DEMAND for euro breeds matched with keen competition from three feedlotters pushed prices to 212 cents/kilogram at the Colac Store Sale.
Buyers from NSW, Bendigo and western Victoria bid on the 1200 yarded sale - the largest crowd since the January feature sale with.
“As a consequence of the rain we have seen a lot more competition from a broader area today,” Colac Stock Agents Association president Jamie McConachy of Charles Stewart said.
“Today wasn’t dear but it was a step forwards than what it has been which has given everyone’s confidence a boost.”
Top pen of Tomintoul Station, 11 Angus steers, 16 month-old, Ballangeich blood sold to $680.
Jewelvale 14 Murray Grey, 15 month-old, weighing 401kilograms sold to $615, or 153c/kg, while 9 of their lighter brothers weighing 353kg sold to $515, or 146c/kg.
Two feedlotters battled for the Woodrowvale Pastoral 15 Charolaise steers, 10-12 month-old, 388kg, Mt William blood, pushing the price to $760, or 196c/kg. The next pen of Woodrowvale Pastoral Charolaise steers, weighing 336kg sold to $665, or 198c/kg.
The run of four pens of 40 Woodrowvale Pastoral Charolaise steers averaged $646, or 182c/kg.
Meanwhile the Woodrowvale Pastoral 13 Charolaise heifers, 10-12 month old, Mt William blood, weighing 313kg sold to $665, or 212c/kg, while 8 of the same drop sold to $545.
“The euros cattle were highly sought after by Ron Gough (Gough Feedlot) and Robert Woodward (Garrison Cattle Company) as well as local compeitors,” Mr McConachy said.
“Selling to (212c/kg for heifers) is huge money in today’s environment.”
Mr McConachy said lighter weaners sold to dearer demand but “still didn’t break any records”.
“We went in with realistic expectations - even though it has rained, it hasn’t created a lot of growth pasture wise,” he said.
“So you couldn’t expect miracles today but it was pleasing to be on a dearer trend which everyone seems to be a lot more jovial than previous months.”
Deemed one of the best market prices of the day were Margaret, Collin and Madelyn Douglas’ Blackwoods 7 Charolaise/Angus steers, winter drop, Medburn blood sold to $645, while 7 of Blackwoods lighter steers sold to $605.
Mr Douglas said considering the trying autumn, the result were pretty good.
He attributed their stellar condition to having plenty of feed on the property and not over stocking the paddocks.
“The sale is better than it has been but people are still short of feed,” Mr Douglas said.
Cows and calves were tough going with the top fetching 760 for J Vella 9 Angus cows with calves at foot.
*Full report in next week’s Stock and Land
