MAJOR feedlot buyers had limted influence on the first Western District weaner sale at Casterton on Monday and shopped conservatively on the 665-head yarding.
Weaner steers sold at 171-193 cents a kilogram, with an average of 183c/kg liveweight, while secondary grades made 155-170c/kg.
The majority of calves made more than $600 a head, with the top price of $750 going to Benara Pastoral Company.
Selling agent Ray White Keatley reduced its yarding after the area received more than two inches of rain after the sale was first advertised, according to agent principal Dale Keatley, with stock yarded weighing more than 300kg.
Benara Pastoral offered 252 Angus steers and sold to $715, av 186c/kg or $631.
Kaladbro Pastoral was also among the major vendors with 94 Angus steers, 10-12 months, weaned, Ebony Beef-blood, sold to 175c/kg or $690, av 173c/kg.
"We thought with our lighter calves, under 270kg, we could value add better because since we did our advertising we've had nearly two inches of rain," Mr Keatley said.
"We were worried if we sent in those 270kg calves at 170c/kg, it didn't convert to enough money."
The major buyers in the earlier part of the sale were Landmark Adelaide for the S Kidman account and the Ray White network (including Albury, NSW, and South East South Australian backgrounder clients).
"We are always first off the rank," Mr Keatley said.
"At times it gets cheaper and at times it gets dearer but I spoke to most of our key vendors straight after and they're very happy."
The small offering of heifers sold at 140-160c/kg as most breeders decided to hold back their heifers for value-adding.
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
