Genuine 10-month-old Saler/Poll Hereford steer weaners, weighing 460 kgs, sold to $785 to top the Roberts Limited annual weaner calf sale at Bothwell in Tasmania's high country, Thursday.
Offering a much lighter penning of 4055 head - 1600 fewer than a year ago - the top end drafts of steer weaners mostly made $550-$650, while the lighter late drop young calves $425-$540.
Representing a cents per kilogram rating of 200-230c/kg, local north and northwest Tasmanian restockers claimed the lion's share of the market, with mainland interest restricted to two buyers who secured just four loads on the day.
The smaller yarding - reduced by a string of tight seasons and the encroaching tree industry - saw an extraordinary demand prevail for heifers, with local interests again extremely keen.
Better sales of heifers made $400-$500, topping at $570, while a large wing of smaller late-drop heifers sold from to $330-$400 as most realised 180-200c/kg.
* More in Stock & Land, April 9 edition.
