A FEMALE Charolais cross pen hit 498.2c/kg at Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) prime cattle sale last Wednesday, which broke the saleyard's cents per kilo record for heifers.
S and M Hartwig, Goolara Siding, Theodore, offered the run, averaging 181kg to return $902/head.
Morgan Harris, TopX, Gracemere, described the sale as an optimistic start to the year.
"Prices were very strong, and all cattle fit to go back to the paddock were in high demand," Mr Harris said.
Widespread rainfall reduced the yarding to 497 head, however the buying gallery showed spirited enthusiasm.
"There was definitely a lot more eyes on the auction at this sale," Mr Harris said.
"Our usual buyers were there, as well as a few new faces, and buyers we haven't seen in a few years' time."
The brothers of the top pen of heifers were snapped up by Beaudesert buyers Jack and Paula Sammon for 558.2c/kg. The nine head weighed 175kg to return $976/head.
Mr Harris said the cow market, which peaked at 337.2c/kg, was also a highlight of the auction.
With great positivity from the widespread rainfall and demand strong for cattle, Mr Harris predicted next week's sale would have a larger yarding and maintain similar strong prices.
Steers 400-500kg made 392c, average 391c, steers 300-400kg reached 452c, average 430c, steers 200-300kg made 550c, average 480c and steers under 200kg sold to 552c, average 491c.
Slaughter cows sold to 337c, average 299c, cows 400-450kg made 308c, average 291c, and cows 320-400kg reached 284c, average 245c.
Heavy heifers sold to 364c, average 362c, heifers 300-400kg made 440c, average 367c, heifers 200-300kg reached 482c, average 432c, and heifers under 200kg made 498c, average 461c.
Cows and calves sold to $2150/unit, average $1888/unit.
Bulls over 600kg made 316c, average 297c, bulls 450-600kg reached 315c, average 315c and bulls under 450kg sold to 558c, average 417c.
K White, Dixalea, sold Droughtmaster steers to 500c weighing 271kg to return $1356.
The Kent family, Banana, sold Brahman weaner steers for 490c weighing 281kg to return $1380.
B and L Winn, Ridgelands, sold quality Charbray weaner steers to top at 550c weighing 217kg to return $1198.
D and E Zeimer sold Brahman cross cows to 308.2c weighing 424kg to return $1306.
Josh Comiskey, Alton Downs, sold young Brangus cows to top at 337c weighing 468kg to return $1580.
Red Ridge Grazing, Stanage Bay, sold a run of 86 No.0 Brangus/Brahman cross heifers averaging 436c weighing 250kg to return an average of $1090/hd.
K and A Baker sold Brangus heifers to 482c weighing 218kg to return $1051.
C Sell and L Moore, Mt Larcom, sold Brahman cross weaner heifers for 480ckg weighing 186kg to return $895.
Par-En-Eri Cattle Company, Alton Downs, sold a run of Brangus feeder heifers to average 385c weighing 347kg to return $1340.
WJ and PR Ashe sold Brangus cows and calves for $2150/unit.
