Stud season concludes

The seasonal conditions across the Monaro region are making it tricky, with local farmers hopeful for further rainfall. While lack of rain remains a concern, strong buyer demand has continued to drive competitive prices across all livestock markets giving farmers some hope. Nutrien Cooma would like to extend congratulations to all local studs on the successful results achieved throughout this year’s stud season, both rams and bulls.

Stud sales highlights

In early September, the region hosted several significant Angus, Charolais and Hereford bull sales, attracting buyers from as far as Victoria, central Queensland, and Tasmania via AuctionsPlus. These events delivered excellent outcomes for stud principals, with 226 of 228 bulls sold, averaging $11,645 per head.

Monaro merino ram week also delivered positive results and all vendors should be proud of the way the rams were presented. High-quality rams were well supported, with strong local buying and some interest from out of district. A total of 490 of 568 rams sold at an average of $2,556 per head.

Sheep, lamb market

The sucker season is now in full swing, with volumes increasing in Southern NSW saleyards. Mutton numbers and prices remain high, yet processors are still requiring killable stock, holding the market up well.

·         Heavy suckers (34kg cwt): Up to $390/hd, most ranging $320–$360

·         Supermarket lambs: Just over $11.00/kg

  • Lambs back to the paddock (28–40kg liveweight): $150–$230/hd (quality dependent)

  • Merino lambs: Around $10.00/kg, heavier types up to $11.00/kg

  • Heavy mutton: Up to $300/hd

  • Secondary mutton: Avg $230/hd

  • Light mutton: $150–$180/hd

  • Mutton market: $7.50–$8.00/kg cwt

Cattle market

Cattle prices have retained strength due to export demand for killable cattle. The re-stocking job has had some up and downs but demand still remains, particularly for weaner and feeder cattle as well as cows and calves.

  • Heavy cows: 390–420c/kg

  • Secondary cows: 350–380c/kg

  • Light cows:  320c/kg

  • Heavy export steers: Avg $4.55/kg, tops to $4.70/kg

  • Feeder steers: 480–490c/kg (contracts), above 500c/kg (yard prices for top Angus)

  • Crossbred & Euro feeders: 450–460c/kg

  • Heifers with weight: 400c/kg

  • Feeder heifers: Avg 450c/kg (Angus), 435–440c/kg (Euro types)

  • Weaner steers (270–280kg): 540–550c/kg (Angus), ~$5.00/kg (coloured types)

  • Weaner heifers: ~500c/kg

The weather for the next few weeks will play a big part on the Monaro, and hopefully we can see so good rainfalls across the state and district.

The market outlooks are very positive with numbers of both sheep and cattle down, prices will remain solid. Forward contracts for December, January and February are all indicating the processors will be on the hunt for killable stock.

The next Cooma cattle sale is scheduled for the third Friday of November 21.

Contact your Nutrien agent to make a booking.