An increase of 600 head saw agents yard 1800 cattle at Emerald sale on Thursday. A larger offering of prime cattle, generally a little plainer in condition than last week, saw values still hold firm, feeder cattle for the few sold maintained in value, while the bottom end of the lighter store stock dragged values down, particularly the heifer portion.
In the prime section, bullocks over 550kg sold to 316c to average 286c, heavy steers 500-550kg made as much as 316c to average 282c, and heavy heifers over 400kg topped at 288c to average 256c. Heavy cows over 520kg made to 249c for the average of 228c, cows 450-520kg reached 243c to average 228c, while heavy bulls over 600kg saw the inflated top of 292c.
In the store section, heavy feeder steers 400-500kg made to 310c to average 280c, 350-400kg got to an isolated 347c to average 291c, and 280-350kg steers topped at 314c for the average of 288c. Weaner steers 200-280kg reached 330c to average 288c, while light steers under 200kg made as much as 330c. Feeder heifers sold to 278c for the average of 244c, 280-350kg heifers reached 285c to average 225c, 200-280kg weaner heifers topped at 276c to average 236c, while heifers under 200kg peaked at 215c for some very plain types.
Highlights:
The Daniels family, Stonybrook, Fernlees, sold Santa cross bullocks to 314c to weigh 608kg or $1910. Charlie and Margaret Prince, Janibee, Capella, sold Droughtmaster steers to 299c to weigh 432kg or $1295. Colin and Trina Hoy, Green Valley, Bogantungan, sold Brangus steers to 330c to weigh 220kg or $726.
The Esmond family, Lucknow, Emerald, sold Droughtmaster cross heifers to 263c to weigh 306kg or $805. Lloyd Stranks and Leanne West, Sunnyvale, Willows, sold Brahman cows to 226c to weigh 441kg or $997. Geoff and Phillipa Hurrey, Crillee, Clermont, sold Euro cross cows to 230c to weigh 532kg or $1224.