A GOOD quality yarding of weaners resulted in strong prices at the Pitt Son’s weaner sale at Walcha on Wednesday despite the dry conditions across the region.
The 2629 yarding included nearly 1700 steers and about 1000 steers, with about 2000 EU-accredited cattle.
Among the large lines of cattle were those from local breeders Peter and Helen Wauch, “Mirrabooka”, Walcha; Graham, Mark and Cameron Little, “Oakburn”, Walcha; Peter Lockyer, “Roseville”, Walcha; and Tony and Pauline Kennelly, “Loloma”, Walcha.
Restockers were strong on the heifers, while most of the steers went to backgrounders for feedlots.
Nealry half the buyers were local producers, but cattle also went to Guyra, Glen Innes, Armidale, Tamworth, Texas and Lismore.
Steers topped at 336 cents per kilogram and $1236 for weaners from Aaron and Arnold Ham, “Ben-Ean”, Niangala, and averaged 317c/kg and $919.
Heifers sold to a top of 296c/kg and $963 for heifers from Doug and Nadine Powell, “Glen Authey”, Walcha, and averaged 270c/kg and $719.
Pitt Son’s director Sam Payne said prices had increased by about 25c/kg on last year’s sale.
The sale was interfaced with Auctions Plus for the first time, which introduced more buyers and underbidders to the sale, Mr Payne said.
“Vendors were very happy to see the increased prices from last year given the seasonal conditions.”
