RECORDS tumbled at the annual Kempsey spring steer and bullock sale last Thursday, as weaner steers set a new saleyard benchmark.
A draft of Euro-cross weaner steers offered by Lance Searle, Clybucca, sold for 964.2c/kg to Victorian-based restockers, setting a new saleyard record in the process.
Kempsey Stock and Land stock agent Ian McGoldrick said most light weaner steers sold from
"The majority of steers weighing under 200kg made from 800-900ckg," Mr McGoldrick said.
"From there, the steers weighing from 200-300kg sold anywhere from 700c/kg to 805c/kg and probably averaged 740c/kg.
"There was some good quality steers in the 300-350kg category, in fact they were very strong and made well into the 600c/kg zone."
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Recent wet weather had prevented some vendors from entering cattle in the sale. However, about 900 head were still up for bids as strong competition from restockers from across the state helping drive up prices.
"Historically, at this time of year we normally get strong demand from backgrounders across the Northern Tablelands, but given the year is going well across the state there is more competition," Mr McGoldrick said.
"Prices were really strong, it was actually quite remarkable and a really pleasing result for a lot of producers still recovering from a couple of tough years."
Bullocks and feeder steers also sold well, ranging in price from 376c/kg for feeder steers over 500kg, to 532c/kg for feeder steers weighing 415kg offered by Oakland Park Angus, Kempsey.
"I think every category was pretty strong and the competition from right across the state and beyond helped with that," Mr McGoldrick said.
"This sale is always really highly anticipated and this year did not disappoint."
The sale was conducted by Kempsey Stock and Land.
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