Report Date: April 30
Cattle numbers decreased to 1,566 listed, down 1,382 head. Despite the smaller offering, clearance improved significantly to 88 per cent. This week also saw over 300 head from across NSW travel into Queensland, with processor activity experienced in both the eastern states and weaner and yearling sales.
The price for weaned steers on a national level increased by 45c this week, with prices for lines of weaned steers from Queensland selling from 261c to 293c, to average 276c. From Kingaroy, PD and BA Neilley offered a line of 35 Angus/Droughtmaster cross steers which sold for the top price. Weighing 293kgs, these steers are 7-9 months and will travel to Toowoomba. A line of 63 Braford steers from Dirranbandi retuned 263c. These steers are 10-14 months, weigh 266kgs and found a buyer at Mitchell.
From Goondiwindi, a line of 40 Poll Hereford cross weaned heifers sold for 263c. These heifers are 8-10 months, weigh 257kgs, and will journey across the border to Trangie, NSW.
Yearling heifers averaged 205c, selling from 176c to 238c. The Zahl family, of Springsure offered a line of 94 composite heifers which sold for the top price. Weighing 281kgs, these heifers are 16-19 months. The vendor also offered 2 other lines of 16-19 month old Composite heifers which returned 233c and 234c. All three lines found a buyer from Gympie.
North Pikedale Agriculture Pty Ltd, Stanthorpe, offered a total 423 backgrounder heifers, across five lots, which returned from 176c to 200c. A highlight saw 167 Angus cross heifers, 6-14 months and weighing 184kgs return 200c.
PTIC heifers sold from $650 to $1020, averaging $896. From Felton, Mosquito Creek Partnership offered a line of 47 Angus heifers which achieved the top price. These heifers are 16-18 months, weigh 406kgs and are PTIC to Angus bulls.
From Alpha, Surbiton Station offered a line of 45 Santa Gertrudis heifers which sold for $810. These heifers are 27-30 months, weigh 367kgs and are PTIC to Santa bulls. The vendor also offered a further 189 head this week, with a highlight result seeing a line of 57 Santa heifers, 27-30 months and weighing 327kgs return 237c.
From Dalby, a line of 15 PTIC Red Angus cross cows sold for $800. Weighing 445kgs, these cows are 2-5 years and PTIC to Red Angus bulls.
Sheep
Sheep numbers increased by nearly 6,000 head to total 9,715 listed. Buyer confidence improved, resulting in an 87 per cent clearance. NSW buyers were active, purchasing just shy of 2,000 head of the Queensland offering, while Qld buyers also looked to NSW, purchasing 540 head from Central West NSW.
NSM Merino ewes sold from $100 to $151, averaging $130. The top price was returned by a line of 670 Merino ewes, offered by Bimbil Pty Ltd, St George. Weighing 57kgs, these ewes are 4.5 years, Poodginook blood and have a 2 1/2" skin. This line will travel across the border to Carinda, NSW. The vendor also offered a further 662 Merino ewes across 3 lots; a highlight saw a line of 94 Merino ewes achieve $131.50. This line is 2.5 years, weighing 48kgs with a 2 1/2" skin and found a NSW buyer from Mungindi. From Goondiwindi, a line of 600 Merino ewes sold for $132. These ewes are Mumblebone blood, 2.5-3.5 years, weigh 49kgs, have a 1/4" skin and will travel to Thargomindah.
Merino wethers sold from $89 to $128. From Talwood, TJ & AE Oliver offered a line of 210 Merino wethers which returned the top price. Weighing 52kgs, these wethers are 2 years, Egelabra blood, have a 2 1/4" skin and will travel across the border to Tamworth, NSW. Offered by the same vendor, a line of 660 wethers, 19-20 months and weighing 47kgs returned $117. While Callygoora Holdings, Thallon, offered a line of 750 Merino wethers which sold for $89. These wethers are Karbullah blood, rising 2 years, weigh 35kgs with a 1/4"skin and found a buyer from Longreach.
Merino wether lambs sold for $95 and $107.50. HH Harris & Sons, Talwood offered a line of 780 wether lambs which returned the top price. These lambs are Merryville blood, Sept/Oct 18' drop with a 2 1/2" skin and weigh 29kgs. While from Ilfracombe, a line of 710 Merino lambs sold for $95. These lambs are Apr/May 18' drop, weigh 35kgs and have a 1/4" skin.
From Morven, a line of 467 Dorper mixed sex lambs sold for $140. Weighing 44kgs, these lambs are Jul/Aug 18' drop and found a buyer from Inverell, NSW. From Gore, Ennisclare Pty Ltd offered a line of 400 White Dorper ewes which returned $125. These ewes are 2-6 years, weigh 48kgs, and are SIL to White Dorper rams.
Another highlight saw 10 Boer cross buck goats, offered by David M Owens, Longreach, return $250. These goats are 6-9 months, averaging 40kg and found a local buyer.