There was a positive start to 2017 with gains across the board for national cattle prices, despite a “Black Friday” finish to the first week.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator was up 1 per cent from last year’s closing price to 640.5¢/kg cwt, while the National Medium Steer price was also 1 per cent higher, closing at 296.8¢/kg lwt.
Feeder steers posted the lightest of gains, up 0.8 per cent to 347.6¢/kg lwt.
National heavy steers were back above 300¢ with a 3.4 per cent increase to test 304¢/kg lwt. Trade steers were the best performers, up 6 per cent to 345.2¢/kg lwt.
The positive sentiment has flown through to the annual weaner sales across the nation, with heavier weaners (above 330kg) fetching between 350¢ to 400¢/kg lwt and lighter weaners (200-280kg) going for over 390¢ to 440¢/kg lwt.
