Wodonga’s independent agents have reported a solid result in their pre-weaner sale warm-up.
Offering a smaller 2100-head penning, rates achieved were said to be much in the line with recent sales but without the added competition and influence of multiple orders placed from the north.
Paull & Scollard-Landmark auctioneer, Luke Deimal said although usual local commission orders were busy, restockers from the local valleys keep the market buzzing pushing the heavier weaner lines beyond the 300c/kg level, with plenty of sales record in the 310 to 320c/kg range.
Lighter drafts of weaners said Peter Ruaro, Rodwells, made to a top of 340-cents on the best of the Black calves while Euro-classes made 260-280c/kg.
Heavier yearling-off steers around 400c/kg also made 280c/kg which was much the same as previous sales.
Luke Deimal said that heavy rainfall on the day had its effects as one major feeder buyer, who applied strong pressure to the heifer sale, was held up in his travels to the market by flood waters.
Mr Deimal said the rain was that heavy at times that some of the auctioneers who generally sell unassisted required “miking up” to heard over the sound of the rain belting on the roof.
Also an order that placed prior to the sale from Tasmania for heifers was shut down due to the forecast for anticipated rough in Bass Strait.
Peter Ruaro said the yarding although not providing the weight that might be expected of the January markets was a strong lead-up for the weaner sales.
“The northern orders weren’t here but they will want cattle and our January sales should open up well” he said. “We understand there is good grass growing up north and the sorghum crops are said to be growing strongly”.
Not to be out done prices achieved for unjoined heifers were also quoted as fully firm on recent improved rates.
Heifers were sold in the 240 to 250c/kg range for the heavier grades, and 260-270c/kg for the weaner and younger lines.
“Local breeders were again keen for well-bred heifers to grow and join” Luke Deimal said.
“It was also obviously there was a premium for weaned calves, even the very best and freshest of the unweaned calves met buyer resistance” he said.