REPEAT buyer business delivered expected higher prices to Hereford steer sellers on day three of the Hamilton Independent Agents Hereford weaner sale today.
Prices for the 2370 head yarding peaked at 235 cents per kilogram for the Malseed family's Orana calves and reflected the trend across the previous two days trading mostly between 215 and 232c/kg.
Buyers from interstate and Gippsland have led the upbeat competition, which has proved sticky at higher values at times.
Weaner steers between 360-378kg averaged 223c/kg, or $786-$873 per head, while steers in the 281-360kg weight range av 225c/kg or $620-$820.
The lighter run of Hereford, weighing from 210-280kg, sold from 200-239c/kg and av 226c/kg, or $450-$605.
While heavy steers were 4c/kg easier on Monday’s Angus steer sale at Hamilton, the middle and lighter runs of cattle were comparable to their black competitors results.
Teys Australia was again been a major buyers, capping off a big week in the Western District, along with Dubbo, NSW's Paul Mason and Injemira of Holbrook, also NSW.
Orana principal Paul Malseed said prices were $70 per head stronger than last year’s results.
The Malseed’s sold 143 head this year to the sale high of 235c/kg, and av $231c/kg, or $742 per head.
It was an escalation on last year’s 207c/kg average, or $673/head.
“That price range of 220-230c/kg that we got today should be the prices year in and year out,” Mr Malseed said.
“Breeders need that price range to remain viable and keep up with inflation.
“An outstanding sale now should be up to 240c/kg, so there is greater price consistency right through the beef job.”
He said the Northern support put a welcomed floor price in the sale with few local bidders able to take stock due to the dry conditions.
The Victorian cow/calf sector is enjoying its best start for a decade.
LMB Linke auctioneer Bernie Grant said the firm sale could be the turning point to “unsurpassed prices” due to the forecast improved seasonal conditions in northern Australia and the nation’s supply shortages.
“What we’ve seen in the first few weaner sales is the insatiable appetite of the feedlots and the impact the northern buyers have after a two year hiatus from the western district market,” Mr Grant said.
The focus next week will turn from the far west of the state to the north-east and central west.
