THE new finanical year for 2009/10 started with a smaller yarding than last week at the Dalby saleyards, where agents offered a total of 3592 head of cattle, which met a firm to slightly dearer market.
Agents reported that overall quality throughout the yarding was fair to good, with all categories represented.
Slaughter grades dominated the grown cattle section, with few feeder grades available.
Value for yearling grade improved 1-3c/kg, while export slaughter lines of steers and bullocks experienced stronger demand to gain 1-2c/kg.
Heavy cows could not maintain the rates of the previous sale, and average prices reduced by around 3c/kg.
In notable sales Hereford-cross cows from Taroom sold for 141c/kg (live) or $920/head, while Droughtmaster steers from Taroom sold for 181c or $1120.
Gelbvieh heifers from Pittsworth sold for 170c or $722.
Angus-cross steers from Sandalwood sold for 140c or $1365.
Brahman cows from Pittsworth sold for 160c or $616.
Hereford-cross heifers from Sandalwood sold for 173c or $840.
Droughtmaster steers from Taroom sold for 184c or $1197.
Charolais steers from Taroom sold for 183c or $1267.
Brahman heifers from Condamine sold for 170c or $770.
Murray Grey heifers from Tara sold for 183c or $737.
Angus steers from Tara sold for 186c or $1275.