Market Report 24 February 2026

Cattle - 3733

Dry weather and solid markets continuing Inverell numbers increased by 1122 head to offer 3733 mixed quality cattle including large drafts of light cows showing the effects of dry conditions. The regular buyers attended with one exporter not operating. Trends were dearer for selected drafts of yearling cattle to feed and background.  Weaner steers under 200kgs cheaper 360c to 532c/kg to background. Light yearling steers to feed cheaper 372c to 480c/kg background steers to similar trends 394c to 496c/kg. Background steers to 280kgs 20c/kg dearer selling to 522c/kg. Medium feeders firm 380c to 500c/kg and backgrounders 430c to 490c/kg. Heavy feeders slipped considerably 380c to 478c/kg.   Light heifers to feed dearer 356c to 408c/kg medium heifers to feed marginally dearer 370c to 440c/kg. Heavy feeders dearer 410c to 428c/kg.  Grown heifers to feed slipped 25c/kg 336c to 406c/kg. Heavy cows slightly dearer 304c to 386c/kg. Light cows to the paddock dearer 340c to 386c/kg and feeder cows 330c to 350c/kg. Heavy bulls dearer 292c to 358c/kg.  

Sheep

Yarding – 5483 Lambs – 2844 Sheep - 2639

Dry weather resulted in an increase of grown sheep numbers for Inverell at 2639 head while lamb numbers were static at 2844 head a total of 5483 offered for sale. The regular buyers attended to a cheaper lamb market except for lambs over 30kgs cwt which were dearer. Grown sheep mostly dearer with a southern operator competing. Restockers also operating through the lamb sale.  Restocker Dorpers $60 to $182/head crossbreeds $155 to $227/head and Merinos to $135/head. Trade Dorpers $180 to $185/head heavy Dorpers  $222 to $294/head. Crossbreds to 30kgs cwt $280 to $320/head. Lambs in excess of 30kgs cwt $300 to $324/head. Hoggets $132 to $240/head.  Very light Merino ewes to process $162 to $167/head. Medium ewes dearer $138 to $191/head and heavy ewes $245 to $318/head. Meat rams $110 to $150/head.