Strong Demand Keeps Northern Rivers Cattle Market Firm
Steers top 628c/kg as more than $3.27 million worth of cattle changes hands.
Strong buyer competition continued to underpin the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange this week, with quality cattle attracting solid prices across most categories and steers leading the market.
The prime cattle sale held on 15 July saw 2,607 head offered across 973 lots, generating a total sale value of more than $3.27 million. Despite seasonal conditions, demand remained consistent from processors, feedlot operators and restockers seeking quality lines.
Steers again dominated the sale, averaging 513.1 cents per kilogram and reaching a top price of 628.2c/kg. Individual returns ranged from $140 to $2,520.14, reflecting continued confidence in well-finished cattle.
Heifers also attracted solid bidding, averaging 446.1c/kg and topping at 534.2c/kg, with prices ranging from $144 to $2,162. The strong average indicates continued demand for quality replacement and feeder stock despite winter conditions.
The large offering of 744 cows averaged 347.1c/kg, with a top of 395c/kg. Returns ranged from $189.45 to $2,814.38, demonstrating continued processor demand for heavy manufacturing cattle.
Heavy bullocks averaged 391.4c/kg, topping at 436.2c/kg, while 24 head sold for an average return of $2,411.85, with the best animal making just over $3,000.
A total of 34 bulls averaged 360.4c/kg, peaking at 412.2c/kg, with the highest-priced bull returning $4,000.
Young cattle also sold well, with 47 vealer bulls averaging 422.7c/kg and topping at 500c/kg, while yearlings averaged 280c/kg in limited numbers.
The sale also included a single pen of cows and calves, which sold for $2,500, while one heifer sold for $50 under the head-only category.
Overall, the market reflected steady confidence from buyers, particularly for quality feeder and prime cattle, with steers and heifers continuing to command strong competition.
With winter feed supplies varying across the Northern Rivers and surrounding districts, agents expect seasonal conditions to continue influencing yarding numbers in the weeks ahead. However, solid processor demand and ongoing interest from feedlot buyers should continue to support prices for well-presented stock.
The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange remains one of the region’s key selling centres, providing an important marketplace for producers across northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.
