EXPORT processor Thomas Foods International (TFI) was the dominant competitor for heavy cattle at Ballarat’s monthly store cattle sale on Friday, August 21.
The South Australian processor-feeder claimed almost 650 head from a 2747-head yarding which saw the steer penning average an amazing $1002 a head and heifers, $930.
The TFI competition underpinned grown steer sales between 300-340c/kg liveweight and heavier drafts of weaner steers from 350-400c/kg.
Restockers from the Ballarat and Geelong districts, Wodonga, Hay, NSW and Mt Gambier SA also supplied keen interest from lighter steers to carry forward.
Prices for these lighter steers traded mostly between $900- $1300 a head realising rates also from 350c to more than 400c/kg lwt.
Watch this video for a rundown on the market.
The heifer market was also keenly contested with TFI again the dominate feeder while southwest, South Australian and Riverina restocker interests absorbed the lighter end.
Heifers were traded at rates between 280 and 340c/kg lwt while breeding females made to $1910 for cows and calves and to $1400 a head for PTIC fourth-calf Angus cows.