Mareeba combined agents penned a total of 534 head at this week's prime and store cattle sale.
Numbers reduced by only six head on last week. The yarding consisted of 144 steers averaging 211c/kg selling to a top of 275c, 59 bulls averaging 168c selling to a top of 266c, 184 cows averaging 154c selling to a top of 205c, 89 heifers averaging 161c selling to a top of 227c, 24 yearling heifers averaging 131c selling to a top of 154c and 27 yearling steers averaging 208c to a top of 234c.
Values for bullocks, cows and bulls reduced this week. Bullocks were 1c/kg cheaper, cows were back 25c/kg and bulls suitable for slaughter were back 8c/kg. Store steers lost value on the previous week, store heifers struggled, and the quality of the young males was plainer.
Frosts across the region is having an impact on store cattle demand and is unlikely to change until the region gets some much-needed rain. The usual panel of buyers and traders were in attendance.