Naracoorte Cattle Report

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Report Date: 17th December 2024

Total Yarding: 750

Commentary

Cattle numbers more than halved on the big yarding of a week ago as producers pulled back on the eve of the Christmas holidays. Quality was generally plain and there was a lot of plainer conditioned and smaller lots across the yarding. The market didn’t have the drive of last Tuesday however there was little price change over the main run of cows and better bred and presented young cattle.

There was no stand-out prime cattle in the grown and yearling sections, with the majority suiting feeders or restockers. Steers sold to a top of 350c/kg and most of the better bred beef lines traded in a range of 300c to 340c/kg lwt. Underneath this was 260c to 300c/kg was lighter and plainer bred steers and heifers. Saleyard data showed the average steer price across 221 head sold of all weights and grades was 316c/kg. The heifer average, again across a mix of breed types and weights, was 299c/kg.

The cow market showed the most price consistency at 285c to 305c/kg for heavy females with good fat cover and weight. Plainer and lighter cows mostly 200c to 260c/kg. Cows made up about a third of the yarding and the average price for everything sold was 275c/kg.

Note: this was the final Naracoorte prime sale for 2024, with selling due to recommence on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Report compiled remotely by Jenny Kelly.