Limited numbers of prime heavy steers and bullocks across the state are meeting determined demand due to the strength of the export market.
At Yass in a yarding of 985 head last Thursday, only 15 weighed heavier than 540 kilograms and that was a fairly typical reflection on the availability of finished heavy stock.
The Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) report indicated prices ranged from 321 to 345 cents a kilogram for grown steers over 500kg which Delta Agribusiness Yass livestock agent Ben McCalman said was a good return for producers.
"We are not seeing a lot of heavy steers coming through but there is still solid demand for that article," he said.
"Obviously there is limited supply due to the season but producers are finishing their stock on grain and getting a high dollar value through putting weight on."
At Grafton, David Farrell, director of Farrell McCrohon reported strong demand for the heavy steers and bullocks coming through the yards.
Mr Farrell said of the 1000 head yarded yesterday, 500 were suitable for export including 220 bullocks and the buyers responded lifting prices to 376c/kg for the heavier end.
"Although supply is restricted the heavy steers coming in are well finished," he said.
"Prices have improved during the past six weeks and there is plenty of demand from the export processors. We are seeing heavy steers making from $2400 to $2600, a good return."
At Dubbo sale last Thursday, MLA reported values for the few prime grown steers were firm and sold to 355c/kg. Of the 2040 cattle yarded, only 18 were above 400kg with eight in the 500kg to 600kg C4 category selling from 310c/kg to 355c/kg.
Prices have improved during the past six weeks and there is plenty of demand from the export processors
- David Farrell, Farrell McCrohon, Grafton
In the yarding of 1300 only 107 weighed above 400kg at Tamworth prime sale on Monday. MLA reported market trends were generally dearer, although the heavy steers were cheaper. Bullocks in the 500kg to 600kg range and C4 type sold to 378c/kg, while C3 types in same weight range sold to 358c/kg.
Nutrien Ag Solutions, Tamworth livestock manager Scott Simshauser reported few heavy steers coming through the local yards.
"Those that are that weight have been on grain, but the returns for vendors have been very good," he said.
