Surge in Cattle Numbers at Roma Saleyards Boosts Market Activity

Yarding: 8433 Change: +5753

This week saw a notable surge in cattle numbers at Roma Saleyards, with over 8,400 head penned—more than double the figures from last week’s sale. The atmosphere in the laneways was electric as buyers, processors, and feedlotters actively engaged in bidding throughout the day.

Cattle were sourced from various local supply districts and regions, including Tambo, Winton, Longreach, as well as from Condobolin in New South Wales.

The quality of cattle across various categories remained robust, highlighted by a strong offering of high-quality weaner steers and heifers.

Highlights from the Sale

Fred and Ron Miller from North Kooringa presented a significant line of 431 Angus steers, averaging 469c/kg at 286kg, yielding a return of $1,341 per head. These EU-accredited steers were weaned in early April and are part of the Millers’ annual turnoff. Notably, two pens of Angus steers sold for 482c/kg at 291kg, netting $1,402 per head, while a heavier pen achieved 478c/kg at 321kg, returning $1,533 per head.

GDL Mitchell Livestock Agent Jason Belz with Lowan Hills Santa Gertrudis steers.

Lowan Hills Pastoral Company from Mitchell sold 70 Santa Gertrudis cross steers, averaging 449c/kg at 322kg, resulting in $1,445 per head. Two pens fetched a consistent 448c/kg at 331kg, returning $1,482 per head.

GDL Miles Agent Jack Hannah with the Curtis, Charbray cattle from ‘Scotland Downs’.

AJ & KA Curtis from Scotland Downs offered Charbray cross steers, averaging 403c/kg at 364kg, achieving $1,382 per head. One pen topped 428c/kg at 311kg, while another fetched 390c/kg at 372kg, earning $1,451 per head.

Freeman Pastoral Company, Meeleebee Downs, Hereford, Santa, Angus cross steers consigned through TopX.

A remarkable line of Hereford, Santa, and Angus cross steers from Freeman Pastoral Company averaged 369c/kg at 379kg, yielding $1,397 per head. Notably, one pen of Hereford steers reached 364c/kg at 531kg, fetching $1,934 per head.

Market Analysis

According to NLRS commentary, the roads have become more accessible, leading to a near quadrupling of cattle numbers at Roma, with agents yarding 8,433 head. Regular processors and feedlotters were competitively bidding on high-quality lines. The market strengthened for quality weaner steers and heifers, even though cows could not maintain levels from the last sale.

Key statistics include yearling steers under 200kg topping 468c/kg, while those from 200 to 280kg predominantly sold between 300c to 492c/kg for superior lines. Additionally, heifers showed a solid performance across the board, with yearlings in the 200 to 280kg range averaging 392c/kg.

Weekly Sale Summary

This week, a total of 8,433 head of cattle were consigned at Roma’s Store Sale. Notable sales highlighted include:

• Lowan Hills Pastoral Company: Santa Gertrudis cross steers to 488c/kg, averaging $1,427.
• FL & MR Miller: Angus steers to 482c/kg, averaging $1,341.
• Freeman Pastoral Company: Santa Gertrudis cross steers to 446c/kg, averaging $1,397.

Market Reporter: David Friend

To view the full NLRS report, click here.