Ballarat store cattle sale: Large yarding shows no evidence of tightening supply

An inflated yarding at Ballarat was filled out by mostly lightweight spring drop calves which sold to highs of nearly $700c/kg. SEE THE RESULTS

Another large yarding for the monthly Ballarat store sale attracted a host of heavyweight buyers.

There was no evidence of the tightening supply of cattle with 4200 cattle yarded.

However, a large majority of both the steers and heifers were lighter-weight spring drop calves.

One of the top-priced pens of the day sold for $2660 or 427c/kg for 10 Angus at 623kg. Most of the heavier cattle above 500kg returned from 440c/kg to 490c/kg.

Several runs of lighter weight steers under 300kg, which were a highlight of the market, often fetched in the mid 500c/kg and several lots up above 600c/kg.

A line of 29 Angus steers at 246kg, offered by Cemaitra Holdings, returned an impressive $1600 or 650c/kg.

Colac vendor Frank Eldridge sold 38 steers to a top of $2270 or 479c/kg for 22 black baldy at 474kg at the Ballarat store cattle sale. Picture: Petra Oates

Colac vendor Frank Eldridge cashed in on some impressive margins for 38 steers, which sold to a top of $2270 or 479c/kg for his first pen of 22 black baldy at 474kg.

Mr Eldridge first bought the steers as weaners in Mt Gambier where he picked up 250 Angus and black baldy steers at 325kg for around $1250.

“I sold them today for $2270 and I’ve only had them for nine months,” Mr Eldridge said.

“That’s some of the best margins I’ve ever seen.”

In the heifer market, lightweight cattle sold equally well, with few heavyweight females on offer.

MORE

INQUIRY INTO FERAL DEER, PIGS, GOATS TABLES REPORT

MAN CHARGED OVER HUNTING, STEALING, KILLING LIVESTOCK