Mortlake store sale: Lightweight cattle a highlight
Lightweight cattle sold up to 500c/kg at the Mortlake sale which yarded 4300 cattle - a number almost unheard of in a winter yarding.
AN inflated yarding of 4300 at the Mortlake store cattle sale today highlighted the strength of the cattle at the moment despite ongoing coronavirus concerns.
Elders Kerr and Co livestock agent Bruce Redpath said this time last year Mortlake yarded 700 cattle but a bumper season in the Western District had fired up the market for producers in recent weeks.
Mr Redpath said the quality of the yarding was “very similar to last month” but while most of the market was firm on last month, competition was lacking in some areas.
“With people not being able to travel and being a bit cautious,” Mr Redpath said.
“There’s nothing wrong with the feed, there’s nothing wrong with the prices, and there’s nothing wrong with the fat market – the jobs never been as good. But people are being cautious because they don’t know what’s ahead.”
Heavy grown steers were down on last sale, making from 400c/kg to 420c/kg compared to last month when Mr Redpath said they averaged 430c/kg or 440c/kg.
“Heavy, feedlot type steers were probably 15c to 20c cheaper on last month,” Mr Redpath said.
“There were two or three interstate feedlotters here last month that weren’t here today which affected competition.”
All breeds of steer weaners sold to similar rates on last month, making up to 470c/kg for EU accredited Angus weaners. Steer weaners weighing 250kg to 340kg, averaged above 400c/kg.
All lighter weight steers and heifers were a highlight of the market, selling to strong local demand and saw competition from Northern Victoria and South Gippsland.
“Lighter weight 220kg to 260kg were making around 500c/kg – most made $1000,” Mr Redpath said.
In the heifer market grown heifers weighing 400kg and above made from 370c/kg to 410c/kg depending on breed while weaner heifers 350 to 400c/kg, $900 to $1200. Lighter heifers making 350c/kg to 360c/kg
Cows and calves also sold very well, with returns up to $2850 for Red Angus cross cows and calves and Angus heifers with calves at foot made $2000.
Joined cattle made from $1700 to $1850.
“It was a very strong sale all over with all things considered with the current coronavirus situation,” Mr Redpath said.
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