Strong cattle sale

CATTLE PRICES remained strong at the Murwillumbah Saleyards on Saturday, February 11, with plenty of interest from Queenslanders and a few new bidders in town.

The sale was hosted George and Fuhrmann Stock and Station Agent Brent Casey who reported “very strong prices” from the sale of 600 head.

“Very good sale of 600 head sold,” he told The Weekly.

“There was a very good run of quality weaners yarded at Murwillumbah, which saw happy vendors.” sistent with the master plan at this point. This size expansion is too much,” she said.

Mr Casey said competition was strong in all areas of the sale and a few new buyers combined with the usual buyers saw some “spirited bidding”.

The four-hectare sports field was created as part of the Black Rocks Estate with the surrounding area dedicated for koala habitat rehabilitation.

The initial Men’s Shed development at that site generated considerable controversy when protesters objected to the disturbance of habitat containing koalas and other wildlife.

Under the current proposal from the Men’s Shed, the length of the shed building would be extended from 18 metres to 30 metres. The existing gross floor area indoors is 213 square metres.

The proposal involves enclosing the patio area (39m2) and a 336m2 addition, creating a 588m2 facility.

The master plan of 2020 approved a 420m2 facility, assuming a single storey building.

Apart from the Men’s Shed, other occupants of the sportsfield site are Pottsville Cricket Club, Cabarita Cricket Club, Pottsville Fun Croquet Club and Far North Coast Electric Fliers.

The Pottsville Men’s Shed group was contacted for comment but did not respond by print deadline.

“Cattle was being sold to as far and wide as Dalby, Wandoan and Taroom in Queensland and Dubbo in NSW,” he said. A total of 30 feeder/backgrounder steers sold very good topping at $4.56 per kilogram to average $4.20/kg.

A total of 300 weaner steers sold to a top of $6/kg to average $5.08/kg and 180 weaner heifers sold topping at $4.74/kg to average $4.20/kg.

There were 70 cows and calves sold selling to a top of $3,540 each, for some exceptional first calf Brangus heifers and calves, to average $2,180 per head for all the cows and calves.

A total of 25 pregnancy tested in calf cows sold to a top of $1,960 to average $1,600.

The next sale will be held on Saturday, March 11. For all bookings and general inquiries please contact Brent Casey on: 0428 530 422.

By Madeleine Murray

GET THE family ready because the amazing Hudson Circus is coming to town.

Forget all those old ideas about weary lions and tragic clowns, Hudson Circus is a new style of circus which is part theatre, part spectacle, featuring thrilling acts and adorable Welsh ponies, and border collies twirling in the air to catch frisbees.

The Weekly caught up with owner Shane Lennon, who grew up with the Lennon Brothers Circus, originally founded in 1893.

Shane and his wife Nancy, an acrobat and trapeze artist from Montreal, founded the Hudson Circus 10 years ago.

“It’s traditional but modern, at really good prices,” Shane told The Weekly. “It’s a cut above your average circus show.”

Shane trains the Welsh ponies.

“They run the arena, dance, and do formations,” he said. “They bow down, rear up. They work free. The ponies are lovely to work with.

“They’re well suited for touring, they love the hills where we are now.”

Other acts include Quick Change (from Peru), Spanish Web, acrobat Lyra, juggling, Goldie the Clown, and Hula Hoop extraordinaire.

It’s clear that Shane and his wife have a great passion for the circus, and the many skills needed to run one.

“Nancy is a big part of the show,” Shane said. “She not only does acrobatics but drives the semi-trailer from town to town, helps set up the tents, helps in production, makes costumes and works in the office.”

Jane Degoldi is the ring mistress, her husband Matthew Degoldi was the iconic clown at Dreamworld for 16 years.

The troupe of 45 is a portable town with its own school teacher for eight kids, generator, grey water waste and everything needed for life