GIPPSLAND buyers provided support at last Friday's cattle market at Sale, bidding on the offering suited to winter.
There were no buyers from other regions, and agents also noted a lack of feedlot competition.
While the breeding of the cattle was good across the small 544-head yarding, only a few drafts of steers, heifers and cows and calves were in good condition; the balance showing their winter condition.
Gordon Connors, FOB Livestock, was happy with the outcome, and noted the size of the yarding saying it was not bad for a July market.
Producers who sold cattle on the day were equally as happy, some saying the prices were better than expected.
J Daniels, Paynesville, sold 28 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers from $1100 to the sale's top price of $1360. Only small drafts of yearling steers were penned with most selling from $910-$1360.
Many of the steers were young and in winter condition. This saw prices range between $520-905.
L Dignan, Wulgulmerang, sold 80 Hereford steer calves, which sold from $625-$75, a good result for the weight and age of the calves.
P&L McClen, Stratford, offered a good line of 57 Angus yearling heifers, in fair to good condition.
These sold to strong competition, selling between $800-$1050, or an estimated 260-285 cents a kilogram liveweight.
Most other heifers were young and sold accordingly. L Dignan sold 64 Hereford heifer calves, making from $510-$585, while Hillside, Seaspray, sold 22 Angus heifers at $740.
The representation of cows and calves varied with Phillip Fleming selling 12 Hereford-Friesian cows with Limousin calves at-foot to four months. The cows were large-framed and in good condition, and although starting slowly, they finished making $1810.
Sandy Camp, Dutson, sold 24 Angus and Angus-Hereford cows with CAF by Angus bulls for $1240. This was a good sale as the cows were smaller-framed and in store condition.
