Cattle prices dropped by $20-$40 a head at the Yea store sale last week, due to dry seasonal conditions.
An increased yarding of 1894 head was indicative of the lack of feed around and farmers' inability to hold onto stock through winter, according to Adam Mountjoy of Rodwells, Yea.
He commented the cheaper prices were the first signs of a lessening demand in the market and a lack of rain.
Peter Lowry, Rodwells, Kilmore was out in force and bought 51 head of Angus and Shorthorn steers for the feedlot market for clients in his area.
He said feedlotters want cattle in fresh to forward condition – from 300 to 380 kilograms – that can go straight onto grain for the winter markets and be finished at 420 to 460 kilograms.
Chris Pollard of Landmark Yea said there were a hefty number of Spring-drop calves available that normally wouldn’t be offered at this time of year, which sold to a "reasonable" top of $520 to two competing SA agents who were unable to find suitable stock closer to home.
These buyers said the market had sold cheaper than Wodonga the previous day, even when the cost of freight was included.
Steers sold up to $670, heifers to $805 and cows and calves to $990.
