Naracoorte Cattle Report

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Report Date: 1st April 2025

Total Yarding: 998

Commentary

More numbers came forward with 998 cattle yarded, and of this 360 were cows. Price trends were significantly dearer by 20c to 40c/kg despite a very scrappy line-up that offered buyers limited quality prime animals in both the trade and grown steer and heifer sections. There was still a very good lead of heavy beef cows and these were a highlight selling at much dearer rates to reach a top of 360c/kg.

Domestic processors paid to a top of 414c/kg for a yearling steer with good shape, and from 355c to 380c/kg for heifers of mixed quality but at least offered fat cover. Feeders paid the top money in the young cattle section of 415c for yearling steers. The majority of young cattle were more suited to restocking or further feeding – the better bred types mostly 340 to 385c and the secondary and odd lots anything from 200c to 340c/kg. There was quite a few cattle in this yarding that had faults such as blue eyes which affected bidding at times.

A handful of heavier grown steers sold from 365c to a top of 400c/kg. A heavier bullock with age and weight made 354c/kg. Better quality grown heifers 330c to 380c/kg. Export demand for cows was very strong, with a lot of pens selling above 300c/kg. Heaviest hard-fat cows 345c to 360c/kg; main run of cows still with some fat cover 320c to 350c/kg; leaner score 1 and 2 cows 268c to 234c/kg. Restockers were active on younger light cows at up to 286c/kg.

Market reporter: Jenny Kelly