Roma Saleyards Documentation: Cattle Market Report

Yarding: 6489 Change: -3511

Following recent rainfall, the Roma Saleyards Tuesday Sale saw just over 6,800 head of cattle presented. Despite a dip in numbers from the previous week, the atmosphere was bustling with active participation from regular processors, lot feeders, and backgrounders.

Cattle came chiefly from the local districts including Roma, Wallumbilla, and Dulacca, extending further to Thargomindah, Quilpie, and even reaching as far north as regions like Kajabbi, Stonehenge, and Boulia. The impressive quality and diversity of the cattle on offer once again highlighted Roma’s status as a premier marketplace.

The Westaway family from Richmond made headlines, selling 494 steers and heifers fresh off the Great Australian Cattle Drive—a striking journey from Longreach to Roma. They successfully averaged 449c/kg for their mixed Droughtmaster cross, Charolais cross, and Santa Gertrudis cross steers, with weights hovering around 326kg, yielding an average profit of $1,462 per head.

Remarkably, two pens of Charolais cross steers achieved an impressive 472c/kg at an average weight of 294kg, resulting in $1,390 per head. The Santa Gertrudis offerings garnered 464c/kg for steers weighing in at 347kg, bringing in a notable $1,610 per head. Further standout pens reached up to 442c/kg at 395kg, marking a peak return of $1,748 each.

BRF Southern, ‘Breena Plains’ with Elders livestock agent Bennett Ladbrook

Another highlight was BRF Southern from St George, presenting a quality batch of Santa Gertrudis and Angus steers, averaging 502c/kg at an average weight of 242kg, resulting in $1,214 each. Notably, two pens of Santa Gertrudis cross topped out at 518c/kg for steers weighing an average of 226kg, which sold for $1,173 each.

Burunga cattle, Wondoan with Nutrien livestock agent Tom Sayer

From Burunga, at Bonanza Park, Wandoan, Charolais cross and Santa Gertrudis cross steers fetched a commendable average of 477c/kg, with an average weight of 321kg, leading to returns of $1,531 each. Among the standout sales were two pens of Charolais cross that reached 485c/kg, with the heavier pen weighing 342kg for $1,658 each.

NLRS Market Commentary

Weather-related factors saw a reduction in numbers to 6,489 head. Although all regular buyers were present, there were variations in demand across different livestock categories. Light and medium-weight steers and heifers saw stronger sales, but bullocks and cows did not share the same momentum compared to previous sales.

Yearling steers kept the market lively, with the 200kg category topping at 550c/kg, while 200 to 280kg graded from 314c to 522c/kg. Further weight classes from 280 to 330kg had pronounced demand with prices reaching 504c/kg. The market for grown steers remained steady, buoyed by a healthy supply for most categories, whereas the cow market faced challenges with price levels unable to maintain previous highs.

Weekly Roma Store Press Report

This week’s Roma Store Sale recorded 6,489 head of cattle. Notable sales included:

• CJ Bishop: Angus steers reached 522c/kg, with a top price of $2,577, averaging $1,635.
• BRF Southern: Santa Gertrudis cross steers peaked at 518c/kg, reaching a top of $1,716.
• SD & MJ Russell: Charolais cross steers sold to 498c/kg, reaching a top of $1,690.
• DJ & KE Witt: Angus cross steers recorded a high of 454c/kg, averaging $1,504 each.

In conclusion, this sale reflected overall stability within the market with strong competition for high-quality cattle. The level of participation and the positive price returns indicate robust demand amidst ongoing fluctuations due to weather and supply factors.

Market Reporter: David Friend

For the full NLRS report, click here