WEEK ENDING 28 NOVEMBER 2025
Rain across the region delivered mixed outcomes for producers this week, with steady falls boosting confidence for many cattle growers while simultaneously restricting sheep and lamb yardings. As a result, cattle numbers lifted noticeably, while sheep and lamb consignments fell sharply as some producers were unable to muster or truck stock.
Despite the weather disruptions, quality remained sound, and markets were generally firm to dearer across most categories.
CATTLE
A strong panel of buyers supported a larger yarding, with many smaller operators taking advantage of the favourable season to offload.
- Bulls averaged 402.1c/kg, topping at 470.2c/kg, returning $1,989.88 to $4,587.12.
- Cows averaged 378.5c/kg, topping at 430.2c/kg, to make $1,998.96 to $2,961.48.
- Feeder heifers averaged 421.3c/kg, reaching 490.2c/kg, or $1,451.69 to $2,233.00.
- Feeder steers averaged 496.2c/kg, topping at 550c/kg, returning $1,820.56 to $2,668.73.
- Heifers averaged 423.5c/kg, reaching 465.2c/kg, for $2,089.70 to $3,515.49.
- Steers averaged 454.3c/kg (topping at 484.2c/kg), making $2,646.58 to $3,658.49.
- Vealer heifers averaged 436.1c/kg, topping at 464.2c/kg, for $917.25 to $1,244.71.
- Vealer steers averaged 536.5c/kg, hitting a high of 642.2c/kg, returning $1,269.23 to $1,661.58.
- Yearling heifers averaged 437.6c/kg, topping at 474.2c/kg, for $1,279.86 to $1,934.18.
- Yearling steers averaged 495.4c/kg, topping at 588.2c/kg, returning $1,288.87 to $1,749.66.
SHEEP & LAMB
Sheep and lamb numbers were significantly down, largely due to wet weather preventing mustering and transport. However, the market held firm, with heavy export lambs slightly dearer and well-finished trade and replacement lines improving.
- Lambs topped at $300, averaging $203.74 (down $9/head).
- Hoggets topped at $242, averaging $196.63 (down $14/head).
- Ram lambs topped at $200, averaging $166.86 (down $52/head).
- Ewes topped at $220, averaging $143.25 (up $16/head).
- Wethers topped at $180, averaging $177.75 (up $29/head).
The total yarding averaged $184.22/head, an increase of $5 week-on-week.
PORK
Pork numbers increased, with a notable lift in feeder and store lines. The market remained fully firm for all categories offered.
- Sows: $150–$480
- Pork: to $270
- Stores: $72–$262
POULTRY
Poultry numbers remained steady, with high volumes of light replacement stock.
- Hens to $20
- Chickens to $22.50
- Pullets to $30
- Roosters to $15
- Ducklings to $10
- Drakes to $25
APL / McDOUGALLS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT
Rainfall throughout the drawing area limited supply for the weekly sale, with 1,095 head yarded. Stock came from the New England, South West, and local Darling Downs regions. Buyer support was strong, and the market held firm across most categories, particularly for light fresh stock and well-finished export and trade lambs.
- Lambs: topped at $300, averaged $203.74
- Hoggets: topped at $242, averaged $196.63
- Ram lambs: topped at $200, averaged $166.86
- Ewes: topped at $220, averaged $143.25
- Wethers: topped at $180, averaged $177.75
- Rams: topped at $198, averaged $167
Vendor Highlights
- Matt Kajewski: Dorper lambs 62kg to Ryan Meats for $290; Hoggets 60kg to restockers for $234
- Rory & Kathy Frost: Dorper X lambs 50.8kg to GR Prime $280; 49.5kg to GR Prime $287
- Ramm Investments: Dorset X lambs 55.4kg to GR Prime $290; 57kg to Warwick Meats $296
- Wayne & Jodi Frank: Dorset X lambs 52.5kg to Tony’s Meats $290; 50kg to Tony’s Meats $300
- Athol & Robyn Sutton: Dorper lambs 46.2kg to GR Prime $232; 42–44kg to McMahon Bros $226; 39kg to GR Prime $195
- Ennismore Farming: Xbred lambs 52.5kg to Warwick Meats $251
- Mizpah Grazing: Xbred lambs 42.8kg to GR Prime $200; Merino ewes to Fletchers Intl $197 and GR Prime $142
- Warren & Tracy Ohl: Dorper X hoggets 47kg to restockers $220; 49kg to restockers $230; 43kg to Nutrien $230; Ewes to GR Prime $198; Rams to restockers $180 & $134
https://thenorthernriverstimes.com.au/nrlx-prime-cattle-26-nov-2025/
