IT was a sellers market at the weekly Charters Towers prime and store cattle sale were prices continue to soar week-on-week.
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The 1726-strong yarding which was chiefly comprised of Gulf region cattle contained very few finished types with most showing the effects of the current weather conditions.
But sale agent Matthew Geaney, Geaneys Real Estate & Livestock said as the supply of market ready northern cattle continues to dwindle the prices will continue to stay firm or increase.
“Heavy weight steers are getting closer to the $3/kg mark each week; and the competition on all other types is very strong as well,” Mr Geaney said.
Ingham vendor Kris Mastrippolito topped the sale with a 600kg steer making 289.2c/kg to return $1735.20.
“We sold another heavy steer for $1642.12 and a pen of 14 medium weight steers for 278.2c for an average of $1232.03 per head,” a very pleased Mr Mastrippolito said.
Mr Geaney said even though coastal cattle are still holding up well, the condition shown on inland cattle is generally starting to slip.
“Even though we’ve been seeing some plain yardings prices are reaching levels we have never previously seen before here,” he said.
“The competition from meatworks and live export buyers needing to fill consignments are really boosting prices the vendors are receiving.”
He said hopefully a good wet season will get some grass growing in the paddocks and allow graziers to increase their stocking rates.
