Yarding 6320 Change 2860

Whilst most sections were a little cheaper it was a much better market than most predicted with the large numbers of weaners and cows selling to pretty solid competition.

As the drought tightens its grip the large numbers start rolling in once again with a yarding of 6320 that number up by almost 2900. Cows and young weaner cattle made up the bulk of the yarding as growers continue to suffer from the lack of feed and water. There are some reports of some growers making the hard decision to totally destock. There were odd pens of well finished cattle mixed throughout which were mostly grain assisted. There were large numbers of cattle sourced from the Warren and Nyngan districts along with some large consignments of weaners and cows from far western district properties including some from South Australia. Most of the regular feeder and processor buyers were operating along with additional restocker support for cows and weaners from northern Queensland buyers and buyers from the Forbes district.

NLRS advises the young cattle to the trade were around firm with prime steer yearlings selling from 260c to 281c while the prime heifer yearlings sold from 228c to 260c/kg.

Medium weight feeder steers were firm while the balance of the feeder steers were 12c to 14c/kg cheaper with the quality of those available not to the standard of the previous sale. The feeder heifers finished 5c/kg cheaper. Feeder steers sold from 218c to 276c with most averaging 251c/kg. The feeder heifers sold from 180c to 265c with the lightweights averaging 231c while the medium and heavy weights averaged 224c/kg.

The best of the young cattle to the restockers were firm most though were 5c to 10c/kg cheaper. Restocker steers sold from 150c to 284c with the large number of lightweights averaging 250c while the heavier weight steers weighing over 280kg averaging 244c/kg. The restocker heifers sold from 100c to 228c with most categories averaging 212c or 204c for the calves weighing between 200kg and 280kg.

Grown steers were 2c to 4c cheaper with the prime medium and heavy weights selling from 228c to 271c/kg. Grown steers to the feeders sold from 233c to 276c while some grown steers in plain condition sold to the restockers ranging in price from 140c to 220c/kg. Grown heifers were close to firm with the better types selling from 237c to 250c/kg. Large numbers of grown heifers which were mostly pregnancy tested empty and presenting in plain condition sold to the restockers from 100c to 210c/kg.

Most grades of cows were firm to 2c cheaper with the 1 and 2 scores to the processors selling from 56c to 179c while the better 3 and 4 scores sold from 157c to 216c with the prime heavy weights averaging 198c/kg. Large numbers of cows to the restockers were a little dearer with the extra northern competition putting a little extra life into the sale. Cows to the restockers sold from 80c to 175c with the medium weights averaging 148c/kg.

Bulls to the processors were 4c dearer with the better muscled heavy weights in good condition selling from 208c to 232c/kg.  With the far western consignments there were large numbers of young bulls which sold to the restockers ranging in price from 139c to 215c/kg.

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