Local restockers pushed values high during the 79th annual weaner sale at Gundagai this morning.
The demand was expected with green paddocks across the south showing the promise of a good winter and it was not unusual to see prices paid above $5/kg on some of the lighter pens.
It is not often buyers take up the first price suggested by the auctioneer and it was perhaps an indication restockers were keen to get their hands on quality stock.
Elders Gundagai livestock agent Jake Smith quoted the market as 'the best average Gundagai weaner sales has ever seen.'
"What a sale!" he exclaimed.
"It was an amazing result for an absolute stellar yarding of locally bred cattle.
"To the vendors credit it was an outstanding presentation of young cattle."
Top steer price was $1660 paid for 35 8-10 month Angus, Innisvale-blood and weighing 382kg offered by Amarina Angus, Tumorrama.
Other steer prices of note included 27 Angus 8-10 months weighing 350kg offered by Mundoran Farming sold for $1615: 35 Bongongo-blood Angus weighing 330kg sold by P and V Mara, Gundagai for $1520 and 15 Reiland-blood Angus 11-12 months and weighing 411kg sold byJosie Holdsworth, Gundagai for $1620.
In the heifer pens G.D.C and M.A Larsen sold 20 Highlands-blood Herefords 12-14 months and weighing 391kg for $1520: Cascade Pastoral sold 23 Bongongo-blood Angus 14 months weighing 381kg for $1520 and D.J Graham Trust, Adjungbilly sold 31 Bongongo-blood Angus weighing 243kg for $1280.
Competition from local restockers was leavened by interests from Cootamundra, Narrandera and commission buyers.
- Full report next week