In the sweltering autumn weather, a larger yarding of 6000 head was offered. Cattle prices decelerated as processors and feedlots operated at notably lower levels. All regular buyers were in attendance ad active. Quality ranged from fair to good, with notable lines of well-bred steers and heifers. Fewer cattle under 500kg suited domestic processors, causing price distortions.

The cow market experienced the most significant decline, with heavy cows dropping by 40c to 45c, while leaner grades faced corrections of 50c to 70c/kg, fetching prices from 208c to 227c/kg. Heavy export steers and bullocks tumbled by 22c to 28c/kg, but additional buying orders before lunch steadied the market. Prices for heavy steers and bullocks ranged between 214c to 312c/kg. It’s worth noting that despite being well finished, steers with horns were severely discounted by processors. Prices of heavy feed steers 500 to 600kg slightly improved but remained 22c cheaper.

Feeder steers across all categories slipped by 40c to 60c, with lighter weights experiencing the most significant declines and showing substantial price variance. Medium-weight steers sold between 245c to 344c/kg, averaging $1354/head. Feeder heifers also felt the impact of the cheaper trend, slipping by 40c to 57c/kg, with lighter weights averaging $850. Light-weight weaner steers sold 20c cheaper, but on average, buyers picked up good steers between $700 and $800/head, with few exceeding this range.

Market reporter: Leanne Dax