Spring drop Angus steers have made up to 500cents/kilogram at the monthly Euroa store cattle sale.
Agents kept the yarding to 800 cattle, spread out into every second pen.
"With coronavirus breathing down our necks, a nervous country, and nervous industry, we achieved a sale equal to the dearest we have probably seen in Euroa," Nutrien Ag Solution's Russell Mawson said.
Euroa Associated Agents and the Strathbogie Shire had met several times, to discuss the best way to meet new coronavirus regulations.
"We had to meet the social gathering protocols, just like every other industry," Mr Mawson said.
"In the world of store sales, that makes things rather difficult to draft a crowd down to 20 odd individuals."
He said the yards overcame that by using a checkerboard system, with cattle in every second pen and ensuring buyers obeyed strict hygiene and social distancing protocols.
Despite the challenges, Mr Mawson said the sale was extremely pleasing, with no flat spots.
Heavier steers with age, in the 350kilogram plus range, made even money at 350c/kg or better.
Heavier heifers also made between 350-380c/kg.
"The highlight of the day was the run of spring drop weaners, which sold to solid to strong demand, and outstanding prices," Mr Mawson said.
"The line-up of Angus steers, either side of 250kg, made anywhere from 430-500c/kg."
He said most stock went north of Euroa, with demand from three or four feedlots and NSW for backgrounding cattle.
"We have to operate the business with NLIS issues, we have to operate with animal welfare issues, we have to operate under occupational health and safety constraints, so coronavirus is another one we have to manage while continuing to supply the industry," Mr Mawson said.
"The support from farmers, buyers and the shire was outstanding."
He said several commission buyers, and one agent from each livestock agency attended the sale.
"The rain has been brilliant, and when you look at the fact there is agistment in the north, that gives the confidence the industry needed."
Among the sales were 14 Gooram Valley Beef, Gooram, Banquet and Welcome Swallow blood Angus steers, 11-12 months old, 346kg, $1370, or 395c/kg.
Wagra Creek, three Angus feeder steers, 378kg, for $1350, or 357c/kg.
R Halicki, Caveat, 20 Angus steers, seven to eight months old, Merridale and Connamara blood, 263kg, $1240, or 471c/kg.
Bob the Vet, 21 Angus steers, six-seven months, 228kg, $1160, or 508c/kg.
Moglonemby Estate, 16 Angus weaner steers, seven to eight months old, 285kg, for $1270, or 445c/kg.
The Monroe, Strathbogie, 11 Angus weaner steers, 258kg, for $1190, or 461c/kg.
Doidge, Violet Town, 25 Angus steers, seven-eight months, 238kg, for $1180, or 495c/kg.
Among the heifers, Gibson Park, Jeans Creek, sold a pen of nine Charolais-cross females, 11-12 months, for $1200, or 338c/kg.
Woodland, Wahring sold 15 Lawson-blood Angus heifers, 12 months old, 309kg, for $1080 or 349c/kg.
I & C Gable sold 12 Angus weaner heifers, seven-eight months old, for $830.
I & C Day sold 13x13 Hereford cows and calves for $1725.
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
