Agents offered just over 1600 head at Emerald on Thursday with a market that trended dearer, with the exception of the lightweight stores which are starting to show the full effect of a deteriorating season.
Slaughter cattle came under strong competition from processors and feeder categories holding ground and increasing on the better types.
Heavy bullocks over 550kg made to 289c/kg to average 276c, with steers 500-550kg making to 289c to average 272c, 400-500kg steers topped at 277c to average 267c, 350-400kg steers topped 256c to average 254c, with steers 280-350kg making to 289c to average 247c, while steers in the weaner weight ranges made to 289c to average 252c.
Heavy heifers over 400kg made to 245c to average 237c, while 350-400kg heifers topped at 236c to average 230c, while heifers in the weaner weight ranges made to 230c to average 222c. Cows over 520kg topped at 230c to average 223c, while cows 450-520kg made to 228c to average 206c. There was a mixed line up of cows and calves with one pen making $820/unit.
Sale Highlights:
The Mclucas family, Roper Valley, Middlemount sold Droughtmaster cross bullocks to 289c to weigh 557kg or $1612. The Esmond family, Lucknow, Emerald sold Charolais cross bullocks reaching to 272c to weigh 653kg or $1778. The Bettridge family, Mt Wilga, Alpha offered Droughtmaster cross steers to 266c to weigh 215kg and $573.
The Prewett family, Glendariwell, Emerald sold a line of Brangus steers reaching 289c to weigh 282kg or $816. Maurie and Connie Iddles, Nogoa Downs, Emerald sold Brahman cross steers to 252c to weigh 213kg or $538. The Ruff family, Glenyarran, Springsure sold Brahman cross heifers to 198c to weigh 230kg and return $455.
Jono and Carmel Tibbles, Westlyn, Springsure sold Euro cross cows to 225c to weigh 595kg or $1341. Charles and Carmel McKinlay, Blood Wood, Yamala sold Brahman cows to 220c to weigh 640kg or $1408.
