In the latest cattle sale at Tamworth Saleyard, a notable increase in total yarding was observed, with 2,560 cattle presented for sale. This figure represents an increase of 605 from the previous sale. Analysts attribute this surge to the upcoming long break in sales and the recent spell of extreme heat.
The sale featured a diverse range of cattle, including a substantial number of young cattle and a healthy supply of cows. However, there was a limited presence of well-finished grown cattle. All regular buyers were reported to be in attendance, maintaining the sale’s competitive nature.
Despite the robust turnout, the demand from restockers and feedlots showed a decline. This trend is linked to the nearing capacity of feed pens and a cautious approach adopted by restockers due to the prevailing heat conditions. Consequently, this impacted the pricing trends, particularly among young cattle, with some variations noted due to quality differences.
In detail, lightweight yearling steers experienced a significant drop in price, influenced partly by quality factors. Medium and heavyweight feeder steers displayed mixed trends; while some sales remained stable, the general trend leaned towards a decrease in price, ranging from 8 to 10 pence per kilogram. Heavy trade steers with good finishing were also sold at notably lower prices.
Yearling heifers followed a similar pattern. Light and medium weight yearling heifers saw a decrease in prices, with medium weights experiencing drops of up to 8 pence per kilogram. In contrast, the heavier yearling heifers destined for feeding fetched slightly higher prices, buoyed by the availability of high-quality lots.
The report also highlighted the performance of grown cattle. Well-finished heavy grown steers, though limited in supply, were sold at lower prices, reflecting weaker demand from processors. Grown heifers intended for restocking and feeding sold at slightly higher prices, whereas those meant for processing were priced lower. In the cow category, those in plain condition witnessed a slight increase in price, while well-finished medium and heavy weights varied from firm to slightly lower prices.
In summary, the Tamworth Saleyard cattle sale presented a mixed bag of trends, influenced by external factors such as weather conditions and market demand. While some categories experienced price drops, others held steady or increased slightly, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the cattle market.
