THE Allen family at Blackall is rejoicing after their 790-strong line of store weaners topped the $4 mark when they were sold on AuctionsPlus today.
One lot of 100 young bulls in the 98kg weight range brought $4.89 or $480 a head.
Elders Blackall branch manager Daven Vohland said that, other than Wagygu cattle, this was the first time he was aware of cattle making over $4/kg in Queensland.
“At the Blackall sale yesterday comparable steers in the same weight range were making $3.40 a head, and heifers were up to $3.20.”
The weaners were from the Forest Park Santa Gertrudis stud and were part of a drought management strategy to keep their mothers in top condition.
“The strength of these cattle is that they’re well known around the country,” Mr Vohland said. “They obviously do well for people.”
He also said that AuctionsPlus had enabled the Allen family to target good rain in the south and the window of opportunity for southern buyers.
Cattle went to buyers at Inverell, Gunnedah, Narrabri and Dubbo.
Elders northern zone AuctionsPlus manager Bob Jakins said the prices received were way above expectations.
“I don’t think you would have seen those prices at Roma. It’s the power of AuctionsPlus,” he said. “People don’t want to pay money driving to inspect cattle.”
Prices are as follows:
- 167 steers, 203.3kg av – 381.2c/kg or $775/hd
- 146 steers, 149.4kg av – 404.9c/kg or $605/hd
- 65 steers, 113.2kg av – 410.8c/kg or $465/hd
- 127 heifers, 132.9kg av – 357.4c/kg or $475/hd
- 130 heifers, 93.7kg av – 474.9c/kg or $445/hd
- 55 bulls, 134.4kg av – 386.9c/kg or $520/hd
- 100 bulls, 98.1kg av – 489.3c/kg or $480/hd
