Some 500 head were yarded by Harold Curry livestock agents at Tenterfield on Thursday with strong bids to a top of 520c/kg with most cattle going to the Walgett and Coonamble districts.
Agent for AJF Brien and sons, Peter O'Connor, Coonamble, said the turnaround in that district was nothing short of remarkable and there remained further demand from restockers, with many who have yet to 'pull the trigger' on a decision to buy.
"The recent prices have scared them off," he said.
Yesterday's sales at Tenterfield were firm, considering a lack of EU accredited heavier calves with vendors well pleased, although some were disappointed with their lighter weights - not a surprise considering the turnaround from drought was only a dozen weeks ago.
Steers made from 330c/kg to 520c/kg with most selling from 440 - 480c/kg. Heifers made from 350 - 410c/kg.
Monica Hutchings, Scrub Road, Tenterfield, sold Angus weaner steers for the top cents a kilo price of 520c/kg for 207kg to make $1079, going to the Walgett district.
Elizabeth Robertson, Stone Pine Ridge, Liston, sold Angus weaner heifers, 203kg, for 374c/kg or $760, going to the Coonamble district through Halcroft and Bennett. She also sold Angus steers, 259kg for 462c/kg or $1195, going to the Inverell district, which has some good paddocks blessed by storm tracks, but there are other localities where dams remain empty.
Frank Koch, Bella Vista, Black Swamp, sold Angus weaner steers to 500c/kg for 271kg to bring $1355, going to the Inverell district. He sold Angus heifers, 168kg for 412c/kg or $691 going to Donna Ward, Nicholson and Ward, Kalang at Jennings.
"We'll grow them out," said Ms Ward. "There's too much grass and not enough cattle."
Alan Sweeney, Upper Rocky River, sold Angus steers 257kg for 426c/kg or $1095.
Paratai Pty Ltd, Mingoola, sold Angus weaner steers, 281kg for 460c/kg or $1294. Their heavier steers, 334kg sold for 408c/kg to make $1361.
Leo Hurtz, Tenterfield, sold Angus weaners 260kg for 490c/kg or $1274, going to Walgett district through Clemson Hiscox.
John Hurtz, Quarry Road, bought back in, paying $900 neat for Angus weaners, 186kg at 484c/kg produced by Michael Petrie.
Maryanne Williams, Happy Valley, Kochs Road, sold milk tooth Angus steers 257kg for 444c/kg or $1143 going to Coonamble. Her partner Alan Sweeney, Upper Rocky River, sold similar steers with Texas blood, 257kg for 426c/kg or $1095.
"I was disappointed with the weight," Mr Sweeney admitted afterwards, but conceded his country didn't see a turnaround until after fires were extinguished at Christmas, after 10 months on high alert.
"It was all dirt before it rained and then the place exploded. There's feed chest high. I can't see the cattle and the dogs won't work in the long grass."