Numbers at this week’s Wednesday, April 3 sale at the NRLX were down to 1050 head.
Agent Mark McCormack said cattle numbers are likely to increase at sales in the coming weeks.
“A few people were holding off to see if the rain has affected the market,” Mr McCormack said.
At this week’s NRLX sale on Wednesday, April 3, prices were up.
“The widespread rain in Queensland and NSW influenced prices,” Mr McCormack said.
“It’s had a flow-on effect and has given restockers a boost in confidence.”
“It’s good news for sellers – all positive.”
At this week’s sale, the yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers and weaners and a small penning of yearlings.
Quality was fairly good with several lines of well-bred cattle through the sale, while there was some plain cattle offered. There was not the usual number of heavy young cattle offered this week.
Rain through some areas boosted a bit more confidence in restocker buyers, resulting in restocker weaner steers selling 10c to 20c dearer depending on quality, ranging from 252c to 410c.
A single show potential steer sold for 1200 c/kg. Restocker weaner heifers sold from 226c to 310c/kg. The few yearling steers sold to 340c and heifers topped at 267c/kg.
The yarding of export cattle consisted mainly of cows with only a few grown steers and heifers. Grown steers sold from 260c to 296c to be 20c dearer while heifers sold to 253c/kg. The cow market improved by 30c with 3 score medium weights averaging 224c and heavy 4 score cows sold from 220c to 245c/kg.
Information in this report compiled by Doug Robson from Meat & Livestock Australia with comments from Casino Auctioneers Association president Mark McCormack.
