Euro cross heifers weighing 750kg sell for a top of 377c/kg or $2830 at Emerald sales

Emerald agents experienced a smaller yarding this week, with 700 head from across the Central Highlands and Central West standing for sale.

A full panel of buyers were present and competitive, however a mixture of quality and lack of numbers did see some fluctuation in prices.

Heavy bullocks over 550kg sold to a top of 414c/kg to average 387c/kg, 280-350kg steers sold to 616c/kg to average 549c/kg, while weaner steers 200-280kg sold to a top of 642c/kg to average 575 cents.

Heavy heifers over 400kg sold to a top of 408 cents to average 391c/kg, feeder heifers from 350-400kg sold to 380c/kg to average 370 cents.

Medium weight heifers from 280-350kg sold to 420c/kg to average 384c/kg, weaner heifers weighing 200-280kg sold to 533c/kg to average 494c/kg, while weaner heifers under 200kg sold to 498c/kg to average 487c/kg.

Heavy cows over 520kg topped at 376c/kg to average 357c, medium weight cows from 450-520kg sold to 358c/kg to average 343c, while heavy bulls over 600kg topped at 349c/kg to average 311c.

Attending the Emerald sales were Moranbah graziers Mark and Glenda Rowe, Rowe Cattle Co, Buffel Park, who sold their pen of EU Brahman Steers for 616c/kg, weighing 280kg or $1730 per head.

The Rowe family usually sell their cattle straight to the meat works, but were in enticed on the steer prices at the moment to sell their Brahman steers through the Emerald saleyards

This line of Brahman steers are out of first calf heifers and Brahman sires that we've sourced across Queensland," Mr Rowe said.

"Due to the dry seasons lately we've decided to get out of bigger cattle and going into selling weaners.

"This is the first sale of the year for us at the Emerald saleyards, but we've been to two previous sales in the past and had good results

"We normally sell our weaners straight to the meatworks but we were enticed to sell them through the Emerald sales due to the current prices."

Maguires Livestock agent Tim Maguire, Emerald, said despite the small yarding, the prices for steers and cows remained strong.

"It was a relatively small yarding, which is down a bit on our normal sale. The price for cows was very strong and there wasn't many bullocks compared to last week," Mr Maguire said.

"The fat job has never been so dear. We have 100,000 cattle go through our saleyards here in Emerald through the auction system and I don't think we've ever seen it reach these heights before."

Rob and Julie Crozier, Rydan, Rubyvale sold Brahman Cows for 366c/kg weighing 613kg or $2246.

Kim and Carole Lansdowne, Southernwood, Willows sold Euro X Heifers for a top of 377c/kg weighing 750kg or $2830.

Juanita Pastoral Co., Fernlees sold No. 0 Droughtmaster Grain Assist Heifers for 408c/kg weighing 485kg or $1980.

Kleier Pastoral, Luxor, Clermont sold Droughtmaster Weaner Steers for 620c/kg weighing 228kg or $1417. James Keleher, Jalee, Blackwater sold Brahman Cross Cows to 366c/kg to weigh 640kg or $2343.

Brad and Briony Comiskey, Emerald sold Brangus Cows to 339c/kg to weigh 537kg & returned $1823. Byron & Kate Heading, Moranbah consigned Brahman Cross Heifers to 380c/kg to weigh 370kg or $1406.

Keegan and Zilla Green, Old Good Hope, Springsure sold Brahman Heifers to 468c/kg to weigh 256kg or $1200.

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