer were met with fierce competition from a varied range of buyers from far and wide.

Charolais and British Blue breeders stole the show with prices reaching 55,000 and 50,000 guineas respectively. All other breeds were well represented, and the markets remained buoyant throughout all rings. Angus, Hereford, Blonde, Simmental and Shorthorns all sold to strong competition, reaching (and at times exceeding) expectations. Paired with the show before the sale, Borderway was well and truly alive with breeders and buyers alike anticipating the sale results, and I truly believe all parties involved walked away with great smiles regarding the day.

As May progressed, breeding cattle numbers saw no decline. In the week following the pedigree sales, vendors once again descended upon Borderway for the May Beef Breeding Sales. Again, competition was strong on all classes, which I believe further proves a growing confidence in British beef herds. Despite a softening prime cattle market of late and a cautious short-term forecast, producers are still willing to pay well for quality bred cattle, in ambition to keep the British beef market alive.

In that busy spring breeding time, Borderway was well and truly buzzing with a vibrant atmosphere. Something that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now being three months acquainted with, and having had many a chance to converse with a range of clientele, it was great to chat with all those that I had met early on but maybe had not spoken to in the recent weeks. In addition to that, the busy week provided an opportunity to meet even more people and create a wider network with producers and buyers.

With the conclusion of the spring breeding sales, so began the summer show schedule. The first of the season was the Northumberland County Show held in Stocksfield. The weather was kind, and a great day was had by all that attended. The H&H marquee saw busy thoroughfare throughout the day with plenty of warm drinks in the morning followed by the odd cool refreshment as the day progressed. The show scene within the British Ag industry is something that I have come to admire. The sense of community and belonging that they foster is second to none. In a personal sense, I enjoyed being able to meet local producers in a stress-free environment where time is of no constraint and conversation is naturally flowing. As the month progresses there will be many more local shows and sheep events to look forward to.

Another great networking opportunity presented itself during May, which I was excited to get involved in. The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) held a meet and greet followed by the Next Generation AGM. During the day, we were treated to a farm tour of a Hereford stud cattle property near Kirkby Lonsdale. The Kelly family of Nether Hall were very accommodating and generously gave us a guided tour of their operation. Interestingly, many of the genetics are imported from both North America and Australia (which I remarked [the Australian] would of course be the greatest genetics available in the world). After the tour, in the finest, wet and windy weather Britain could offer, we warmed up inside before making our way to Lancaster. The meeting was a nice opportunity to meet with other auctioneers in a similar fashion to the Australian Livestock & Property Association (ALPA) Young Auctioneer schools back home. There were plenty of eager listeners while describing the differences I have observed already in my short time abroad.

As for the livestock markets, there has been slight price corrections, the prime cattle market has softened for the short-term outlook but confidence in breeding cattle and more long-term stores has remained relatively competitive. This week saw a nice spike for the lamb market, with old lambs (hoggs) at the dearest in recent months and spring lambs well sought after. As with home, it is always when the new season lambs outweigh the number of old lambs on the market. A breath of fresh air floods the market with new life.

Once again, my last month at H&H has been nothing but enjoyable. They say time flies when you’re having fun and to that I would certainly have to agree. The workplace environment has been outstanding. Not a day has passed where I’ve gone home and not had something positive to reflect on. Whether that be regular sales, pedigrees days, on farm clearing sales or non sale day canvassing, no two days in this industry are identical, which is exactly what I love about the job. I’ve found that now I have been around a little while, there are plenty of people I recognise and am building good working relationships with. I have been treated on more than one occasion to farm tours from H&H clients and enjoyed my far share of cuppas on the odd windy and wet day.

May everybody enjoy the start of a (hopefully) radiant summer. To my readers back home, may the season turn in our favour and the crops get a chance to grow. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting more at the upcoming Highland Show. Don’t be a stranger - if you spot myself or any of the H&H crew wandering about, please come and say G’day!!