Northerners missing at Wodonga

The Independent Agents Blue Ribbon Angus weaner sale, still underway, saw 4200 head of black cattle yarded.

The first run of EU accredited steers, averaging between 380-450 kilograms, sold at rates of 174-186 cents/kg live weight, av 178c/kg.

There was little difference as they moved onto the non-EU runs, with buyers chasing those steers falling in the 320-360kg live weight bracket.

These were making mainly between 165-176c/kg.

Brian Unthank Rodwells agent Michael Unthank said the main competition was coming from feedlot buyers, and those backgrounders from the Southern Riverina and Upper Murray.

Mr Unthank said a lack of feed meant there was limited buyers from the northern areas, resulting in lower prices than last year’s corresponding sales.

NH&PA Evans, Walwa, Victoria, sold the first pen of weaners for the year this morning, offering 20 EU accredited Angus steers, Ardrossan-blood and 9-10 months, at $680 a head, or 173c/kg for the 392kg lots.

The top price per head so far was made by JA&ST Adams, Mill Park, Staghorn Flat, who sold 60 Angus steers, March/April-drop and 423kg, at $772 to Teys.

Today’s sale also saw two runs of yearling steers offered, selling at 175-180c/kg.

The sale continues with agents readying to move onto the heifer lots as the day progresses.

Watch here for a video recap of the day so far.