Northern Rivers Cattle Market Surges as Heavy Export Stock Drives Strong Sale
The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange recorded another outstanding cattle market on Wednesday, 1 July, with strong processor demand and consistent competition from restockers and feeder buyers helping deliver excellent returns across most categories.
A total of 1,836 head were yarded across 699 lots, generating more than $2.59 million in livestock sales. The overall market averaged 404.2 cents per kilogram, with prices reaching a top of 604.2c/kg, reflecting continued confidence from buyers despite seasonal challenges.
Steers once again led the market, proving to be the standout category. A total of 551 steers sold across 223 lots, averaging an impressive 517.1c/kg and peaking at 604.2c/kg. Individual returns ranged from $322.20 to $2,646, producing total sales of almost $690,000 and highlighting the ongoing demand for quality feeder and backgrounding cattle.
Heifers also attracted very solid competition. With 509 head offered in 184 lots, they averaged 442.7c/kg and reached a top of 548.2c/kg. Prices ranged from $231 to $2,035.14 per head, returning more than $518,000 to vendors. The strong average demonstrates that well-finished and well-bred females continue to attract significant buyer interest.
Heavy bullocks continued to perform exceptionally well. The offering of 56 head averaged 404.3c/kg, topping at 426.2c/kg, with returns ranging from $1,322.88 to $2,965.43. Combined sales exceeded $140,000, reinforcing the strength of the heavy export market.
The largest yarding consisted of 651 cows, representing more than one-third of the total sale. Despite the large numbers, the market remained remarkably resilient, averaging 344.8c/kg and topping at 394.2c/kg. Vendors received between $390 and $2,671.50 per head, with cows alone generating over $1.08 million in sales, underlining sustained processor demand for manufacturing and export beef.
Bulls also produced an encouraging result, with 53 head averaging 383.8c/kg and reaching 418.2c/kg. Individual returns climbed as high as $4,412.01, the highest dollar return of the sale, highlighting the value of heavyweight breeding and slaughter bulls. Total bull sales exceeded $148,000.
Younger cattle remained well sought after. Bobby calves averaged 250c/kg, while vealer bulls averaged 394.3c/kg, reaching a top of 544.2c/kg and returning up to $1,139.50 per head. Limited numbers of vealers sold to a top of 256.2c/kg, reflecting the relatively small offering.
The prime cattle market continues to demonstrate the resilience of the Northern Rivers livestock industry. Strong export demand, active competition from feeders and restockers, and tightening supplies of quality finished cattle continue to underpin prices. With many producers now benefiting from improved seasonal conditions, buyer confidence remains high, particularly for heavier cattle capable of meeting processor specifications.
The sale generated a total turnover of $2,591,544.01, confirming another highly successful market for both vendors and buyers at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange.
