Competition remained consistent at Leongatha on Thursday despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing non-essential onlookers from watching the sale.
Agents sold about 2000 cattle with social distance restrictions again limiting those allowed to enter the saleyard to professional buyers and agents acting on behalf of prospective buyers.
Despite the temporary measures, South Gippsland cattle were in strong demand as buyers from outside the region, including western Victoria and New South Wales, purchased well-bred lines of cattle.
Agents said the sale was firm to dearer on the previous fortnight with a better quality yarding partially responsible.
Steers above 400 kilograms ranged from 350-370 cents a kilogram on average while younger calves under 300kg fetched 400-450c/kg, in places up to 465c/kg.
Heifers which weighed 350-450kg made between 320-370c/kg while younger females under 300kg made up to 390c/kg.
Elders Korumburra and Leongatha branch manager Rohan McRae said black cattle received a premium, selling to strong demand.
His clients John and Nola Ross, Omeo Station, Benambra, were two of many people unable to watch the sale in person.
The Ross' sold 280 cattle including a top pen of 21 steers, 394kg, for $1610 or 408c/kg.
Their best heifer pen which featured 13 females, 377kg, made $1320 or 350c/kg.
Commission and feedlot buyers were active during the sale in what agents described as a feeder-driven market.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Leongatha livestock manager Brian McCormack said agents and prospective restockers had to follow suit and "tow the line".
He said the market was strong compared to a fortnight ago mainly due to a better presented yarding of cattle.
Meanwhile, the capped yarding of 2000 cattle is likely to remain in Victorian Livestock Exchange saleyards for the foreseeable future.
Agents at Pakenham and Leongatha agreed to restrict yardings from exceeding much above 2000 cattle in an attempt to keep non-essential onlookers away from the saleyards during the pandemic.
Alex Scott & Staff Wonthaggi livestock manager Rob Ould said the capped yarding was not necessarily a bad decision.
He said it would lead to more consistent yardings in the coming months and with a wet start to autumn, people were in a better position to hold onto their cattle for longer compared to previous years.
"It means heading into winter we will have a consistent supply of cattle unlike a big dumping around this time of year like we've seen in the past," Mr Ould said.
P and S Fahey, Tyers, sold 11 Angus steers, 569kg, for $2000 or 352c/kg.
U Kratzat, Yinnar, sold 18 Angus steers, 447kg, sold for $1560 or 348c/kg.
V and D Vickers, Mirboo North, sold 12 Angus steers, 474kg, for $1660 or 350c/kg.
DC McGrath, Cowes, sold 18 Angus steers, 412kg, for $1560 or 378c/kg.
AJ and BR and N Moyle, Wonthaggi, sold 12 Angus steers, 402kg, for $1540 or 382c/kg.
Manuka Ridge, Wonthaggi, sold 17 Angus steers, 249kg, sold for $1160 or 465c/kg.
Bill and Anne Lucas, Hedley, sold 14 steers for $1590.
Belgrano Pty Ltd, Glen Alvie, sold 64 cattle including 42 steers, 288kg, for $1221 or 423c/kg.
They also sold 22 heifers, 285kg, for $1135 or 398c/kg.
S and L Storti, Cape Patterson, sold 49 steers, 375kg, for $1590 or 424c/kg.
D and G Hunter, Trafalgar, sold 39 steers, 427kg, for $1685 or 394c/kg.
Nalajule Nominees, Mardan, sold 13 Angus heifers, 445kg, for $1530 or 342c/kg.
D and H Campbell, Mirboo North, sold 14 Angus heifers, 420kg, for $1500 or 357c/kg.
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