SOUTHERN Australia’s major feedlot buyers turned out in force at Kerr & Co annual feature spring cattle sale where solid prices sold to 228cents per kilogram.
The gallery’s front row was dominated by Teys Australia, Jindalee, NSW, Garrison Feedlot, Murray Downs, NSW, Thomas Foods International, Murray Bridge, South Australia, Midfield Meats, Warrnambool, Landmark, Leongatha and Princess Royal Feedlot, Burra, SA, who took home the majority of the 3500 yarding.
Also contributing to the firm floor price was Landmark Global Export (LGE) buyer Campbell Ross who purchased 309 Angus steers to contribute to a live export order to Russia next month.
While heavier steers weighing 450 to 550kilograms sold between 179-210c/kg, the sale’s drawcard was the competitive interest in the lighter, trade-weight pens which sold from 175c/kg to the sale peak of 228c/kg.
Princess Royal Feedlot (PRF)went home with the highest priced pen, 30 Black Baldy and Angus steers weighing 408kg, Barwidgee blood, offered by Hamish and Anna Officer, Brandon, Macarthur. They also received the award for best pen presented at the sale, for 45 Angus steers weighing 360kg which was bought by LGE for 216c/kg, or $778.
PRF purchased 367 head to average 195c/kg, and was the dominant bidder on European accredited cattle.
Local vendor Bushy Creek sold 78 Angus and Black Baldy steers, 16-18month-old, by Weeran bulls to strong interest, selling to a top of 198c/kg, or $871, and av 195c/kg, or $918.
Hutton Partnership offered a popular run of 241 EU accredited Hereford steers, 16-18 month-old, by South Boorook and Yarram Park bulls, that sold to 182c/kg, or $914, and av 180c/kg, or $860.
The small run of heifers proved attractive with prices fetching between 158-179c/kg.
Kerr & Co auctioneer Craig Pertzel said while the cattle were outstanding, the strong result was stronger than anticipated.
“It went far better than I’d ever expected because of the way the season is closing in,” Mr Pertzel said.
“Today, all the right people were here – as has been the case at this sale over the past few years.
“It is a real vote of confidence for the industry when everyone is thinking doom and gloom and these significant buyers come in and buy the cattle with such confidence.”
• Full report in next week’s Stock & Land
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
