Sales in Roma, Emerald and Gracemere were cancelled this week following the rain and meatworks were forced to increase over-the-hooks prices to draw out supply.

Meat and Livestock Australia's NLRS quoted processor rates were up between 2-15c/kg across the categories, with steers 300-420kg reaching 317c dressed.

The rain has prevented some processors from reopening, with those already open still operating on reduced kills and days. Last week's slaughter estimates from NLRS quoted the weekly Queensland kill at 40,649 head, down 29 percent from the same time last year.

RF Duncan and Co principal David Frances said the rain in the Rockhampton district had been anywhere from 20mm to 250mm.

"There are pockets that are not happy as they don't have surface water in the Jambin and Goovigen areas," Mr Frances said.

"The sales will be slow for the start of the year and build once its dries out and the cattle start improving."

The Emerald district received better falls according to Landmark Emerald livestock agent Matthew Beard.

"Graziers looking to restock now have the follow up rain and the added security of feed, Mr Beard said.

"People need a bit of time to get condition back on stock, but by April there should be plenty of prime cattle coming forward."

Mr Beard said store cattle prices had started strong, but prime rates would depend on supply and demand.

Emerald store values rose by up to 18c/kg at last Thursday's sale, with steers 320-400kg reaching 184c and steers 220-320kg making 198c and weaners to 200c.

At Moreton on Monday Euro cross grainfed ox account, Dennis and Michelle Heck, Glamorganvale, sold for 195.6c weighing 593kg to return $1159. Good grade cows reached 155.6c weighing 660kg to return $1027.

At Warwick on Tuesday RJC Munro, Warwick sold Angus yearling heifers for 210.2c, weighing 335kg to return $704.

Ray White Rural, Longreach livestock agent Bill Seeney said there had been plenty of general rain around the Longreach district, with the cattle to come forward in the following weeks to be in good order.

"There should be good demand for store cattle, especially cows and calves and light steers," Mr Seeney said.