Weekly Cattle Market Update: Dubbo Sale Yards

Market Overview

Yarding: 7880 Change: -160

Another week with hot, dry conditions has led to a substantial yarding of approximately 7,880 cattle. Persisting challenges with feed and water have prompted many growers to off-load their livestock, resulting in an influx of cows alongside their weaner calves. Though there were a few pens of yearlings suitable for feeders, the selection of well-finished grown steers and heifers remained limited. Regular buyers were not all present, and market fluctuations were evident.

Cattle Prices

Young Cattle: Prices for young cattle destined for trade have seen a decline, with prime vealers and yearlings trading between 370c to 425c/kg. In contrast, feeder steers and lightweight feeder heifers exhibited resilience, finishing 3c to 7c higher, although heavier feeder heifers dropped by as much as 12c/kg. Feeder steers ranged from 410c to 513c, while feeder heifers fell between 388c to 447c/kg. Restocker and backgrounder young cattle also performed well, with young steers reaching up to 525c and young heifers hitting 460c/kg.

Grown Cattle Market

Grown Steers and Heifers: Prices have dipped by 20c to 30c, with prime grown steers trading from 372c to 440c/kg, and prime grown heifers from 395c to 424c/kg. Secondary cows remained stable, yet prime heavyweight cows saw a decline of about 15c/kg, with 2 and 3 score cows selling between 260c to 380c/kg. Prime heavyweight cows averaged around 380c/kg, fetching prices of 360c to 395c. Cows appealing to restockers were priced from 228c to 362c/kg, while heavy bulls shed 8c, selling at 398c/kg.

Conclusion

Overall, the Dubbo sale yards continue to face a challenging environment marked by fluctuating prices and an increasing number of cattle being offloaded due to persistent drought conditions. Operators in the market must remain vigilant as conditions evolve.

Source: NLRS. For a comprehensive NLRS Dubbo sale report, click here.