With its size and strategic position enhancing its reputation, this annual yarding just nudged out Roma's previous record of 408,464 head in 2006.

Also, the saleyards have undergone a major upgrade and modernisation during the year.

The 2008 record was set in a year where cattle numbers fluctuated widely, influenced by the weather and the unpredictable $A, but it has set the scene positively for 2009.

Grant Daniel and Long branch manager, Brian Fisher, said the strong supply and demand at Roma had again underlined the saleyards key position as national barometer for the store cattle market - by its size and strategic position.

2008 sales started slowly at Roma due to the January floods, before 45,000 head were yarded in April.

The the busiest month of the year was July, when 50,000 cattle were sold.

The highest monthly total was spurred on by the largest yarding of the year on July 8, when 12,000 head were sold.

Prices remained consistent – a barometer by which to measure Australia's store market – with:

• Weaner steers regularly selling to 226c/kg.

• Steers selling from 180c-220c.

• Heifers averaging 185c.

• Cows averaging 145c. .

To the east, Dalby throughput remained consistent, with 200,244 cattle yarded.

Dalby saleyards superintendent Ian Henderson said the season peaked late, with 6823 head yarded in October.

"Most people were waiting for the market to peak and a lot of feedlots were not taking on numbers before Christmas," Mr Henderson said.

Cattle trading through the AuctionsPlus system totalled 150,000 cattle.

In January and September, 300kg steers traded to the highest rates, hitting 220c/kg. Feeder steers peaked in March and August at 200c.