BRISBANE Valley cattleman Len Davis took advantage of the improved season to offload steers at Shepherdson and Boyd's Toogoolawah store cattle sale on Friday.
The 28 good, forward store condition Charolais/Droughtmaster-cross steers were offered as two lots sold for $1430 and $1430. Both pens went to feedlots, which put up to 40c/kg lift in the market. That put the estimated 420kg steers on about 340c/kg live.
Mr Davis, who runs about 280 breeders on Fawnhome, Linville, said he was lightening off in preparation for winter.
"We had reasonable rain in December and 40mm in the past fortnight, so there is a good green shoot," Mr Davis said. "It was all very ordinary before that, but its starting to look a lot better. Hopefully there is more rain on the way."
The Bureau of Meteorology's four day forecast (pictured) holds plenty of promise. Good rain is expected for much of Queensland and parts of NSW.
Selling agent Vince O'Brien, Shepherdson and Boyd, said steer prices were up to 40c/kg or $200/head dearer in the 450 head sale, compared to the market a fortnight ago.
"It's just marvelous what rain does," Mr O'Brien. "It's just changed the mood of the whole job. These prices will certainly bring a lot more cattle forward."
Up to 1300 head are expected at the next Toogoolawah store sale on February 7.
