Market Report 5 February

Cattle-

Yarding– 2440

The number of cattle yarded doubled for a total of 2,440 head. There was an increase in most classes of cattle, especially yearlings and cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a few more vealers and weaners, along with a larger number of yearling steers and heifers. Quality was mixed, with several runs of well bred cattle through the sale, however there was also a fair number of plain conditioned young cattle offered. The market varied, with the better quality cattle selling stronger, while restocker weaner steers topped at 291c to be 10c/kg dearer. Vealer heifers also sold to a dearer market, topping at 232c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers were 5c cheaper, averaging 262c, however heavy feeder steers gained some ground to average 275c/kg. Feeder heifers sold firm to slightly dearer, making from 225c to 245c/kg. The yarding of export cattle consisted of a larger penning of cows, along with a small sample of grown steers, while there were a few pens of grown heifers. Grown steers held firm, reaching 260c, while heifers topped at 244c/kg. The yarding of cows was made up of an increased supply of plain conditioned lines, while there was a fair offering of well finished 3 and 4 score cows. Light and medium weight cows sold 5c to 6c/kg cheaper, while heavy weights were firm to slightly dearer. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 181c, as 3 score medium weights averaged 201c, while heavy cows sold to a top of 223c/kg.  

Sheep-

Yarding– 4285                Lambs– 2230                  Sheep– 2055

Agents yarded 4,285 head of sheep, of which there was a penning of 2,230 lambs. There was a mixed quality penning of lambs, with a good supply of trade weights, a few pens of heavy lambs, along with a fair number of light weights. Quality was mixed with several pens of supplementary fed lambs, however there was a large percentage of the lambs in the yarding showing the effects of the dry weather. The market was generally easier, although the better finished trade and heavy lambs were less effected and most sales decreased from $7 to $8/head. Restockers were active in the market, and bought a large number of the light lambs. Top price lambs sold for $213/head. The yarding of mutton consisted of trade weight ewes and wethers, although there was some pens of heavy mutton through the sale. Competition was stronger with the heavy trade and heavy mutton selling from $10 to $12/head dearer. The top price for mutton was $175/head.