Yardings down, prices up at this week's Forbes sales

The usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.

Yearling steers to feed regained last weeks fall lifting 15 to 20c/kg to receive from 420 to 509c/kg. Those to processors jumped 20c to sell from 482 to 520c/kg.

The heifer portion was also 20 to 30c better with feeders paying from 420 to 465c/kg. Medium and heavyweights to processors sold from 424 to 480c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks reached 470c/kg. Grown heifers sold from 330 to 450c/kg. Cows were 20c/kg better with heavy 2 score selling from 318c to 348c/kg with 3 and 4 score ranging from 349c to 372c/kg.

Numbers more than halved at Tuesday's sheep sale though quality was similar to previous sales.

There was a good offering of both finished and plainer lambs penned. Not all the usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.

There was 700 new season lambs offered and these sold from $186 to $210/head. Trade weight lambs lifted $10 to $20/head with 20 to 24kg receiving from $130 to $164/head.

Lambs to 26kg sold from $155 to $189/head. Extra heavy lambs were $15 better with prices ranging from $166 to $248/head. Carcase prices averaged from 652c to 708c/kg. Merino lambs sold from $135 to $210/head.

Mutton numbers were limited and quality was mixed. Prices were slightly better with Merino ewes selling from $106 to $180/head. Crossbred ewes received from $127 to $176/head.

- Market Reporter, Krystelle Ridley

VC Reid Smith Livestock reports that numbers also reduced at Friday's pig sale, with the yarding of good quality.

Bacon prices were $20 dearer but pork $20 cheaper, sucker prices remained firm and sows were 10c dearer.