Prices at Narrabri Saleyards have held up reasonably well in what was an exceptionally tough year for local graziers.
Narrabri Associated Agents sold approximately 30,000 head of cattle in 2014, but are hoping for a much better season next year.
John Rowe from ‘Fairview’ Bellata said the market was unstable at times.
“It’s been very up and down, most of the time prices weren’t too bad but we did have some very dry times in between where we were holding onto cattle because we didn’t want to sell while the market was down, but I think we battled through the year pretty well,” he said.
“In general, Narrabri’s been very successful this year, they’ve sold a lot of cattle.”
Numbers were down slightly at yesterday’s sale which John believes could be a result of the wet weather.
Livestock Agent Bill Smith said prices at the yards have held up well considering the conditions.
“It’s been very hard going this year, the numbers of cattle and the lack of feed have basically spoiled the market a bit, but Narrabri has yarded a lot of very good cattle and that has helped the prices per head,” he explained.
“Today was one of the better markets we’ve had during the year, because the bit of rain we’ve had has helped the market by 10 to 15 cents.
“On today’s market we sold Charolaise Steers which were 15 cents per kilogram dearer than last week, they came back at $900 per head.
“Our first sale for next year will be on January 14 so let’s hope it rains and the market gets dearer.”
Sale results for Wednesday December 10:
THERE was a total liveweight yarding of 290 head at yesterday’s weekly sale, down 60 head on the last sale. It was a good quality yarding, yearling heifers trended 14 - 27 c/kg dearer, while yearling steers were 7 - 16 c/kg stronger.
- Yearling steers up to 330kg sold from 186c/kg to 198.2 c/kg, averaging 7c higher.
- Yearling steers 330 - 400kg sold from 198c/kg to 212.2c/kg, averaging 16c higher.
- Yearling heifers up to 330kg sold from 182c/kg to 197.2c/kg, averaging 27c higher.
- Yearling heifers 330 - 400kg sold from 189c/kg to 198.2c/kg, averaging 14c higher.
- Steers 500 - 600kg sold to a top of 195c/kg, averging 10c higher.
- Cows 400 - 520kg sold from 136c/kg to 151.2c/kg, averaging 4c higher.
- Cows over 520kg sold from 155c/kg to 160c/kg, averaging 10c higher.
Top consignments from the sale, as nominated by the agents:
- 3 steers from B & S Miller, each weighing 525 kg on average, sold for 195 c/kg or $1023 per head.
- 25 steers from Mountain Valley, each weighing 315 kg on average, sold for 198.2 c/kg or $625 per head.