Total national cattle throughput was 16% higher this week, as most markets across the eastern states yarded larger numbers, with reduced rain across supply areas.

Cattle supply at Roma store returned to normal levels, yarding 38pc more numbers, helping to lift consignments across Queensland by 29pc week-on-week. Throughput in NSW increased 31pc, as Inverell saw numbers rise 64pc, while yardings at Forbes almost doubled from last week. Cattle supply across Victoria reduced slightly, down 10pc, assisted by lower consignments at Camperdown and Shepparton, down 36pc and 17pc, respectively, while SA saw numbers lift 3pc. WA’s Muchea market dropped 24% on last week, and Tasmania’s Killafaddy increased 40pc.

Quality across most markets saw mostly plainer conditioned lines come forward, with good numbers of supplementary fed cattle still available in places. The regular buyers were present at the majority of sales for a generally firm market, yet cheaper in places. Feeder buyers at SA LE bid strongly on suitable lightweight steers, and Roma store saw solid restocker interest on the better quality lines of lightweight yearling steers. Numbers of crop assisted cattle were also in good supply, reported at sales across NSW.

At the close of Tuesday’s markets the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) increased 3.75¢ week-on-week, settling on 326.75¢/kg cwt. Trade steers were 3¢ cheaper on 192¢, while medium steers averaged 178¢, to be 8¢ dearer. Feeder steers increased 4¢ on 187¢, and heavy steers improved 2¢, to average 182¢/kg. Medium cows were unchanged on 127¢/kg.

Source: MLA