Market Report 8 January

Cattle-

Yarding– 1612

Inverell numbers increased by 296 head for the first sale of 2019. The penning consisted of good numbers of quality feeder cattle, and a very good selection of cows. All the regular processors attended and operated, as well as feeder operators north and south of the border, bidding with confidence. Limited vealers and weaners saw restricted demand, selling to cheaper trends of 8c/kg, and more in places for lesser quality drafts. Light feeder steers experienced dearer trends of 3c, while restockers and backgrounder interest saw an increase of 8c/kg. Medium weight steers saw firm trends. Yearling heifers to feed sold to dearer trends of 10c, and trade operators increased those categories by 5c/kg. These quotes relate to the previous market three weeks ago. Grown steers held firm, while the well finished grown heifers sold firm to slightly dearer trends of 5c/kg, with the improved quality prevailing. Light cows sold to firm trends, while well finished, high yielding cows saw an increase of 13c/kg. A mixed quality bull offering saw trends cheaper than last sale, selling to 233c/kg

Sheep-

Yarding– 2642                Lambs–  842                   Sheep– 1800

Numbers decreased for the New Year sale to 2,642 sheep and lambs. Lamb quality was quite good, with better numbers of trade lambs, although less numbers of new season drafts. Most grades saw cheaper trends, with the exception of light weight ewes that were slightly dearer. The usual buying group attended. Young lamb saw cheaper trends of $3, with the converse happening to light trades that were $3/head dearer. Trade lambs sold to cheaper trends of $14/head, as did the heavy lambs that also sold cheaper. A single extra heavy lamb made to $202/head. Medium weight ewes sold to a dearer trend of $5, however quality saw the heavier drafts sell to cheaper trends of $10/head. Heavy wethers sold to $122 and crossbred rams reached $40/head