Dalby Cattle Market Report – Year-End Insights

Market Overview

Yarding: 7146 Change: -621

The final cattle sale of 2023 at Dalby witnessed a substantial yarding of 7146 head, a decrease of 621 head compared to the previous week. This represents the largest end-of-year sale in five years, highlighting a robust market scenario. Notably, cow numbers rose to 1373, complemented by 371 bulls, while females remained a significant part of the yarding.

Buyer Activity and Price Trends

Despite strong demand from regular feed and trade buyers, export buyer attendance declined compared to previous weeks. Prices experienced some fluctuations, with well-bred offerings continuing to attract strong interest; however, lesser quality cattle saw a noticeable price drop across all categories. Cows succumbed to a pricing reduction ranging from 4c to 10c/kg.

Lightweight yearling steers heading back to pasture sold for up to 574c, averaging 525c/kg, while poorer quality lines fetched 424c/kg. Yearling steers heading for domestic markets reached 578c/kg, averaging 501c to 510c/kg. Heavyweight yearling steers were noted at 536c, with an average of 492c/kg.

Detailed Price Breakdown

Lightweight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged between 427c to 428c, with top sales at 472c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers for feeding averaged 408c to 435c, reaching a peak of 470c/kg. Heavyweight yearling heifers showed strong sales at a maximum of 483c, averaging 426c/kg.

Heavy grown steers achieved pricing up to 442c, averaging 435c/kg. Bullocks scored 449c on average. PTIC cows designated for restockers sold for 393c, averaging 366c/kg. The medium weight 2 score cows were at 365c, averaging 352c/kg, while heavy weight 3 score cows averaged around 382c, with the best making it to 410c/kg. Heavy bulls saw sales up to 420c/kg, and around 335 calves were auctioned, with the best fetching $1,010/head.

Looking Ahead

Dalby resumes its cattle sales on January 7, 2026, and we encourage stakeholders to stay informed on market developments.

Market Reporter: Trevor Hess

For a comprehensive NLRS report, click here

AGENTS DRAW NEXT SALE: For the agent list for the upcoming sale, visit the Dalby Regional Saleyards site.

Grant Daniel Long Report Highlights

Today’s yarding at Dalby showcased a healthy market for feeder and restocker cattle, while fat cattle observed a dip of 5-10c. Despite some softening in secondary cattle prices, the overall quality at the yard was commendable, with all regular buyers participating.

We extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We eagerly anticipate working with you again in 2026.

Prime Price Quotes

Heifers up to 400kg: 340c/kg, 392c/kg, 374c/kg
Heifers over 400kg: 400c/kg, 410c/kg, 403c/kg
Cows up to 400kg: 240c/kg, 332c/kg, 300c/kg
Cows 400kg to 500kg: 348c/kg, 393c/kg, 365c/kg
Cows over 500kg: 385c/kg, 410c/kg, 396c/kg

Store & Feeder Price Quotes

Steers under 200kg: 453c/kg, 552c/kg, 523c/kg
Steers 200kg to 280kg: 462c/kg, 574c/kg, 525c/kg
Steers 280kg to 330kg: 460c/kg, 578c/kg, 513c/kg
Steers 330kg to 400kg: 450c/kg, 526c/kg, 500c/kg
Feeder steers over 400kg: 448c/kg, 536c/kg, 492c/kg
Heifers under 200kg: 0c/kg
Heifers 200kg to 280kg: 362c/kg, 472c/kg, 428c/kg
Heifers 280kg to 330kg: 400c/kg, 458c/kg, 427c/kg
Heifers 330kg to 400kg: 370c/kg, 470c/kg, 435c/kg
Feeder heifers over 400kg: 366c/kg, 483c/kg, 426c/kg
Feeder/Boat Bulls: 332c/kg, 438c/kg, 407c/kg
Slaughter Bulls: 360c/kg, 420c/kg, 384c/kg

Notable Sales Highlights

Several prominent sales were recorded:

• Droughtmaster bull sold by MC & WJ McCarthy for 420c/kg, 1000kg, totaling $4200.
• Santa Gertrudis cows sold by C & D Gauld for 400c/kg, 717kg, totaling $2870.
• Droughtmaster X heifers sold by MC & WJ McCarthy for 412.2c/kg, 511kg, totaling $2106.
• Angus X steers sold by Bauhinia Pastoral Co for 449.2c/kg, 587kg, totaling $2640.
• Charolais X heifers by DK & CF Hogan for 483.2c/kg, 366kg, totaling $1772.
• Angus X steers by Deep Creek Grazing for 504.2c/kg, 425kg, totaling $2142.
• Droughtmaster X yearling steers by Trousdell Grazing for 536.2c/kg, 285kg, totaling $1528.
• Santa Gertrudis X yearling heifers by B & DC Groves for 462.2c/kg, 247kg, totaling $1143.