The Echuca store cattle sale rocked along OK but without the punch of the previous month’s sale.
They were the words of Matthew O’Connor, Elders, who said the two-pronged feeder demand that supported the centre’s month-earlier sale also went missing without explanation.
“As agents, we couldn’t really complain about the result given the softness of recent prime markets,” he said.
We couldn’t really complain about the result given the softness of recent prime markets
- Matthew O'Connor, Elders
“The best of our Angus steers, 340-350kg, sold account RJ Landale made 280 to 300c/kg while Poll Hereford steers, 280kg, made $800 for Questa Deniliquin.
Mr O’Connor said a pen of Poll Hereford heifers, sisters to the above and about same weight, sold on the same Questa account, appeared good buying at $640 “if you had the feed in front of you”.
This month’s reduced penning, which scanned 760 head, also contained a reasonable selection of cows standing young calves at foot. These were sold from $600 to $850 for most of the crossbred outfits while beef-bred cows and calves made $1000- $1450.
Also included in the yarding was a range of Friesian steers.
Matt O’Connor said that heavy drafts, weighed to 450kg, sold surprisingly well to a top of $860.
Tony Hoopell, FP Nevins P/L agreed demand was a bit tougher especially for the secondary that couldn’t muster the same interest as Echuca’s month-earlier sale.
He also agreed the demand the Friesian steers was better than expected. “There weren’t as many Friesian steers but the inquiry were surprisingly keen” he said.
Mr Hoopell quoted best sales of Charolais cows, with calves, sold AJ & J Wilson made to $1620, Angus steers, 522kg, sold account Doonan and Lahy, made $1380 and Charolais heifers - suitable to join – $1180.