Cattle market volatile at Shepparton

By Geoff Adams

May 26, 2024

Elders agent Andrew Kyle with a pen of Charolais from Mitiamo. Cattle numbers were up by 600 at Shepparton Regional Saleyards on May 21.

Cattle prices at Shepparton Regional Saleyards have been volatile in recent months due to seasonal conditions.

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Prices on May 14 tended to be dearer, spurring a big yarding of about 2000 head the following week, but demand appeared to have been subdued, easing the prices off.

Senior Elders agent Andrew Kyle remarked on the volatility being experienced in the market recently, and said it was increasingly difficult to answer the question asked by most farmers: ‘When is the best time to sell?’

While he noted prices eased last week, he also observed that better quality stock suffered the least penalty.

A well-presented pen of Charolais sold by Elders, and offered by J. and R. Humbert from Mitiamo, sold up to $3.78, with an average of about $3.65.

Pens of Friesian steers sold by NVL brought between $2.40 and $2.80.

Mr Kyle believes the drier seasonal conditions are affecting numbers in the yards.

“I think everyone is trying to make room before the water runs out,” Mr Kyle said.

The National Livestock Reporting Service notes the last sale at Shepparton was cheaper with mixed quality and limited prime selection.

Grown steers and bullocks slipped 30¢/kg. Manufacturing steers held firm. Cows eased 15¢ to 20¢/kg. Heavy bulls eased slightly.

Vealers sold from 238¢ to 350¢/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 290¢ and 378¢/kg.

Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 275¢ and 370¢/kg.

Grown steers made from 308¢ to 345¢/kg. Bullocks sold from 310¢ to 325¢/kg.

Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made between 182¢ and 245¢ with a consignment of grain-finished steers between 265¢ and 290¢ and the crossbred portion between 225¢ and 325¢/kg.

Most light and medium weight cows sold between 110¢ and 220¢/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 160¢ to 260¢/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 205¢ to 252¢/kg, according to the NLRS.