Warrnambool open auction steers to 869c/kg at monthly market

Warrnambool Stock Agents' Association president Jack Kelly said demand was "red hot" throughout the 2400-head market, and reflected the "almost perfect" seasonal conditions graziers are experiencing in the south west.

"Feedlotters were really strong and they were especially keen on those steers between 400-500kg," he said.

"Restockers were also jumping at the bit to get at cattle because of what they've sold at recent sales."

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February 2021-drop calves weighed up to 450kg, highlighting the grass available and the ideal weather which enabled cattle from across the western district to present in forward condition, Mr Kelly said.

Steers weighing 500kg and heavier sold from 555-575c/kg, cattle 400-500kg made from 555-594c/kg and steers 300-400kg made from 640-704c/kg.

Open auction steers sold from $1900-2240 a head, or up to 869c/kg, while weaner heifers sold to 676c/kg with most of the draft ranging from 615-676c/kg.

The better pens of cows with calves at foot ranges from $3500 to a top price of $3900.

"Overall prices were well up on last month's sale," Mr Kelly said.

A feature of the sale was a consignment of 105 mixed-sex Angus calves, February/March 2021-drop, offered by account Woodburn.

The weaned draft of calves included a pen of 28 steers, 323kg, which made 702c/kg or $2267 and 18 Angus heifers, 287kg, for 674c/kg or $1934.

Nev Farms sold the dearest open auction steer pen with two Angus steers, 230kg, for $2000 or 869c/kg and seven steers, 288kg, for $2010 or 697c/kg.

Nev Farms also sold 12 Angus heifers, 281kg, for 642c/kg or $1810.

Cilldara sold 24 Angus steers, 483kg, for 586c/kg or $2830 and another 24 steers, 466kg, for 570c/kg or $2656.

Woodburn sold 24 Angus steers, 323kg, for 702c/kg or $2267.

B & M Farley sold 17 Angus steers, 372kg, for 648c/kg or $2410.

W & A Johnson sold nine Hereford/Shorthorn-cross steers, 301kg, for 704c/kg or $2119.

Hillock Farm sold 11 Angus/Black Baldy steers, 324kg, for 704c/kg or $2190.

Kerns Cattle Co sold 12 Angus/Speckle Park-cross steers, 308kg, for 688c/kg or $2199.

Account Napier sold 18 Black Baldy heifers, 282kg, for 676c/kg or $1906.

Railway Close sold 14 Angus heifers, 346kg, for 616c/kg or $2131 and six heifers, 315kg, for 634c/kg or $1997.

Account Ormiston sold 10 F1 cows with calves at foot for $3500.

Dryton Park sold 12 Angus cows with calves at foot for $3900.