Charters Towers Cattle Market Report
Yarding: 3260 | Change: +238
File pic of Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council
This week saw the return of a combined prime and store sale at the Charters Towers market, with a total of 3,260 head penned. The quality of cattle varied, with some excellent pens of heavy bullocks, two impressive lines of prime heifers, and mixed quality cows and northern bulls. The store cattle offered were predominantly small, mixed quality lines, alongside one substantial line of young weaned heifers.
The regular buyer panel was active once again, including a consistent feeder, a live exporter, and opportunistic restockers. Cattle were sourced from several regions including the northern gulf, Mt Isa to the coastline and down south to Belyando.
Market Dynamics
Demand for lesser quality and lighter weight animals was more subdued this week, resulting in lower values. However, yearlings to feed showed a slight increase, rising by 2 cents to reach 36 cents per kilogram. The improved quality of prime yearlings led to a 4-cent increase, now averaging 31 cents. Prime grown steers and heifers saw an increase of up to 14 cents, while bullocks eased by 5 cents and cows remained largely firm, with prices climbing by 4 cents.
A notable line of young heifers intended for restockers sold for an impressive 364 cents per kilogram. Yearling steers over 280 kg to backgrounders reached up to 376 cents, averaging 373 cents, while steers above 330 kg to feed averaged 353 cents, topping out at 368 cents. Heavy steers over 400 kg averaged 376 cents.
Medium weight yearling heifers to feed were noted at 366 cents, averaging 351 cents, with prime heifers averaging between 320 to 366 cents per kilogram. Additionally, heavy yearling heifers meant for processors saw prices peak at 386 cents, averaging between 367 to 379 cents per kilogram. Grown steers over 400 kg headed for live export averaged 337 cents, while steers sold to trade averaged 367 cents per kilogram. Prime grown steers exceeding 500 kg topped out at 398 cents, averaging 384 cents per kilogram. Prime grown heifers were sold at prices ranging from 278 to 368 cents per kilogram.
In summary, heavy young bullocks designated for export slaughter peaked at 420 cents, with good samples averaging 408 cents. Full-mouthed bullocks ranged from 348 to 396 cents per kilogram. Medium weight 2 score cows to processors averaged 295 cents, while 3 score cows reached 342 cents, averaging 327 cents per kilogram. Notably, a limited supply of prime heavyweight cows sold for 350 cents, averaging between 328 to 341 cents per kilogram. Heavy bulls for processors capped at 342 cents per kilogram.
Market Reporter: Mick Kingham
For the full Charters Towers report, please visit the NLRS website.
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