Cattle prices ‘subdued’ at Strath

But the sale didn’t quite reach the lofty heights of the previous sale, according to Elders Strathalbyn branch manager Danny Reynolds, who said more ‘subdued’ buying was evident.

“Having said that, the sale was still solid, with the top steers hitting $1610,” he said. 

Mr Reynolds estimated the sale was 10 to 15 cents a kilogram cheaper, or $20-$30 a head easier. 

“Elders steers ranged from $1120-$1290 on the mid to heavier end, to equate to $3.70-$3.80/kg, while lighter steers broke the $4/kg mark up to $4.20/kg,” he said.

Landmark Strathalbyn auctioneer Bradley Walker agreed the sale was strong, with exceptional quality, similar-weighted cattle, but there were unexplained price variances.

“It was up to $50 on some lots, possibly due to varying reasons, such as purchasing for joining or trading, or even because of the different pen sizes,” he said.  

Steers sold up to $1610 for eight 18-month-old Roseleigh-blood Angus steers from JRW&ME Zerk, Lyndoch, weighing 556kg, bought by Van Den Brink Partners, Meningie.

The Zerks also sold the highest price, but also heaviest, heifers – the 14 Angus, also 18 months old, averaged 516kg and sold at $1420 to Thomas Foods International. 

Another top performer was M McCallum, Point Sturt, with 12 February/March-drop Angus steers, av 385kg, selling at $1470 to Princess Royal, while Burbrook, Meadows, sold 18 March/April-drop Angus steers, av 368kg, at $1410 to Dunn Grazing, Strathalbyn.    

RL&GK Willing, Hindmarsh Tiers, also offered a large line of quality, February/April-drop Pathfinder-blood Angus weaners.

Their 18 steers av 371kg made $1400, also sold to Dunn Grazing, a second pen of 14 av 329kg sold at $1190 to I&A Nitschke, Woodside, who also bought their third pen of 13 at $1210.  

While the highest kilogram price was $4.45 for 22 lighter Angus steers weighing 283kg from RW Young, Kingscote, which were bought by Bob Coulthard, Fernlea, Woodside, at $1260 a head. 

Mr Coulthard also bought the second highest price steers on kilogram from GT&JH Brown – 12 Angus av 295kg at $4.20/kg, plus 12 Angus steers, av 282kg, from RL&GK Willing, Hindmarsh Tiers, at $4.15/kg; 11 Angus steers, av 298kg, from Johnson Earthmovers, KI, at $3.87/kg; and 12 Angus steers, av 290kg, from Jaybott Nominees at $3.93/kg. 

Mr Coulthard said he normally bought steers at the first and second Strathalbyn market of the year, which he will background and then sell as 600-700kg bullocks at either Naracoorte or to the meatworks.

Johnson Earthmovers also sold 15 Murray Grey steers, av 317kg, at $4.03/kg.

The 950-head yarding were mainly February/April-drops, from the local region, Fleurieu Peninsula and KI, with Angus the breed majority.

Buying support was strong from TFI and Princess Royal, alongside Adelaide Hills demand for steers.

Mr Reynolds said heifers generally sold for $1030-$1140 – “noticeably easier than last time round”. 

“Most of the heifers fell into the $3.20-$3.40/kg bracket, with the odd pen to $3.70/kg,” he said. 

“Some of the heifers were carrying too much fat cover, which resulted in subdued bidding on those pens.”

The Willings sold the top heifer weaners – 17 Angus av 330kg at $1240, while Dalani, Charleston, sold five Murray Grey heifers, 347kg, at $1140.  

The next sale at Strathalbyn is on January 20, with 1100 weaners expected to be yarded.