EMERALD CATTLE SALE MARKET REPORT – THURSDAY 13TH MARCH 2025

Agents present a rain reduced yarding of 1,014 head for this week’s combined Emerald sale. Given the lesser numbers there were no real lines in any category, which affected the consistency of quality, breed, and presentation in near all classes; and whilst the majority were consigned from the traditional supply area there was support from as far north as Charters Towers. The processing sector was well represented, most operating on a small field of suitable article, genuine feeders were very limited for numbers whilst there was a reasonable offering of yearlings and very few weaners which is no surprise given the time of year.

There were too few bullocks to quote. The better presented cows held firm on last weeks reduced rates, plain cows eased, a small sample of heavy heifers lost ground to processors and feed. There were too few bulls to quote.

Feeder steers over 400kg were short numbers and competition however the odd lot that in the slot for breed, age and weight made to 352c, yearling steers 350/400kg also limited in numbers eased 16c, steers 280/350kg in fair numbers was a tale of 2 sales; those that have a vendor reputation or of a softer breed selling from about 370c to 410c, the middle run mostly sold from 290c to 340c, and the plainer types gained little buyer interest, steers 200/280kg numbers halved and buyers remained selective again hitting a high of 410c the average was back 22c at 325c.

Feeder heifers were mostly under 350kg and whilst there was fair competition buyers were unwilling to chase the market, the best sold to 278c those 350/400kg average 265c, heifers 280/350kg the better bred softer breeds sold to 298c the average of 263c was back 13c, heifers 200/280kg reached 306c on the odd occasion, most struggled to gain momentum the average of 245c was back 28c, heifers under 200kg in small numbers lacking polish and veal buyer interest averaged 147c.

There were no cows and calves offered.