- Yarded: 2940
- Steers: 360-450kg $1038-$1258, av 289c/kg;
- Steers: 280-360kg $940-$1094, av 296c/kg
- Heifers: 360-450kg $992-$1100, av 277c/kg;
- Heifer: 280-360kg $828-$1045, av 278c/kg
Competition was deemed "ultra consistent" for the 2900-head annual weaner cattle yarding at Warrnambool on Friday.
No matter what breed, weight or sex of the sale pen, prices achieved fell mostly into a tight trading range of 270 to 300 cents per kilogram, with infrequent sales made higher and lower.
The inclusion of national feeder-processor, Teys Australia, into the buying field for the first time at this year’s western weaner sales, provided much-needed stability, with no live export or premiums for EU-accredited forthcoming throughout the sale.
The Teys order for its Jindalee, NSW, feedlot secured two loads from the heavy black steer pens, while Kyneton processor, Hardwick of Kyneton, absorbed more than 500 steers and heifers, buying constantly through the sale with some of its haul going direct for processing while the majority were headed for finishing on grain at various destinations.
A handful of South Australian orders secured a further 550-head of cattle on the day, however a bevy of local southwest backgrounders, who were keen for replacement stock, provided the bulk of the underpinning opposition to this small band of volume buyers.
In the opening pen, M & M Dillon sold a yard of nine Angus steers, 441 kg, at 280c/kg. These were first onto the Teys truck as were the first five pens of the sale.
Kevin Mugavin’s 11 Angus, 429kg, were next to follow at 289c/kg; then the Stuchberry family’s 17 Angus, 423kg, 289c/kg, then Struggle Hill’s 11 Angus steers, 416kg, bought at 292c/kg.
Geelong agent HF Richardson and Creek Livestock, Mt Gambier, SA, were also prominent buyers in the opening lane, with the Richardson order claiming the best presented yard, offered by Michael and Alison Kearns of Minjah near Caramut.
Their yard of 23 Michali Trust Angus steers, 393kg, made 291c/kg while Aringa West sold a double yard of 45 EU Angus, 382kg, at 302c/kg, to local buyer Stan Robinson.
An outstanding display of Charolais-infused lines also stood pride of place in the annual January sale.
The best presented Charolais pen was awarded to GJ & MA Riordan, with their yard of 19, 408kg, sold at 301c/kg.
Other sellers of Charolais-infused steers included Cragnor – 14 head, 414kg, sold at 283c/kg, and Roseneath North – 11 head, 410kg sold at 287c/kg, while a second Riordan Charolais yard of 13, 330kg made 305c/kg.
The best Hereford money, 299c/kg, was paid for 338kg yard by IP White.
