Numbers were up considerably compared to the first sale for 2017 which only produced 460 cattle.
Almost all of the cattle were sourced from local districts with the very hot conditions throughout the week making it almost impossible for the far western people to contemplate stock work.
There was one large consignment from the Coonamble district which consisted of 2, 4 and 6 tooth steers in forward condition. The balance of the yarding was a pretty good quality yarding with a good selection of prime cattle in most sections along with good numbers to suit the backgrounders and feeders. Ideal young cattle suitable for the restockers remain hard to find. Most of the regular buyers were operating with the exception of a major export processor and a couple of northern feedlot operators. Despite this the market was strong in most sections.
MLA market information advises young cattle to the trade were 8c to 10c dearer with the heifer vealers selling from 320c to 369c with the heavier weights over 330kgs averaging 336c/kg. Prime steer yearlings sold from 305c to 350c with the over 400kg steers averaging 335c/kg. The prime heifer yearlings sold from 295c to 336c/kg.
Young steers to the restockers sold from 345c to 389c while the young heifers going back to the paddock sold to 369c/kg. The restockers paid to 334c/kg for well bred Santa Gertrudis heifer yearlings in prime condition to be taken on as breeders.
Feeder steers were up to 15c dearer while the feeder heifers were 8c/kg dearer. The feeder steers sold from 299c to 364c with the large number over 400kg averaging 346c/kg. The feeder heifers sold from 270c to 334c with the large number of heavier weights here averaging 321c/kg.
Grown steers were 16c dearer with the prime medium and heavy weights selling from 274c to 323c with those weighing between 500kg and 600kg averaging 308c/kg. The large number of grown steers purchased by the feeders sold from 288c to 354c/kg. Grown heifers sold at firm to a little dearer rates selling from 265c to 309c with those over 540kg averaging 290c/kg.
Cows were up to 20c/kg dearer with solid support coming from Southern processors. 2 score cows sold from 180c to 225c while the better 3 and 4 scores sold from 218c to 254c with the large number of 4 score heavy weights averaging 244c/kg.
The bull market was cheaper than the 2016 levels with the better muscled heavy weight bulls selling from 230c to 260c with those over 600kg averaging 250c/kg. The restockers paid to 285c for yearling bulls.
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