THERE was a stronger trend at the first Naracoorte weaner sale of the year today, with steer prices up by more than 10 cents a kilogram.
Pinkerton Palm Hamlyn & Steen Naracoorte agent Richard Harvie said there was a very even run of cattle offered, with plenty in the 320 kilogram to 385kg range.
Mr Harvie said the sale was helped along by slightly more northern enquiry, compared to the last sale.
“The fat market has moved a bit, so feedlotters are stepping up,” he said.
“The boat job is helping as well.”
TDC director Darren Maney said the sale results were a “very pleasant surprise”.
“I’d say it was a good 10c/kg better than the December sale, particularly on the steers,” he said.
“I just think it represents the confidence in the job at the moment.
“When you consider three quarters of Australia is in drought at the moment, I think it was a marvellous result.”
There were 3535 head sold overall, for an average of $1018.
The sale grossed $3.59 million.
Steers averaged $1107, while heifers averaged $824.
Making the top price per head for steers was PJ&KV Cooper with seven December 2017-drop 476.4kg Angus that made $1357.82, which equates to $2.85/kg, selling to Teys for its Jindalee feedlot.
Bringing in the top price for heifers was Anthony Johnson, Glendoon Pastoral Co, Binnum, with 24 at 352kg, which sold to Spence Dix & Co for $1100 or $3.12/kg.
Also selling near the top of the sale was AC Davidson & Co, Penola, with 18 steers at $1300 or $3.13/kg and Heathdale, Stewarts Range, with 15 Pathfinder-bld EU steers, 431kg, that also made $1300, equating to $3.01/kg, selling to Teys Jindalee.
LS Johnson & Son, Ross Plains, had nine European Union-accredited, Lakeside and Woonallee-blood Simmental-Hereford-Angus steers at 440kg that sold for $1300 or $2.95/kg to Teys Jindalee. LS Johnson & Son also sold another line at $1300, 22 EU Angus at 426kg, equating to $3.05/kg and selling to Princess Royal, as well as 22 Simmental-Herefords at 451kg that made $1340 or $2.97/kg, also selling to Princess Royal.
There will be a joined female sale at Naracoorte on January 17, followed by weaner sales on Jan 24 and 25, selling steers and heifers respectively.
