The extraordinary prices offered at last week's prime cattle sales certainly flushed a few more numbers out of the paddocks, but overall yardings remain thin on the ground and lack of supply continues to drive the cost of cattle to record highs.
The outrageous high bids for lightweight weaners at the previous prime sales were not continued this week, but heavier cattle maintained their value.
Lot feeders are winning the bids, desperate to hold up their end of the bargain, and the consumer is now paying more for a steak - try $35 a kilogram for rump - but those who work in the finishing end of the beef supply chain are saying the situation is becoming untenable.
Medium weight cows, more than steers, have made the gains this week. Even so, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator hit a record 868c/kg (carcase weight) on Tuesday.
At Gunnedah on Tuesday cows 400kg to 520kg averaged 272c/kg (liveweight) or $1287 reaching 325c/kg and $1688. Heavy cows averaged 299c/kg or $1918 peaking at 306c/kg and $2308.
Yearling heifers sold to a dearer trend, up as much as 20c/kg, making an average of 455c/kg or $1399 reaching 498c/kg and $1583.
Gunnedah Stock and Station Agents Association president Tim Walsh said numbers of females at the sale reflected the time of year, with most tested as empty. "After February and March those cow numbers will disappear," he said. "The lack of supply has everyone concerned."
The season on the Liverpool Plains is the best in memory, with plenty of grass everywhere, but continued high prices will tempt a few producers to bring cattle to market.
"There's plenty of feedlot competition," Mr Walsh said.
"Other agents are of the same opinion - prices for restockers are not going to improve this year.
"And a lot of traders are reluctant to sell now because they are aware of the cost in replacing them.
"Many have decided to take their cattle to another weight level and that is contributing to a lack of numbers."
Meanwhile, producers of young cattle are relishing the new flush of money and most have nearly paid back their drought debt. Agents say those with calves at foot are happy to let them eat grass.
"Producers are confident on the price holding steady," said Brett Peel, saleyard supervisor at Scone regional Livestock Selling Centre.
"Meanwhile, buyers feel the need to get in or miss out, especially when it comes to yearling heifers."
At Scone on Tuesday yearling heifers lifted 24c/kg.
At Inverell, Lehman Stock and Property agent Ben Lehman said the season had prompted producers to keep cattle at home. "Kilos are king," he said. "Even if prices drop 30c/kg these guys can put on another 40kg."
