While it was a smaller than average yarding, Friday's Mount Gambier store sale recorded a strong result, with local buyers and interest keeping the bigger feeder buyers out.
Just 886 head were offered, comprising 411 steers, 460 heifers and 15 cows and calves, and selling agents estimate the market was on average at least 15 cents a kilogram stronger than the September sale.
Good quality, but small runs of heavier Angus and Angus-cross steers ranged from $3.20/kg up to $3.40/kg with lighter animals down to between $3.05/kg and $3.11/kg.
But buyers were also prepared to pay well for quality lighter steers with one pen of 12 Angus steers averaging $3.69/kg.
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Other lighter steers reached between $2.38/kg and some down to $2.22/kg for a run of Hereford steers with an average weight of 247kg.
The top price paid for steers was $1300 for a pen of three heavy Angus steers averaging 453kg from Ron and Ruth Atwell, Cashmore, West Portland, Vic.
Close behind was a pen of 12 at $1240, and a pen of 19 that reached the same price.
The remainder of the steers ranged from $1180 down to $480 depending on weight and condition.
Heifers were also in strong demand.
Angus heifers sold for $2.95/kg with prices ranging from nearly $2.90/kg down to $2.88/kg and $2.85/kg.
Lighter heifers were still well sought, with prices from $2.59/kg to $2.37/kg.
The top price for heifers was $1080 for a pen of 25 Angus from Bruno Gasparini, Terra Nostra Farms, Mumbannar.
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Also selling well was a pen of 10 that made $1050, while $1030 was paid for a pen of 23 heifers.
Prices for the remainder of the heifers were between $960 for better condition animals and down to $350 for lighter animals.
There was also strong interest in a pen of nine pregnancy-tested in-calf Angus heifers with calves at-foot, which were offered by Ron and Ruth Atwell.
They sold for $1800 to Jeff and Gwen Young, Beronga Estate, Eight Mile.
Mrs Young said the good season meant they needed a few more head.
"We've got all this grass" she said.
Originally dairyfarmers, the Youngs have sold off the dairy herd and switched to beef.
"We're getting close to retirement age, so time to stop milking," she said.
"Beef cattle are just that bit easier to manage."
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Overall, the selling agents were very happy with the sale.
Miller, Whan and John's Andrew Whan said local restockers led the way.
"It was all locals doing it, the export competition couldn't get in," he said.
Mr Whan was also in the market for some of his clients.
"(I) just picked a few heifers for a fellow who does a grass and grain background feeding," he said.
Chris Manser, Green Triangle Livestock, Mount Gambier was also happy.
"(It was) certainly dearer than last month," he said.
"That's purely because of less numbers, and a few of the blokes who've sold bullocks were here to replace.
"Our season's going well, and if we can get another one or two rains in November we'll end up with a very good season."
