Cattle numbers fall
CATTLE numbers continued to drop at this week’s Mareeba prime and store cattle sale with Mareeba Combined Agents penning a total of 685 head.
This number was down on last week’s total of 864 and was a considerable drop on the high of more than 1300 head just three weeks ago.
As in previous weeks there was a large number of interested onlookers and vigorous bidding, with some sale attendees coming from as far away as Cape York.
Elders livestock agent Mark Peters said the best steers sold better this week with a top of 214¢/kg.
“That’s a 24¢/kg increase on last week,” Mr Peters said.
Bullocks suitable for the export slaughter trade increased 3¢/kg on last week’s prices making up to 212¢/kg.
Heifers suitable for the local trade sold up to 173¢/kg with the added competition from a Townsville wholesaler.
Competition for cows suitable for the local trade was strong with a new buyer stepping in to push prices to a top of 181c/kg.
Cows to the export slaughter trade increased 3¢/kg and export slaughter-type bulls were back another 8¢/kg on UNUSUAL OFFERING: A quality British white bull was among the stock at this week's Mareeba cattle sale and (inset) Mareeba’s Daniel Neilsen and Catherine McMahon inspect the yarding. last week’s money. Landmark livestock agent Alan Mackenzie said that the sale was very strong for good cattle.
“The good store cattle sold very well,” Mr Mackenzie commented.
Good-quality store steerss generated some strong competition - with values reaching g 203¢/kg for another good runn of quality local store steers.
Store heifers made a top of 151¢/kg.