A strong crowd attended the Narrabri cattle sale yesterday, with a cool change ensuring much more pleasant conditions for people and stock.
The market strengthened for yearling steers and heifers, with yearling steers up to 5 cents dearer per kilogram.
Heavy steers were also fetching up to 5 cents more per kilogram.
There was a higher number of store cows and calves on offer, but the cow market was 6 to 18 cents cheaper compared to the last sale two weeks ago.
There are two sales left for the year, with the last sale of 2014 booked for December 10, and the first sale for 2015 booked for January 14.
The decision to hold both Moree and Narrabri cattle sales on the same day has increased buyer attendance and cattle numbers, putting upward pressure on prices at the saleyards.
The sale day was amalgamated in 2012, after five years of debate over whether it was the right decision.
While the change was met with some resistance, Narrabri Associated Agents believe buyers and sellers are now reaping the benefits.
“This week, between Narrabri and Moree, we would have yarded the most cattle out of anyone in the north west, so that’s a big advantage,” Landmark Agent Bruce Evans explained.
“There was 1200 head of cattle in Narrabri and 1000 head in Moree, which is bigger than what Gunnedah or Tamworth yarded this week, so it’s put us on the map as a big selling day.
“We’ve increased cattle numbers, even though it’s been dry, because people have seen that the market is equal to, or better than, Gunnedah, Inverell and surrounding sales, plus they have the freight advantage here.”
He said prices would not have held up as well during the drought without the amalgamated sale day arrangement.
“If you get the numbers, you get the buyers and increased price competition, so it all works hand in hand,” he said.
“Cattle are being sold to Tumut, Canberra and Southern Queensland, because there’s good numbers people can buy out of Narrabri and Moree and make up truckloads to go back so it’s worth their while.”
John Newton from Bindaree Beef in Inverell is a major, regular buyer at the Narrabri Saleyards and was a driving force behind the decision to amalgamate.
“It’s made a huge difference, there was some resistance, but having both sales on one day is much better.”