Boner cows dominated the yarding and sold at a more consistent level without the peaks seen lately. Most Friesian, 415-510kg, ranged from $1.84-$1.94/kg, with Kiwi-cross, 440-472kg, also falling in that range. Friesian heifers, 413-484kg, also sold on a very consistent market at $1.90-$1.96/kg.
A small prime steer section was well contested and the better lines sold to $2.98-$3.07/kg, which covered all bar one Friesian-cross. Angus and Hereford-Friesian bulls traded at $2.98-$3.02/kg for 622-667kg.
The store section was very pleasing with a good depth of buying power despite the low number offered. A standout line of R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 421kg, sold to $3.17/kg, though lesser sorts, 318-380kg, dropped to $2.89-$2.97/kg. Beef-cross, 330-430kg, averaged $2.95/kg. All beef-cross and Hereford-Friesian heifers sold over a tight range of $2.80-$2.88/kg for 307-366kg, while Friesian, 360-478kg, returned $2.63-$2.75/kg.
Prices continued to firm for most classes at the second to last Dairy Beef sale last Thursday, and part of the improvements can be attributed to an increased number of buyers entering the market at this late stage.
The heifer market was the highlight as Hereford-Friesian prices lifted $10-$40 on the last market. Lighter lines, 100-110kg, improved $10-$15 to $480-$520, while 112-130kg were up $20-$40 at $500-$560. Angus-Friesian also sold to a keen bench and single lines of 109-145kg traded at $470-$585.
Friesian bull prices improved $10-$25 on last fair results. Light calves were in the minority with most starting at 120kg and up to nearly 200kg. Lines 120-130kg earned $595-$625, though a price ceiling of $650 meant 135-193kg traded at $628-$655. Budgets were stretched a bit further for Hereford-Friesian and few lines could be purchased for less than $560, with most trading at $565-$680.
Steer numbers increased and 110-140kg Hereford-Friesian sold on a firm market at $590-$700.
