Drought conditions worsen for many producers in East Gipplsand, which instigated a yarding of 2715 head at Bairnsdale, Friday.
There is no doubt about it, East Gippsland producers know how to produce some very well bred cattle. Many of these were presented to a big crowd of buyers and on-lookers.
Solid competition for the better quality cattle displaying condition and weight, and prices for these were firm to dearer.
Heavy yearling steers sold to $1600 with other yearlings selling from $1100 to $1565, which was equal to 287 to 326 cents per kilogram liveweight.
P&K Geehman, Ensay sold four heavy Hereford steers for the top price, and J Stephenson sold 11 Angus steers for $1565.
Feedlot competition was steady with two companies purchasing steers and heifers. FC Griebenow and Son sold 30 Hereford-Shorthorn steers from $1050 to $1190, which was dearer than there steers in the previous sale.
Medium weight steers sold mostly between $700 and $1080, the top price here being for Charolais steers of D and S Faithfull, Orbost.
Because of the drought, there were many young and lightweight steers and heifers sold, but competition was better for most cattle.
Prices for the steers were mostly between $450 and $700, which was up to $50 dearer. Lightweight heifers sold to similar dearer trends, with isolated sales even dearer.
Good quality yearling heifers sold to a top price of $1010, and there several pens of good quality heifers purchased for grain feeding from $820 to $920.
Better quality young heifers sold from $550 to $780 and most of the light, young heifers made between $300 and $620.
Three drafts of cows and calves were sold by noted producers from East Gippsland. C&J Cooper, Wulgulmerang, sold 28 Hereford cows and calves from $970 and $1100, and Briar Farms, Bombala, 29 Angus heifers and cows with good quality Angus calves made $1460 to $1520.
