Weekly Cattle Market Report

Yarding: 3424 Change: +469

In persistently hot and humid conditions, isolated storms have occurred across the northern regions, resulting in an increase of 469 head for a total yarding of 3424 cattle. The quality was variable, featuring some prime grown steers, over 1000 cows, and more than 300 bulls, alongside smaller batches of younger cattle. All regular processors were present, along with one live exporter, regular feeders, and opportunity restockers. The cattle were sourced from Normanton and Georgetown in the north, extending to Julia Creek in local and coastal areas.

Market Performance Highlights

Demand for young cattle remained robust, particularly for high-quality types. However, medium weights intended for feed and trade saw a decline of 15c to 45c/kg. Most prime categories also dipped compared to last week, except for medium weight steers for trade and the top heavyweight grown steers. Yearling steers designated for feed decreased by 25c, while medium weight heifers plummeted by 35c. Bullocks remained steady to 15c lower, with medium cows averaging a decrease of 26c to 30c.

Pricing Overview

Vealer steers returning to grass averaged 447c, while similar heifers averaged 363c/kg. Heifers directed to processors averaged between 360c and 382c/kg. Light yearling steers fetched prices up to 452c, with those weighing over 280kg selling between 358c and 430c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers designated for feed sold for 386c to 422c, while medium trade steers averaged 412c/kg. Heavy yearling steers for trade attained prices up to 468c/kg.

A sample of medium weight yearling heifers for feed sold for between 392c and averaged 354c to 383c, while heifers for trade averaged 369c/kg. Heifers above 400kg sold from 360c to 408c/kg.

For grown steers above 400kg destined for feed, the figures were 412c, averaging at 408c, whereas processor types averaged 419c/kg. Heavy grown steers above 500kg sold to processors, averaging between 432c and 439c, with a substantial sample of 4 score heavyweight steers peaking at 468c and averaging 462c/kg.

Export and Processor Insights

A limited number of full-mouthed bullocks for export slaughter reached a peak of 474c, averaging 466c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows aimed at processors made from 240c to 384c, averaging 309c, while 3 score cows fetched prices around 380c, averaging between 350c and 370c/kg. Prime heavyweight cows topped at 412c, mostly ranging from 350c to 384c/kg. Medium bulls earmarked for live export sold between 370c and 408c/kg, whereas heavy bulls secured prices around 380c/kg.

Mixed Quality Cows and Calves

A notable number of mixed quality cows with calves sold at prices ranging from $1400 to $1550 per unit.

Market Reporter: Mick Kingham

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