Droughtmaster steers hit 658.2c at Gracemere prime and store sale

Combined agents yarded 3686 head of cattle from across Central Queensland, between Taroom and Collinsville on Wednesday.

All the regular export processors were present and operating along side the usual feeder buyers and local and interstate restockers.

Weaner steers topped at 658c/kg to average from 618c to 627c/kg, heifers sold to 570c/kg to return averages from 499c/kg to 534c/kg, while cows and calves reached $2950 per head.

First time vendors Mick and Amanda Clarke, Ibis Creek Pastoral Co, Clermont, sold 168 Brahman steers, for a top of 538.20c/kg and an overall average of 524c/kg.

Nutrien's Julian Laver, Rockhampton, said the market was firm on last week and producers were capitalising on the current prices.

"The cow market still very strong and I'd say they'll quote the same as the August 4 sale," Mr Laver said.

"Ibis Creek have simply decided to take advantage of the good markets at the moment. They are a first time vendor for Gracemere with a line of steers like this.

"The season looks to be deteriorating a bit again now and drying out, but with the market so good, it's a bit of a non brainer, if you've got cattle there and you're worried, send them."

Ray White Rural's Trevor Humble, Gracemere, said recent showers, although patchy, had lifted buyers' spirits.

"In our catchment area, there are some regions with green grass and given it has been a bit warmer the grass has really been able to take off," Mr Humble said.

Mr Humble also noted the winter had been relatively mild, with seldom frost events, which was aiding the good seasonal conditions.

Mr Humble said a highlight in the steer portion included a run of 59 No.1 Droughtmaster weaners, offered by Lee Rutherford, Glenroy, which topped at 658c/kg and averaged 262kg to equal $1554/head.

"This is a vendor that used to have a stud operation, so this run of heavier weaners were in excellent condition and had good-quality genetics," he said.

"This week the demand was right the way through, from restockers on lighter lines, to lotfeed buyers and all the way up to store cattle.

"And, given the recent rain, I think the condition and quality of the cattle will remain high too."

Dingo vendor, J and G Maguire, sold a run of Brangus No.1 EU steers, which peaked at 648c/kg, weighed 263kg and returned $1534 per head.

Montrose Grazing, Marlborough, had a good result for its 285kg Brahman steers which reached 586c/kg and returned $1675 per head.

Parraweena Cattle Company, Banana, reached 460c/kg for its Charbray cross steers that weighed 465kg to return $2142 per head.

In the heifer category, Kim Borg, Sarina sold a 236kg Charbray cross line for 520c/kg which equalled $1230 per head.

Parri Industries, Belmont, made a return of $1330/head for a 243kg Brangus pen which sold for 546c/kg.

The cow market was also firm, with Warwick Park Pastoral, Middlemount, reaching 339c/kg for its 634kg Charbray offering which made a return of $2152head.

Yaamba producer, A and J Roberts, made 324c/kg for their Brahman cows that weighed 459kg and returned $1488/head.

The market for cows and calves was also strong, and the Bauman Family's Charbray cross pen topped the sale at $2950/unit.

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