Weekly Roma Cattle Market Report

Yarding: 6,363 Change: -2,070

Market Overview

Quality weaner steers were the main feature of Tuesday’s sale, with just under 6,400 head yarded at the Roma Saleyards. All regular processors, feedlotters, and backgrounders were present, actively bidding on a quality yarding that showcased several quality local lines of weaners.

Market prices softened in several categories compared to the previous sale, with cattle consigned primarily from the local supply district, including Roma, Morven, Charleville, and Mitchell. Additionally, cattle were drawn from as far as Muttaburra, Cloncurry, Blackall in northern Queensland, and Cobar, NSW in the south.

Top Sellers

Jack and Emma Groat offloaded a significant line of 380 weaner steers, fetching an average of 415c/kg (weighing 266kg) for a total of $1,103 per head. Operating from both ‘Lorraine’ and ‘Gracemere’, the Maranoa-based producers achieved 430c/kg for two straight pens of their Droughtmaster cross steers (weighing 265kg), returning $1,140 per head.

A further two pens of South Devon cross steers made a straight 430c/kg (weighing 270kg), returning an average of $1,164 per head. A heavier pen of Droughtmaster cross steers sold for 400c/kg (weighing 345kg), totalling $1,381 per head, consigned through Top X Roma.

MAA cattle agent Sam Scott pictured with SJ Packer steers.

SJ Packer from ‘Hartwood’, Roma, sold a large line of 173 Angus cross, Charolais cross, and Santa Gertrudis cross steers, averaging 435c/kg (weighing 319kg) for an average return of $1,378 per head. A notable pen of Charolais cross steers sold for 450c/kg (weighing 329kg), totaling $1,480, while a further pen of Angus cross steers fetched 456c/kg (weighing 282kg), reaching $1,288 per head.

Andromeda Cattle Co also made headlines, offloading a line of 169 Angus cross and Droughtmaster cross steers, averaging $396c/kg (weighing 387kg) for a total of $1,534 per head. From Mungallala, two pens of Droughtmaster cross steers achieved 404c/kg (weighing 386kg), returning an average of $1,559 per head.

Market Commentary

With reduced numbers, Roma agents yarded 6,363 head this week. Regular processors, feedlotters, and backgrounders were in attendance. A very good quality yarding of new-season weaners was penned, alongside bullocks. However, the market could not sustain the levels of the last sale across all categories.

Yearling steers 200 to 280kg topped at 464c/kg, while yearling steers 280 to 330kg predominantly sold between 330c and 464c, averaging 424c/kg to restockers. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg ranged from 310c to 436c/kg, and those over 400kg topped at 402c and averaged 386c/kg.

For heifers, yearling heifers under 200kg reached a maximum of 344c/kg, and yearling heifers 200 to 280kg sold from 220c to a top of 378c/kg (12c/kg dearer). Yearling heifers over 540kg made to 340c, averaging 307c to be almost 20c/kg cheaper.

Conclusion

The Roma market is showing variability due to changes in numbers and buyer attendance. Ongoing monitoring of market trends will be essential as producers continue to navigate fluctuating prices.

Market Reporter: David Friend

To view the full NLRS report click here

Weekly Roma Store Press Report

A total of 6,366 head were consigned at Roma’s Store Sale on Tuesday, with various price points for both steers and heifers reflected in the sales report.

Top Prices Achieved

Weaner steers under 200kg topped at 440c/kg, while weaner steers in the 200-280kg range reached 464c/kg. The overall top sellers included:

• LJ & LG Crosby: Charolais cross steers to 464c/kg, averaging $1,125.
• SJ Packer: Angus cross steers to 456c/kg, averaging $1,384.
• JM Bell: Santa Gertrudis cross steers to 456c/kg, averaging $1,131.
• DG, JC & BG Gray Partnership: Santa Gertrudis cross steers to 454c/kg, averaging $1,458.
• Defiance Cattle Co: Angus cross steers to 448c/kg, averaging $1,202.

As the market evolves, it remains critical for stakeholders to assess both current prices and broader trends often reflected in local and regional sales.