Market Update: Yarding Numbers and Trends
Yarding: 2850 Change: -410
File pic of Dalrymple Saleyards. Image: Charters Towers Regional Council
Overview of the Sale
This week’s return to two sales saw a substantial 2850 cattle penned in a prime-only sale. The quality of the cattle was mixed, showcasing some well-finished bullocks and heifers alongside excellent pens of heavy cows. However, there was an increased supply of plainer conditioned cows.
Buyer Participation
The absence of southern processors, who had been active in recent months, resulted in a notable decrease in demand. Despite this, one live exporter and a feeder buyer remained active alongside regular Queensland-based processors.
Sourcing of Cattle
The cattle were sourced from areas ranging from Mt Isa to Chillagoe, and Georgetown down to the Belyando and local regions.
Price Analysis
Despite the reduced number of buyers, better quality heavy lines experienced improvements compared to last week. Conversely, plainer conditioned and secondary types saw limited demand and sold at reduced rates:
- Medium weight yearling heifers to feed increased by up to 22c.
- Heavy prime steers improved by 27c to 32c.
- Prime heifers rose by 9c.
- Heavy bullocks increased by 34c.
- Cow prices averaged between 5c to 18c better.
Weight-Based Pricing
The pricing structure per weight category is as follows:
- Yearling heifers above 330kg to feed: sold from 304c to 362c, with trade types averaging 338c.
- Heavy heifers above 400kg: reached up to 378c with averages between 349c to 366c/kg.
- Grown steers above 400kg for processors: averaged 374c, with premium samples selling at 420c multiple times, averaging 409c/kg.
- A good supply of prime grown heifers sold from 250c to 368c/kg.
- Heavy young bullocks for export slaughter topped at 429c, averaging 396c to 408c/kg.
- Lightweight cows for processors ranged from 120c to 298c, while restocker cows sold between 40c to 228c/kg.
- Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 287c, with 3 score cows averaging 332c to 341c/kg.
- Prime heavyweight cows topped at 368c, averaging between 346c to 359c/kg.
- Heavy bulls for processors made up to 342c/kg.
Conclusion
With fluctuations in quality and demand, the cattle market showcases ongoing variations. The current trends underline the importance of quality in influencing price and demand.
Market Reporter: Mick Kingham
To view the full Charters Towers report on the NLRS website click here.
