A LARGE consignment of Red Angus attracted lively bidding and elevated heifer values to a high of $770 a head at the Yea store sale last week.
In the heart of a heat wave on Friday the 13th, agent Chris Pollard of Landmark reported that recent hot dry weather and reduced fat prices had failed to dampen store values, with steers topping at $815.
“We had a pretty good sale last month, but the fact that the steers were just as good this time is a terrific effort, because I think we’ve certainly seen the fat job come back,” Mr Pollard said.
The highlight of the 1400 head sale was Harold Seeley’s Ashwood Park draft of Red Angus unjoined and joined heifers.
Mr Seeley sold 54 two-year-old and pregnancy-tested-in-calf (PTIC) Red Angus heifers to a market top of $1110. The first four pens were secured by Charles Stewart, Colac, while another two pens went for $1100 to Bendigo buyers.
The vendor’s 87 unjoined Red Angus heifers peaked at $770 for 40, while the entire line averaged $733.
“We are a bit short on water and feed at the moment - these heifers have just come off agistment at Nagambie,” Mr Seeley said.
In the grown steer pens, Bernside Holdings, Mansfield, topped the market with 11 Angus, 16-18 months, to $815 or an estimated 163 cents a kilogram. These were secured by Landmark, Leongatha.
Adam Mountjoy, Rodwells, quoted grown steers from 160-170c/kg, while weaner types returned 200-225c/kg.
Cows and calves topped at $1400 for 9 x 9 Angus heifers with calves at foot and rejoined from S and H Joblin.
Buying support came from Gippsland and local areas, Mr Pollard concluded.
