Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council.

Yarding 2746 Change +233

Despite some useful storms across the supply area, numbers increased by 230 head to 2746 cattle. Quality was very mixed comprising of some good grain assisted prime steers and cows, similar numbers of northern bulls and several mixed lines of younger lighter weight steers and heifers. The regular buyer panel was in attendance, supported by three live exporters and opportunity restockers. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to the east coast and the local area.

Robust competition for prime cattle resulted in most categories improving in price however there were quality related price changes. Demand for feeders was very strong, however buyer interest on lightweight heifers was soft. Good quality medium weight yearling steers and heifers to feed were firm to 7c dearer, trade heifers lifted 40c, grown steers to processors increased by up to 44c, grown heifers improved 26c, bullocks rose 10c to 45c, prime cows were firm to 17c better and heavy bulls averaged up to 23c higher.

Light vealer steers to restockers averaged 432c, selling to 462c, best quality types reached 472c to average 448c/kg. Good vealer heifers to processors made from 300c to 428c/kg. Light yearling steers to restockers made from 350c to 466c, medium weights sold from 410c to 464c/kg. Yearling steers above 400kg to feed averaged 458c/kg and grain assisted steers to the trade made 454c/kg. Light yearling heifers to backgrounders reached 404c to average 351c, heifers above 330kg sold to 450c to average 443c and feeder heifers sold from 414c to 446c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to the trade made 456c/kg. Grown steers above 400kg to feed averaged 461c, trade types sold from 440c to 474c/kg. Heavy grain assisted steers to processors sold from 470c to 476c/kg.

Heavy full mouthed bullocks to export slaughter made from 430c to 478c/kg. A smaller offering of cows met strong demand throughout. Medium weight 3 score cows sold from 328c to 390c to average 380c, prime heavyweight cows topped at 418c to average 413c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors reached 418c/kg.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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