Weather to determine future market

WEATHER and rain will determine the future of the Mareeba Cattle market.

With only 309 head of cattle at yesterday’s Mareeba Combined Agents Cattle Sale prices remained firm on last week.

Queensland Rural partner and auctioneer Jacko Shephard said cow prices improved though fat bullocks were back on last week by a couple of cents.

“All other markets were similar to last week’s rates,” Mr Shephard said.

“I think the weather is going to determine the market in the future. If places out west or down south get rain it will change the market.

“Unless we get that rain out there the young store market will stay the same as where it is now.

“As far as slaughter cattle goes, cattle from down south will start to slow down in our market which will provide an opening for our northern slaughter cattle.

“We are just having a bit of over demand at the moment as southern markets are pushing cattle into our market”

At yesterday’s sale the yard averaged 194c/kg or $825.61 per head. With 86 bulls auctioned they averaged 189.1c/kg selling to a top of 253.2c/kg and 87 cows averaged 182.4 c/kg selling to a top of 210c/kg.

The 105 steers auctioned averaged 216.6c/kg selling to a top of 243.2c/kg. The next Mareeba Combined Agents Store Sale will be held on Friday, September 21 at 10am. Those wishing to sell cattle are asked to contact their preferred agent.