MOUNT PLEASANT
Yarding: 607 sheep and lambs, 136 cattle.
Lambs to $202
Steers to $1480
Cows to $1400
STEADY buyer competition in the cattle auction at Mount Pleasant's market on Thursday helped steer prices hold firm, while demand for crossbred lambs was slightly down compared with the last market.
A competitive turnout of buyers inspected the 607 sheep and lambs, and 136 cattle, with Landmark Fawcett Mount Pleasant principal Colin Fawcett saying the local butcher trade was "on the hunt" for quality cattle.
"The renewed confidence in season meant cattle and lighter cattle in particular were in demand," he said.
"Cattle have continued to sell to solid competition at the past few markets and it should continue."
But Mr Fawcett said sheep and lamb prices reflected the tougher conditions coming into this season.
"Buyers for the trade definitely secured most lambs on offer," he said.
A pen of 12 crossbred lambs from LJ&LJ Rowley, Myponga, made the lamb yarding top price of $202.
The $190 second-highest price was paid for 38 crossbred lambs from Keyneton producer Hearnden Farm while J Ronan, Woodside, made $184 for seven lambs.
Scotch College, Mitcham, sold six lambs for $182 and Parkview Estates, Harrogate, made the same price for four lambs.
CK Duguid, Burnside, sold 11 crossbred lambs for $176 and B&L Schmaal, Mannum, sold 22 crossbred lambs for $174.
A hogget from HT Hein, Murray Bridge, topped the section at $182 and Graetz Family Trust, Keyneton, made $166 for two hoggets.
J Ronan, Woodside, also made $152 for six hoggets.
The ewe section topped $128 for 9 ewes from Stoney Bank Farm, Mount Pleasant.
Cattle prices showed buyer confidence in the beef sector, Mr Fawcett said, with a Red Angus steer from SJ&TJ Walding, Mypolonga, making $1480.
An Angus steer from Chris George, Hewett, made $1420 and the same vendor also made $1100 for another two steers.
JD Cawrse, Freeling, two Murray Grey steers sold at $1300 helped cattle prices remain firm.
Buyer bidding in the cow section remained steady, with a run of Murray Grey and Angus cows from Regari Propriety Limited, Tanunda, making between $1080-$1400.
Heifers topped at $1280 three times for Poll Herefords from D&M&C Schultz, Cambrai.
The second-highest heifer price of $1240 was made for two Murray Grey heifers from JD Cawrse.
The next Mount Pleasant market will be held on August 8.