Charters Towers Cattle Report

All data provided by 

Report Date: 7th May 2025

Total Yarding: 3,860

Commentary

Numbers increased by almost 950 for a yarding of 3860 cattle. Quality was once again good throughout, comprising of several lines of well finished prime cattle, good quality feeders and several good lines of young cattle for restockers. All regular processors were in attendance and operating, supported by regular feeders, with additional support from backgrounders, including orders from central Queensland. Cattle were drawn from Burketown to Georgetown, Richmond and Hughenden, with a good supply from the local area.

Most young steer categories improved in price – particularly C muscled types- however prime categories averaged lower in line with recent grid adjustments and the increased supply penned. Yearling heifers to feed fell 19c to 30c, grown steers were firm to 8c lower, grown heifers slipped more than 20c, bullocks fell by up to 30c and prime cows averaged 9c to 28c lower.

Young steers returning to the paddock made to 388c, a good sample averaging 352c, while similar heifers to processors sold to 280c to average 262c/kg. Yearling steers above 200kg to backgrounders reached 344c a large sample averaging 298c, with best quality types above 280kg to backgrounders making to 358c to average 320c/kg. Steers above 400kg to feed sold from 290c to 307c/kg. Yearling heifers above 200kg to restockers sold to 260c to average 247c, while good quality vendor bred heifers above 280kg to backgrounders reached 320c to average 297c/kg. Heifers above 330kg to feed sold to 288c to average 254c to 281c, trade types reached 290c to average 280c/kg. Grown steers above 400kg to feed sold to 312c to average from 274c to 279c, with heavy steers to processors selling to 320c averaging from 280c to 310c/kg. Grown heifers to the trade reached 272c, a good sample averaging 256c/kg.

Heavy full mouth bullocks to export slaughter topped at 308c, most selling from 260c to 300c, to average 281c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows reached 254c to average 230c/kg. A good sample of prime heavyweight 3 and 4 score cows topped at 264c to average 251c to 254c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors sold to 279c/kg.

A good number of cows and calves sold to $1,190 per unit.

Market Reporter, Mick Kingham