Charters Towers combined agents yarded a total of 2298 cattle consisting of 1098 prime cattle and 1200 store cattle.
There was increased processor attendance and feeder buyers engaging in keen bidding on better quality lines.
Charters Towers first major yarding of cattle comprised of some good lines of well finished bullocks and cows which was met with firm competition from both processors and feed lotters.
The yarding was drawn from Georgetown, Einasleigh, Atherton, Ravenshoe, Richmond, Julia Creek, Hughenden, Clermont and local and coastal areas.
Prime Quotes:
Bullocks were quoted 5-10c dearer, heifers were 20-30c dearer, Cows were 15-18c dearer & bulls were 10-15c dearer on last week’s rates.
All cattle improved this week on the back of increased supply and quality.
Bullocks topped at 255.2c for bullocks sold by Amity Cattle Co, Amity, Charters Towers, that weighed 510kg to return $1301 per head.
Best priced Trade heifers were presented by R Flute, Chatfield, Richmond that sold for 248.2c to weigh 400kg and return $992 per head.
The top pen of cows were sold by MG & HJ Bredden, Lakeview, Balfes Creek for 216.2c and weighed 482kg to return $1042 per head.
Bulls sold by Campbell Grazing, Stanley Downs, Hughenden topped at 257.2c and weighed 520kg to return $1337 per head.
Store Quotes:
With the season remaining mostly dry store cattle sold to a subdued gallery of buyers with prices easing on store steers but holding firm on store heifers. Good lines of steers and heifers were on offer.
A pen of 25 steers from Big Country Helicopters Pentland made 303.2c and weighed 170kg, returning an average of $513 per head.
A good pen of heifers from Fanning Downs Partnership, Fanning Downs, Charters Towers made 254.2c, weighed 210kg & returned an average of $533 per head.
14 x 12 Cows & Calves sold by Eden Cattle Co, Eden, Cape Cleveland returned $1180 per unit.
EYCI UPDATE
Despite some good rain across Queensland last week, this did little to deter cattle numbers at most selling centres. Saleyard throughput for all other eastern states increased quite considerably from the previous week, but good quality offerings at most major centres bolstered buyer competition and supported prices.
There was a slight upside for the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator. The indicator opened at 538.25c/kg cwt, reached a peak of 540.75c/kg cwt on Wednesday, before pulling back to finish the week on 539c – up just 0.75c from the previous week.
