Yarding 2750 Change -100

File pic of Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council

Isolated storms across the supply area reduced numbers to 2750 in a combined prime and store sale. Quality was mixed with fewer heavy bullocks, a smaller offering of heifers more than 1300 cows-many in plain condition, and over 300 bulls. Buyer attendance was good, including one southern processor, regular feeder and one live exporter, supported by western restockers. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to Chillagoe and south to the Belyando and local area.

Most categories had improved in price from strong demand, however there were some quality related price decreases. Prime steers lifted 15c, prime heifers rose up to 38c, bullocks were firm and prime cows averaged 24c to 35c higher.

Good quality young steers returning to grass sold to and averaged 426c, similar heifers also returning to the paddock reached 328c to average 304c/kg. Light yearling steers to background averaged 391c, medium weight yearling steers to live export sold from 340c to 394c/kg. Yearling steers above 480kg to processors reached 398c/kg. Medium weight heifers to the trade sold from 338c to 390c/kg. Prime grown steers above 400kg made from 328c to 402c. A good sample of heavy grown steers to processors reached 430c averaging 388c to 414c/kg. Prime grown heifers made to 388c to average 375c/kg.

A reduced number of heavy bullocks to export slaughter topped at 418c, most selling from 340c to 414c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 314c selling to 348c, 3 score cows to processors reached 384c to average 356c. A good number of prime heavyweight 3 and 4score cows topped at 390c to average 379c to 388c/kg.  Medium weight bulls to live export sold from 326c to 365c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made to 356c/kg.

A small number of cows and calves sold to $1,200 per unit.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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