At today’s NRLX cattle sale, the market was cheaper across the board according to agent Mark McCormack.
Big numbers are getting yarded across the country, he said.
2800 cattle will be yarded in Stanthorpe tomorrow and 1590 head were yarded in Casino today, Wednesday, March 6.
This time of year is typical for high weaner sales.
Coming into March, the feed is good. By the end of March, farmers are getting calves off cows so the cows don’t have to feed them through winter, Mr McCormack said.
“The cattle market would stabilise if the Tablelands and southern and western NSW could get some good, general rain.”
The number of cattle yarded at the NRLX remained fairly steady with little change from the last few weeks.
Young cattle once again dominated the sale with a large number of vealers and weaner cattle, along with a few more yearlings this week.
Quality was good with several lines of well-bred and well-finished cattle offered, there was also increased numbers of heavier cattle through the sale, which were in keen demand.
The largest percentage of young cattle went to restockers and backgrounders with buyers from Queensland and the Tablelands in NSW.
The market was slightly easier, although buyers were keener on the cattle showing extra weight.
Restocker weaner steers ranged from 240c to 398c, however there was one pen of light well bred steers that reached a top of 452c/kg.
Restocker weaner heifers sold from 220c to 295c, while trade veal sold to 300c/kg.
Restocker and background yearling steers sold from 260c to 378c and yarding heifers sold from 220c to 282c/kg.
Grown steers were slightly easier selling from 280c to 296c, while grown heifers saw little change ranging from 230c to 280c/kg.
The cow market was down by 5c to 10c with 2 scores selling from 200c to 225c and 3 score medium weights averaged 236c while heavy 4 score cows ranged from 242c to 256c/kg.
Report compiled by Doug Robson for Meat & Livestock Australia with comments from Casino Auctioneers Association president Mark McCormack
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