Weekly Cattle Sales Roundup: Roma Yards Salient Trends

Yarding: 9631 Change: +1229

This week’s cattle market at Roma saw a notable increase, with over 9,600 head of cattle yarded. The yarding boasted quality runs of weaner steers and heifers, attracting several competitive buyers including processors, feedlotters, and backgrounders.

Market Highlights

The sale featured an array of seasonal weaners, highlighted by a robust penning of heifers. Cattle came from various locations, including the local Maranoa supply district, alongside offerings from Mount Isa in north Queensland and Broken Hill in southern New South Wales.

Vendor Insights

Jean Walsh of Injune showcased a run of Santa Gertrudis cross steers and heifers at the sale, obtaining impressive returns. Operating from ‘Wilgalands,’ Walsh reported an outstanding average of 515c/kg for her first-cross Santa Gertrudis steers, weighing 309kg, resulting in a return of $1,593/hd.

Furthermore, heavier steers fetched 500c/kg at a weight of 401kg, returning $2,006/hd.

Mulga Ag steers

Mulga Ag Company, based in Bollon, reported a successful offloading of Angus cross steers averaging 538c/kg at 251kg, yielding a return of $1,339/hd. Notably, a pen of Angus cross steers achieved a price of 566c/kg for a weight of 214kg, amounting to $1,211/hd.

NLRS Commentary

The NLRS highlighted the consistently strong competition among regular processors, lot feeders, and backgrounders. Despite a significant number of light-weight weaner steers and heifers, some categories, especially cows, showed a slight decrease in levels compared to previous sales.

Yearling steers under 200kg topped at 528c/kg, while more heavy weight categories exhibited steady prices. Grown steers over 600kg fetched 429c/kg, signaling market fluctuations across various grades.

Weekly Roma Store Press Report

A total of 9,631 head of cattle were consigned at Roma’s Store Sale on Tuesday. The sale saw strong competition for both weaner steers and heifers across weight categories.

Key Sales Examples:

• RL & LA McQueen, Strathfillan Station, Winton sold Charolais cross steers to 530c/kg, averaging $1,435.
• Jean Walsh, Wilgalands, Roma sold Santa Gertrudis cross steers to 528c/kg, averaging $1,593.
• Joel Henney, Maranda, Barcaldine sold Simmental cross steers to 524c/kg, averaging $1,500.

Overall, the market reflects a robust demand amidst varying price trends across different cattle categories, suggesting a dynamic landscape for cattle vendors and buyers alike.

Market Reporter: David Friend

For a full NLRS report, click here