Kyneton’s weaner sale last Wednesday kicked off with heavier Angus steers.
In pen one, RK Phillips’ 19 Angus steers, 430kg, Banquet and Merribrook bloodlines, sold for $1470 (equivalent to 342c/kg) to Eddie Hams, Landmark Leongatha, who bought at least a full load’s worth.
Onto Hereford steer weaners, J Hedstrom’s top 11 calves, 361kg, sold to a repeat buyer for $1380 (382c/kg). This buyer also the seconds, with 10 at 329kg making $1350 (410c/kg).
In the heavier Euro-infused steer weaners, prices per kilogram varied from 340c/kg to a high of 392c/kg that was paid by Gippsland agency Everitt & Seeley for Red Angus-Simmental cross calves, 316kg.
Competition and prices were even stronger for lighter cattle and heifers.
A highlight of the second run of Angus was Tim Reid’s pen of 11 at 355kg, which sold to Mr Hams for $1355 or 382c/kg. His tail-enders, 3 at 342kg, were sold to Hartwicks for $1260 or 368c/kg.
In the comparable Herefords, Penmore’s nine calves, 337kg, sold to commission buyer Peter Toohey for $1250, or 371c/kg.
Barro’s 16 Herefords, 254kg, sold to a local buyer for $1130 or 445c/kg. Ten Angus steers, 255kg, made $1220 or 478c/kg.
The heifers started with H&J Dettman’s 12 Angus calves, 378kg, Pert Angus bld, that sold for $1310.
RK Phillips’ eight at 344kg made $1260, his next pen of six, 344kg, made $1300.
Mr Reid’s top 18 at 350kg made $1270, and his next 12 at 307kg, made $1190.
Local restockers keen to buy well-bred females pushed prices for Angus heifers, about 310-350kg, to 370-402c/kg.
F&M Trovatello’s 16 Hereford heifers, 342kg, sold for $1220 to Mr Hams.
Sutton Grange’s 13, 290kg, sold for $1265;and Barro’s 12 at 242kg sold for $1040 (equivalent to 430c/kg) to Landmark Euroa.
Brendan Coxon, Elders Kyneton, said it was a very good sale, although the competition was limited on the 400kg-plus steers.
“Cattle under 390kg sold well, and those under 300kg made $4/kg-plus,” Mr Coxon said.
He said the large number of local buyers reflected the region’s good season, andd they were particularly keen to secure quality heifers.
“People are trying to get back into cattle after destocking last year.”
Kieran McGrath, McGrath Rodwells, said while the cattle achieved strong prices, he thought they were very “buyable” and he expects the cattle market to get dearer into winter, as supply constricts.
“Heifers sold to outstanding demand; heifers in terms of c/kg, made more than their brothers in a couple of occasions,” Mr McGrath said.
