In a yarding dominated by Angus and black baldy cattle, the 75th annual weaner sale at Gundagai, NSW, saw prices continue their strong run.
There was a total clearance of the 2313 weaners yarded with strong competition coming from local restockers, competing on equal terms with feedlot interests.
Top price at $1440 was paid for eight older Angus steers, while 50 Shorthorn steers, 12 months-old sold for $1360.
Tate, Sue and Nick Heggaton, Bramshott, Wallendbeen, NSW, had their annual draft of 500 mixed sex weaners on offer and sold 14 black baldy steers for $1335, with another pen of 58 Angus steers selling for $1320.
Les Hawking, Briar-Vale, Harden, NSW, sold 18 black baldy steers for $1280, while a good pen of 16 Hereford steers, Beggan Hill-blood sold for $1090.
In the heifers, Brian and Fay Knight, Camooweal Dip, Tumut, NSW, sold 25 Angus heifers, 10-11 months and top of their drop, for $1000.
Other pens of heifers included 44 Angus heifers sold by the Heggaton family, for $1200, with Caroline Spittle and Rosie Mitchell, Kingslea Partnership, Bookham, selling 23 black baldy heifers for $1100.
Elders MSS, Gundagai, livestock agent Jim Saunderson said the prices reflect optimism in the beef industry.
“Today’s sale is the dearest I have ever seen, and what a great thing for the industry,” Mr Saunderson said.
“It was a tremendous market and hopefully we have gone to another level.”
Elders MSS, Gundagai, conducted the sale, with Steve Ridley and Joe Wilks taking the bids.
