Prices from across southwest Queensland livestock selling facilities
ROMA
NUMBERS reduced by 2322 head to 3678 at the Roma Store Sale. Light weight yearling steers were in the largest numbers, along with a good number of light weight yearling heifers. Around 880 cows were penned and close to 60 per cent of the cows offered were returned to the paddock. The forecast of some rain lifted restocker and backgrounder enthusiasm. The largest samples of yearling steers averaged 10c better and up to 18c/kg in places. Yearling heifers also shared in the increasing market to average 12–20c/kg dearer on top of the gains experienced the previous week. Cows to restockers improved by more than 20c and the export slaughter classes averaged 5–7c/kg better.
Steer calves returning to the paddock made to 280.2c, to average 258c, and heifer calves made to an isolated 252.2c, with most making around 209c/kg. A large selection of light weight yearling steers sold to restockers at an average of 276c, with some reaching 297.2c/kg. Yearling steers in the 280–330kg range made to a top of 299.2c, to average 272c/kg. Most medium weight yearling steers sold around 282c, with the occasional pen making to 298.2c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed over 400kg made to 273.2c, to average 272c/kg. A large sample of light weight yearling heifers averaged 230c and made to 246.2c/kg.
Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 230c, with heavy weights to the trade making to 240c, to average 228c/kg. Light weight plain condition cows returned to the paddock at an average of 154c and the medium weight PTIC made to 202.2c/kg. Medium weight 2 scores to processors averaged 177c and made to 181.2c, with the best of the medium weights averaging 209c/kg. Most good heavy cows sold around 216c, with some making to 221.2c/kg. Heavy bulls made to 255c/kg.
WARWICK
THERE was a smaller yarding of 826, down 719 head from last week. All classes of cattle experienced a reduction in numbers, however most classes of cattle were represented. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers and weaners, with a smaller percentage of yearlings offered. Quality was very mixed, with several pens of well-finished yearlings offered. Most yearlings were supplementary fed, however the largest percentage of the young cattle were in plain condition, although there were some well-bred cattle through the sale.
The smaller numbers experienced a price increase, with restocker weaner steers making a top of 290c, while the heifers sold up to 248c/kg. Feeder steers were 20c dearer, with medium weights making to 298c and averaging 265c/kg. The few trade steers sold up to 238c/kg. Feeder heifers met a much stronger market, topping at 238c to average 221c. Trade heifers gained 6c topping at 305c, while most sold around 246c/kg.
The yarding of export cattle consisted of a fair supply of cows, however there was a limited supply of well-finished grown steers and heifers. The few grown steers sold up to 273c for younger steers, while heifers topped at 238c/kg. The cow market improved by 8–10c/kg, with some sales receiving more. Three score medium weights averaged 192c and heavy cows sold to a top of 224c/kg.
TOOWOOMBA
NUMBERS increased by just under 200 head, with cattle drawn from the local supply areas, as well as some far western districts. The larger supply contained increased numbers of plain condition classes. Buyer attendance was generally good and most were operating.
Prices for the better quality light weight young cattle returning to the paddock averaged 8c/kg better, while the poorer quality lines continued to experience a difficult market. A very small selection of yearling steers and heifers, ideal for the local trade market, received strong support. Heavy grown steers and bullocks to export slaughter sold close to the levels last week for the quality penned. Cows followed a similar trend to experience only quality related price changes.
Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to 236.2c to average 227c and poor quality lines received 191c/kg. A handful of medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 240c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 243c, with a few sales to the local trade market making 307.2c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers averaged 185c and made to 210c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to the trade made to 278.2c to average 244c/kg.
Heavy grown steers averaged 253c and made to 256.2c, while the bullock portion made to 274.2c to average 271c/kg. Light weight cows showing the effects of the season averaged 66c, with the better medium weight two scores averaged 170c/kg. Good heavy cows made to an isolated 218.2c, with most receiving close to 205c/kg. Cows and calves made to $1240/unit.
DALBY
THE supply of stock reduced by 29 per cent, with 3131 head at Dalby. Apart from the 230 head from far western Queensland and 200 head from New South Wales, the remainder were from the local supply area.
A full panel of export buyers was present, however not all were operating.
The prediction of some rain increased buyer activity, with most classes selling to a dearer trend.
Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 19c dearer and most of the yearling heifers improved 12–20c/kg. Heavy grown steers and bullocks lifted in price by 6c and cows gained 5–9c/kg. C2 yearling steers to feed sold from 249.2–276.2c, increasing 19c and averaging 269.4c/kg. C2 yearling heifers to feed sold from 222.2–236.2c, representing an increase of 8c, to average 230.6c/kg.
Grown steers to feed increased 6c to make from 256.2–278.2c, averaging 265.9c/kg. Grown heifers to feeders eased 9c, making from 160.2–218.2c to average 183.4c/kg. D2 manufacturing steers sold for 208.2c/kg to remain firm on the market from last week. D2 cows lessened 5c this week, making from 160–183.2c, to average 170.5c/kg. C3 bulls sold from 228.2–263.2c with the best bull topping at 274.2c/kg.
GYMPIE
A GOOD quality yarding of 1082 cattle at Sullivan Livestock’s Gympie sale saw the market remain firm for meatworks and young cattle, while heavy feeders were slightly easier.
Droughtmaster cross steers from Greg Nuske, Kin Kin, sold for $2.54, while their charbray brothers made $2.60. Quality limousin cross steers from Russell Kernke, Maryborough, were $2.70. Brangus cross weaner steers from Rod Janke made $2.69. Charbray steers from Maree Duncombe, Conondale, sold for $2.79. Droughtmaster steers from Dave and Elizabeth Allomes, Miva Homestead, made $2.81. Droughtmaster steers from Fitz and Co, Kilkivan, made $2.70. Droughtmaster steers from John and Tracey Tinknell, Widgee, made $2.75. Droughtmaster steers from Donald and Wendy Brown, Beaver Rock, made $2.73, $2.71, $2.71, $2.70 and $2.70. Generally better quality weaner steers sold from $2.45–$2.81.
Feeder heifers were limited in supply and sold to a top of $2.30 for limousin cross heifers from Russell Kernke to return $893. The next run sold from $2.00–$2.15. Weaner heifers sold to a top of $2.20, generally selling from $1.90–$2.12.
Only a couple of cows and calves were yarded and sold to a top of $1225.