RAIN over the ranges created yet another strong market on the coast with prices hitting 356.2 cents a kilogram for lightweight Angus steers at the Grafton special weaner sale last Thursday.
More than 2000 head of good quality cattle were yarded despite a trying summer in many parts of the Clarence Valley.
The champion pen of 11 Angus feeder steers from Darrin Marshall, Coffs Harbour, fetched 282.2c/kg to return $1323 but in general feeder steers were down, reflecting the softer export market.
Meanwhile, demand for quality lightweight weaner steers from restockers lifted the market, with buyers delivering cattle to Coonamble, the New England, Dalby and St George.
The top price on the day was for a pen of 11 good quality lightweight Angus weaner steers which sold for 356.2c/kg to return $791.
Just as classy a return went to Marala Holdings of Upper Corindi for their pen of Charbray-cross weaner steers, averaging 215kg for 352.2c/kg to make $757.
Champion Brahman heifers from Gordonbrook Station fetched $683.
Bonalbo buyer Jeff Parker said his clients in Victoria and Southern NSW had received a late break from last week’s rain and as a result inquiries for cattle had increased.
“It has been a complete turnaround,” he said.
Nymboida buyer Tony McClennan noted that in recent weeks prices for feeder steers had dropped by at least 35c/kg, while weaner prices had risen.
The next sale to be jointly hosted by Ray Donovan and Farrell McCrohon will be on Thursday, May 19.