Fat Cattle Report
Good afternoon, this is Shaun McHugh taking a look at the weekly livestock reports for the 3rd week of March, 2026.
Tallied numbers this week included –
9000 fat cattle,
24000 lambs and
12000 mutton
Into the cattle pens firstly, where larger numbers greeted buyers again this week. There were big runs of cows and their calves as sellers continue to sell off due to the drying conditions. Prime cattle in all selections were represented but limited and there were good runs of lightweight restocker cattle lacking finish. All the usual buyers were operating in a mostly cheaper market.
Young cattle to the trade were 10 cents dearer with prime yearlings selling from 444 - 504c/kg.
Feeder steers lost 10 cents, selling from 460 - 522c/kg, while feeder heifers lost 12 cents to sell from 415 - 476c/kg.
Young cattle to the restocker were 20 cents cheaper with steers selling to 570 cents and the heifer portion making 454 cents.
Grown steers and heifers remained firm, with steers selling from 426 - 488c/kg and the heifers making from 435 - 475c/kg.
Cows were 15 cents back this week with the better D3/4 cows selling from 368 - 398c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached a top of 442 cents.
Carter Lindsay & McHugh sold the following cattle for some of their clients -
The Walters family of ‘Plain Creek’ at Wongarbon, sold Angus cross cows for 379 cents, weighing 587kg to return $2227.
Mark Young of ‘Narranvale’ at Coolah, sold Limousin cross heifers for 451 cents, they weighed 398kg and returned $1795.
To Coonamble now for The Lane Family of ‘Keveline’, who sold quality Angus steers for 513 cents, weighing 436kg to return $2238.
The Millner family of ‘Glenulla’, sold Charolais cross steers for 484 cents, they weighed 393kg and returned $1907.
Gordon O’Neill of ‘Nellady’ at Trangie, sold Hereford steers for 480 cents, they weighed 381kg and returned $1832.
Lastly for the Jackson Family of ‘Bogan River Downs’ at Nyngan, who sold Angus steers, Millay Murrah blood for 521 cents, weighing 486kg to return $2535.
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Fat Sheep & Lamb Report
Into the lamb pens now, where numbers eased but quality was better with more heavy lambs penned. Light lambs suitable for the restocker were in good supply, as were trade weight lambs. Heavy lambs were in greater number as well this week with all the usual buyers competing at the rail.
Lambs to the restocker were in high demand with prices ranging from $160 - $213. Trade weight lambs sold from $226 - $284 or around $11 per kg. Merino trade weights sold from $210 - $264. Heavy weight lambs sold to strong competition, ranging from $280 - $326 as the extra heavy weights sold from $330 - $367. The best heavy hoggets reached a top of $289.
Carter Lindsay & McHugh sold then following lambs for some of their clients -
The Whillock Family of ‘Maxland’ at Geurie, sold 2nd cross lambs in a 4 score condition for $345.
The Horder Family of ‘Cartref’ at Baradine, sold Dorper lambs in a 2 score condition to the light kill for $175.
The Elder Family of ‘Woorndoo’ at Nyngan, sold Dorper lambs in a 3/4 score condition to the exporters for $328.
The Burton Family of ‘Thara’ at Coonamble, sold Aussie White lambs in a 3/4 score condition for $275.
Lastly for the Green Family of ‘Kookaburra’ at Goodooga, who sold 1st cross Suffolk lambs in a 2/3 score condition, with an inch skin for $230.
Into the mutton pens now where quality was mixed and the market lost $10
Light weight ewes sold from $82 - $120
Medium weight ewes sold from $150 - $210
Heavy weight ewes sold from $220 - $268
Light weight wethers sold from $110 - $145
Medium weight wethers sold from $160 - $220
Heavy weight wethers sold from $230 - $250
Carter Lindsay & McHugh sold the mutton for some of their clients -
Locally for the Patten family, who sold heavy Aussie White ewes to the exporters for $260.
The Goldsmith Family of ‘Urungie’ at Coonamble, sold Merino ewes in a 3 score condition, with an inch skin for $203
Lastly for The Altus Family at Eumungerie, who sold heavy Dorper ewes in a 3/4 score condition to the exporters for $235.
Well that wraps it up for another week, don’t forget our next store cattle sale is scheduled for Friday 10th April, 2025.
Also due to Easter and Anzac Day there are limited sales in April -
NO Cattle Sale on Thursday 2/4
NO Sheep & Lamb Sale on Monday 6/4
NO Sheep & Lamb Sale on Monday 27/4
So until next week …………………. Bye.
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As you may be aware, a new rebate scheme has recently been announced for hand-held equipment for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID program.
This funding is specific to producers and livestock agents.
All details on the new Rebate Program are now available at -https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-sheep-and-goat-eid-equipment-rebate-program-for-producers-and-livestock-agents
Please note the applications open on 2 March 2026, and you must have already purchased the equipment before you can apply (this program does not quarantine funds for future purchases).
Equipment can have a purchase date from 3 October 2023.
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Reminder - LPA NVDs
When filling out your NVD please ensure you complete and answer each question - please also ensure you sign and date the NVD.
If you make a mistake please initial it.
It is a legal requirement that the NVD is filled out correctly each time you sell livestock.