NARACOORTE
Yarding: 3779 steers
Gross $4.35 million
Av $1153
Top $1380
RATES were back at the opening Naracoorte weaner sale for 2018 on Thursday, January 4, with some regular buying competition missing.
While a Thomas Foods International buyer was present, they were not active, in the wake of the devastating fire at the company’s Murray Bridge processing facility on Wednesday. In last year’s sale TFI provided hot competition, buying about 1000 steers.
Naracoorte combined agents chairman and Elders Naracoorte branch manager Tom Dennis said there were also some regular NSW buyers who were not in attendance, due to dry conditions in that state.
Mr Dennis said the sale results were in line with the Wodonga weaner auction held the day prior to Naracoorte.
Overall, the 3779 head yarding grossed $4.35 million.
The average weight of the steers was 367 kilograms, slightly less than the pre-Christmas sale.
On a per kilogram basis the average price was $3.11/kg, eight cents/kg down on the December sale.
The average on a per head basis was $1153, which was $41 down on the pre-Christmas sale.
The top price went to Heathdale, Stewarts Range, with 23 European Union-accredited, Pathfinder-blood steers, 441kg, selling for $1380 or $3.12/kg to Princess Royal. The same vendor also sold 18 steers, 387kg, for $1190 or $3.07/kg to Princess Royal and 12 steers, 361kg, for $1130 or $3.13/kg.
Making the second highest price was WV James & Son, Cooranga, Lucindale, with 26 Angus steers, 451kg, sold for $1370 or $3.03/kg to Princess Royal.