If one spoke about the good-quality, well-bred steers sold at Bairnsdale last Friday, a firm market could be reported.
However, the yarding of 1328 head was very mixed, offering good quality in most classes, but also numerous smaller lots, many of mixed breeding, and quality. These smaller lots were harder to sell, and many sold at cheaper rates.
Prices at physical sales continue to have an effect on yearling and older steers. Even in this scenario, price trends varied. Most steers weighing over 500 kilograms sold from $1390-$1680, or equaling 242-260c/kg.
Then a sale of 10 Hereford steers, 573kgs, offered by B&C Clay, pops up at $1480, or 288c/kg lwt. Most of these older steers were purchased by west and south Gippsland bullock fatteners.
Of note in this sale were weaned steers normally offered in the high country sale in March. One such line of these was account J&G Crisp, selling 38 Hereford steers from $1020-$1090.
Competition for some of the better bred steers came from producers, but was complimented by some feedlot competition. Feedlots were keener for the Charolais steers and their crosses, and combined with other demand, prices were mostly between $1050&$1130.
J&M Dwyer sold 27 Angus steers from $1030-$1130, and A,J&R Simpson, Lakeview, sold 16 Angus steers for $1130. Charolais cross steers of R&V Russell sold for $1075, and Albec Pty Ltd, $1050.
Lighter weight steers sold to a similar attraction as normally seen, and in liveweight price terms, were equal or better than their older cousins.
Most sold between $830&$990. B&D Rozynski sold 43 Angus steers from $920-$990, and A&J Reed, 19 Hereford steers for $965.
Scattered throughout the sale were several pens of Friesian steers in ages from calves through to older steers.
LC Layton sold 23 Friesian steers from $790-$840, B&L Holland with 11 calves for $400 and C Flecther, 21 calves for $310 covered the bucket reared steers.
Feedlot competition was strong for European breed heifers. L&J Reed, Delegate, sold 26 Charolais cross heifers from $830-$950, and T Lancaster, 19 European crossbreeds from $630-$940.
The lower priced of these steers were of light weight and along with other younger heifers sold well from $540-$750
Top of the heifer sale was 7 Hereford heifers of J&M Dwyer, which sold for $1010.
Several sales of heifers and cows with calves were noted, but also noted was their condition. Most were in poor condition (some cows were very poor) but looking after their calves. Single sales were to $1750 with most selling between $1000&$1500.
