Meet the LMO: Sherrill Stivano

Twenty-six Livestock Market Officers (LMOs) currently work across Australia as part of MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service. Covering more than 3,000 markets a year and thousands of kilometres between them, LMOs attend and report on up to 70 of the nation’s cattle, sheep and goat sales on a weekly basis.

This week, we talk to Sherrill Stivano about her sales patch in southern Queensland, and how the markets are tracking.

Where are you based and what are your regular markets? 

I’m based at Roma and cover the Roma cattle sales twice a week, both store and prime sales.

What are some of the challenges or opportunities for livestock producers in your part of Australia right now?

Currently a lot of southern Queensland is in the grip of an extended drought and, with no summer rains received as yet, things are becoming dire for many producers.

However, despite the dry and the severe lack of commodities for feeding livestock, producers are still managing to present cattle well at the sales.

Further north, we have the producers who have been devastated by the floods in Northern Queensland. It is very much a state of extremes so far, this year.

What’s a hot topic around the catwalks of the saleyards you cover at the moment?

At the moment, there is a lot of discussion centring around cattle numbers, forecast rain events and prices. Prices have been fluctuating greatly of late and it is becoming difficult for beef producers to manage their selling program. Without significant rain soon, producers will be forced to offload more cattle and we may see some larger yardings soon as we head into winter.

What’s the best part about your job?

I’m only new to the Market Reporting role, but being married to a livestock agent (in voluntary early retirement) I have known many of the agents and buyers for some time. I enjoy the sale days and all the people, from the agents to the buyers and the vendors. Some days are very entertaining. I also love the fact that this is the only role I’ve had which is finished at the end of the day once all reports are submitted and synchronised.

When you’re not at the saleyards, where would we find you?

My husband and I operate a feedlot south of Roma which keeps us pretty busy. I also enjoy the country races, and we own a few race horses with friends. When I’m not at home I can usually be found running around the countryside with kids’ sport, mainly tennis and cricket.

What’s your favourite red meat meal?

Can’t beat a home-grown eye fillet steak.