This week I caught up with Des Cuffe, Elders manager at Blackall, who said rainfall around the Blackall area over the past weekend had been disappointing to say the least. Des reported that falls around Blackall town and to the west varied from 4-10mm, east to Jericho up to 20mm. There was 40 mm recorded over the town of Tambo, but unfortunately it did not cover much area.
Des said Blackall Combined Agents yarded 3527 head at the weaner and prime sale last Thursday. Cattle were sourced locally from Blackall, Tambo and Barcaldine, along with consignments of cattle from Richmond, Winton, Muttaburra, Aramac, Jericho and Longreach.
“The quality and condition of the cattle was still very good considering the season,” Des said. In the store weaner section, 1040 steers and 1048 heifers were under 280kg, with 80 mickeys that would normally be held until 2018, being sold due to the poor season.
A strong panel of buyers was in attendance and the market was generally firm on the previous solid market. Cattle sold to a wide area with some lines going to the north as well as south of Blackall, to the Maranoa and Western Downs areas.
Des said this was the last sale for 2017 as a major upgrade of the Blackall yards is being undertaken with the addition of another 30 selling pens, plus the replacement of the existing scale house and office and the installation of a 40 foot weighbridge which is expected to be completed by February 2018.
Depending on seasonal conditions, the next Blackall sale should be mid-February. Des reported that Blackall Saleyards sold about 55,000 cattle in 2017 which is well up on 2016 total of about 33,000 head.
The quality and condition of the cattle was still very good considering the season.
- Des Cuffe, Elders manager Blackall
I caught up with David Friend from Nowlan Stock and Station Agency at Killarney. He said the season on the Southern Downs was generally good but as is the case over much of Queensland, a bit patchy with more rain needed in places.
David reported that a larger number of cattle were offered at Warwick last week. He quoted the export market as cheaper, with vealer, yearlings and restocker cattle firm to dearer. The sheep and lamb market has been very strong coming into the Christmas break. The final sheep and lamb sale will be held on December 20. The first cattle sale for Warwick will be January 9 and the first sheep sale will be on January 10.
Roma Combined Agents have booked 5705 cattle for this week’s sale. A highlight of this week’s sale will be the offering a/c C A Flower & Co of 500 No 7 steers and 160 No 7 heifers. These quality Santa/Santa/Hereford and Santa /Hereford/Angus cross cattle are very good quality and renowned finishing cattle.
