Bothwell rates "disappointing"

Offering an outstanding yarding of 4100 head, the market on the day longed for buying depth.

But local finishers were hamstrung by a dry Tasmanian season and mainland interest was limited to two bidders who secured less than 15 per cent of the yarding.

Heavy early-drop Hereford steers were the best supported on the day making above $900 a head on four occasions and topping at $970 for a pen weighed at 442kg.

The best priced Angus steers, 416kg, made $840 a head, while most other steers that were heavier than 360kg made $710-$950.

Mid-weighted 300-360kg steers made $615 to $810 to average 207 cents live weight, while lighter 240-300kg steers made $480- $605 and averaged 221c/kg.

Steer prices on the day averaged 50c/kg or around $150 a head lower than the first of the Tasmanian weaner sale conducted a month ago. Heifers, although cheaper, fared better at 170-200c/kg lwt which was 10-15c/kg down on the opening March sale.