Heavy steers set pace at Ballarat but weaners steal show

Despite wariness from some price-conscious buyers, others eager to snap up heavy steers set a high floor price, of 400c/kg, at the latest Ballarat store cattle sale. Then things really started to get interesting. VIDEO

HEAVY steers exceeding 500kg in weight consistently made strong returns at today’s Ballarat store cattle sale, with a 4000-strong yarding drawing a huge crowd.

But it was the run of weaner calves that stole the show, making well above 500c/kg and dancing close to 600c/kg in spots.

Onlookers line the rails at Ballarat. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

Buyers lined the rails to snap up heavy-framed steers, with 400c/kg quickly emerging as the floor in the steer market.

Plenty of stock was snapped up by South Gippsland agents, along with buyers from Tamworth, NSW.

A section of the large crowd at Ballarat. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

A number of pens made at least 420c/kg, including a pen of eight Angus steers, weighing 487kg, by producers Warrnambool Agriculture.

Many buyers were heard mumbling along the rails, keen to buy but wary of prices, which have remained high all season.

Producer Paul Sheedy sold a pen of eight Angus heifers, weighing 463kg for 390c/kg.

They were bought by Duncan Brown for a buyer in Bathurst, NSW.

Producer Paul Sheedy, who sold heifers. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

Mr Sheedy said the widespread rainfall and success of the season continued to drive prices at the saleyards.

“That’s the only thing that’s saving the price at the moment, is the season and the grass,” he said.

“Even up north where these are going, there’s grass. That’s the saviour of the price.”

Agents take bids at Ballarat. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

HS Richardson Ballarat livestock agent Bernie Nevins said weaner steers made impressive returns.

“Some steer weaner pens made up to 580c/kg in places,” Mr Nevins said.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s a case of feed, the job hasn’t dropped off at all, it’s gone up in the last four months.”