There was only a slight increase in numbers and the quality still remains plain with only the odd exception. Yearlings were best supplied and the feeders were active on most but very strong on medium weight heifers. Trade cattle were in very short supply. There were a few good pens of grown heifers and grown steers were back both in quality and numbers. Around 250 cows were offered. Not all the usual buyers operated and there were a few more restockers going in a dearer market.

Trade vealers sold from 330c to 369c and medium weight heifers to restockers reached 350c/kg. Feeder steers were 6c to 12c dearer selling from 310c to 345c/kg. Heifers to feed jumped 20c and ranged from 290c to 337c averaging 330c/kg. The few trade cattle ranged from 284c for heifers to 340c/kg for steers.

Grown steers were firm to 4c/kg cheaper with breed a factor. Prices ranged from 280c to 302c/kg. Heavy grown heifers reached 284c a gain of 8c to 10c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows lifted 8c with strong restocking competition and restocking cows lifted 15c to 20c/kg. Processing cows sold from 202c to 219c and restocking cows reached 229c/kg. Heavy 3 and 4 scores were 4c to 7c stronger selling from 210c to 231c averaging 226c/kg.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service.

CLICK HERE for SELX Market Report – Prime Cattle – 16 March 2017.

Photo: Mel Marshall & Greg Anderson, MD & JJ Anderson Livestock, sold these bullocks to a top of $230c/kg, averaging 1117.5kg, $2570.25ph on behalf of R & K Smith, Laggan.