Market Report 12 March

Cattle– 1460

There was a huge decrease in the number of cattle yarded at Inverell this week, totalling 1,460 head, a reduction of 2,400 head. The largest reduction was in the young cattle, with a few less cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a few pens of vealers and weaners, while yearling cattle were in fair numbers, with heifers in greater numbers. Quality was very mixed, with only an odd pen of cattle suitable for the trade, as the remainder of the vealers and yearlings went to backgrounders and feeder buyers. The market varied with restocker weaner steers selling 8c cheaper, topping at 182c, while trade vealer heifers eased by 20c, reaching 158c/kg. Restocker and feeder yearling steers lost ground to be 10c to 20c cheaper, receiving from 82c to 220c/kg. However, yearling heifers sold to a dearer trend, making from 87c to 181c, while trade heifers topped at 162c/kg. The yarding of export cattle comprised mainly cows, with large numbers being sold off again this week. The largest percentage were showing the effects of the dry weather, falling into the 1 and 2 score fat categories, however there were some consignments of 3 and 4 score cows through the sale. Prices varied from 16c to 30c cheaper, with light 1 and 2 scores making from 68c to 120c, as the medium weight 2 scores averaged 119c, while 3 score medium weights averaged 146c, and heavy cows sold to a top of 180c/kg. The best of the heavy bulls made 209c/kg.