Mortlake Store Cattle Report

All data provided by 

Report Date: 18th June 2026

Total Yarding: 1,301

Commentary

Agents penned just over 6,000 head, with the yarding predominantly Angus bred steers and heifers, along with a smaller offering of coloured breeds. Quality was very good across all weight categories, however lighter weights are showing signs of the cold winter lacking condition. The regular field of buyers were on the rail and operating from South Australia, throughout Victoria and local restockers, a northern buyer was back in the mixed from New South Wales, accompanied by a large gallery of onlookers in a very buoyant market. Buyer confidence remained very strong throughout the sale. Grown steers lifted by 30c to 45c/kg, while yearling steers sold up to 50c/kg dearer in places. Weaner steers continued to attract strong demand, with lighter weights selling firm to 20c/kg dearer. A highlight was a pen of 24 Angus steers weighing 230kg, which sold for 702c/kg. Heavy weaner steers improved by 40c to 60c/kg. Yearling heifers sold up to 40c/kg dearer, with selected sales strengthening by as much as 60c/kg to reach 580c/kg. Weaner heifers also experienced strong competition, gaining 35c to 60c/kg and topping at 588c/kg. All quoted prices are compared to the corresponding market four weeks ago.

Heavy grown steers sold from 480c to 592c/kg, averaging 578c/kg, with prices topping at $3,368/head. Yearling steers made from 578c to 622c/kg, averaging between 570c and 610c/kg, and sold to a top of $2,306/head. Heavy weaner steers sold from 520c to 624c/kg, topping at $2,152/head, while lighter weaner steers made from 570c to 702c/kg, topping at $1,724/head. Coloured bred steers also sold very well, including Herefords, Black Baldy’s and Euro-cross cattle, sold from 468c to 602c/kg.

Competition was strong for the heavy grown and yearling heifers, sold from 490c to 550c/kg and topping at $2,866/head, while lighter yearling heifers made from 520c to 580c/kg, to reach $2,120/head. Weaner heifers, with heavy weights over 280kg selling from 514c to 570c/kg, while lighter weights made from 455c to 588c/kg, topping at just over $2,000/head. Coloured bred heifers sold from 492c to 532c/kg.

Market Reporter: Sheona Lamb