THE mountain cattle country was in fine stead for the 75th anniversary of the Mountain Cattle sales which saw an outstanding lift on previous year’s prices.
The Elder’s team performed admirably to present a larger offering over three settings at Omeo, Benambra and Ensay where 11,500 head of cattle was sold over two days.
The exceptional summer conditions helped present cattle in impressive condition, offering plenty of frame, growth and form. Competition was very good at all markets with each sale in turn produced an elevating top price.
The Black cattle sale, Tuesday morning, saw very strong feedlot competition create prices for steers from $820-$1100 for steers 340-440 kilograms liveweight, and $600-$840 for most of the younger steers.
Heifers also sold vert well with many selling between $650 and topped at $940.
Benambra Herefords sold to $1110, mostly $600-$920, and at Ensay, the best pen of steers sold for $1165, which was the best of the two days of selling.
The quality at all sales was very good, but the age and quality at Ensay, Wednesday morning, and Omeo in the afternoon, produced the most consistent offering of age and weight.
Hereford heifers saw producers buying breeding stock, paying to a top of $890, and over all three Hereford sales, most sold from $520-760.