Market Update: Gunnedah Saleyards See Significant Cattle Increase

File image: Selling action at the Gunnedah Saleyards.

Cattle Numbers Surge

Yarding: 5800 Change: +1250

The recent yarding saw numbers increase by 1250, totaling 5800 cattle. The quality of the cattle was commendable, featuring a substantial supply of heavy cows, feeders, and lighter conditioned cattle. This variety prompted solid bidding among buyers, especially for feeders and backgrounders. While cows were slightly lower in price, the young cattle showcased good quality, particularly the heavier weights favored by feeders, yielding decent returns despite an overall trend towards cheaper prices.

Price Trends in Young Cattle

The market for young cattle experienced a decline, with prime vealers and yearlings priced between 384c to 504c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steers and heifers dropped by up to 11c/kg; however, heavyweight feeder cattle showed a positive trend, increasing by as much as 19c/kg. Specifically, feeder steers sold at rates from 380c to 528c/kg, while feeder heifers ranged from 368c to 464c/kg. Young cattle designated for restocking and backgrounding experienced price reductions as well, with young steers generally selling at around 500c/kg and young heifers achieving prices between 338c to 462c/kg, averaging 403c/kg.

Grown Steers and Cows: A Dip in Prices

Grown steers and heifers saw a price drop, ranging from 15c to 30c/kg cheaper than previous sessions. Prime grown steers now sell between 440c to 480c/kg, while prime grown heifers are priced from 389c to 440c/kg. Cows also took a hit, with 2 and 3 score categories selling between 272c to 406c/kg, and prime heavyweight 4 score cows bringing in prices from 390c to 409c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors saw minimal increases, now trading from 338c to 398c/kg.

Source: Peter Dundon, MLA Gunnedah