I caught up with Tony White, well known private agent and feedlot operator from Dubbo this week. He told me that the cattle market in the south is extremely solid at the moment with quality young steers selling in excess of 400c/kg with weaner steer calves selling to 500c/kg. Tony said that feeder steers are making from 340-360c/kg and the heifer portion making 310-340c/kg with preg tested empty heifers making a premium.
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On the meatworks’ side of the market, Tony said best bullocks are making to 330c/kg live. Cows eased by up to 10 cents last week due to the extra supply and short weeks reducing kill space. Tony told me that the winter forage crops are up and looking for rain to push them along and the cattle market going into winter looked very positive.
The major selling centres across Queensland have all registered more than average numbers over the past month. The majority of cattle are selling to very sound rates and in many instances firm on last year to a shade dearer for quality lines. Below is a comparison of prices for the past four years sourced from MLA, at Roma and Dubbo sales.
Yearling Steers 280-330kg
- Roma, May 2017: 347.7c/kg; Dubbo, May 2017: 326.5c.
- Roma, May 2016: 306.2c/kg; Dubbo, May 2016: 316c.
- Roma, May 2015: 247.6c/kg; Dubbo, May 2016: 251.3c.
- Roma, May 2014: 183.6c/kg; Dubbo, May 2014: 182.2c.
Next we look at the yearling heifer comparison.
Yearling Heifers to 200kg
- Roma, May 2017: 302.8c/kg; Dubbo, May 2017: 375c.
- Roma, May 2016: 286.3c/kg; Dubbo, May 2016: 315c.
- Roma, May 2015: 206.2c/kg; Dubbo, May 2016: 203.3c.
- Roma, May 2014: 144.7c/kg; Dubbo, May 2014: 121.4c.
James Saunders, Landmark, Rockhampton, rang this week to advise that the Annual landmark Miriam Vale Cattle Show and sale will be held on Tuesday, May 16, and will present a quality yarding of 700 head. He reported that most of central Queensland has had virtually no rain since the flood rains of Cyclone Debbie. James said the country which was flooded will need early spring rain to start grass growth.
Keith Richardson, Elders, Charleville, reported an excellent sale of 113 top quality EU PTIC positive commercial Santa heifers sold in three lines on AuctionsPlus last week. Len and Helen Sargood from Dresmaine, Tambo sold 44 head with an average 545kg for $2015/head, 22 head averaging 545kg sold for $2045, 47 head averaging 500kg sold to $2010. These cattle were offloaded due to the very dry conditions being experienced in the northern Warrego district.
