Gunnedah Saleyards Report: A Significant Increase in Cattle Numbers

File image: Selling action at the Gunnedah Saleyards.

Market Overview

Yarding: 4,850 Change: +2,100

The latest cattle yarding at Gunnedah reported an impressive increase of 2,100 head, bringing the total to 4,850. This influx featured a solid quality yarding, highlighted by substantial numbers of cows accompanied by weaner calves, as the sell-off continues. There were also good numbers of yearlings available for feeders, although the presence of grown steers and heifers was quite limited.

Trade Insights

The few young cattle available to the trade remained firm, with prime yearlings selling between 405c to 485c/kg. Meanwhile, better straight-bred feeder steers held their ground while crossbred feeder steers saw a slight increase of 5c/kg. Feeder heifers, however, experienced a decrease of 8c/kg. In terms of sales, feeder steers ranged from 407c to 514c/kg, while feeder heifers sold for between 380c to 437c/kg. Young calves offered to restockers remained stable, with young steers fetching up to 546c/kg.

Pricing Trends

Prices for limited grown steers and heifers dipped by 10c/kg. Prime grown steers were recorded at between 394c to 452c/kg, with prime grown heifers selling between 380c to 420c/kg. Secondary cows maintained steady prices, while better quality heavy-weight cows saw an increase of 4c/kg. For reference, 2 and 3 score cows sold in the range of 290c to 362c/kg, while prime heavy-weight cows averaged at 366c/kg, selling between 352c to 382c/kg. Notably, heavy bulls reached a price point of 401c/kg.

Source: David Monk, MLA Gunnedah