CHRISTMAS nears and supply has lifted, although numbers are much lower than the same period last year. More grass and plenty of farmers making hay or harvesting crops, has seen a lack of enthusiasm to sell cattle.
On top of this is a rejection of lower prices by producers. Some are prepared to hold on to stock, some are selling them in store markets as prices are better there.
I did notice a comment from Leann Dax, MLA’s market reporter at Wodonga, that there was competition from a Tasmanian export processor at Wodonga, Tuesday, which lifted competition, and prices.
Tasmania has been short of fat stock for some time, especially heavy cattle with the drought, and now a very good season, taking its toll on supply. However, it is fair to note that bullocks have been purchased at Leongatha, by JBS, for a few weeks now, to send to their Tasmanian works. Bear in mind that this is December, and very close to Christmas, when traditionally supply is very high. In years gone by, Queensland buyers came south to fill gaps in their supply of export cattle, but this has not occurred for a number of years.
Prices were quoted 9 cents per kilogram liveweight dearer at Wodonga, Tuesday, the top price being 309c/kg. Pakenham, Monday, saw the best bullocks make 308c/kg, but the general trend has been cheaper. Most Bullocks over the past seven days to Tuesday, made from 275-295c/kg lwt. Vealer prices showed the larger downturn this week. A larger supply came forward, and the quality was very good, especially in the southern regions. Prices ranged mostly from 335-365c/kg for most sales.
Secondary steer calves, and yearling steers, still sold to strong restocker competition in the north east. At Wagga Wagga, Monday, 1420 yearling steers were recorded, and only 27 were purchased for slaughter. Prices were mostly from 320-385c/kg with isolated sales of lightweight steers higher.
Heifer prices have continued to ease, although excessive fat cover is partly to blame. Most yearling heifers sold from 285-310c/kg lwt.
Shepparton and Wagga Wagga, both yarded larger numbers of cows, and between these two sales, their total was almost equal to that of many more markets.
Quality is improving with the strong season putting weight on all classes of cows. Prices have varied, but stronger demand has created an even averages. More of the 3&4 score beef cows were offered, selling from 235-260c/kg for most.
Leaner cows were still well supplied, and prices here did improve at some sales. A mixture of weight and condition created a large price range, better cows selling from 205-235c with poor, lightweight cows 172-208c/kg.