Weekly Cattle Market Report: Significant Yardings at Dubbo Sale Yards

Market Overview

The latest yarding numbers at Dubbo show approximately 8500 cattle, marking an increase of 800 from the previous week. This week saw a significant presence of cows accompanied by their young calves as producers are compelled to sell due to ongoing drying conditions. Additionally, there was a variety of prime cattle across all classes, alongside a healthy supply of young cattle intended for feeders.

<h2>Price Analysis</h2>
<p>
    The prices for young cattle showed a slight uptick, with prime yearlings trading between <strong>444c</strong> to <strong>504c</strong> per kilogram, reflecting a <strong>10c</strong> gain. Feeder steers varied, selling from <strong>440c</strong> to <strong>522c</strong>, while lightweight feeder heifers were down by <strong>6c</strong> to <strong>12c</strong> per kilogram. Heavier feeder heifers gained <strong>10c</strong>, reaching prices between <strong>365c</strong> and <strong>476c</strong> per kilogram.
</p>
<p>
    Conversely, young cattle directed towards restockers saw a decline of <strong>30c</strong> to <strong>50c</strong>. With rising freight costs attributed to higher fuel prices affecting market dynamics, young steers fetched up to <strong>570c</strong>, while young heifers commanded <strong>454c</strong> per kilogram—average prices now significantly lower than previous sales.
</p>

<h2>Cattle Classification and Pricing Trends</h2>
<p>
    Grown steers and heifers remained stable, with prime grown steers selling for <strong>426c</strong> to <strong>488c</strong>, and prime grown heifers achieving prices between <strong>435c</strong> and <strong>475c</strong> per kilogram. However, cows experienced a price drop of <strong>15c</strong> to <strong>18c</strong>, with 2 and 3 scores for processors moving at <strong>220c</strong> to <strong>380c</strong> per kilogram. Prime heavyweight cows recorded an average of <strong>385c</strong> per kilogram, selling between <strong>368c</strong> and <strong>398c</strong>, while cows sold to restockers ranged from <strong>150c</strong> to <strong>422c</strong> per kilogram, and heavy bulls peaked at <strong>442c</strong> per kilogram.
</p>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
    The Dubbo sale yard's latest figures reflect the ongoing adjustments in response to environmental conditions and market factors. The fluctuation in cattle prices, particularly for young stock, indicates the significant impact of external elements like freight costs. 
</p>
<p><em>Report by David Monk</em></p>
<p><em>Source: NLRS. To view the full NLRS Dubbo sale report, <a href="https://www.mla.com.au/prices-markets/cattlephysicalreport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.</em></p>