BUYERS and vendors welcomed the chance to return to the cattle market at the SA Livestock Exchange at Dublin after COVID-19 restrictions, with both crowd and livestock numbers up.
Last week, the yards were opened up to agents, and this week to the public, with sign-in requirements.
Saleyard manager Andrew Lepley said cattle numbers had jumped, from recent yardings of about 300 head to 565 cattle and 90 calves, with the calf market returning last week.
He said the first "big sale" was a success, but cautioned attendees not to get complacent about social distancing.
Among the offering were several store lines of pastoral cattle, meeting strong restocker demand.
"There are plenty of people looking for stock to put on feed," Mr Lepley said.
"They were keen to get out and see the cattle."
Next month marks one year since the cattle sale at the Dublin switched from Monday to follow the sheep on Tuesday.
Elders Pastoral coordinator Bruce Cameron said the move had its practical advantages for vendors, buyers and staff.
"People can drop in sheep and cattle on the same truck," he said.
Mr Lepley said there were benefits to the move, with few disadvantages while numbers remained low from drought.
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Todmorden Cattle Co, via Oodnadatta, sold 21 weaners to $850, averaging $765, as well as 16 steers to $3.80 a kilogram, averaging $1432.
RJ Michael Props, Hawker, offered 225 cattle from two properties.
The Moralana offering of Angus and Angus-Hereford steers included heavy lots, 350-450kg, selling from $3.58-$4/kg, av $3.90/kg, while those 200-250kg made $3.82-$4.46/kg, av $4.30/kg. Heifers 280-300kg sold from $3.24-$3.78/kg, those 160-220kg made $3.24-$4.02/kg, av $3.70/kg.
The Partacoona Hereford-Angus steers, 200-300kg, sold from $3.82-$4.32/kg, av $4.15/kg, while young bulls 160-360kg sold from $3.52-$4/kg, av $3.82/kg. Heifers, 170-290kg, made $3.58-$4/kg, av $3.90/kg.
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