VOLUME buyers from Victoria and interstate underpinned the success of Casterton’s all breeds heifer sale on Thursday.
Competition was widespread, as big buyers from Yea, Benalla, Naracoorte, SA, Mount Gambier, SA, and Pakenham, bid on a yarding of 2200 heifers, mostly Angus and Herefords.
There were some feedlotters who watched on but left empty handed, while others made their buying presence known, including JBS Australia, Thomas Foods International, Jalna Feedlot, Geelong, and processor Hardwicks, Kyneton.
The market top of $1424 a head was paid for a draft of Aigle Angus heifers, who averaged 385 kilograms, and hit 370c/kg.
The best of the Hereford sales was made by Clyde Lawrence, Karingal, Casterton, whose pen of 14 Injemira/ Yarram Park-blood heifers, 330kg, made $1329 per head.
Mr Lawrence said he was “delighted” with the price, and proved that his Hereford cattle “didn’t have to be black” to achieve great results.
The average weight of the sale was 305.6kg, and average price 370c/kg.
Landmark auctioneer Rick Smith said it was a “very solid market”.
“It exceeded our expectations by five to 10 cents, there was plenty of competition,” Mr Smith said.