THE expected bubble in prices after recent replenishing rain didn't happen, but the small crowd which attended the Dubbo store cattle sale last Friday did take home the entire offering of 3200 head at generally cheaper prices.
Values gained at recent weeks diminished by as much as $15 to $20 a head for steers and heifers, while the cow market held current values with some selling at prime prices.
However, quality, condition and bloom was rewarded with some Hereford steers making 200 cents a kilogram and more.
P.T. Lord, Dakin and Associates agent Paul Dakin, Dubbo, said the undercurrent seemed to be picking up in patches for the good stock.
"Store markets are usually a reflection of the prime sales and they are only just slowly inching up, so the store is doing the same," he said.
"Hunter and New England graziers sent stock because they see this is where the feed is.
"It may be, but certainly not making heaps of money at the moment."
Elders Dubbo livestock manager Martin Simmons said the market held up considerably well, considering the amount of people who were there.
"The good cattle sold right up to the mark, but I think once you came off them, it was every bit cheaper," he said.
Weaner steers ranged from $160 to $545, averaging $351 while weaner heifers sold from $175 to $380 and averaged $241.
Yearling steers sold from $380 to 635 and averaged $510, while the heifers ranged from $245 to $550.
Pregnancy-tested-in-calf (PTIC) heifers topped at $755 while 460 PTIC cows ranged from $330 to $715.
Cows made $220 to $640 and cow with calf units sold from $520 to $950.
Corcoran Pastoral Company, Inverell, sold 59 Santa Gertrudis/Shorthorn cows with Angus calves from three to five months for $865 to Scone, Tooraweenah, and Peak Hill restockers.
A line of 200 Angus cows of Eaglehawk blood from Hampshire Station, Merawah, gained $670 a head for the PTIC portion going to Dunedoo and Albury districts.
Geoff Raines, "Mayfield", Birriwa, sold 14 PTIC Hereford cows for $715 a head.
Seventy Poll Hereford steers of Elite blood from S. J. Ellis, "Mt Ollie", Singleton, topped at $455 a head and make more than 200c/kg to Southern Tablelands restockers.