The old adage 'just add water' rang true on Wednesday when much needed rainfall renewed producer confidence in the cattle market.
A large crowd of cattlemen packed into the Dalby Saleyards laneways, despite the drizzling rain, to watch the sale of the Georgina Pastoral Company heifers.
GDL livestock manager Peter Daniel said the market was up 40-50c/kg in places.
"The 1600 one-brand Georgina Pastoral Company, Lake Nash-bred heifers were in very strong demand from Darling Downs lot feeders and backgrounders," Mr Daniel said.
"They sold to a top of 278c/kg for 269kg, returning $750.
"These cattle would have struggled to make 200c/kg only a week or two ago.
"Overall the general run of the Georgina heifers sold from 230c-270c/kg."
Mr Daniel said this sale was unique and you would rarely would you get to see such a line of on-brand heifers.
Northern Livestock and Property agent Peter Ryan, who was responsible for the marketing of Georgina Pastoral, said his vendors were extremely happy with the result.
"Apart from the Darling Downs buyers being active, an agent representing Elders Quilpie managed to secure three decks of the Georgina heifers on behalf of a client," Mr Ryan said.
These cattle were trucked from Lake Nash to Mitchell and walked the stock route for four months and travelled over 600 kilometres. They were delivered to the saleyards by boss drover Bill Little on Tuesday.
In all, a total of 5027 head were yarded at Dalby on Wednesday.
The market saw meatworks cattle also lift at the sale by 10 to 25c, feeder types 15 to 20c.
Included were Santa-cross steers sold by the Hartwig family, Wandoan, to processors for 294.2c, 635kg, $1868.
Droughtmaster cows sold by Mungalla Stud, Taroom, to processors for 241.2c, 563kg, $1359.
Santa bulls sold by Undaban Pastoral Co, Dirranbandi, to processors for 255.2c, 950kg, $2424.
Heavy Droughtmaster heifers sold by AJ&SJ Wenham, Meandarra, to processors for 255.2c, 606kg, $1548.
Angus feeder steers sold by DWM&SA Cameron, NSW, to lot feeders for 295c, 378kg, $1117.
Santa-cross weaner steers sold by CT&A Houston, NSW, to lot feeders for 296.2c, 272kg, $808.
Light Angus weaner steers sold by Moogoon P/L, Goondiwindi, to restockers for 320.2c, 204kg, $655.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
