Gunnedah Livestock Market Update: Increased Numbers and Mixed Results

File image: Selling action at the Gunnedah Saleyards.

Market Overview

Yarding: 6,400 | Change: +550

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in yarding numbers in Gunnedah, with a total of 6,400 cattle scanned, reflecting a rise of 550 from previous counts. The quality of the cattle presented was fair overall, particularly noted for a large offering of cows amid a generally cheaper market scenario. Young cattle available to the trade have shown an improvement in quality, although competition for store cows intended for pasture return was notably limited.

Younger Cattle Prices

The market for young cattle directed at the trade was robust. Steers sold for prices ranging from 405c to 515c/kg, while heifers attracted prices between 370c and 474c/kg. In contrast, the feeder cattle market experienced a decline, with steers fetching between 374c and 510c/kg and feeder heifers ranging from 380c to 430c/kg. Categories intended for restockers also saw significant reductions; steers were priced between 376c and 522c/kg, while heifers were available for between 320c and 418c/kg.

Prime Grown Cattle Trends

Interestingly, the price for prime grown cattle intended for processors showed some positivity, with prices reaching up to 416c for grown steers and 390c/kg for prime heifers. Conversely, the prices for cows dipped by 15 to 20c, with 2 and 3 score cows selling between 246c and 331c/kg. Prime heavy-weight cows fetched between 340c and 369c/kg, averaging around 358c/kg. Cows intended for pasture return were priced from 246c to 334c/kg, while bulls peaked at 376c/kg.

Source: Hamish Hosegood, MLA Gunnedah