More than 1500 head of weaner and feeder store cattle delivered some of the highest prices paid at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange on Thursday, with Angus steers from Bonalbo, 194kg, bringing 684 cents a kilogram, going to Dunedoo while their Angus sisters, 270kg, from the same producer went to 578c/kg going to Wilmot Cattle Company at Hernani for backgrounding ahead of a domestic feeder job.
Steers averaged 517c/kg for 312kg or $1613, reaching a top of 684c/kg and $2392.
Heifers averaged 531c/kg for 242kg or $1283, reaching a top of 580c/kg and $1784.
Buyers delivered cattle as far south as Shepparton, Vic, north to Dalby, Qld and west to Coonamble.
Other Angus steers off Bonalbo country went to Landenberger Pastoral at Ben Lomand, through Ray White Armidale, selling for 628c/kg while others making 594c/kg went on fed at Shepparton, Vic.
Department of Primary Industries at Wollongbar was in the market for a selection of cattle to undertake a trial involving injectable drench, at one point paying 592c/kg for Brangus, 257kg or $1521 from Brett and Karen Slater, Fairy Hill.
The Dockrill family, Clovass, recently sold Jap ox bullocks for processing and bought back in, paying 456c/kg for Brahman cross, 432kg or $1906 from repeat customer Robert Fuller off agisted country near Lismore.
"We've sold bullocks and we're buying again," said Chris Dockrill. "The margin is still there."
Eddie White, Pelican Creek, sold 51 head of two tooth Charbray, 486kg for 458c/kg going onto feed through Morgan Pastoral company, Dalby, Qld.
Cassie Burow, Doubtful Creek, sold Santa/Angus, 332kg for 471c/kg going to the New England.
Neil and Merle Summerville, Sextonville, sold EU accredited Santa/Hereford to average 545c/kg reaching a top of 566c/kg and going to Scone, Shepparton and Coonamble with their heavier calves weighing 392kg, to average 327kg.
Simmental/Droughtmaster, 328kg 538.2c/kg $1768 from Gavin and Kate Warring, Stratheden, sold for 540c/kg.
"I'm really happy with these prices," said Mr Warring, who has kept his heifers at home.
Matthew Savins, Nashua, sold station bred Angus steers 210kg to 650c/kg at and heifers, 205kg to 550c/kg.
Andy and Leslie Maclean, Kyogle, sold quiet Limousin/Murray Grey steers, 11 months at 290kg, for 572c/kg or $1659 going to Wandoan, Qld while their sisters, 296kg, made 528c/kg going onto feed at Alexander Downs at Meriwa.
The cheapest steers were Brown Swiss and Jersey cross, 305kg, snapped up by Kempsey buyers Troy and Mirosol Irwin for 246c/kg or $750 but these were well and truly the exception.
Thursday's sale was held by Ray White Casino/Kyogle who also held a breeder sale on Friday. More results in The Land.
