YEA'S 'unbelievable' cattle sale kicked of the Victorian weaner sale season as agents and vendors anticipate never-before-seen prices.
The 1740-head predominantly March-drop yarding comprised of 1167 steers and 573 heifers, which averaged $2234 a head or 707 cents a kilogram.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Yea manager Chris Pollard said sales regularly exceeded 800c/kg, with powerful bidding from buyers across Victoria and southern NSW.
"At the end of the day the cattle job is off its head," Mr Pollard said.
The gallery was dominated by commission buyers Campbell Ross, Andrew Lowe and Chris Stanley, while Nutrien Ag livestock agent Stewart Bryant, Mansfield, and Owen Kindellan, Gippsland, led the bidding on Angus heifers.
While weights were 20kg heavier on last year's sale, Mr Pollard said the mild spring had impacted the presentation of cattle.
"The first lane of black steers were terrific and the lead Angus heifers were outstanding," he said.
"Some were a little rough in the coat and given warmer weather would have seen heavier calves."
Nothing dipped below $2400 in the lead lane of heavy Angus steers, while steers 320-350kg made $2200-$2300.
Anything lighter that was above 300kg made about $2100 and well above 700c/kg.
The first pen of 23 steers, offered by Inverness, 406kg, topped the sale at $2530, or 623c/kg, while their 340kg lighter brothers hit $2300 or 675c/kg.
The equal top price was paid to B&S Tanner, for 22 Angus steers, 396kg, for $2530 or 639c/kg, while their 359kg paddock mates made $2490 or 693c/kg.
Hereford steers made to $2410, paid for 22 steers offered by LJ & ME Ridd, 353kg.
In the female section, prices loitered from $1700-$2000 for heifers which were 280-320kg, with the top price paid to Tainton Partnership, for 22 Charolais, 383kg, for $2230 or 582c/kg.