Whether they were cows, steers, or cows and calves, the market was chasing them at Blackall last week.
After cancelling two sales because of wet conditions for people trying to get cattle out, 800 fat and 1000 store cattle were offered for sale on Thursday.
Among those enjoying a surge in prices were local grazier Iain Adams of Darracourt, who was paid 282.2 c/kg or $1890/hd for Santa Gertrudis/Simmental cross cows weighing 670kg.
A similar pen weighed an average 750kg and returned $1940/hd.
Blackall GDL manager Jack Burgess said prices like this were unheard of in Blackall before last week.
“Supply is tightening and that’s driving prices up,” he said. “I expect it to continue for a while now.”
Others benefiting from the strong market were Hughenden graziers Rob and Donna Atkinson, who marketed fat cows, bulls, cows and calves and steers at Blackall, saying they were keen to capitalise on a strong market.
A pen of 451kg Droughtmaster No 4 steers brought a price of 342 c/kg or $1546/hd.
Their line of 62 cows, weighing 519kg attracted a price of 255 c/kg, while 32 cows and calves brought $1680/hd.
Rob said this was the best money that had been around for some time and he was happy to have sold on such a strong market.
Cattle were drawn from Aramac, Barcaldine, Muttaburra, Winton, Tambo, Jericho, Isisford, Alpha and the Blackall district.
Values generally rose in line with other markets throughout the state following widespread rain in Queensland and New South Wales.
Warren Dyer, Ross Clare, Tambo consigned Charolais cross cows, selling to 268c/kg, weighing 577kg to return $1549, His heavy heifers weighing 482kg made 294c/kg to return $1420.
RS & AM Windsor, Innerdale, Blackall sold Brangus cows weighing 500kg to 252c/kg returning $1261 while their heifers weighing 430kg sold to 284c/kg to return $1222.
Enniskillen Pastoral Co, Boongoondoo, Jericho sold a line of Santa store cows for 248.2c/kg, weighing 422kg and returning $1047.
CW & GM Prow, Glenora, Blackall sold Charbray steers weighing 436kg to 328c/kg to return $1432.
Ben Avery, Allandale, Blackall consigned a line of quality Charolais steers weighing 372kg that made 360c/kg to return $1343.
AL & LS Cowper, Merino Downs, Aramac sold Santa heifers to 328c/kg weighing 305kg to return $1003.
PF & WJ Hooper, West End, Isisford sold Santa heifers to 300c/kg weighing 380kg to return $1140.
HLH & SJ Glasson sold Santa cross cows weighing 554Kg, selling for 262.2c returning $1453.
The Forest Hill Pastoral Co sold a line of Santa steers topping at 364.2c, returning $889/hd.
Alibel Trust, Macfarlane, Tambo sold Brahman cross cows for 262.2c/kg weighing 573kg to return $1502/hd
S & B Loudon, Newark, Jericho sold Droughtmaster cross cows for 252.2c/kg, weighing 427.5kg and returning $1078/hd
Kirby Smith of Strathroy, Hughenden sold Droughtmaster steers for 350.2c/kg, weighing 287.1kg, returning $1005/hd
DG & H Morton, Neleh Downs, Isisford sold Santa Gertrudis steers for 346.2c/kg, weighing 300.3kg, returning $1039/hd
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
