Prices peaked at 602c/kg for steers and 508c/kg for heifers at Wednesday's Gracemere prime and store sale, in a market described as firm to dearer.
The yarding of just over 5000 head was the largest for the year to date at the CQLX facility.
According to Nutrien Ag Solutions Rockhampton spokesman Trent McKinlay, the increase was due to great prices luring more producers to the sale.
A line of 256 Braford-cross female cattle offered by the Riethmuller family, Allambee Cattle Co, attracted buying interest from both the north and south, to make 508.2c/kg, averaging 315kg to return $1390/head, while the lead pen topped at $1648/head.
Mr McKinlay said there was particular interest among buyers for this quality run of females.
"Buyers from north and south secured them for breeding purposes and they also generated keen interest from lotfeeders too," he said.
He said the quality of the yarding was bolstered by the new season offering.
"We are starting to see the lead of the No 1 weaners come through and there were some quality lines of them on offer at the sale," he said. "The weaners were from regions that experienced the early rain, so they were presented in great weight and condition."
The usual run of feeders and processors were in the buying gallery, as well as an increased presence from NSW restockers.
The steer price peaked at 602c/kg for a G and R Willett offering that weighed 188kg to return $1095/head, with the average in this category selling for 535.8c/kg.
M Forday, Yeppoon, had a good result for 217kg Brangus weaners that reached 588c/kg to equal $1276/head.
For the heavier steers, a highlight included BeeBlee Pastoral's run of 428kg No 9 Brangus cattle that sold for 436c/kg to return $1867/head.
The cow market was firm and in this category GW Frankish's pen of prime No 7 cattle sold for 290c/kg, weighing 612kg to return $1802/head.
M Morrice, Port Curtis, made a return of $1473/head for a 502kg pen, which topped at 294c/kg.
Mr McKinlay said, overall, producers in central Queensland were optimistic about the market.
"There is a great deal of positivity, as the current prices have proved if producers chose to sell, it's a good time to do so."
