Strong Demand Delivers Another $3.11 Million NRLX Sale
Buyer confidence remained firmly intact at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) on Friday, with strong competition across both prime and store cattle helping drive total sales beyond $3.11 million. Demand from processors, feedlot operators and restockers ensured quality cattle continued to command premium prices despite the cooler winter conditions.
The sale featured 2,679 prime cattle sold on a cents-per-kilogram basis, complemented by 136 store cattle offered on a per-head basis. While buyers remained selective, well-bred and well-presented cattle attracted consistent bidding throughout the sale, reflecting ongoing confidence in the region’s beef industry.
Steers again dominated proceedings, with 1,413 head accounting for more than half of the prime yarding. Prices ranged from 240c/kg for lighter descriptions to a sale-high of 632.2c/kg, averaging a healthy 531.4c/kg. Individual returns varied from $216 to $2,789.92 per head, generating a category turnover of $1,799,247.16, making steers the standout performers of the day.
Heifers also sold exceptionally well, with 1,236 head averaging 461c/kg and reaching a top of 526.2c/kg. Buyers paid between $315 and $1,836.90 per head, producing a combined value of more than $1.27 million. Competition remained particularly strong for younger heifers suited to breeding, backgrounding and feedlot operations.
Although offered in smaller numbers, cows continued to attract solid support. Sixteen head averaged 345.3c/kg, topping at 368.2c/kg, with prices ranging from $982.52 to $2,618.07 and averaging $1,605.71 per head. Vealer bulls also experienced firm demand, averaging 428.4c/kg, topping at 442.2c/kg, and returning up to $1,209.73.
The store cattle market mirrored the strength seen in the prime sale. A single quality bull realised $5,000, while 25 cows averaged $1,585.20. Buyers showed particularly strong interest in breeding stock, with 31 cows and calves averaging $2,017.10 and selling to $2,400. Seventy-nine store heifers averaged $1,708.86, topping at $2,060, highlighting continued demand for quality replacement females.
Across the prime sale, cattle averaged 497.5c/kg, with prices ranging from 240c/kg to 632.2c/kg, producing a total liveweight turnover of $3,113,453.40. Combined with the store cattle section, the sale reinforced the resilience of the Northern Rivers cattle market, where quality livestock continue to attract strong competition. As producers take advantage of improved seasonal conditions in many districts, demand for well-bred breeding and feeder cattle is expected to remain firm over the coming weeks.
