Dalby Cattle Market Report: New Financial Year Insights

Market Overview

Yarding: 4638 | Change: -688

The first sale of the new financial year in Dalby witnessed a reduction of 688 cattle, bringing the total yarding down to 4,638 head. Attendance from export buyers was robust, with southern exporters again leading the charge for bullocks and cows. Approximately 1,200 cows were penning, with more than half being purchased by southern exporters. While a fair panel of feed and trade buyers was present, some regulars were notably absent this week.

Price Movements

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock saw a recovery of 10c to 19c/kg over the previous week’s losses, while those intended for feed averaged an increase of 9c to 12c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers also bounced back with improved quality leading to better prices. Heavy weight yearling heifers are on a rising trend, improving by 12c/kg. Competition remained strong for bullocks, with heavy grown heifers also showing a dearer trend. Cow prices continued their upward trajectory, averaging 3c to 5c/kg higher.

Detailed Price Breakdown

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made 474c and averaged between 394c and 424c/kg. Yearling steers directed toward the domestic market reached a high of 440c, averaging between 389c and 414c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers topped at 453c and averaged 390c, while over 480kg lines reached 395c/kg.

Yearling heifers prepared for restocking saw maximum bids of 356c, averaging between 316c and 324c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers destined for feed peaked at 382c, averaging from 325c to 342c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers reached 396c, averaging 342c/kg.

Bullocks made it to a maximum of 396c, averaging 366c/kg. Heavy weight grown heifers went for as high as 380c, averaging 358c/kg. Meanwhile, plain condition medium weight cows sold for about 260c, averaging 257c/kg. Heavy weight PTIC cows attracted bids up to 323c/kg, with some returning $2,094 per head.

Heavy weight 3 score cows to processors averaged 296c, and top-quality heavy weight cows reached 344c, averaging 319c/kg. Heavy weight bulls were sold up to 332c/kg.

Market Insights from Trevor Hess

Market Reporter: Trevor Hess

For the complete NLRS report, click here

Upcoming Sales

AGENTS DRAW FOR NEXT SALE: Visit the Dalby Regional Saleyards site for the agents draw for upcoming sales.

Grant Daniel Long Report

In Dalby this week, yarding decreased while heavy export cattle remained solid. Light restocker cattle noticeably increased, indicating rising demand for feeder cattle, particularly in the 400-500kg range, where prices were up by 5c to 7c/kg.

Prime Quotes

Heifers up to 400kg – 296c/kg, 328c/kg, 312c/kg
Heifers over 400kg – 284c/kg, 380c/kg, 338c/kg
Cows 400kg to 500kg – 238c/kg, 295c/kg, 260c/kg
Cows over 500kg – 278c/kg, 344c/kg, 319c/kg
Steers & bullocks up to 500kg – 330c/kg, 370c/kg, 347c/kg
Steers & bullocks over 500kg – 305c/kg, 384c/kg, 363c/kg

Store & Feeder Quotes

Steers up to 200kg – 330c/kg, 428c/kg, 388c/kg
Steers 200kg to 280kg – 240c/kg, 474c/kg, 423c/kg
Steers 280kg to 330kg – 310c/kg, 440c/kg, 414c/kg
Steers 330kg to 400kg – 354c/kg, 410c/kg, 386c/kg
Feeder steers over 400kg – 336c/kg, 426c/kg, 384c/kg
Heifers up to 200kg – 251c/kg, 296c/kg, 282c/kg
Heifers 200kg to 280kg – 284c/kg, 344c/kg, 325c/kg
Heifers 280kg to 330kg – 228c/kg, 382c/kg, 342c/kg
Heifers 330kg to 400kg – 296c/kg, 382c/kg, 337c/kg
Feeder heifers over 400kg – 320c/kg, 396c/kg, 345c/kg
Feeder/Boat Bulls – 296c/kg, 333c/kg, 304c/kg
Slaughter Bulls – 271c/kg, 328c/kg, 305c/kg

Sale Highlights

A notable sale was the Charbray Bulls from Welsh Cattle Co of Taroom, fetching 332.2c/kg for 906kg, totaling $3009. Similarly, Charbray Cows sold by Wattlebray Charbrays to processors reached 341.2c/kg, weighing 673.3kg for $2297. Further, Charolais X Heifers from Lawton & Lawton P/L of Meandarra sold for 374.2c/kg at 574.5kg, netting $2149.

Additionally, Angus Heifers marketed by AR & KD Mills of Boggabilla fetched 396.2c/kg at 429kg, amounting to $1699. Angus X Steers from JT & KL Brennan of Leyburn made 402.2c/kg at 334kg, totaling $1344. Lastly, Limousin X Ylg Steers from GC & WK Motley attracted bids of 438.2c/kg at 332kg, netting $1455.