Scone Stock Report: January 9

By Stuart Sheldrake

THERE were 1,800 cattle in total penned at the sale.

There were a lot of cattle in plain condition due to dry seasonal conditions.

Many people are either out of feed or out of water which was a fair reason for such a large yarding.

There were a lot of calves split off cows which made up the majority of the yarding, there were approximately 400 cows and between 500 and 600 calves.

The market overall was slightly cheaper than what we experienced before Christmas however due to the rise in numbers it held up the price and attracted quite a few buyers from away.

There were purchasers from the New England, north-west and Victoria.

There are a few dry pockets around, but we are probably the biggest dry pocket doing it tough at the moment, so others are buying the cattle to feed up in better areas.

Good heavy cows sold firm to slightly cheaper, however store cows were dearer due to some strong competition from new buyers.

Calves were a bit easier than before Christmas for cattle between 100 and 200 kilos, however due to the amount of numbers they sold reasonably well.

A lot of the calves making from $3.20 to $4 for steers and heifers.

Trade cattle, very few finished cattle and they sold firm to easier rates.

Feeder cattle were also slightly easier, yearling feeders were slightly easier also, but still selling reasonably well.

Read the full report at Meat and Livestock Australia.