Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council.

Yarding 2486 Change -1173

Numbers fell by more than 1150 for a yarding of 2486 cattle. Quality was mixed, comprising of some very pens of heavy bullocks and cows, mixed quality grown heifers and an increased supply of plain conditioned cows, supported by small mixed lines of young cattle.

All regular operators and two live exporters along with one southern processor were active throughout. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to Georgetown and south to local and costal areas.

Demand for prime and feeder types improved this week, resulting in most categories improving in price with improved quality and some supply shortages in the south. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed lifted 30c to 55c, grown steers and heifers to the trade gained up to 35c, bullocks improved 20c to 40c and prime cows averaged 25c to 30c better.

A small offering of young cattle and feeders sold according to quality. Good quality vealer steers returning to the paddock reached 450c to average 385c, similar heifers to the paddock made 334c/kg. Yearling steers above 330kg to feed averaged 388c, selling to 408c, steers above 400kg to feed averaged 402c/kg. Light yearling heifers to the trade made from 290c to 348c/kg. Heifers above 330kg to feed averaged 332c to 348c, trade types averaged 348c, while heifers above 400kg to processors and feed both averaged 378c/kg.

Prime grown steers above 400kg to the trade ranged 376c to 386c, steers to feed made from 368c to 390c/kg. Heavy steers to processors topped at 390c to average 380c/kg. An improved offering of prime grown heifers to the trade sold from 330c to 372c/kg.

A good supply of heavy full mouthed bullocks to export slaughter topped at 396c, most sales from 360c to 386c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows to processors averaged 293c selling to 318c, 3 scores sold from 272c to 344c/kg. An increased supply of prime heavyweight cows averaged 338c, best cows topped at 348c. Heavy bulls to processors in pen lots made to 380c.

A very small offering of cows and calves sold to $1,300 per unit.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

To view full Charters Towers report on NLRS website click here