Market Reports

Mareeba Sale Report – 19th March 2024

148 head were yarded at Mareeba by the Mareeba Combined Agents this week. The yarding comprised mainly of feeder weight cattle, of very good quality. There were also approximately 15 dairy cows on offer, and some quality covered cows suitable for the local butcher trade. Buyer panel was strong with local producers and one regular CQ restocker in attendance.

In the fat market, there were no bullocks on offer. There were some quality butcher weight to medium weight steers, which would have averaged around 450kg. The two lead pens of these got to 278.2cents/kg. In the cows, suitable to kill, 400-500kg weight range, prices made 198.2cents/kg. Heavy weight cows, 500-600kg weight range, got to 196.2cents/kg. This is down slightly on last week. Heavy bulls were also down slightly compared to last week. There were only a couple on offer, and these got out to 196.2cents/kg.

In the store cows, we had a run of dairy cows which saw strong competition from local producers. The tops of these cows made 198.2cents/kg. These cows were suitable for raring calves as foster mothers.

Store steers, quality fetched good prices. Steers in the 200-300kg weight range, got to 264cents/kg while heavier weight steers, 300-400kg weight range, went to 254cents/kg. In the yearling steers, up to 200kg, these got to 266cents/kg.

Heifers didn’t see a lot of competition. Heifers up to 300kg, got to 180cents/kg while the 300-400kg weight range heifers made 160cents/kg.

Overall prices eased slightly but in line with what’s happening in the markets across the state.