THE market remained firm for top quality cattle at Maitland last Saturday, while plainer types were cheaper due to dry conditions across the Hunter.
The 1100-head yarding of mixed quality cattle included some good lines of weaners with limited numbers of breeders.
About 400 weaner steers from six to 10 months of age topped at $1150 a head.
Most sold from $700 to $1100, with the best calves making about $20 more than at the previous sale.
The 100 yearling steers, ranging from 12 to 18 months, topped at $1250, with most selling between $800 and $1200.
Grown steers reached a top of $1540, with most making $1000 to $1500.
In the heifers, 265 weaners were sold, fetching between $550 and $1000.
The 120 cow and calf units made between $1000 and $1800.
Among the larger lines offered at Maitland were 191 mixed sex seven- to eight-month-old Angus weaners from Noel and Louise Brown, “Allynbrook Park”, Halton.
The Browns sold 94 weaner steers for an average of $989 and a top of $1110 for a pen purchased by Alasdair Smart, Carrabolla.
The 97 Angus heifers topped at $950 and averaged $825, with the top pen being purchased by Scott Monk, Webbers Creek, for use as future breeders.
Mr Brown would usually keep his cattle until nine months of age, selling in April, but dry conditions prompted the sale.
“We sold so that if the dry conditions continue, we could protect the mothers a bit,” Mr Brown said.
”There’s been a bit of rain, but we’re one of the driest spots in the valley.
“Other people on the coast and out west have got a bit of feed and they made all the difference at this sale.”
The Duncan family, East Seaham, sold 12 seven-month-old Hazeldean blood Angus weaner steers for $1060 to David Custance, Windella.
Ruth Schwager
Ruth Schwager is a journalist with the national agricultural features team.
Ruth Schwager is a journalist with the national agricultural features team.
