Roma combined agents reported another strong yarding of 7500 cattle at last week’s sale with values firm for quality lines and a shade easier for the plainer quality types. With Anzac Day falling on Tuesday, the next Roma store sale will be held on May 2. Roma saleyards manager, Paul Klar, said that a combined fat and store sale will be held this Thursday, April 27.
With dry conditions prevailing over western Queensland, producers will be looking to offload surplus cattle over the coming weeks. The market has held extremely well to date. Fortunately most of the Maranoa and Western Downs areas are in very good order and should be able to absorb the expected turnoff. Northern New South Wales backgrounders and growers are also after quality cattle.
Ryan Dellit, manager Graham Henderson & Co, Dalby, told me that the combined numbers at last week’s Dalby sale reduced to a total of 3016 cattle. In the export grades, increased numbers of better quality heavy steers and bullocks were penned, selling to a dearer market. Good numbers of cows were penned across all classes selling to a firm rate on the previous week. Feeder cattle were keenly sought after and values remained firm. Smaller numbers of store cattle were penned for the second round with all classes of lightweight young cattle meeting a strong market. Dalby agents are expecting increased numbers this week.
Matt Beard, Landmark manager at Emerald, reported a large increase in numbers at the regular Emerald store and prime sale on April 20. Just under 2900 cattle were yarded. Matt reported that some lesser quality lines were evident in most categories resulting in the average being slightly easier on last week’s rates.
Heavy bullocks over 550kg were too few to reliably quote, while steers 500-550 kg made to 328c to average 281c. Steers 400-500kg made to 339c to average 302c, with steers 350-400kg making to 343c to average 325c, 280-350kg steers reached 385 to average 340c while steers in the weaner weight range made to 386c to average 348c/kg. Matt reported that heifers 280-350kg made to 330c to average 281c, while heifers in the weaner weight range made to 347c to average 307c. Heavy cows over 520kg made to 241c to average 325c with cows 450-520kg reaching 238c to average 230c.
Mick Hyland, Elders, Julia Creek, rang to tell me of the passing of well respected Julia Creek identity, Pat Malone. Pat’s funeral was held in Julia Creek last Wednesday, attended by a large gathering of family and friends. Pat was a drover for some time and served in the Korean War. He owned and worked the Gilliat Arms Hotel. Pat’s son, John and family own and run Braeside at Kynuna. Our condolences to Pat’s family.
