Cattle market performing well despite NSW-Vic border shutdown
The cattle market in Victoria performed well last week, despite logistic issues concerning the NSW-Victoria border closure. See how the markets went.
THE chaos of last week’s Victoria-NSW border closure did little to dampen the cattle market at southern store sales last week.
A yarding of 1800 cattle at Wodonga saw quality runs of feeder steers making from 400c/kg up to 420c/kg, while an excellent run of Angus weaner steers made a top of 500c/kg.
At the Yea store cattle sale, a smaller yarding of well conditioned steers and heifers made returns of about 400c/kg for heavier steers, while calves weighing about 300kg made 430c-450c/kg.
Brian Unthank Rural director Michael Unthank said while the border closure disrupted the industry, overall the Wodonga sale wasn’t particularly affected.
“It was a bit of a rush and a hassle … but it all worked out. The commission buyers from NSW all operated with their usual orders,” Mr Unthank said.
“We only had the registered buyers here with the COVID restrictions we’ve had in place for the last couple of months. So anyone that needed to get a permit to buy cattle got it to travel and transport and that was fine.”
Elders Albury livestock manager Brett Shea said he didn’t believe there had been a “drastic effect” on the market, despite the border closure and COVID-19 outbreaks at a number of Melbourne abattoirs.
“We are fully aware we’re not going to be immune to the tentacles of COVID-19, but we need to be agile enough to put steps in place that will allow us to continue to operate,” Mr Shea said.
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