A drop in numbers by 1300 saw 1600 cattle penned at Emerald on Thursday. The reason for the big drop in numbers offered can only be vendors holding back for the possibility of rain and easing rates for lightweight stock. However, the market tended to be generally dearer with the exception of some categories easing only due to a poorer quality line-up.
Bullocks over 550kg sold to 290c to average 287c, and there were no heavy steers to quote. Heavy heifers reached 275c for some quality grain assisted types, the category averaging 253c. Heavy cows over 520kg topped at 236c to average 226c, 450-520kg cows made as much as 232c to average 214c, while heavy bulls over 600kg sold to 274c.
In the store section, a small number of heavy export feeder steers 400-500kg sold to 297c to average 284c, trade feeder steers 350-400kg topped at 257c to average 246c, 280-350kg steers peaked at 242c to average 230c. Weaner steers 200-280kg made as much as 248c to average 223c, while light steers under 200kg sold to 244c.
Trade feeder heifers 350-400kg sold to 243c to average 235c, 280-350kg heifers topped at 243c to average 198c, weaner heifers 200-280kg made as much as 218c to average 180c, while light heifers under 200kg sold to 186c. No cows and calves were offered.
Highlights: The Esmond family, Lucknow, Emerald sold Charolais cross bullocks to 290c to weigh 626kg or $1816. The Backus family, Nardoo, Emerald sold a large line of Brangus cross heifers to top 194c and weighed 305kg to return $592. Charles and Carmel McKinlay, Blood Wood, Yamala sold Brahman cows to 231c to weigh 595kg or $1375. Alan and Clare Kirby, Wonga, Springsure sold Euro cross heifers weighing 520kg and made to 246c to return $1280. Lloyd and Margaret Hanrahan, Palari, Comet sold Branham cross cows to 223c to weigh 555kg or $1238. Adrian and Tammy Esmond, Cockatoo, Emerald sold Brahman cows to 228c to weigh 579kg or $1321.