Casterton weaner sale, day two: One of highest c/kg price paid in Victorian saleyard
Day two of the Casterton weaner sales has seen one of the highest cents-per-kilogram price paid in a Victorian saleyard.
CASTERTON’S Hereford steers sold to rates beyond breeders “wildest dreams” today, as the summer southern calf sales continue to rank in record territory.
The 1079 weaner Hereford and Hereford-cross steers averaged a whopping 526c/kg or $1609/head at an average weight of 305kg.
The result will pour money back into the far western Victorian community and allow many farmers to rejuvenate farm infrastructure.
The auction recorded one of the highest cents-per-kg price ever paid in a Victorian saleyard.
Long-time Hereford breeder, Clyde Lawrence, Karingal, Casterton, sold seven very light steers, 209kg for 644c/kg. This worked out at $1345 for the April-drop Injemira blood calves, bought by agent James Brown, Albury.
Mr Lawrence said “never in my wildest dreams” had he thought he would see weaner calves of that size make such a high price.
He said the prices were great for the district and would allow farmers to reinvest in their properties.
“I thought they might make 500c/kg but over 600c/kg is just beyond my wildest dreams,” he said.
In the heavy lines, Shallum sold 20 EU-accredited Herefords, Injemira, Melville Park and Taronga blood, 395kg for $1900 or 481c/kg, bought by Scott Creek Livestock, Mount Gambier, South Australia.
A lighter pen of the Shallum calves, 18, 308kg fetched a bid of 524c/kg or $1613.
Wilkah Herefords had 16 EU-accredited steers 342kg that sold for 514c/kg or $1757.
Taronga Poll Herefords Geoff and Bill Lambert also recorded a strong sale, with the tops of their steers making $1826, which was miles ahead of their best last year, which made $1158.
Simmental-cross cattle also attracted strong bids with Glenaulin selling 23 Waterfront blood steers, 413kg for 454c/kg or $1875, purchased by Scott Creek Livestock.
Rosebank’s 14 EU-accredited Simmental-crosses, Woonallee blood, 398kg were knocked down to the same bidder for 482c/kg or $1918.
A run of light Glencairn steers, around 270kg were well sought after and sold for 550-546c/kg or up to $1523.
AuctionsPlus again provided strong support throughout the sale and NSW and SA bidders chased the top lines.
A volume buyer was Marc Greening, Injemira, Holbrook NSW would purchased 212 Hereford steers today, chasing mid to lighter weighted calves.
Vendor Glenn Davis, Sutherland Hills, Dergholm said his returns were up $800 on last year’s results.
“It is really good, but just as long as those at the other end make something too,” he said.
The Davis calves were about 30kg heavier than last year, despite the family having to cope with a bushfire last summer and reduced pasture available for the calves as a result.
Nutrien Casterton auctioneer Greg Bright said the price of 644c/kg was paid at the end of the sale for the light Karingal calves, after an extended bidding war, “probably to fill up a truck”, but the rate was nevertheless reflective of the “exceptional prices and times” witnessed in the past week’s sales.
“They (buyers) thought they could start it off a bit cheaper today, but that didn’t work, I think prices were very near the Angus yesterday here,” he said.
Then, the yarding averaged 502c/kg.
“People selling are consistently making $600-$700 a head more than last year, and even more on their Herefords, there was also a 5-10c/kg premium for EU-accredited cattle.”
Casterton agents will offer 2000 heifers on Friday and Mr Bright said inquiry on heifers had been even stronger than it had on steers, pointing to a scarcity of breeders.
Nutrien Casterton agent Andrew Harrison said the cash flowing into the Casterton community, thanks to the terrific sale, would “lift everyone’s spirits”.
“It makes a big difference to everyone,” he said.
MORE TO COME
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