Market Report 20 October 2020

Cattle–  1130

Numbers were up slightly for a yarding of 1,130 head of cattle. Young cattle made up a large percentage of the yarding, with a small offering of cows this week. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a good supply of yearling steers and heifers in well finished 2 and 3 score condition, with most cattle coming off crop. There was a small number of light weight yearlings offered, with most in the heavier weight rangers. Quality was very good with mainly runs of well bred cattle offered. Feeder and background buyers operated very strongly, keen to acquire cattle, resulting in a very strong market. There was only an odd sale of yearlings that went to the trade at recent good prices. Feeder steers were 3c to 4c dearer ranging from 380c to 422c, with restockers topping at 500c/kg. Feeder heifers were up to 10c dearer in places ranging from 363c to 416c/kg. The yarding of export cattle consisted of a few pens of grown steers, and a good penning of heifers, and while cows were in fair numbers, overall they did not equal the quality and yield of last week. Demand remained strong with grown steers selling to a top of 398c, while the heifers sold to a top of 358c/kg. The cow market held firm with 3 score medium weights averaging 294c and heavy cows sold to a top of 315c/kg. The outstanding run of heavy bulls sold to a top price of 339c/kg.