Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council.

Yarding 3635 Change +1018

Numbers lifted by more than 1000 for a yarding of 3635 cattle. Quality was very mixed with fewer numbers of well finished heavy pens and an increased supply of store cows and northern bulls, supported by mixed lines of young cattle. Additional processor attendance including two southern operators added competition to all categories. Cattle were drawn from Burketown to Croydon and south to the local area.

Improved feeder and processor demand resulted in price improvements on most categories. Lightweight steers and heifers showing effects of the season eased 20c to 40c. Medium weight yearling steers to feed rose 9c to 20c, while good numbers of steers above 400kg to feed lifted 24c/kg. Good quality yearling heifers to feed lifted 56c,bullocks were up to 29c better, prime cows averaged 14c to 24c higher.

Good quality vealer steers returning to the paddock sold from 354c to 418c, to average 381c, similar heifers to processors made 320c to 350c/kg. Yearling steers above 280 kg to feed averaged 372c, steers above 330kg to feed sold from 326c to 442c and steers above 400kg to feed reached 414c to average 400c/kg. Heavy trade steers made from 384c to 398c/kg. Good quality medium weight heifers to feed reached 400c to average 387c/kg. Grown steers above 400kg to the trade made from 370c to 388c, heavy grown steers to processors sold to 388c to average 382c/kg. Solid demand for a good supply of prime grown heifers made from 330c to 392c/kg.

Mixed quality heavy full mouthed bullocks to export slaughter topped at 404c, most sales from350c to 386c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows averaged 346c selling to 372c, prime heavyweight cows topped at 382c to average 363c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors reached 370c/kg.

A small number of good quality cows and calves sold to $1,910 per unit.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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