Warwick Livestock Market Strengthens as Competition Intensifies

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK & DISTRICT – WEEK ENDING JUNE 19, 2026

Competition from processors, restockers and interstate buyers continued to underpin a stronger market at Warwick this week, with increases recorded in both yarding numbers and livestock values across cattle, sheep and lamb categories.

A total of 870 cattle were presented, with quality stock available across all classes. Agents reported strong demand throughout the sale as local restockers competed directly against processors, while southern buyers remained active in the market seeking replacement stock following improving seasonal conditions in southern grazing regions.

The increased competition pushed most categories higher, with feeder and yearling cattle attracting particularly strong interest.

Bulls averaged 403.8c/kg and reached a top of 468.2c/kg, returning between $1,592.36 and $4,081.92 per head.

Cows averaged 325.8c/kg and topped at 425.2c/kg, making from $1,681.30 to $2,870.10.

Feeder heifers averaged 387.6c/kg and topped at 450c/kg, while feeder steers averaged an impressive 479.9c/kg and reached 526.2c/kg, returning between $1,777.19 and $2,515.91.

Heifers averaged 398.6c/kg and topped at 484.2c/kg, while manufacturing steers averaged 380.1c/kg.

Heavy steers continued their strong run, averaging 450.7c/kg and topping at 488.2c/kg, returning up to $3,152.37 per head.

Young cattle were also highly sought after. Vealer steers averaged 446c/kg and topped at 514.2c/kg, while vealer heifers averaged 390.1c/kg. Yearling steers averaged 483.4c/kg and topped at 525c/kg, while yearling heifers averaged 419.9c/kg.

Across all categories, the 870-head cattle yarding averaged $1,415.30 per head.

Sheep and Lamb Market Records Solid Gains

The sheep and lamb sale attracted 1,436 head, sourced from the Western Downs, Southern Downs and local Traprock districts. The offering consisted of approximately 60 per cent lambs and 40 per cent mutton.

All regular buyers were in attendance, creating strong competition that resulted in notable increases across nearly every category.

Lambs topped at $356 and averaged $266.91 per head, representing a rise of $41.

Hoggets sold to $271 and averaged $219, up $29 per head.

Ram lambs recorded one of the strongest improvements, topping at $271 and averaging $234.92, an increase of $94 per head.

Ewes topped at $255 and averaged $182.90, while wethers reached $250 and averaged $174.05. Rams sold to $190 and averaged $173.

The overall sheep and lamb yarding averaged $227.02 per head, an increase of $14 compared with the previous week.

Sheep and Lamb Sale Highlights

Stephen and Fran Thompson sold Dorset lambs weighing 60kg to Eversons for $304, while 52.5kg lambs sold to McIntyre Meats for $277. Their ewes sold to restockers for $182.

Bates Pastoral Company sold Dorper lambs weighing 51.4kg to Leslie Lamb for $301.

Tony and Jodi Warboys achieved one of the sale’s highest prices, selling 66.4kg Dorper lambs to Eversons for $350.

Cooper Rafton sold Dorper lambs weighing 55.3kg to Eversons for $315.

Jason Skinner sold Suffolk-cross lambs weighing 50.4kg to Eversons for $289, while Dorset rams sold to Whites Trading for $154.

Kim Aisthorpe sold Dorper lambs weighing 52.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $320.

McDougall Family Trust sold Dorper lambs weighing 42.5kg to Eversons for $235, while lighter 30.4kg lambs sold to restockers for $148.

Thaba Monate sold Dorper lambs weighing 33.6kg to GR Prime for $152 and 31.5kg lambs to McIntyre Meats for $140. Their 40kg ram lambs sold to Eversons for $181, while 35kg hoggets made $180.

Alum Rock Pastoral Company sold Merino ewes to restockers for $176 and $154, while another line sold to McIntyre Meats for $60.

The Hindmarsh Family sold off-shears Merino wethers to restockers for $170.

Pig Market Dominated by Store Stock

Pig numbers increased this week, although the majority of the yarding consisted of store pigs. Limited numbers of sows, porkers and baconers were available.

Sows sold from $240 to $286, pork pigs made between $128 and $228, baconers sold to $248, while store pigs ranged from $55 to $190.

Poultry Section Also Stronger

Poultry numbers were higher than previous weeks, with buyers active across a broad range of birds.

Hens sold to $27.50, roosters reached $22.50, guinea fowl made $20, pullets sold to $45 and chickens reached $22.50.

Peking bantam hens sold to $25, ducks reached $45, drakes made $32.50 and peacocks topped the poultry section at $155.

Overall, the Warwick market continues to benefit from improving seasonal conditions and strong competition among processors, restockers and interstate buyers. With demand for replacement stock remaining high and supply relatively controlled, the outlook for livestock prices remains positive heading into the second half of winter.