Friday daily cattle summary

Cattle throughput at Dubbo declined 32% this week, to 3,210 head. Quality was good across all lines, with a solid selection of prime cattle on offer. Yearling steers made up majority of the yarding, with heavy weight lines well represented, while an improved level of quality saw buyers operating in a firm to slightly dearer market.

• Trade C2 yearling steers to feeders jumped 5¢, averaging 341¢, while heavy C3 lines averaged 323¢, dropping 8¢/kg
• Heavy C3 yearling heifers to feeders remained firm, averaging 309¢/kg
• Heavy D4 cows increased 1¢, averaging 231¢/kg

Bairnsdale consignments declined 48% this week, to 603 head. Quality was much plainer compared to the previous sale, with a greater portion lacking finish. A full field of buyers were operating in a generally firm market, with the limited selection of prime cattle attracting strongest competition.

• Heavy D3 yearling heifers to processors increased 1¢, averaging 303¢/kg
• Heavy D3 bullocks to slaughter averaged 299¢, increasing 1¢/kg
• Heavy D4 cows lifted 4¢, averaging 242¢/kg

 At the close of Thursday’s markets:        

• The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lifted 1¢ on where it finished the previous day, averaging 637¢/kg cwt
• Trade steers were up 2¢, averaging 331¢/kg lwt
• Medium steers averaged 294¢, up 1¢/kg lwt
• Heavy steers averaged 297¢, up 2¢/kg lwt
• Medium cows remained firm, at 226¢/kg lwt
• Feeder steers averaged 341¢, back 2¢/kg lwt

Note: All yardings and prices referenced are from MLA reported saleyards