STORE cattle continued to sell to a dearer market at last week's Dubbo store cattle sale.
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While only a small yarding of just over 810 head, some lines of yearling steers and heifers and cow and calf units sold almost $100 better than the last sale.
The dearer trend comes on the back of solid prime cattle prices and good rain across the State.
"The market was a fair bit dearer because (prime) cattle prices have gone gangbusters," said Christie and Hood agent Bill Tatt, Dubbo.
"They're so much better than they were a month ago and, combined with rain, it's an exciting combination.
The yarding consisted mainly of weaner and yearling cattle, with most in plain condition.
Mr Tatt said there were limited cattle from Western areas penned.
"We did have a few from the North Coast at Casino and the Gloucester area penned," he said.
The buying group was very small and most were from the local area.
Lightweight weaner steers weighing 200 kilograms or less made from $300 to $425 a head, with the best prices for lines of Angus cattle.
Mediumweight steer weaners sold from $380 to $565.
The lightweight heifer weaners sold from $260 to $320 while medium-weight consignments sold from $290 to $410.
A large number of yearling steers penned fell into the lightweight category, which sold from $325 to $570 for the better muscled pens.
The better yearling heifers made from $355 to $400, with the plainer grades making from $230 to $345, depending on weight.
Angus cow and calf units topped the market for a second week, topping at $1215 for a draft of black cows, on their second to fourth calves, with small calves at foot from a Trangie breeder.
The cow and calf units, offered by Mark and Judy Gale, Trangie, sold $105 better than the previous market, going to Landmark Wilson Russ, Warren, on behalf of a Warren client.
A pen of Charolais first and second calvers, in store condition, made $1170.
"These were cows which had done a reasonable job on their big calves," Mr Tatt said.
The plainer quality and lighter units made from $760 to $830/unit.
Chris Thomas, Barrington sold seven Charolais cows and calves to $1170 a unit to Landmark Wilson Russ, Warren.