Prime market paying for better conditioned cattle

Numbers were back about 100 head on last week and Mr Daley thought it was a better quality yarding than that sale - a situation to which he attributed to seasonal conditions in the eastern Riverina.

"We did have a few pens of cattle from the western areas which were lighter in condition," he said.

"But I think the cattle today were in better condition due to our good autumn in the eastern country where producers have been able to hold onto their stock a bit longer and put more weight on them."

The market for processing cattle was dearer and Mr Daley didn't think that the current spike for global demand for beef had a big bearing on the sale.

"The demand for trade cattle was full throttle, and export orders have to be filled," he said.

"And while we see limited numbers coming into the yards, feedlot activity is also going to be strong."

Mr Daley expects numbers to continue easing each week as the south moves into winter and frosts take a toll on pastures.

"But for those cattle with weight and good condition, prices will be firm for a while," he said.

At TRLX Tamworth, Nutrien Ag Solutions manager Scott Simshauser also reported a solid market despite numbers easing slightly but consistent with historical late autumn yardings.

"We are seeing a lot of well finished cattle coming in, with very few store types on offer," he said.

"Any animal with the weight is destined for the feedlot and there is plenty of competition for that article.

"Because we are in a herd re-building stage, few cows are coming in and those that we do see are the real 'cull' types suitable for boning out."

Mr Simshauser noted the market for processing cows was very strong on the back of limited supply and keen demand abroad, and he said it was too early to call if the current ban by Argentina on export beef has any impact on future sales.

"We had very few heavy bullocks because producers had taken the good money as yearlings to go into feedlots, and I don't think we will see numbers of prime cattle coming off crop until July."

At CWLX Forbes on Monday, numbers lifted to 785 and the quality was mixed with a rise in volume of Bos Indicus cattle penned.

MLA reported values are holding and variations in price are dependent upon the breed.

There was an increase in the number of heavy yearlings while weaners, grown steers and bullocks were fewer. The market for cows was steady with breed related changes having the most effect on price.

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