Prime steers sold on a solid market at $2.80-$2.99/kg. While this was below the $3/kg mark, plenty of weight put some lines over $2000. Heifer prices reflected a larger range of cattle offered, with high-yielding Belgium Blue selling to $2.95/kg, though most traded at $2.70-$2.80/kg.
With 350 cattle on the books there were adequate numbers of 2-year cattle, and steers returned $2.70-$3/kg. Crossbred lines were down to $2.40-$2.60/kg. Empty Friesian heifers sold well at $2.76/kg for the local trade market, and most other heifers traded at $2.50-$2.80/kg.
Younger cattle prices were variable with the highlight being the heifer market, as some lines fetched $3.10-$3.30/kg. Beef-Friesian steers, 265kg, made $875, $3.30/kg, with prices slightly back on recent sales. The bull market sold to expectations at $2.95-$3.05/kg.
Cows were also one of the highlights of the sale, with the processor buyers joined by farmers, and some lines sold above schedule. Friesian-cross, 365kg, sold to farm on at $2.27/kg, heavy lines $1.85-$2/kg, light Jersey-cross $1.30/kg.
A small offering of dairy cattle continued to sell on an improved market as milk prices firm. In-milk heifers earned $1150-$1500.
