SOUTHERN restockers joined in the bidding war at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange prime and store sale, at Gracemere on May 20, with 3440 head offered.
Agents reported a quality line of steers, heifers and fat cows, with all descriptions meeting strong competition.
Heifers made the most notable jump in price with a 40 to 50c/kg lift, resulting in a pen of Charbray heifers selling for 382.2c, and weighing 225kg to make $860/head.
The average types in the 200 to 300kg weight range made 328c.
Steers topped at 452.2c with a run of Brangus weaners supplied by Melrose Grazing, Marlborough, weighing an average 240kg to make $1083, while average steers in the same weight range made 376c.
Sam Kime, Amaroo Station, Nebo, sold red and black Brangus No.8 steers for 354c weighing 562kg to return $1990.
Processors were willing to pay top dollar for cows with a pen of heavy Charbrays earning 319.2c or $1580, while average finished cows sold for 252.2c.
Josh Heck, Savage Barker & Backhouse - GDL, Rockhampton, said the increased yarding was double the numbers on the previous week.
Mr Heck said high cattle prices were being achieved at most Regional Livestock Exchanges across Australia at the moment.
"Producers are making the most of the good prices and turning off any cattle they can before winter," he said.
"The increased stock numbers did not reduce competition between bidders with a strong contingent of southern restockers active in the market. We receive a lot of support from New South Wales buyers as we come into our weaner season here in central Queensland.
"It was due to these additional buyers in the market that we saw an increase in prices across all classes from fat cattle through to feeder types and weaners."
In addition to the local area, cattle were predominantly sourced from Collinsville, Bowen, Nebo and Calliope.
"Yarding numbers will ease a little next week with many producers holding out for the special weaner sale on the first of June," Mr Heck said.
"Although, we should still expect a decent yarding while the money is this good."