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WA weekly cattle summary
23 July 2015
More pastoral cattle at Muchea
Moderate falls were recorded across most southern coastal districts although most inland areas received less than 25mm.
- Muchea cattle numbers rebounded with very strong supplies of light and medium weight pastoral heifers and solid numbers of pastoral bulls available.
- Mt Barker supplies decreased for a small mixed quality yarding.
Quality remained mixed at both sales with pastoral drafts in reasonable condition but less well-bred lines available.
Trade young cattle numbers were very limited and quality slipped. Competition on feeder cattle continued at strong levels with moderate live export activity across all young categories.
Processor demand helps cow and bull prices lift
Trade cattle prices were easier with quality back on last week. Both heifer and steer drafts made 290¢ to 313¢/kg.
Store steer prices were again very strong with local steers between 290¢ and 344¢/kg. Pastoral steers made 180¢ to 303¢/kg.
Relatively small numbers of local heifers were firm to marginally dearer at Muchea and the southern markets with most sales between 250¢ and 298¢/kg. Solid supplies of light and medium weight pastoral heifers at Muchea lacked adequate competition with prices back at least 20¢/kg, largely due to numbers and quality offered.
Grown steer drafts made from 215¢ to 296¢ with pastoral drafts between 215¢ to 250¢/kg. Grown heifers lacked quality and sold between 160¢ and 257¢/kg.
Cow prices were marginally dearer with the lighter weight and conditioned drafts selling from 150¢ to 200¢ and D2 cows between 180¢ and 231¢/kg. Most D3 and D4 cows, including the heavy weight drafts, made 180¢ to 236¢/kg.
Bull sales to processors were slightly dearer with most between 180¢ and 230¢/kg. Young and lighter weight bulls suitable for live export slipped with quality much plainer. Prices were between 220¢ and 350¢/kg.
Note: All yardings and prices referenced from MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) reported saleyards.
