THE continual dry weather across the western regions of Queensland, coupled with the steady saleyard prices over the past few weeks, enticed producers to offload large numbers of cattle last week.
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Total yardings across MLA's NLRS reported saleyards reached 28,600 head, as significant numbers were reported at Roma, Dalby and Longreach.
Reports suggest that the delay in the usual wet season for the northwest and channel country is taking its toll on feed levels, with many opting to reduce stocking rates, in anticipation the season may continue on its current path.
Roma store sale reported significant numbers drawn from the northwest and central west regions with the majority of cattle sold in large lines, predominantly to restocker and feeder buyers.
The last time Roma store yarded 10,000 head was June 2012, when the seasonal conditions in the lead up to winter were good and demand for yearling cattle was high.
Interestingly, prices tended to remain relatively firm despite the significant increase in supply.
Light yearling steers returning to the paddock averaged around 195c/kg lwt, while the heifer equivalents finished on 162c/kg lwt.
Feeder buyers sourced unfinished medium weight grown steers for an average 153c/kg lwt, while the better quality bullocks hovered around 174c/kg.
Consignments at Dalby reached near record levels with around 8500 head yarded, numbers not seen since January 2003. Cattle were predominantly sourced from western regions as both feeder and restocker interest was high for the increased yarding of mainly yearling cattle. Producers and lot feeders looked to secure secondary lines for backgrounding following the recent rain.
Yearling steers to restockers averaged 194c/kg lwt for light weights, while the medium weight portion made on average 187c/kg lwt.
Light yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged around 150c/kg lwt, while heavy weights to processors sold 3c dearer on 169c/kg lwt.
The grown steers offered sold to a generally cheaper trend due to quality, while processors continued to compete for good quality heavy weight cows, paying on average 148c/kg lwt.
The start of the Longreach weekly sale recorded close to 4000 head yarded, consisting of predominantly young cattle with the majority of numbers sourced from local and surrounding areas.
Lightweight lines were in large numbers with yearling steers averaging around 146c/kg lwt, and the better quality heavy weight lines settled on 153c/kg lwt.
The plain conditioned light yearling heifers averaged 133c/kg lwt, while heavier lines sold around the 136c/kg lwt mark.
