IT WAS a buyers' market at the Premier Murray Grey sale at Wodonga last Thursday, according to Geoff Buick, president of the sale committee.
Mr Buick, who is principal of Arki Murray Grey stud, Bordertown, SA, said the result was seasonally driven, with the dry season being all too apparent on the drive back to the farm.
"The high slaughter rate and lack of killing space is also seeing long delays, and with a dry season if people are stuck with old cows that they can't send off, they can't look at young cattle," Mr Buick said.
"The vendors from four States catalogued and presented one of the best line-ups of cattle at the Premier Sale for many years – the quality and presentation was magnificent."
During the auction, of the 35 cows and calves offered, 12 units sold to a top of $4750 for Jomal Glen Uma F10 and heifer calf Jomal Glen Uma K15, that was offered by Donald Monley, Jomal Glen Murray Greys, Murrumburrah, NSW, and purchased by Crystal Bell, of Prairie Falls Murray Greys, Flinders.
Cows and calves averaged $3042.
Of the 13 heifers offered, four sold to $1600, av $1213; and none of the 12 bulls offered sold at auction.
Mr Buick said private sales after the auction brought the clearance rate to 35 per cent, with cows and calves being the best performers at 48pc clearance.
