Tom & Mick: Livestock Markets, Restocking and Managing Risk with James Tierney

The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock.Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around.From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry.In this episode:James Tierney and Riverina Livestock AgentsOverview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and VictoriaOperating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern AustraliaCurrent seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern AustraliaWhy many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memoryLivestock markets gaining momentumLamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kgStrong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattleWhy cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfallThe significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeksRestocking and rebuilding numbersHow traders and breeders are approaching the current marketWhy breeder numbers remain well below historical levelsThe impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent yearsWhere producers are still finding opportunities in the marketThe cattle outlookWhy many cattle haven't disappeared...  they've simply found a new postcodeLarge movements of livestock from northern regions into southern AustraliaThe risks of chasing expensive restocker cattleLessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again?Sheep markets and supply challengesWhy sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditionsThe impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across AustraliaStrong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraintsWhy retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractiveJames' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two yearsManaging risk in a rising marketThe danger of letting green grass drive decision-makingWhy discipline remains critical during periods of optimismBalancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthenThe importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprisesFeeding systems and future opportunitiesThe growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systemsWhy more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak marketsThe economics of feeding cattle through market downturnsBuilding flexibility into livestock businessesKey takeawaysRain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern AustraliaBreeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentalsSheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several yearsCattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidenceStrong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essentialThis episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors.