SUPPLY has dipped again in the Pakenham fortnightly store sale with just 945 head penned. Generally, the quality was poor, and included a number of dairy cross steers and heifers.
These varied in age and weight, and shifting competition creating conflicting results. Wildarben Farms, Giffard West, have been selling Friesian steers, mostly 460-520 kilograms liveweight, over the past five weeks.
At this Pakenham market, prices were dearer than the previous lot sold, and not far from their top price, several weeks ago. Their 41 head sold from $940-$1080, and equaled around 216c/kg lwt.
The buying gallery included an extra commission buyer, but the demand from local, and small farmers, created some very good sales.
However, despite this being a cheaper market, some good results were seen for well bred Angus steers, especially lighter weight calves.
A very small penning of older steers sold at cheaper rates with all potential buyers shying away due to the falling fat cattle prices.
DG Sims Pty Ltd, sold one extra heavy bullock for $1790, and three more for $1580, but most of the steers sold between $800&$1200.
R&J Chatfield, Catani, did sell a pen of 10 Angus steers (441kgs), and Poole Investments, Healesville, 10 Angus steers (415kgs) at $1200.
Several drafts of weaned Angus steers sold quite well. However, there were marked differences within some of these drafts.
H Middleton, Icy Creek, sold 25 Angus steers from $1030-$1100 with the first pen equaling 335c/kg lwt, and the second, 380c/kg.
DG Kroger, Main Ridge, sold 41 Angus steers from $970-$1170, ranging from 332c-373c/kg lwt.
Showing a more consistent trend was the 44 Angus steers of K Anderson, “The Avenues”, Flynn. Sold in three drafts, these steers sold from $1065-$1145, or 343-349c/kg.
Despite the mixed trends, and generally cheaper prices, all vendors were glad they are gone, and don’t have to be fed anymore.
Due to a very dry autumn and winter, Barry Reid sold 35 Angus, Hereford, and Hereford-Angus steers, weighing from 388-404kgs.
However, these steers were in poor condition due the poor season, and sold from $1120-$1175.
Gelbvieh cross, and Angus-Hereford steers from Pepperhill Trading, Willow Grove, sold from $970-$1075.
There was numerous pens of poorly bred, and, or very plain steers that sold between $250&$560.
A similar tale can be told of the heifers sold. In the opening sales, SR&WR Armour, Bona Vista, sold 15 yearling Angus-Friesian heifers. The first 8 head opened at $770, but sold to $1100, and the second pen of 7 head opened at $800, and made $1030, after very string bidding.
Throughout the sale there was a variation of competition and demand for heifers. Some sold quite well, some were $50-$80 per head cheaper.
D Kroger, Main Ridge, sold 16 Angus heifers for $1030, to be one of the better sales of the day. H Middleton, sold 48 Angus heifers, Innesdale & Merlewood blood, from $700-$985.
The larger percentage of heifers were younger, some weaned and some not. This appeared to make little difference to competition.
Prices ranged mostly between $650&$905 per head.
Competition for cows and calves varied, as did their quality. BW&AM Pratt, Ellinbank, sold 4 Simmental heifers and calves for $1800, which was an excellent sale.
WR Griggs, Yarragon, offered 9 Angus-Friesian cows and calves, and re-depastured to the same bull. This three for one offer saw them sell for $1700.
An undisclosed vendor sold 4 cows and calves for $2000, topping the sale.
P Laws, Nerrena, sold 22 Santa cross cows PTIC to Charolais bulls, from $925-$1960.