Prime cattle continue downward trend in Towers

The prime cattle consisted of 148 bullocks, 79 heifers, 314 cows and 65 bulls, while the store cattle consisted of 348 steers, 270 heifers and 11x11 cows and calves.

The yarding was drawn from Mt Coolon, Torrens Creek, Julia Creek, Hughenden, Georgetown, Einasleigh, Chillagoe and local and coastal areas.

Bullocks were quoted no change, heifers were 10-12c easier and cows were 10-12c easier on last week’s rates. Bulls sold similar to the rates of last week.

Geaney’s Livestock and Real Estate director, Jim Geaney, said cattle comprised of a few good bullocks with small runs of well finished cows.

“The sale saw a good presence of meat processors. Bulls and bullocks were well supported by one exporter which kept prices firm,” he said.

“However the bulk of the prime yarding were cows and heifers and the rates again dropped – in line with the downward trend over the last few weeks.

“Majority of Queensland is dry therefore sales are being forced and creating an oversupply of meat in stock at the moment. 

“On the world stage Australian cattle have been sticking out like a saw thumb price wise.”

Prime quotes saw bullocks topped at 247c/kg for Brahman cross, bullocks sold on account of Wooley and Sons that weighed 577kg to return $1425 per head.

The best priced trade heifers were presented on behalf of Leumeah Grazing, Mt Talbot Station, Forsayth, which made 238c/kg to weigh 443kg and return $1056 per head.

The top pen of cows were sold by GW Carrick, Maitland Station, Einasleigh, for 195c/kg and weighed 585kg to return $1140 per head.

Bulls sold on on behalf of Rodney Curtis, Done Movin, Charters Towers, topped at 244c/kg and weighed 750kg to return $1831 per head.

The store cattle sold stronger rates on last week’s sale with better quality runs of feeder cattle and strong support from buyers, local and live exporters.

“We didn’t see the drop in the store cattle this week and the yarding was strong,” Mr Geaney said.

Weaner steers were firm on last weeks sale allowing good quality store cattle to be sought after.”

A pen of Brahman cross, steers on account of T and J Terry, Mundjuro Station, Julia Creek, made 250c/kg, weighed 430kg and realised $1075 per head.

A pen of Brahman steers on behalf of BW & MI Landsberg, Homeview Station, Charters Towers, made 345c/kg and weighed 210kg and realised $724 per head.

A good pen of Brangus heifers sold for Tuan Stud Services made 290c/kg, weighed 230kg and returned a good average of $667 per head.

A good pen of Brahman heifers on account of GW Carrick, Maitland Station, Einasleigh, made 264c/kg, weighed 314kg and returned $829 per head.

Cows and calves sold on behalf of TG & BJ Mitchell, The Junction, Hughenden, returned $1200 per unit.

The next sale is booked in for August 30.