Ballarat steers to $1000

The offering of 3700 head was of good quality, and included more heavy yearling steers.

The cattle weighed in at an estimated 50 kilograms heavier than last year, thanks to a good autumn and mild winter.

There was strong feedlot competition from Thomas Foods International (TFI), and Teys, Charlton, as well as Hopkins River, Warrnambool.

Processors were active on the heavier older steers, paying $850-$1000 a head.

Heavier yearling steers, 0-2 teeth, were sold mostly to feedlots, making $780-$905.

Lines of 2014-drop Angus steer calves, particularly lines of noted breeders’ steers, sold up to $800 or the equivalent of 200-215ckg live weight.

Younger steers made mostly $500-$630 or 220-225c/kg.

In the heifer sale, most of the offering was in very good condition.

A pen of stud yearling Limousin heifers topped the sale at $830.

Other yearling heifers returned $560-$735, while younger heifers in good condition made $495-$550 – selling both to processors and producers.