Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council.

Yarding 3120 Change -190

Numbers eased slightly for a yarding of 3120 cattle. Quality was very mixed comprising of fewer heavy prime bullocks and cows and a large supply of northern bulls. Some very good quality lines of young cattle were penned. All regular processors were in attendance and operating, supported by one additional feeder and opportunity backgrounders. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to Normanton and south to the local area.

Recent forecasts of rain across many areas resulted in very strong demand on all classes, with quality related prices changes. Yearling steers to feed were 13c to 26c higher, yearling heifers lifted 6c, grown steers to the trade lifted up to 30c, grown heifers lifted 14c, heavy bullocks went against the trend slipping 15c to 30c on the back of quality and cows improved by up to 15c/kg.

Good quality weaned vealer steers to backgrounders sold to 474c to average 445c to 460c, heifers made from 288c to 348c returning to grass. Medium weight yearling steers to feed mostly sold from 440c to 450c and yearling steers above 400kg to feed sold from 424c to 450c, trade types made 462c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers were well supported lifting 6c selling from 344c to 380c/kg. Yearling heifers above 400kg to the trade sold to 406c, feeder types made 402c/kg. Grown steers above 400kg to processors sold from 378c to 444c, heavy grown steers above 500kg made from 428c to 446c/kg. A much smaller offering of grown heifers to processors made from 366c to 398c/kg.

Some good lines of heavy full mouthed bullocks to export slaughter topped at 448c, most sales 416c to 444c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows averaged 360c, selling from 316c to 376c/kg. Some isolated pens of prime heavyweight cows topped at 390c most sales 364c to 376c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors sold to 382c/kg.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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