Dalby Cattle Market Report: A Surge in Yarding

Yarding: 6226 Change: +3932

The recent spell of fine weather and the return to a regular working week significantly lifted cattle numbers at Dalby, increasing by 3,932 head to a total of 6,226. The market welcomed the first stock from far Western Queensland since the recent flooding rains, which included a solid sample of 864 head. While export buyer attendance was robust, not all buyers were active. Regular feed, trade, and restocker buyers were present and engaged throughout the sale.

Market Trends

A large selection of lightweight yearling steers returning to the paddock remained stable. Medium-weight yearling steers for feeding showed firmness, with increases of up to 10c/kg. However, the average prices for heavy-weight yearling steers eased by 9c/kg, even as top-quality lines held steady compared to the previous week. Yearling heifers exhibited similar pricing trends, with demand concentrated on well-bred lines. Meanwhile, cows for export processors averaged 12c to 20c/kg lower.

Pricing Overview

Lightweight yearling steers returning to the paddock sold for up to 474c/kg, averaging 431c. Yearling steers targeting the domestic market averaged between 393c and 425c, with some isolated sales reaching 465c/kg. Heavy-weight yearling steers to feed achieved prices up to 426c, averaging 380c/kg. Lightweight yearling heifers returning to the paddock hit a high of 358c, averaging 327c/kg, while medium-weight yearling heifers sold at an average of 329c to 341c, with sales climbing to 382c/kg.

Processor and Export Insights

Bullocks sold for as much as 360c, averaging 353c/kg. Heavy-grown heifers for export processors reached 350c/kg. Medium-weight plain-condition cows aimed at restockers averaged 265c, with PTIC heavy weights selling for up to 315c/kg. Medium-sized 2-score cows for processors made up to 262c, averaging 257c/kg, whereas heavy-weight 3-score cows reached an average of 272c, with the best heavy weights making up to 292c/kg. Heavy-weight bulls topped off at 326c/kg.

Market Reporter: Trevor Hess

For the full NLRS report, click here

AGENTS DRAW NEXT SALE: See the Dalby Regional Saleyards site for agents draw for upcoming sales

Highlights from Grant Daniel Long Report

The Dalby cattle market experienced notable activity due to the return of a full working week. Export buyer attendance was commendable, although not all buyers were active. Regular feeder, trade, and restocker buyers participated actively, maintaining a firm pricing structure, despite cheaper trends seen in cows.

Prime Quotes

• Heifers up to 400kg – 284c/kg, 300c/kg, 289c/kg
• Heifers over 400kg – 226c/kg, 350c/kg, 328c/kg
• Cows up to 400kg – 150c/kg, 264.5c/kg, 210c/kg
• Cows 400kg to 500kg – 210c/kg, 276c/kg, 257c/kg
• Cows over 500kg – 260c/kg, 292c/kg, 284c/kg
• Steers & bullocks up to 500kg – 264c/kg, 314c/kg, 308c/kg
• Steers & bullocks over 500kg – 302c/kg, 360c/kg, 348c/kg

Store & Feeder Quotes

• Steers up to 200kg – 370c/kg, 468c/kg, 432c/kg
• Steers 200kg to 280kg – 252c/kg, 474c/kg, 431c/kg
• Steers 280kg to 330kg – 266c/kg, 465c/kg, 425c/kg
• Steers 330kg to 400kg – 264c/kg, 445c/kg, 392c/kg
• Feeder steers over 400kg – 262c/kg, 426c/kg, 380c/kg
• Heifers up to 200kg – 0c/kg
• Heifers 200kg to 280kg – 220c/kg, 358c/kg, 327c/kg
• Heifers 280kg to 330kg – 266c/kg, 358c/kg, 329c/kg
• Heifers 330kg to 400kg – 242c/kg, 382c/kg, 341c/kg
• Feeder heifers over 400kg – 280c/kg, 371c/kg, 346c/kg
• Feeder/Boat Bulls – 256c/kg, 358c/kg, 313c/kg
• Slaughter Bulls – 238c/kg, 326c/kg, 306c/kg

Special Highlights

• Charbray Bulls sold by Welsh Cattle Co of Taroom at 326.2c/kg, 788kg, totaling $2,573.
• Santa Gertrudis Cows sold by Bell Brothers of Taroom at 280c/kg, 771kg, totaling $2,160.
• Charolais Cows PTIC sold by AK Cullen of Kingaroy at 315.2c/kg, 685kg, totaling $2,161.
• Droughtmaster X Heifers sold by Davemac Enterprises of The Gums at 350c/kg, 531kg, totaling $1,860.
• Simmental Heifers sold by EG Fullerton of Kingaroy at 371.2c/kg, 368kg, totaling $1,368.
• Charolais X Steers sold by IJ & JL Smith of Moola at 400.2c/kg, 452kg, totaling $1,812.
• Angus Yearling Steers sold by PL Hodson of Chinchilla at 241.4c/kg, 474kg, totaling $1,145.
• Angus Yearling Heifers sold by PL Hodson of Chinchilla at 236.8c/kg, 360kg, totaling $852.
• Charolais X Cows & Calves sold by AK Cullen of Kingaroy at $2,400 each.