Quality was excellent but prices paid for young weaner cattle were easier by 10-20c/kg at the second of Tasmania's annual weaner cattle sales on Thursday.
In a sale of 1900 conducted by Elders heavier drafts of steer weaners made $1400-$1670 per head to average 386c/kg while middle-run drafts made $1000- $1300 as most accumulated sales based on 410-450c/kg.
The vast majority of the yarding were Angus bred cattle from the northern Midlands, Northeast and and Southern regions while the majority of the buying was performed by North and Northwest coast backgrounders and finishers, the local Tasmanian Feedlot and local exporters placing cattle on grass for winter processing.
As expected no interstate competition participated although one SA-party viewed the sale.
Heifer prices also lost significant ground however rates remained ahead of mainland values as most sales averaged 350-365c/kg.