Tuakau drew a big yarding of 730 store cattle last Thursday, Chris Elliott of PGG Wrightson reported. Heavier cattle held value but prices for steers and heifers under 400kg eased.
Steers in the 400-520kg range earned $2.70-$2.95/kg, with 300-400kg making $2.30-$2.77/kg. Weaner steers, 180-240kg, fetched $670-$750 and Friesian bulls, 200kg, $500.
Most heifers in the 400-470kg range sold at $2.45-$2.65/kg and 300-400kg made $2.20-$2.60/kg. Weaner heifers, 180kg, $540.
Last Wednesday’s prime market was firm. Medium steers averaged $2.70/kg, with lighter making $2.50-$2.70/kg. Heavy heifers sold to $2.81/kg and lighter lots sold down to $2.40/kg. Beef cows returned $1.64-$2.12/kg and well-conditioned Friesians, $1.70-$2.10/kg. Good-medium cows fetched $1.50-$1.70/kg and light, $1.30-$1.50/kg.
Monday’s sheep market was strong. Good prime lambs made $145-$195, with medium earning $125-$145 and stores, $75-$127. Medium ewes returned $90-$140.
