Scanning of the yarding had not been completed at the time of writing but needless to say the complex had overflowed with many agents requiring a re-run at the end of the day.

A re-run often consists of cattle that were not booked in prior to a draw. Progress is being made with the improvements to the yards but with the number of wet days not helping the cause.

From an agent’s point of view the most important part of construction is yet to commence – the addition of another 150 to 200 promised sell pens. Thursday’s draw was based on 28-plus head per pen which, unless the cattle in question are Bobbie calves, become impossible to fit. This in turn necessitates withdrawing some cattle from sale or having a re-run.

Once again, the quality and finish of the cattle was outstanding. This should continue far into coming weeks. 

The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) has released the numbers for the cattle yards reported on in its market survey.

The top 10 yards show very little change and are rated as follows: 1. Dubbo 236,651 head, 2. Wagga 187,105 head, 3. Carcoar 146,667, 4. Tamworth 112,118, 5. Casino 107,462, 6. Gunnedah 97,294, 7. Forbes 72,922, 8. Moss Vale 67,752, 9. Inverell 67,406, 10. Scone 60,505.

Tamworth moved from sixth to fourth. Casino from seventh to fifth and Moss Vale tenth to eighth.

Losers were Gunnedah and Forbes both of which seemed to lose a spot or two. It will be interesting to see where the new complex at Yass fits in after a full 12 months of operation. My guess is this centre will quickly assume a position in the top 10 if the (NLRS) includes it in its regular market reporting.

Dubbo has again displayed  the important role it occupies in the livestock and agency industry by being selected by TopX Australia as the venue for its annual conference and training seminars.

TopX, with a network of 12 offices in Queensland and one in NSW, has its headquarters at Roma. From October 21 to 24, 35 to 40 of its employees will take part. This influx of people will do no harm whatsoever to the local economy.

David Monk of NLRS has finalised his report for this sale with most grades considerably cheaper. Best vealers lost close to 30c/kg. Young feeders were 25 to 30c/kg back. Young restocker calves were stronger with 465c/kg the best price. Grown steers came in at 15/16c cheaper. Cows were seven to 13c less, topping at 267c/kg. Best bulls recorded 287c/kg. Best heavy feeder steers sold from 322 to 388c/kg.