The long anticipated correction in physical slaughter values echoed loudly in prime markets this week.
Prices were tugged by a standard 20 to 30 cents a kilogram, with heifer rates bearing the brunt.
The reason given for the sharp downturn was said to be a significant lift in supply. Numbers offered at major saleyards throughout the state were recorded at 25 percent with the number of bullocks and young cattle most raised.
BUR Livestock principal Michael Unthank said the NVLX Barnawartha market was noticeably cheaper.
“All buyers wanted it back” Mr Unthanks said. And although there were increased numbers of well-finished grass cattle through the pens, he said plenty of the Riverina supplied cattle were basically forward-conditioned feeders -not prime – which indicates some producers are eager to chase the money.
Mr Unthank said a price fall of 20-30c/kg was fairly standard. Secondary bullocks he said were the hardest hit with many sales cleared under levels of 300c/kg and a percentage in the 250-260c/kg price bracket.
The NLRS quoted Barnawartha vealer sales as ranging in value from 310-393c/kg with an isolated 400c/kg. Trade steer money was back 21c, mostly to 340-362c/kg (an odd sale to 395c) while heifer rates were down to average 321c.
Grown steers and bullocks at the border market made 273-340c/kg.
Denis Linley, Elders said numbers at southern market (Pakenham) this week were bolstered by an influx of northern cattle supplied from the Riverina. He said these displayed superior finish and “hardness” compared to the local southern cattle, with these extra numbers -400 in total – causing an oversupply in the light to medium trade weight range.
Domestic trade buyers he said were appreciative of the improved quality but prices nonetheless eased 5-15c/kg across the day.
Mr Linley said enquiry from export processors was noticeably more subdued with several offering “no quote” on heavier direct-to-work categories as travelling buyers to Wagga and Dubbo, NSW markets tell of plenty to pick from.
Exporters he said have regained the “one bid and walk” mentality which is evidence they have ample in the supply pipeline both from the physical market and privately direct off farm.
The NLRS quoted limited Pakenham vealer sales as firm while others were 5-15c/kg easier. Vealers made 365-405c, trade steers, 345-385c yearling heifers, 322-385c and grown steers, 310-355c.
Pakenham cows also trading along similar lines, with a limited number of heavier clean cows resisting most but more plentiful secondary (dairy) classes back the limit. Camperdown dairy grades were 13-20c cheaper.
