Mareeba saleyard records broken for meat works ox, yearling steers, heifers and bulls

Mareeba combined agents penned a total of 2210 head, with numbers up by 697 head on the previous week, with local processors, buyers, and southern traders present on the day.

This week's yard averaged 483.3c/kg, averaging $1154.18 per head.

The price for meat works ox hit another saleyard record, with a pen hitting 440.2.2c/kg, while yearling bulls climbed to 752.2c/kg, compared to last week's record of 640.2c/kg.

Strong demand for yearling stock saw yearling heifers reach 618.2c/kg, while yearling steers sold to an eye watering 780.2c/kg.

Long standing livestock auctioneer Mark Peters, Elders Livestock, Mareeba, said it was a promising market trend, which was following on from weeks of record-breaking sales at Mareeba.

"We've seen an increase in the number of captured bulls and males, with around 900 head of cattle in the yard predominantly males," Mr Peters said.

"Everybody is price driven and contractors are invigorated by the fact that the market values are so strong so it gives them a lot of confidence to go forward and get in and go hard to get cattle into the market place. These cattle are still in good condition and they're traveling pretty well.

"I sold a pen of Brangus yearling bulls (122kg) for 752c/kg and that's the most money I've ever sold an animal for per kilo in my 36 year career."

Mr Peters said the price for meatworks ox continues to rise, with southern traders taking advantage of the quality on offer.

"When you get quality cattle in the yarding and there's usually not a large volume of those cattle in the marketplace. But it's just enough cattle to give the likes of Teys Australia an opportunity to put three decks together," he said.

Burra Grange Farms sold meat works ox at 440.2c/kg averaging 688kg to JBS Rocky.

SB and KA Martin sold yearling steers at 780.2c/kg, averaging 161kg.

D Dempsey sold yearling bulls at 752.2c/kg, averaging 122kg.

D Dempsey sold yearling heifers at 618.2c/kg, averaging 127kg.

R and C Hill sold yearling steers at 754.2c/kg, averaging 138kg.

PJ Quaid sold yearling steers at 720.2c/kg, averaging 192kg.

PB Quaid sold yearling steers at 720.2c/kg, averaging 192kg.

Overall, 887 bulls averaged 323.4c/kg, selling to a top of 572.2c/kg, while six calves averaged 478.2c/kg, selling to a top of 478.2c/kg.

The cow market remained strong, with 290 cows averaging 299.96c/kg, selling to a top of 415c/kg.

A slight increase in steers were sold, with 286 steers averaging 439.3c/kg, selling to a top of 568.2c/kg, while 192 heifers averaged 413.3c/kg, selling to a top of 542.2c/kg.

Widespread market trends saw 150 yearling bulls sell to average 520c/kg, with the top pen selling for 752.2c/kg.

Demand for yearling stock saw 163 yearling heifers averaged 490.3c/kg, selling to a top of 618.2c/kg, while 218 yearling steers averaged 557.1c/kg, selling to a top of 780.2c/kg.

Three cows and calves sold for $2220, while one cow and calf sold for $2000. Two cows and three calves sold for $700, six cows & seven calves reached $600, and six cows and three calves hit $600.

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