Emerald agents yarded just over 2500 head at the weekly sale on Thursday, where the market held firm in most categories with heavy slaughter cattle and feeder types still coming under strong demand.
Heavy bullocks over 550kg made to 307c/kg to average 297c, with steers 500-550kg making to 306c to average 291c, steers 350-400kg made to 300c to average 293c, 280-350kg steers made to 299c to average 271c, while steers in the weaner weight ranges made to 294c to average 264c.
Heifers over 400kg topped at 264c to average 250c, with heifers 350-400kg making to 283c to average 273c, while heifers in the 280-350kg range made to 283c to average 251c, with the weaner weights making to 269c to average 226c. Heavy cows over 520kg topped at 245c and averaged 236c, while heifers 450-520kg reached 243c to average 234c. A mixed lineup of aged cows and calves saw the best to $950 per unit.
Highlights: The Daniels family, Stoney Brook, Fernlees, sold Santa bullocks to 299c to weigh 598kg or $1798. The Burns family, Kalora, Capella sold Droughtmaster steers to 300c to weigh 520kg and returned $1561. Mike and Vicki Donovan, Coolibah, Capella sold Charolais cross steers reaching 295c to weigh 361kg or $1066. Greg and Dan Perry, Glendon, Emerald sold Droughtmaster steers to 299c to weigh 326kg or $975. The Whitehead family, Satelite, Springsure sold Brahman cross cows to 241c to weigh 570kg or $1374.