Cowra sellers score top marks

The first store sale of the year at Carcoar saw strong numbers from Cowra sellers, with a smaller market leading to prices of more than $5 per kilo for good quality cattle. Vendors KW McVicar saw prices of 511 cents per kilo for their Angus weaner steers, which sold for $1000 a head on saleday. A further twelve of their Angus steers also sold for $1240 a head, weighing an average of 263 kilograms, both sold by Bowyer & Livermore stock agents. With a total of 1737 cattle yarded, light weaners reached $1,000 a head, with medium weight steers ranging between $920 to $1,320 at sale. Prices per kilo rose to 526cents/kilogram for light weaners, averaged at 490c/kg for medium weight steers, and topped out at 513c/kg for lightweight weaner heifers. “There was strong demand throughout the sale, steers selling firm to dearer, while heifers saw the biggest increases,” Meat and Livestock Australia’s Angus Williams, said. “Quality was good with medium to heavyweight weaners making up much of the yarding of mostly Angus and Angus X types. “ Mr Williams noted one particular sale, that of a Herefor 3 in 1 PTIC unit, which sold for $2570 per unit as a standout sale. Cow and calf units were bought for up to $2,600, with PTIC cows selling for $1,860 a head. Cowra agents, JJ Dresser, sold a set of four PTIC Murray Grey Cows, which reached $1225 a unit. Emily Tan, MLA Market Information Analyst, said producer sentiment has “significantly improved” compared to previous years, following a confidence study released in November 2024. “Producers reported a much more positive outlook for the cattle industry in the next 12 months. Nett sentiment has improved some 36 points over the same measure in the November 2023 survey,” she said. “Australian grassfed cattle producers are optimistic about 2025, focusing on rebuilding and improving the quality of the cattle herd.” The survey found that overall, 45% of producers are looking to increase their beef cattle herd, with northern producers (50%) taking the lead. Out of these producers, 36% of them intend to rebuild their herd, with their intended methods being retaining more heifers (53%) and purchasing more steers (19%). If producers follow through on their plans to expand the herd, Ms Tan said there will be an increase from 28.5 million cattle in 2024 to 30.2 million in 2025.