Market Report 16 March 2021

Cattle– 464

The number of cattle yarded was down again this week for a total of 464 head. Yearling cattle made up the largest percentage of the yarding, along with a smaller penning of grown cattle. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a good supply of yearling steers and heifers, along with a few pens of weaners. Quality was fairly good with several pens of well presented yearlings that were suitable for feeders and backgrounders. There was only a odd pen of very good 3 score conditioned yearlings that were acquired by the trade. The market continued to be strong with restocker weaner steers selling to a top of 588c/kg. Feeder and restocker yearling steers sold firm to slightly dearer with feeder steers ranging from 385c to 454c, while feeder heifers sold from 340c to 446c/kg. The few trade heifers meet keen demand selling to a top price of 453c/kg. The yarding of export cattle was made up mainly of cows, while there was only an odd pen of grown steers, and a few pens of heifers. Grown steers to processors toped at 335c, and heifers sold to 365c/kg. Cows sold firm to 2 cents dearer, with heavy weights toping at 298c/kg. The dearer bull market saw heavy weight bulls sell to a top price of 314c/kg.

Sheep

Yarding– 685                                Lambs–  0                       Sheep– 685

There was a much smaller yarding of 685 sheep for the fortnightly sale, of which 510 lambs were yarded. Quality of the lambs was good with trade weights well supplied, there was a few pens of light lambs, along with a small offering of heavy lambs compared to the last sale. The market was stronger with trade weights under 24kg making from $167 to $195/head. Heavy and extra heavy lambs sold from $194 to $240/head. The very small yarding of mutton met a strong market with most sheep caring a good skin. Ewes sold to a top of $205 and wethers toped the sale at $240/head.