Weaner sales: How high could prices go this summer
As store cattle sales wind down for the year, many producers are now turning their attention to upcoming weaner calf sales.
THE final Victorian store cattle of 2020 saw quality weaner steers sell for a strong average of 400-486c/kg.
These sales were considered by many a litmus test for what prices weaner calves could achieve at next month’s summer calf sales.
At Ballarat, a number of producers chose to sell weaner steers and heifers early while prices were assured, instead of yarding calves at the upcoming summer sales.
A pen of nine Charolais cross steers weighing 421kg sold to $1790, or 425c/kg, while a pen of 13 weaners sold to $1550 or 409c/kg.
At Casterton earlier this week, weaner steers made returns from 447c/kg and up to 486c/kg, while weaner heifers sold from 396c/kg up to 440c/kg.
Charles Stewart Mortlake livestock agent Matt Baxter said he anticipated weaner steers weighing about 350kg could make returns averaging $1600, or 457c/kg, at upcoming weaner calf sales next month.
He said while some producers sold cattle early to take advantage of high prices, there was still plenty of quality stock ready to be yarded at the annual January sales.
“There was the odd farmer who decided to take the money early,” Mr Baxter said.
“The people who decide to wait until January will be rewarded, but the people who sold early were also rewarded.”
Producers who do sell weaners at upcoming sales will be rewarded for their efforts after a year of favourable conditions and frenzied restocker demand driving store prices high.
“The job is ticking along quite well. Steer weaners, weight about 350kg … I’d expect them to make around $1600, or mid $1650,” Mr Baxter said.
“I would say it will be the best ever … it was quite dear about three years ago, but not like this. It’s season driven. There’s been rain all up the eastern seaboard. There’s grass, and there’s not many numbers about.”
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