AN 'exceptional' yarding of cattle at Mount Pleasant market on August 20 pushed trade steer prices to $950 but left many buyers seeking store condition cattle empty-handed.
Landmark Anderson & Fawcett's Colin Fawcett said the 210 cattle yarded were some of the best he had seen.
"The condition on the cattle was exceptional - it was probably one of the best yardings in terms of quality we've had," he said.
"Store cattle were hard to find. Out of that entire yarding, I'd probably say there might have been 30-40 store cattle go to graziers.
"Reflecting the very good yarding of cattle, prices were definitely firmer on previous sales. Most of the vendors we spoke to were very pleased with the results for their cattle."
Mediumweight to heavyweight trade steers made $850 to $950.
KH Rattei, Springton, topped the cattle market, with two Angus trade steers at $950.
Trade heifers sold to $820 while the best of the bulls were knocked down for $990.
The top heavy vealers were sold by Chris Bond, Mannum, whose five steers made $800-$910. Mr Bond also sold three heifers for $780-$810.
For store-conditioned cattle, RD&CF Andrews, Springton, were volume vendors, selling eight Poll Hereford steers, at $590, and four more at $560. Six heifers from the Andrews also averaged $460.
Mr Fawcett expected demand for store cattle to grow as supplies tightened.
While he was impressed by the quality of cattle offered, he said the 750 sheep yarded were of mixed quality.
The next Mount Pleasant sale will be on September 17.