Buyer’s market in Tasmania

Restockers and backgrounders competed to secure some of Tasmania’s top cattle genetics at Powranna. See how they sold.

Restockers were in the box seat to secure some of Tasmania’s top genetics when 3671 cattle sold at Powranna yesterday.

Prices took a hit in keeping with the results seen at recent sales in Victoria and NSW.

Warren Johnston of Nutrien Launceston described it as a “fairly mixed” day with lighter cattle impacted by cheaper prices.

He said the top-end of the steers sold to expectations ranging from 480c/kg to 520c/kg.

“When we got into the lighter steers, around 250 kilograms, prices really struggled,” he said.

“They were all around that $4 (400c/kg) mark,” he said.

The steers, weighing 280kg to 330kg sold from $1260 to $1660. Medium steers weighing 200kg to 280kg made $1260.

Livestock agents and auctioneers take the bids during the Powranna cattle sale in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

The lighter cattle sold from $680 to $1340.

In the heifer section, the sale was cheaper, with the tops making from $1120 to $1560.

Medium heifers sold from $920 to $1380, and light heifers received $560 to $1260.

Yearling steers made from $1740 to $1960 and yearling heifers sold from $1260 to $1740.

Four interstate buyers competed against Tasmanian restockers, with 200 heifers secured by Victorian buyers.

Mr Johnston said despite lower cattle prices in recent times, the buyers were all committed to selling.

“It is dry enough here at the moment,” he said.

Competition from Tasmanian restockers was supported by backgrounders and feedlots.

Kinloch Trading from Perth sold 21 Angus steer calves weighing 367kg for $1820. Kinloch also sold Angus heifers, with 20 weighing 336kg and making $1460.

Lyne Family Trust from Cranbrook sold 18 Angus steers weighing 328kg for $1660. The same vendor also sold another 18 Angus steers weighing 329kg for $1660.

Connorville Station from Cressy sold 57 Angus heifer weaners weighing 232kg to 246kg for $920.