Pakenham Cattle Market Report

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Report Date: 15th April 2024

Total Yarding: 1,837

Commentary

There were approximately 1300 export and 540 young cattle penned representing an increase of 120 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present but not all operating fully in a cheaper market in places. Quality declined with a smaller proportion of prime cattle as secondary and plainer lots were well supplied. Well finished trade cattle were in short supply and sold to solid demand with prices firm to 10c/kg easier. Secondary and plainer young cattle which represented the majority of the young draft sold to weaker demand in line with quality. Grown steers and bullocks lost 5c to 10c/kg. Heavy crossbred manufacturing steers eased 7c while the Friesian portion slipped 25c/kg. Heavy weight cows lost 15c to 20c while lighter weights gave back 25c to 45c/kg. Heavy bulls slipped 12c to 24c/kg.

Vealers sold from 235c to 402c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 310c and 410c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 257c and 400c/kg. Grown steers made from 273c to 336c/kg. Bullocks sold from 312c to 332c/kg.

Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made between 228c and 255c with the crossbred portion between 240c and 326c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold between 90c and 230c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 165c to 258c after a top of 286c/kg for a couple of younger types. Heavy bulls sold from 195c to 264c/kg.

Market reporter: Brendan Fletcher.