Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council.

Yarding 1853 Change -633

Numbers this sale fell by a further 630 for a yarding of 1853 cattle. Quality was mixed consisting of more than 600 bullocks, while the supply of cows fell to under 350. Most of the regular buyer panel was in attendance and operating at rates softer than last sale. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to Georgetown, east to Ingham and south to the local area.

A reduced supply of young cattle saw averages firm on last sale with some better quality types selling to improved rates- particularly young heifers.  Yearling cattle to feed and trade sold according to quality with firm demand. Grown heifers to the trade slipped by 19c on the back of variable quality. A good supply of heavyweight bullocks were firm to 8c easier, medium weight cows averaged 10c to 13c lower in line with recent grid adjustments.

Good quality light vealer steers returning to the paddock averaged 406c,  selling to 416c, similar heifers to the trade sold to 344c, most around 310c. Suitable yearling steers to live export made 340c to 360c, steers above 330kg to feed sold from 346c to 388c, isolated sales to 416c/kg. A limited supply of yearling heifers above 330kg to the trade sold from 326c to 350c/kg, heifers to feed sold from 340c to 352c/kg. Grown steers above 400kg averaged 375c,trade types made from 346c to 382c/kg. A good supply of heavy grown steers to processors ranged from 370c to 380c/kg.

A good supply of heavyweight 4 score young bullocks topped at 384c, most sales 368c to 378c/kg. The smallest offering of cows for several months met firm demand despite reduction in price. Medium weights 3 scores generally sold from 302c to 326c, a good sample of prime heavyweight cows topped at 338c multiple times to average 321c to 331c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors reached 360c/kg.

A limited number of cows and calves sold to $1,450per unit.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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