There were over 3,600 fair to good quality weaners yarded for the opening weaner sale on the southern tablelands at Yass with values quoted as ‘firm’ in defiance of the current dry seasonal conditions.
Landmark, Goulburn manager Daniel Croker pointed out the sale was ‘very good as the season is on a knife edge’.
“Prices received were well above expectations, with the cattle a bit lighter than last year,” he said.
Indicative results included 2,242 steers which sold to $1,150 for average price $856: while 1358 heifers sold to $900 and averaged $657.
Angus steers under 200kgs sold from $400 to $735 head to average 342c/kg. Medium weight weaner steers, which were best supplied, sold from $400 to $980/head to make from 222c to 385c/kg. Steers weighing between 280-330kg made to $1,075 head to make between 272c and 348c/kg.
There was not as much interest in the heifers under 200kg to average $450 head. The medium weight heifers sold from $480 to $800 head. There was a limited number of heifers over 330kg with the best topping at $900 head.
Top price pen of steers and heifers was recorded by Kelvin Brown, McMahons Reef, for his Angus weaners, January/February 2017 drop, and Bongongo/Crawford Angus-blood.
Ryrie Rutledge Pastoral Co, Bungendore was awarded the sash sponsored by SELX for the Best Presented pen in both the steer and heifer categories.
Their pen of 32 Angus steers, weighing 296kg, Hazeldean/Onslow-blood and six-seven months sold for $1030, while their 19 heifers, same description but weighing 293kg sold for $800.
Other feature sales included 42 Angus steers Myanga-blood and weighing 283kg account the McIntosh family, Laggan, sold for $970: and 20 Poll Hereford steers, Billilingra-blood, 351kg sold by David Harrison, Araluen for $1080.
Balmeringa Pastoral Co, Fullerton, sold 42 Angus steers, August-September 2017 drop and Hazeldean-blood, weighing 269kg for $970, while Binda Station, Binda, recieved $855 for their pen 32 Angus steers weighing 247kg and Campbell and Co, Taralga, sold 53 Angus steers, Hazeldean-blood for $950.
Among the pens of heifers, Campbell and Co, Taralga received $740 for their pen 53 Angus, August-September 2017 drop, Hazeldean-blood; Phil Gay, Boorowa sold 13 Angus, August-September 2017 drop and Glenroy-blood for $785 and Wolfenden Pty Ltd, Middle Arm, sold 25 black baldy heifers, June-July 2017 drop for $680.
Catherine and John Braddock, Bowning sold 55 Angus heifers, Rennylea-blood weighing 272kg for $800.
Restockers from from Boorowa, Leeton, Wodonga and Wangaratta and Illabo competed with commission agents with some cattle also going to local areas.
All SELX agents conducted the sale.