Market Update: Dalby Cattle Auction Report

Yarding Overview

Total Yarded: 5380 head Change: +791

In an encouraging turn of events, Dalby Agents reported a slight increase in cattle numbers with a total of 5380 head yarded. This included 784 from far Western Queensland and 267 from New South Wales. All regular buyers were in attendance and actively participating. The lineup showcased quality vendor-bred cattle, leading to a stronger market overall, except for plainer conditioned cows.

Yearling Cattle Performance

Steers

Yearling steers in the weight categories were as follows:

• 200 to 280kg: Topped at 590c/kg to restockers.
• 280 to 330kg: Sold between 350c to 556c/kg.
• 330 to 400kg: Sold from 310c to 560c/kg.
• 400 to 480kg: Sold at 524c/kg, averaging 506c/kg.
• Over 480kg: Reached 498c/kg to Lot Feeders.

Heifers

Yearling heifers performed as follows:

• Under 200kg: Sold to 372c/kg.
• 280 to 330kg: Topped at 466c/kg.
• 330 to 400kg: Made it to 492c/kg.
• 400 to 480kg: Also reached 492c/kg to Lot Feeders.
• Over 480kg: Sold to 466c/kg for processors.

Grown Cattle Update

– Grown Steers (400-500kg): 524c/kg to Lot Feeders.
– Grown Steers (500-600kg): 498c/kg.
– Bullocks (over 600kg): 470c/kg, averaging 429c/kg.
– Grown Heifers (over 540kg): 470c to restockers.

Cow and Bull Performance

A high-quality yarding of prime conditioned cows was noted:

• 3 score over 520kg topped at 426c/kg, slightly up from the previous sale.
• Plainer cows struggled to maintain last sale levels; 2 score cows (400-520kg) reached 348c/kg.
• Bulls (450 to 600kg) sold for 580c/kg, while bulls over 600kg reached 466c/kg.

Market Insights from David Friend

The Dalby market saw competitive bidding, reflecting a trend toward stronger prices. Regular buyers remain engaged with both fat and feeder cattle seeing price increases, notably $0.10 – $0.20 across various categories.

Price Breakdown

Prime Quotes

Heifers:

• Up to 400kg: 340c/kg, 462.2c/kg, 437c/kg
• Over 400kg: 372.2c/kg, 470.2c/kg, 455c/kg

Cows:

• Up to 400kg: 240c/kg, 320c/kg, 295c/kg
• 400kg to 500kg: 240c/kg, 395c/kg, 389c/kg
• Over 500kg: 250c/kg, 426.2c/kg, 396c/kg

Steers & Bullocks:

• Up to 500kg: 330c/kg, 450c/kg, 415c/kg
• Over 500kg: 380c/kg, 470c/kg, 434c/kg

Store & Feeder Quotes

Detailed pricing varies with competitive demand for both steers and heifers:

• Steers (under 200kg): Prices varying.
• 280kg to 330kg: 370.2c/kg, 530c/kg, 472c/kg.
• Heifer pricing also varied widely within categories.

Highlights of the Sale

– Angus bulls by Talwood Station: 430c/kg, 990kg, $4257.
– Limousin cows by DA & JD Evans: 426.2c/kg, 675kg, $2876.
– Santa Gertrudis X heifers by Waluca Farming: 460c/kg, 657kg, $3025.
– Angus X steers by Dunfore Farming: 470.2c/kg, 519kg, $2441.

For more details, view the full NLRS report here.

For the agents’ draw for the upcoming sale, visit Dalby Regional Saleyards site.

Report Prepared By: Grant Daniel Long

This report reflects a good outcome for sellers in Dalby with significantly stronger trends across the market, particularly in the feeder segment.