THE stronger markets throughout the week kept the numbers rolling in at Dubbo this week, with numbers lifting by 535 for a total of 5660 head.

It was a mixed yarding with a fair selection of well finished grown steers and a reasonable selection of ideal trade cattle. Cows with young calves were once again well represented though the cow quality was back.

There were large numbers of far western cattle most of which are showing the effects of the dry conditions. This included a large consignment of Angus cows in very plain condition from the Brewarrina district. A large percentage of the younger cattle yarded are being sold prematurely due to the dry conditions with a number of growers getting very short of water. Following the northern rains there was the return of a northern feeder operator along with additional restocker support from Blackall in Queensland and Moree in the north of NSW. All the regular processors were in attendance and operating.

NLRS advises young cattle to the trade were firm to 5c dearer with steer vealers selling from 304c to 312c while the heifer vealers sold from 294c to 323c/kg. Prime steer yearlings sold from 278c to 300c with the heavy weights over 400kg averaging 285c while the prime heifer yearlings sold from 260c to 286c/kg.

Feeder steers were 5c to 12c dearer while the feeder heifers were 10c to 20c/kg dearer due to the extra competition from the north. The feeder steers sold from 268c to 315c with the medium weights averaging 306c and the heavier weights over 400kg averaging 300c/kg. The feeder heifers sold from 245c to 298c with the medium weights weighing between 330kg and 400kg averaging 282c/kg.

Young cattle to the restockers sold to solid competition with the lightweight steer calves selling from 314c to 359c while the young heifers returning to the paddock sold from 268c to 314c/kg. The older steer yearlings going to the restockers and backgrounders sold from 280c to 324c/kg.

Grown steers commenced on a dearer note but lost a little momentum as the sale progressed finishing firm with the prime medium and heavy weights selling from 255c to 284c with the medium weights weighing between 500kg and 600kg averaging 277c/kg. Grown steers to the feeders were a little dearer selling from 260c to 301c/kg. Grown heifers were 10c to 15c dearer with the better shaped heifers selling from 250c to 267c/kg.

Cows to the processors were 1c to 4c dearer with the 2 scores selling from 150c to 185c while the better 3 and 4 score cows sold from 160c to 226c with the prime heavy weights averaging 215c/kg Cows to the restockers were cheaper with the plainer quality of the yarding having an effect. Cows to the restockers sold from 140c to 203c/kg.

Bulls were up to 12c dearer with the well-muscled prime heavy weights selling from 225c to 259c/kg. Good numbers of young bulls to the restockers were 8c dearer selling from 231c to 330c/kg.