Numbers declined significantly to a yarding of just over 1000 head at Emerald on February 16.
With the pattern of these smaller yardings, quality was again very mixed, and as has been the case in all recent markets values declined for almost all descriptions, some of the more significant falls being quality related, as well as an evident reluctance from some producers to operate as seasonal conditions continue to deteriorate.
Most cattle came from the local areas west to Jericho, Clermont and Springsure. There was a suitable field of buyers present, however competition was reduced and prices were easier.
Bullocks over 550kg reached 291c/kg for a 274c average, steers 500–550kg topped 323c to average 310c, steers 400–500kg sold to 318c to average 301c, those in the 320–400kg range made to 333c for a 314c average while steers in the weaner weight ranges made as much as 401c for the light weaners for a 334c average.
The cow market was generally 6 to 8c cheaper; heavy cows over 520kg selling to 245c for a 232c average, while 400–520kg cows topped 242c and average 228c. Heifers over 400kg made as much as 306c to average 288c, 300–400kg heifers reached 333c and average 291c, while heifers in the weaner weight ranges sold to 342c, the overall average around 300c. A small lot of heifers on their first calf topped the cow and calf section at $1300/unit.
Highlights:
The Esmond family, Lucknow, Emerald sold 672kg Santa cross bullocks for 279c and $1878, while the Prince family, Melaleuca, Capella has 510kg Droughtmaster cross steers make 315c to return $1608.
Dean Eyles Capella had 477kg Brangus Steers sell for 309c for $1475, while 322kg Brangus cross steers from Graham and Lisa Ford at Capella made 333c and $1073.
A run of Brahman cross cows from the Dyer family, Cressbank, Alpha averaged 233c for 605kg and $1410, while the draft of Senepol/Charolais cross cows from the Backus family, Nardoo, Emerald sold to a top of 234c and $1453.
Heavy Santa cows from Ken and Evelyn O’Brien, Myrtle Park, Comet returned $1464, while a lovely pen of 465kg Charolais cross heifers from Mike and Vicki Donovan, Capella sold for 303c to return $1410. John Baker and family, Morana, Capella sold 288kg Droughtmaster cross heifers for 332c and $957, while 279kg Bradford cross heifers from Gavin and Julie Vallis, Alpha returned an average of $857.
