Mortlake Cattle Report

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Report Date: 16th February 2026

Total Yarding: 2,756

Commentary

At Mortlake agents yarded 2,756 head an increase of 414 on last week’s sale. Overall the quality was again good and perhaps more even across most categories especially in the grown steer and bullock run with fewer manufacturing steers .However the top end of the trade cattle was not as good as last week’s offering with a tail of dairy and crossbred cattle present. The cow offering comprised 55% beef cows with the balance being dairy bred. Not all regular buyers were in attendance and some were not active particularly a number of feed lotters despite the yarding consisting of 625 bullocks, 1,009 trade cattle, 1,032 cows and 90 grown bulls.

The market was generally softer across most categories. Grown steers and bullocks were least affected being firm to 5 to 8c/kg softer in places while trade cattle eased by 10 to 15c/kg. There was very restricted demand for well-bred feeder steers and heifers. Heavy beef cows remained firm though medium weight beef cows and dairy cows were 10c/kg softer in places. Heavy grown bulls were also easier by 10 to 15c/kg.

Bullocks sold to a top of 475c/kg. Better quality trade cattle ranged from 450 to 485c/kg. Heavy beef cows made between 370 and 397 whilst medium weights sold from 330 to 355c/kg. Dairy cows particularly those with better cover ranged from 310 to 374c/kg. Dairy bred manufacturing steers reached 386c/kg, and crossbred steers sold to 436c/kg. Grown heifers ranged from 380 to 465c/kg and grown steers topped at 472c/kg. Grown beef bulls reached up to 416c with dairy breeds to 375c and younger bulls sold to 383c/kg.

Market Reporter: Chris Agnew