There was a substantial lift in numbers to just over 3300 cattle penned at Emerald on Thursday. The yarding was sourced from the usual supply areas, with some larger and better quality drafts on offer this week. Despite this, almost all categories lost ground, the steer portion of the yarding least affected selling firm to up to 12cents cheaper in the weaner weight ranges. Some of the better medium weight steers improved up to 8c and the female portion lost from 8-20c on the last sale rates.
The few bullocks over 550kg sold to 278c, 500-550kg steers again light in numbers topped at 252c, steers 400-500kg made to 282c to average 264c, 350-400kg steers peaked at 294c, for a 251c average. 280-350kg steers made as much as 302c to average 270c, while those in the weaner weight ranges sold to 299c for a 262c average. The cow market eased by 8-18c, those over 520kg peaking at 212c to average 205c, while 450-520kg cows sold to 214c for a 198c average. Heavy heifers over 400kg reached 245c for a 228c average, 350-400kg heifers topped at 241c to average 225c, those in the 280-350kg range made to 238c for a 206c average, while again lighter weaner heifers continued to struggle topping at 218c to average 181c. The best of the cows and calves sold to $1000/unit.
Highlights:
The Jones family, Kaarima, Clermont sold a draft of Droughtmaster cross steers selling to 281c for 258kg and $727, while their 340kg heifers made 236c and $803. Charlie and Margaret Prince, Janibee, Capella had their Droughtmaster cross steers to 460kg for 271c and $1242, while the Prince family, Melaleuca, Capella sold 427kg Droughtmaster cross steers to 265c and $1133.
Steve McLucas and Susan Burns, Roper Valley, Middlemount offered a draft of Santa cows to 212c for 566kg and $120, while the Daniels family, Stonybrook, Springsure offered 587kg Santa cross cows for 207c and $1217. Gavin and Jo Vallis, Jo Jo, Alpha sold a draft of Brahman/Braford cross steers average 316kg, the tops to 280c and $947.