The sixth annual Virbac Weaner Challenge and weaner sale at Tamworth saw 3687 head yarded with values quoted as 'stronger than expected'.
Davidson Cameron and Co agent Scott Newberry said the sale held up due to reasonable competition from Victoria and Meandarra and Rockhampton in Queensland while restockers from Gloucester also secured pens.
"The better lines of black steers attracted good competition," he said.
"There was limited interest from local areas so we were grateful for the interstate support."
Demand from Queensland restockers underpinned the market, with a top price of $915 paid for 22 six-seven month Charolais Angus cross weaner steers offered by George and Sue Lyon, The Springs, Nowendoc.
They were presented with the Virbac Weaner Challenge title for champion pen.
The best pen of heifers went to Mary Thompson and Estate John Thompson, Niangala for their 20 nine month old, Mountain Valley-blood Herefords sold for $490.
Excellent sales of weaner steers included $800 paid for eight Poll Herefords, Bowen-blood offered by Richard Chaffey, Attunga; M.J and T.L Gooch, Jimarie, Wallabadah sold eight Angus cross for $790 and D.J and R.J Trevenen, Walcha sold eight EU-accredited Charolais for $770.
Other notable steer results included 32 Angus, May/June 2018-drop sold by Dempsey Pastoral Co, Nundle for $740; R and G Bomford, Barraba sold 16 Angus for $720 and Schroers, Wallacey, Walcha Road received $700 for 30 grass-fed, antibiotic free Angus.
Union Agriculture, Kyabrah Station, Uralla offered 650 yard-weaned Angus steers with the top pen selling for $520.
Among the females on offer, D.J and R.J Trevenen, Walcha sold EU-accredited Angus Charolais heifers for $595: M.E and T.A Worth, Niangala sold ten Angus Charolais cross for $550 and EU-accredited Angus offered by P and L.M Lockey, Roseville, Walcha sold to $500.
The tops of the heifer portion of the Angus mixed-sex weaners offered by the Gooch family, Wallabadah sold for $540.
All Tamworth agents operated during the sale.