The scattered showers across parts of the south and west of the state had a slight impact on throughput at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS.
The majority of markets recorded reduced yardings although consignments were relatively unchanged at Longreach, Moreton and Murgon.
Total throughput fell 14% week on week, while managing to remain 3% higher than year ago levels.
Despite the rain, large numbers of cattle are still being offloaded to processors.
This can be highlighted by state cattle slaughter climbing back over 74,000 head last week.
This was an increase of around 21% following the public holiday effected week in early October.
There was no discernable change to the quality of the cattle offered.
The mixed quality line up though did create solid competition on suitable lots.
The rain gave restockers hope for an improved season, however demand was strongest for the well bred young cattle.
Not all the regular buyers were present or operating, particularly at markets early in the week with most of this impact felt on the grown cattle.
Varied prices
Vealer steers to the trade were 4¢ to 5¢/kg cheaper, as the heavy weights sold closer to firm. Conversely the heifer portion was 4¢ to 10¢/kg dearer.
There was a large number of yearling steers offered with most selling to strong demand.
Light weight C2’s to restockers lifted 10¢ to average 210¢ as the plainer end were also dearer in selling closer to 182¢/kg. Medium weights were mostly purchased by feeders in the mid to late 180¢/kg range.
The yearling heifers, however sold 10¢kg either side of last weeks prices to all orders.
There were only limited numbers of light and medium weight grown steers offered. Heavy C3 steers eased slightly to average 169¢ as the C4s slipped 3¢ to 181¢/kg.
Bullocks mostly made from 169¢ to 183¢/kg. Most of the medium weight cows sold from 110¢ to 150¢ to be up to 7¢/kg dearer. Heavy D4 cows slipped 2¢ to average 150¢/kg.
Source: MLA.com
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