Market Report 5 May 2026

Cattle - 2428

Inverell penned 2428 mixed quality cattle 979 less than last sale with a hint of coming rain events. That and competition from a new buyer who handled both weaner and processor cattle saw trends rise for the most part with the usual buyers in attendance and operating.  Light weaner steers to background gained 25c/kg 292c to 380c/kg and weaner heifers under 200kgs much dearer to background 265c to 272c/kg. Weaner steers to 280kgs significantly dearer 374c to 466c/kg. Medium steers to background 18c/kg better 272c to 460c/kg corresponding feeders 25c/kg dearer 390c to 444c/kg.  Yearling heifers to 280kgs to background much dearer 288c to 398c/kg similar feeders 320c to 446c/kg. Processor heifers 320c to 334c/kg. Medium feeders dearer 360c to 446c/kg the background drafts also dearer 370c to 422c/kg. Heavy feeders averaged 419c/kg.  Heavy grown steers to process 284c to 370c/kg similar heifers 300c to 338c/kg. Background cows 100c to 290c/kg medium processor cows up to 24c/kg better 220c to 290c/kg. Prime heavy cows gained 22c/kg 305c to 347c/kg. Heavy bulls were to 22c/kg dearer 308c to 404c/kg.

Sheep

Yarding – 4183 Lambs – 2547 Sheep -1636

Inverell penned 4183 sheep and lambs a decrease of 2315 head comprising 2547 lambs and 1636 grown sheep. It was a fair offering of heavy lambs with two lots selling over $400/head and $300/head plus for lambs over 30kgs cwt. Southern store lamb orders operated to strong competition for light lambs.   Light store lambs $102 to $142/head and two pens of heavy store lambs sold $202 to $244/head. Plain pens of Merino lambs to the paddock cheaper $85 to $112/head. Trade Dorpers $140 to $172/head and trade crossbreeds much dearer $222 to $284/head. Heavy trades gained $19/head $262 to $272/head. Crossbred lambs to 30kgs cwt $263 to $285/head gaining $7/head. Crossbred lambs over 30kgs cwt down $16/head Dorper lambs slightly dearer $310 to $360/head. Two pens of lambs made $400 to $402/head. Hoggets sold $110 to $238/head.  Light ewes dearer $101 to $147/head. Medium ewes $128 to $300/head. Heavy ewes $160 to $342/head and wethers $180 to $190/head. Meat rams $100 to $198/head.