THERE was strong competition from local buyers and feedlotters at Yea’s monthly store cattle sale on Friday.
Heavier drafts of 15-16 month old steers sold for prices between $1300-$1585 a head, or 320-350c/kg, while the best weaner steers made $1420, a result Rodwells auctioneer Adam Mountjoy said was similar to recent weaner sales.
Mr Mountjoy said the larger than expected yarding of 1670 Angus, Charolais and Hereford cattle sold very well.
“Local and north east Victorian buyers were strong in the young cattle market, while heavier drafts were secured by Victorian feedlotters, mainly Jalna and Hardwicks,” Mr Mountjoy said.
He said cows and calves sold to select buyers at about $1900-$2400, while winter calving PTIC females sold to $1580.
He said competition for heavier heifers was strong, but prices for lighter heifers were more reasonable.
“Heavier heifer sales were underpinned by feedlotters, but restockers and breeders were still able to step in to secure lines of well bred heifers from $1000-$1150,” he said.
Charolais steers reached a top of $1420, with a pen of nine Paringa blood steers by S Yarnold, Eildon.
Mr Mountjoy said he was surprised by the quality of cattle on offer.
“Vendors came from Yea and surrounding areas, as far north as Mansfield and as far south-east as Kilmore,” he said.
“There was a lot more condition in the cattle than we were expecting, particularly given feed is hardening up.”
Woodlands Romsey, Springfield, was one of the major vendors on the day, selling 65 Banquet/Anvil blood Angus steers, to a top of $1490, av $1375.
Owner Gerard Belleville said after a couple of tough years, recent sales have been incredibly positive.
“We had a really good season, and did well at recent weaner sales,” Mr Belleville said.
“Overall, we’re very happy with the prices.”
Pick Up Pastoral was another big seller, selling 44 14-16 month old Landfall blood Angus steers and heifers.
They topped $1500 with their steer sales, av $1480, and sold heifers to $1255.