The week started off quietly with very low numbers of prime cattle offered on Tuesday. Two lines of Angus steers sold for $2.79-$2.80/kg, despite a 100kg weight difference. The top end of the heifers made $2.74-$2.76/kg, Friesian $2.30/kg. A very small offering of Angus cows sold on a lifting market at $2.34-$2.44/kg.
There was more action in the sheep pens with moderate yardings of prime sheep and store lambs. Prices were steady for prime lambs at $95-$136. There was more variation in the store lamb pens with a price range of $43-$98. Ewes traded at $47-$72, and a very small line of ewes with lambs at foot made $52 all-counted.
A bigger number of store cattle drew in the crowd on Wednesday, and while prices weren’t record breaking, they were consistently strong. R3 and R2 Angus steers sold for $1020-$1205, $2.82-$2.89/kg, but the ever popular Hereford-Friesian topped that at $2.88-$2.94/kg. R3 Friesian bulls traded at $2.72-$2.76/kg.
One hundred and sixty R2 heifers were offered and were mainly medium to good quality lines. Prices firmed and the better quality, heavier types mainly traded at $2.64-$2.75/kg. Hereford-Friesian sold to $2.75-$2.80/kg, lighter Hereford-cross and Angus-cross $2.96-$2.97/kg.
Competition for younger, lighter cattle continued to grow. Autumn-born Friesian bulls, 107-130kg, climbed to $550-$607, R1 bulls, 158-297kg, $590-$925. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 165-210kg, made $595-$780, autumn-born lines $460-$495.
