For an early spring sale, the offering of 1100 head at Euroa last Wednesday was a smaller affair.
Yes, this market was quite a bit cheaper for heavier yearling steers, and younger cattle were also down, but this is compared to the last sale, which was at the top of the sales calendar a month ago.
- Mick Curtis, Rodwells Euroa
Unfortunately it was a cold and wet day which saw a smaller crowd attend, comprised mostly of local, Goulburn Valley and some north east competition, but locals supplied much of the buying power.
Not all feedlots, or commission buyers attended. Only three of the regular ones attended, but all made some purchases.
Euroa’s last store sale was one month ago, and it was the best for that time, eclipsing some other sales.
The season is off to a good start in and around Euroa, and the mostly local demand was for a cheaper sale.
Most affected were the heavier yearling steers, which was in line with the current trend of bullock sales.
Yearling steers sold mostly from $1050-$1380 with the top price achieved for 21 Angus steers (495kg) of “Bingara”, Ruffy. R Pirie sold yearling Hereford steers for $1100.
Weaned, spring 2016 drop steers, were generally in good condition, and sold better than their older cousins. Most sold from $830-$1050 with the lighter and youngest steers still quite well in live weight price terms.
The Harwood Family sold 26 Hereford and Angus-Hereford steers from $1045-$1170, and McNaughton Family, 13 Charolais steers for $1050.
European cross breeds sold fairly well, J&S Devaney, Inverness, Gooram, sold 21 Angus-Black Simmental&Black Limousin steers for $1075.
Most heifers sold between the equivalent of 270&320c/kg lwt, in a cheaper sale.
“Bingara” also sold 28 younger steers (319kg) for $1040, which were purchased for grain feeding. G Stoney, Merrijig, sold Angus-Hereford heifers for $890, and Gooram Springs, 19 Angus heifers for $940.
Top females of the day was Bonavet, Strathboggie, selling 12 Angus cows, 2nd & 3rd CAF, 4-5mths, for $2275. “Elmslea”, Euroa, sod 40 Angus cows with 5th & 6th CAF, 4-8 weeks, for $1850, a good price for older cows.