Charters Towers combined agents yarded a total of 1357 head on March 15 consisting of 493 prime cattle and 864 store cattle.
Cattle comprised of both good lines of finished meat works bullocks and cows and mixed lines of trade heifers.
Bullocks were quoted 2-4c dearer, heifers were 2-4c dearer and lighter cows sold to the same rates as last week with heavy cows 2-4c dearer. Bulls sold to 8-10c dearer on last week’s rates.
Bullocks topped at 266.2c/kg for 18 Red Brahman cross bullocks sold on account Atkinson Development Co. that weighed 576kg to return $1533 per head.
The best priced pen of 15 trade heifers were presented on account Blue Dog Trading Co, Aguatra, which made 248.2c to weigh 446kg and returned $1106.
The top pen of 11 cows were sold by BW & GJ Kirkwood, Somerview, Charters Towers for 222.2c and weighed 564kg and returned $1254.
Bulls from LI & JA Investments, Wade, Greenvale topped at 237.2c and weighed 470kg to return $1114.
A much bigger supply and better quality overall of store cattle totaling 864 saw both steers and heifers dearer by 6-10c for all descriptions backed by a gallery of buyers with more confidence after recent rainfall.
A pen of eight high grade Grey No7 steers from CC&T Archer, Charters Towers made 350.2c and weighed 242.5kg and realised $849. A pen of 13 Brahman No7 steers made 361.2c to weigh 172kg or $622 from Foot & Brownsey, Charters Towers.
Rain postpones Towers sale
Charters Towers livestock agents have postponed this week’s combined store and prime sale, setting a new date for Wednesday March 29.
Geaney’s Livestock, Real Estate and Rural Property director, Jim Geaney, said it was postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions.
“There has been patchy rain across north Queensland,” he said.
“South of Charters Towers received 110 millimetres on Sunday evening, while Cloncurry and Julia Creek also received rain.
“If the rain is more wide spread I think people would be holding onto cattle to value add.
“More rain is forecast here this week, so our 720 head booked will be forwarded onto next week’s sale,” Mr Geaney said.
He added the market had decreased this year, with an increase recorded at last week’s sale.
“We had an increase in values last week with a really good quality yarding and subsequently helped with the market.
“We have a few boats going out at the end of the month, so we will wait and see what comes forward out of that.” – Samantha Walton