WHILE wet weather slashed numbers at last Friday's Nebo prime and store sale, agents were pleased to see a good line of meatworks cows, with the average price for those over 520kg up 8c/kg from the previous sale on February 23.
Although rain-soaked conditions at Mackay reduced numbers from 500 to 359, steers made up the majority of the yarding with the 250-320kg category averaging 287c/kg, up 16c/kg.
But steers 320-400kg averaged 260c/kg, back 26c/kg and the 400-500kg weight range averaged 264c/kg, down 9c/kg.
Griff and Brett Symonds of Nebo's Mt Flora Station, offloaded 60 cast for age Brahman Droughtmaster cows to Thomas Borthwick and Sons at Baker's Creek.
"They sold extremely well. They averaged from 241.3c/kg, averaging 530.4kg and returning $1279.92 per head," Griff said.
"We took the bulls out of them last year and the weaners off them so they've had a great season to fatten and shine up.
"We're very happy and very close to home. We've only had to bring them locally. Normally we would have to take them into Mackay, Rockhampton or Biloela. Brett is our truck driver, so he didn't have to drive."
Three meatworks buyers attended the sale, with feedlot buyers from the Darling Downs, and Rockhampton and local buyers attending the sale.
Vendors presented cattle from Glendon and Nebo.
"We watched the Roma, Gracemere and Emerald markets, and I think the feeder and store markets have come back somewhat," Griff said.
"It was no surprise the fat market here was equal, if not better than Gracemere at least this week, which was really good."
A tough end to last season saw Griff hold onto close to 1000 weaner heifers, with his last offer prior to Christmas sitting at $1.50.
"We sold 50 per cent of those to Gracemere for about a $3.28 average which was a really good result," he said.
"At the end it was a bit of a gamble to make that, but we had enough grass and enough reserves to see them through to the new year anyway, and the season broke which was good."
The yarding comprised of 207 steers, 14 heifers, 136 cows, and two bulls.
Steers over 500kg sold for a minimum of 230c/kg, a maximum of 292c/kg and an average of 283c/kg.
Cows over 520kg sold for a minimum of 240c/kg, a maximum of 244c/kg and an average of 242c/kg.
Heifers between 250-300kg sold for a high of 211c/kg. Those between 300-400kg went for a high of 248c/kg.
Bulls over 600kg sold for a high of 234c/kg.
Highlights included Suttor Creek Pastrol selling Brahman cross bullocks for 286c/kg, weighing 615kg to return $1760/hd. The Glenden vendors also sold Charbray steers for 290c/kg, weighing 536kg to return $1555/head.
Ross Grazing, Kemmis Creek, sold a line of Santa steers for 280c/kg to return an average $970/head.
Hayes and Co livestock agent Peter Hayes said there was a run of weaner steers, mostly Brahman cross, with a few flatbacks.
"They were a little bit easier due to the other markets being easier too for feeders and the younger steers too - I thought they held up too, constant with what's going on in the market," Mr Hayes said.
"Prices were firm on last fortnight. It was probably no better but it was no worse. We were quite happy with that.
"It was a smaller day but it was a good day, with the current market what it is at the moment. We're hoping it will keep going. It was pretty well spread out and we were pretty happy with the performance.
"We haven't lost a sale due to weather at Nebo, but I can't say the same for Sarina. We've lost quite a few there. Next week we've got a sale and it looks a bit doubtful."
Vendors will return to Nebo saleyards on March 22 for a feature sale - presenting feeders and weaners.
"We're expecting 1500 plus and there will be some very good lines and local Nebo cattle at that sale," Mr Hayes said.
"We're expecting it to be a fairly big sale. It's a very big day here so we get quite a big crowd."
