Cattle numbers from Queensland rose by just under 1000 head last week to see 2560 cattle offered. Strong buyer confidence continued online with national average of 90 per cent online, while the Queensland state average was 91pc. Light restocker heifers under 280kg saw strong demand last week, selling from 220c to 280c, averaging 245c, holding firm on the previous week. The top priced line was a mob of 9 to 11-month-old 241kg Angus heifers from Goondiwindi, which sold to a buyer in Yarrawonga, Vic. Heifers over 280kg were topped by a line of 338kg 10 to 14-month-old Angus heifers from Rathdowney, selling for 275c/$930.
Steers under 280kg saw strong buyer demand, selling from 264c to 328c, to average 302c, up 5c. The heaviest line of steers was topped by a mob of 10 to 14 month old Ultra Black/Angus Cross feeder steers selling for 300c/$968.
Joined and PTIC cows sold from $660 to $1820 to average $1192. Several lines of joined Santa Gertrudis cows from Winton had three different states competing on them, with a mob of 2 to 11-year-old cows selling for $1720 heading down to SA, while a line of 3 to 11-year-old cows which sold for $1820, heading to a buyer in Blackall. Other highlights included 3 to 7-year-old PTIC Angus cows from Goondiwindi selling for $1230 and 10 to 12-month-old 264kg Angus steers from Mitchell selling for 322c/$850.
Sheep
Sheep and lamb numbers from Queensland dropped 2300 head, with 5093 head offered last week. However, the dip in numbers did not stop interstate buying as lines of joined ewes and ewe lambs from Queensland sold to buyers as far south as Albury, NSW. Merino/Dohne ewes 3 to 4 years old from Bollon sold to a buyer from Dubbo, NSW for $179. A line of joined White Dorper ewe lambs from Thallon will make the 1000km trip down to Albury, selling for $140. Finally, with supply pressure across the country, and record saleyard prices, processors are looking online to source stock. A line of July/Aug '18 drop Merino wether lambs from Aramac sold for $130.5 or 759c dress weight to Victorian processor.
