Strong vendor support, quality cattle and consistent buyer competition have underpinned a series of successful Elders weaner and feeder sales across Queensland, despite some volatility in broader market conditions.
Across Murgon, Dalby and Biloela, agents reported growing participation, strong attendance from local and travelling buyers, and continued confidence in Elders’ pre-weighed sale format. Seasonal conditions also supported heavier yardings, contributing to solid competition for well-presented cattle.
Murgon Pre-Weighed Weaner Sale
The Elders Murgon Pre-Weighed Weaner Sale held on 17 April yarded 1,012 head from across South East Queensland, grossing approximately $1.17 million and delivering its strongest result to date, with weaners topping at 540c/kg.
Elders Murgon stock agent Mitch Jackson said the sale exceeded expectations, particularly given softer market conditions leading in.
“The sale started very strongly and we had a good feel for it straight away.
“The better runs of weaners sold exceptionally well, with a large portion making up to 540c/kg for calves weighing around 280–310kg.
“We knew the quality would attract strong competition, but the result was better than anticipated given the slight softening in the broader market.
“There was excellent buyer participation right throughout the day. The lanes were full, and competition was consistent across most categories.
“We went into the sale aiming to build on last year, and we’re very pleased with the outcome. It certainly sets a new benchmark for future sales.”
Dalby Feeder and Weaner Sale
Vendor support remained strong at the Elders Dalby Feeder and Weaner Sale on 24 April, with numbers up approximately 300 head on the previous year and heavy feeder steers reaching 470c/kg, supported by solid feedlot and agency competition.
Elders livestock sales manager Ashley Loveday said vendor engagement had been building well ahead of the sale.
“We had good, strong interest leading into the sale. A number of our regular vendors had already given indications back in February that they would be supporting the event.
“There was a lot of support early on, with people in the yards well before the sale started. Having that core group of buyers there provides a strong foundation for the sale.
“We had a very good-quality yarding of cattle, which is always our aim."
“We work hard to ensure cattle are well presented, preg-tested empty and pre-weighed, so buyers can attend and purchase with confidence.
“We had a major local feedlot operating strongly, along with support from southern operators and agency buyers, which helped provide a solid base to the market.”
Dalby feeder weaner sale
Biloela Special Pre-Weighed Weaner Sale
The Elders sale in Biloela delivered one of its largest yardings on record on 26 May, with numbers effectively doubling year-on-year and increasing by approximately 700 head, supported by strong vendor growth and renewed buyer competition.
Elders livestock agent Aaron Randall said the sale attracted a mix of returning vendors and new consignors from a broader catchment, particularly coastal regions.
“We had a heap of interest. We saw really good support from the vendors who have been backing the sale over the last few years, but also a lot of new support, particularly from the Gin Gin area and along the coast.
“Buyer support was really good. We had operators come from a range of areas and there was also strong local support, so all in all it was a very positive result.
“I thought it was an exceptional line-up of cattle with very little tail in it.
“The pre-weigh system takes extra time and effort, but it’s the right thing to do.
“It gives buyers confidence in what they’re purchasing and means cattle aren’t standing around for long periods before being weighed.
“I think the market could strengthen further over the next couple of months. While good-quality calves continue to come onto the market, I believe demand will remain strong.”
Disclaimer - important, please read:
Elders provides recommendations to the best of its knowledge and based on assumptions and information which it understands to be up to date, complete and accurate. If you are aware of any error or inaccuracy with the information on which this recommendation is based, you must immediately bring this to Elders’ attention. This recommendation is provided for your use only, and not that of any other third party. In some circumstances, the information Elders provided may be in summary form or derived from information sourced from third parties, however, Elders has not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
You should always carefully evaluate all available information and consult Elders or another advisor further before you commit to any course of action or rely on any recommendation. Additionally, Elders expects that you will use your knowledge, experience and best judgement in relying on any recommendation and determining whether the recommendation is, and continues to be, appropriate. Elders do not accept liability or responsibility for any indirect, consequential or economic loss or damage of any kind arising from your acceptance or reliance on this recommendation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, all guarantees, warranties or implied terms and conditions are expressly excluded and Elders’ liability with respect to any services provided is limited to re-supply of the services, or the cost of having the services re-supplied. Elders may from time to time recommend products or services for which it may receive a financial incentive (rebate, commission, benefit, etc) from a supplier/manufacturer directly related to your purchase or use of that product or service.
