He is one of dozens of the district’s producers reaping record profits from cattle sales after good rains and a dwindling Australian dollar.

This time last year Armidale was experiencing its worst drought in 141 years.

Store cows sold for a minimum 10c a kilo.

Now they are commanding up to $1.80 a kilo.

Armidale Livestock Exchange auctioneer Chris Williams confirmed renewed confidence among graziers.

“If we have more rain, the market should stay strong,” Mr Williams said on Monday.

While prices for mutton and prime lamb have also improved, Mr Williams said it was the record prices for cattle that was attracting hope among graziers.

Lightweight weaner steers were fetching $3.15 a kilo. That’s up from $1.80 this time last year.

“But the best improvements have been with the export manufacturing cattle,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Menkens runs 1100 head of cattle on his 800 hectare property Primley, in east Armidale.

He has stocked his property with Brangus-Charbray cross cattle driven from his property in North Queensland.

He intends keeping his cattle for up to 18 months in Armidale before sending them either to the feedlots at Inverell or the meatworks at Ipswich.