With 3900 head yarded at the Dalby cattle sale on Wednesday, the market was up by five to 10 cents per kilogram across the board.
The jump in the market was mainly driven by the threat of promising storm rain, fewer available cattle, and the forthcoming Christmas shut down.
Good quality cows were up by five cents, while there was a significant rise in plainer type cows jumping from eight to 10c/kg dearer.
Feeder steers remained firm hovering between 310c/kg to 320c/kg, while trade heifers and lighter remained the same.
Heavy bulls were also firm to dearer by 15c/kg.
Bell district beef producers Bill and Delta Sparkes, Niagara, were delighted with the sale of their cast-for-age cows and a line of steers.
The Sparkes sold milk tooth steers to average $1580, while their cows sold to average $1600/head.
“Considering the season, the market is surprisingly strong,” Mr Sparkes said.
Considering the season, the market is surprisingly strong
- Bill Sparkes, Niagara, Bell
“In previous droughts in my lifetime, as producers we would have trouble selling cattle, but during this drought we have continually had a reasonably strong market and sold our cattle for good money.”
Hannaford beef producer Dan Lawton, Strathalbyn, was hoping to buy a run of weaners if the market was in his favour.
Mr Lawton had recently sold a line of feeder steers for above the market average to Bottletree Feedlot, and with the recent storms has some grass and was looking for replacements.
He usually carries about 2000 mixed cattle including breeders and progeny.
The final Dalby cattle sale for the year will be on Wednesday, December 12.