The patchiness of the rain in Queensland’s central west was evident at Blackall’s first sale for the year, where people such as Aramac’s Bob Murphy had to put 240 head of weaners on the market.
On the other hand there was “magnificent support” from central Queensland and local restockers contributing to a very buoyant store cattle market on the day.
Blackall Ray White Livestock agent, Andrew Turner, said steer prices were 10 to 15 cents a kilogram dearer than Roma earlier in the week.
In line with other eastern centres, fat cattle prices eased 15-20c/kg and feeder cattle were under the same pressure, coming back 10c/kg.
Bob said the prices were good on the day, considering cow prices had come back.
“I would have liked to have gotten my weaners bigger but I just couldn’t,” he said.
One block he owns north of Aramac, Finegan only had 25mm of rain in the last change.
Everton tipped out 50mm, while another, Pembroke went completely against that trend, recording 300mm.
“We’re still in drought – nothing’s growing,” Bob said. “We’ve got some spinifex country and it still looks very dead.”
Before Thursday’s sale, Blackall’s long-anticipated first for 2018, Bob had his country half stocked.
The ongoing lightening off has been by sale by necessity, as finding agistment is almost impossible.
Andrew Turner said Everton’s best steers made 349c/kg, weighing 306kg and $1070 a head.
His heifers reached 305c/kg.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
