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QLD weekly cattle summary
16 July 2015
Supply eases, but numbers remain high
The trend of prices continuing to rise across most classes, combined with drought conditions in large areas of the state, resulted in numbers at NLRS reported saleyards in Queensland remaining relatively high, despite supply easing 10% on the previous week.
- Numbers at the Roma store sale declined by 27% week-on-week
- Supply at most other markets remained high, with numbers at Dalby increasing by 28%
The dry conditions in the west were reflected in the quality of the store cattle at Roma, while the overall standard in the east was fair to good.
Feeder and trade buyers plus restocker attendance and activity across all markets was good.
A fair panel of exporters was present and operating at markets early in the week, and by mid-week all major processors were present in the market and active.
Prices continue to strengthen
The recent high prices encouraged producers from drought affected areas to yard large numbers of calves. Buyers from more favourable areas of the state absorbed the increased numbers, plus lifted average prices by 9¢, to 265¢, with some consignments reaching 315¢/kg.
This trend flowed onto the light weight yearling steers, with a large sample averaging 289¢, while a number of sales hit 312.2¢/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed generally sold to strong demand, to reach 311.2¢ and average 283¢/kg. Heavy weights mostly sold in the 280¢ range, with some well-bred lines reaching 313.2¢/kg.
Light weight yearling heifers consistently sold in the 250¢ to 260¢/kg range. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed regained the previous week’s losses to average 265¢, with a few pens reaching 294.2¢/kg.
The relatively short supply of heavy grown steers and bullocks improved in price by 7¢ to 11¢, with bullocks averaging 273¢ and some sales to 283.2¢/kg.
Prices for all classes of cows continued to climb to higher levels and, despite the increased numbers, average prices improved by a further 8¢ to 14¢/kg. Medium weight 2 scores sold to 218.2¢, with most around 193¢/kg. A large supply of good heavy cows made to a top of 267.2¢ and averaged 240¢/kg.
Note: All yardings and prices referenced from MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) reported saleyards.
