STRONG market demand for quality cattle at Grafton NSW last Thursday was unexpected given the hot, dry conditions throughout the state.
Topping the 1290 head plus progeny market were two pens of Angus heifers PTIC to a Yugilbar-bred Sangus bull from Sue Barnier, Deep Creek, Baryulgil, NSW, selling for $1700 a head to Rob McKenzie, Bentley, NSW. Mr McKenzie bought another cow and calf from the same line for this price.
Cows with calves sold dearer than last month while bidding for quality heifers was fierce, according to Grafton agent Mitch Donovan.
Bullocks sold to a cheaper trend as no local finishers were in the market, given the dry conditions on the lower river. Feeder steers lost ground compared to January but still returned decent money topping at 330 cents a kilogram. Dearest light steers at 111kg from A&S Lloyd, Coutts Crossing, NSW, sold for 494c/kg.
“The sale bucked all expectations considering the dry conditions on the North Coast and the fires in the west,” said Grafton agent David Farrell, Farrell McCrohon.
Droughtmaster bullocks from PK Rural, Gilletts Ridge, Upper Coldstream, also sold to $1700 and went to Gus Raymond, Bellingen for finishing on green grass.
Upriver, storms gave enough rain to deliver one of the best seasons for feed in living memory and John Sullivan, Gordonbrook Station, sold 300kg weaners straight off their Brahman F1 mothers for 368c/kg to return $1100.
