PHOTO: T Howley presented this pen of Angus cows that sold for a top of 220c/kg under the Southern Grampians Livestock hammer, averaging $1459ph.
Agents yarded 1,800 at Mortlake cattle market this week slightly fewer than the previous week and the yarding displayed excellent quality. The grown cattle and bullocks offered more weight and there were less manufacturing types on offer and a good mix of cow types. Most of the regular buyers were active with an additional interstate processor along with good feeder and store competition operating on 600 grown cattle, 650 trade types, 520 cows and 27 bulls. The market was stronger over most categories and very animated at times with a sense of urgency.
Grown cattle improved by 10c/kg and manufacturing steers gained 10c to 15c/kg. Trade cattle were also 5c to 10c/kg dearer along with good beef cows that were stronger by 20c/kg more so the heavier types. Bulls slipped 10c/kg.
The good vealers on offer this week were making from 170c to 248c/kg with trade steers and heifers making between 200c and 235c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 239c/kg. Manufacturing types sold from 152c to 210c/kg. Heavy beef cows were selling from 172c to 220c/kg with the medium weights between 160c and 176c/kg. Dairy cows were generally selling from 162c to 180c/kg, with grown beef bulls to a top of 210c/kg.