Significant easing of store cattle prices at Grafton on Thursday were in line with all other centres as a combination of factors makes a mark on the trade.
Of the 1012 head yarded almost half were steers selling to an average - for big and small - of 492.2 cents a kilogram or $1186.51 to reach a top of 640.2c/kg for the best of the lightweights and $2064.81.
That top price belonged to Peter and Judy Parr, Tucabia, who offered four tooth Charolais cross 505.8 kilograms for 408.2c/kg, going onto feed in the lower Gwydir.
Last month's store sale recorded average steer prices of 557.9c/kg, a difference of 65.7c/kg.
Heifers numbered 333 head to average 403.6c/kg or $861.52 to reach a top of 540.2c/kg and $1615. June bids averaged 509.3c/kg in June or a difference of 105c/kg.
Red tagged heifers pregnancy tested in calf and sold liveweight made $1960 for 502kg.
Cows averaged 246.3c/kg (305.8c/kg in June) or $1148.65 to top at 382.2c/kg and $1762.90. Cows with calves sold live weight, 35 head, averaged $2544.57 to each a top bid of $3140.
Tracey Lawson, Alumy Creek, bought two tooth Angus steers, 630kg for 280.2c/kg or $1765.26 after recently consigning a fully grown bullock, Charolais cross, for 780c/kg carcase weight.
"Yes I am concerned about FMD," she said. "But it's no good having a paddock of good grass. You've got to take a gamble and trust the intelligence that goes on in the bureaucracy to do the right thing."
Commission buyer John Dougherty said there was a new wave of buyers as the market comes back. "They are the people who see an opportunity," he said, sending Angus steers 207.5kg to the Liverpool Plains for 630.2c/kg or $1307. "In 12 months they will double their money."
The same consignment included a pen of EU accredited Charolais over Brahman/Hereford from the Chapman family, Fine Flower, 225kg for 560.2c/kg or $1260.45 and Brangus from the Wratten family 235kg at 544c/kg or $1278.87.
"At times like this you've got to stick to your program," said Mr Chapman.
Selling agent David Farrell said the complexity of this market demanded that producers stuck to their guns. "There are a lot of things influencing the market at the moment," he said. "You can't point your finger at just one."
Other cattle went to Taroom, Qld, to the east of which just got plenty of rain this week.
Local buyers were very present, with Brett O'Connor from Harwood Farm Store taking home Santa Gertrudis steer 248.8kg for 466.2c/kg or $1159.67 to put on country at Jackybulbin.
Phil Ensbey, Lawrence, was stubborn enough to replant rye three times after the biggest flood ever in the lower river followed by another nearly as bad and weeks of wet.
"Sure, FMD is bad but what do you do? This is good buying and I've got room for more calves," he said before bidding on black baldy heifers 306.3kg for 295.2c/kg or 904.05.
Melanie Hughes, Dilkoon, was happy to come away with four Brangus steers 172.5 for 500c/kg or $862.85 and will put them on oats planted by her father Lewis during the rare dry weeks of June.
"We will stay in business," she said. "We've got the feed."
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