A larger than expected yarding of 1219 cattle came forward and were sold at Wangaratta’s monthly store sale last Thursday, with lighter cattle seeing a significant jump in prices.
“Improved conditions combined with very good prices contributed to the higher than anticipated yarding of 800-900 head,” said Corcoran Parker selling agent Reiley Murtagh.
“Lighter cattle of 180-280 kilograms had a significant lift in prices with very strong competition from local buyers and those from southern NSW.
“Heavier cattle were firm on price with three local feedlots and two from outside the area making for an extremely strong feeder market.”
Mr Murtagh said Thursday’s market definitely reflected the lift and confidence that “spring has sprung”.
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“We probably had a slow start but the last couple of weeks with a bit of rain is certainly keeping producers and traders buying,” he said.
“People stopped buying hay three weeks ago...there’s fresh growth and feed in the paddocks.
“I think we’ll see a lot of cattle still to be sold.
“It’s very attractive to be getting $1600 for a 250kg steer.”
Thursday’s sale saw the 1219 head make a total of $1,987,295, with the 624 steers making $1,109,795 and the 566 heifers making $744,620, with the remaining $42,000 from bulls and cows and calves.
The yarding of 624 steers sold comprised:
• 27 under 200kgs averaging $6.23c/kg to top of $6.40c/kg;
• 172 between 200-280kgs averaging $5.81c/kg with top of $6.85c/kg;
• 143 between 280-330kgs averaging $5.68c/kg to top of $6.05c/kg;
• 200 between 330-400kgs averaging $5.43c/kg to top of $$5.86c/kg;
• 65 between 400-500kgs averaging $5.08c/kg to top of $5.45c/kg; and
• 17 between 500-600kgs averaging $4.87c/kg to top of $5.03c/kg.
The yarding of 566 heifers sold comprised:
• 55 under 200kgs averaging $3.69c/kg to top of $4.49c/kg;
• 214 between 200-280kgs averaging $4.38c/kg with top of $5.26c/kg;
• 121 between 280-330kgs averaging $4.51c/kg to top of $5/kg;
• 160 between 330-400kgs averaging $4.91c/kg to top of $5.39c/kg;
• 14 between 400-500kgs averaging $4.23c/kg to top of $4.83c/kg; and
• 2 between 500-600kgs averaging $4.31c/kg.
