Agents had a decreased yarding of 956 head at Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange’s Prime Sale on Wednesday, October 28. The yarding consisted of a good supply of young cattle, which was made up mainly of vealers and weaners with a small offering of yearlings. Quality was fairly good, with several pens of well-bred cattle although there were a few more plainer quality weaners through the sale this week. The market improved this week with increased restocker competition from southern and western areas.

Cows sold well again this week with prices reaching 318.2c/kg and averaging at 294.0c/kg and 501kg. Two head topped the market with a return of $2,182.50. Heifer prices improved overall with a top of 556.2c/kg and averages of 402.5c/kg and 274kg. A return of $2,091.25 was achieved for two head of brahman cross heifers sold.

Restocker competition ensured solid prices across the bullock and steer markets with improvements on the prior week overall. 234 steers were yarded where they sold to a top of 590.2c/kg and averaged at 437.5c/kg and 274kg. 3 head of angus cross steers sold for a return of $2,197.36. Bullock prices reached 332.2c/kg where they averaged at 320.8c/kg and 738kg. A top return of $2,375.23 was achieved for one head sold.

232 head of veal yarded sold to a strong market with prices reaching 594.2c/kg. The category averaged 467.5c/kg and 227kg with approximately 10c average improvement overall on the prior week. Two head of charolais cross veal sold achieved a return of $1,510.28. Yearlings averaged at 421.15c/kg where prices reached 458.0c/kg for angus yearling steers. One santa gertrudis yearling topped the category’s market with a return of $1,755.62.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold a Store Sale on Friday, November 6 with 1000 head on offer from 10am.

This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 4 November 2020.