PRICE records were broken in yesterday’s weekly prime cattle sale at Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, with agents thrilled to see strong prices continuing since late last year.
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A total of 1200 head overall were sold, compared to only 380 last week.
Cows recorded the biggest gains with prices for the top pens almost 40 cents a kilo dearer than last week and the Meat & Livestock Association (MLA) reporting improvements of 50-60 cents a kilo. Many believe that the top price of 227.2c/kg for cows was the highest price paid through Tamworth.
Phil Hetherington, a livestock agent in Tamworth for almost 30 years, sold the top pen of cows on account G W Warden & Co, Loomberah.
He said it was the most significant jump in prices for a long time.
“I can’t recall a pen of cows selling for the prices we saw here today. Apart from the top pen of limousin cows selling for 227.2c/kg, heavy friesian steers sold for 206c/kg – that’s never been seen before,” Mr Hetherington said.
Tamworth Livestock Selling Agents’ Association president Scott Simshauser, pictured, echoed his comments, adding that it had been a great start to year.
“We’ve seen continuous rises in the markets since November and December and today has far exceeded our most significant jump in cattle prices for a long time. It’s taken us to record prices for cows and heavy steers,” he said
“Many pens today sold for more than twice the value compared to this time last year. Some people think that the cattle market is dear, but many believe that this is long overdue.
Steers topped at 258.2c per kg for feeder steers 420-480kg. Weaner steers (approx. 200 kg) topped at 271.2c/kg up from 266c/kg last week. MLA quoted steers up to 30c/kg dearer for heavy feeder steers.
Yearling heifers sold to 244.2c/kg, weaner heifers (approx. 200 kg) sold to 251.2 c per kg. MLA quoted prices as being 20 to 30c/kg dearer in places for heifers.
Heavy crossbred export cows, 520kg sold to 227.2 c per kg for a pen of Limousin cows.