- Yarded: 3241, avg 357kg, 326c/kg
- Steers: 360-450kg $1161-$1416, av 320c
- Steers: 280-360kg $985-$1213, av 333c
Angus and Angus-cross steer prices sold 10 to 15 cents a kilogram above expectation at the first of the Hamilton weaner sales on Monday.
Two South Australian feedlots and two live export orders were the main supporters of the 3241 head Angus steer yarding, which also drew restocker competition from central and southern NSW and west and south Gippsland whilst generating only limited local interest.
One of the main highlights of the sale was a sustained interest in EU-accredited stock that drew a 10 to 15 cents a kilogram premium throughout the day.
Specialist lot feeders, Thomas Foods, Murray Bridge and Princess Royal Station, Burra, both from South Australia were the principal drivers of the EU premium however restocker orders also retained healthy portion within the EU-system beneath the weight required by the major feeders.
A further highlight of the opening the sale was the outstanding quality and exceptional weights following another above-average growing season throughout the southwest of the state. A good number of pens were offered with curfewed weights above 400kg cattle, with the second drafts of each line carded weighing 360 to 380kg.