Heavy steer prices were up, and weaner prices down at Mortlake

A massive yarding of more than 6000 cattle at Mortlake in Victoria’s Western District attracted good buying support, despite the dry conditions in the region.

A monster yarding of 6095 cattle at Mortlake in Victoria’s Western District on Thursday resulted in prices for heavy feeder steers step up 10-15c/kg on the best lines with weight.

But weaner steers were quoted by buyers as 10-15c/kg softer on last month’s market, with holes appearing in demand due to plain condition and lack of producer confidence.

It goes without saying that drought conditions gripping the region, and much of southern Australia, have buyers and sellers in the lighter weights on edge.

Very heavy Angus feeder steers sold up to 406c/kg; this was paid for a pen of 540kg steers Athlone South blood, or $2192, sold by Kinnealy Farming.

Murroa East had a pen of Angus steers at 477kg, 16-18 months, Weeran, Banquet and Echo Cottage blood, that fetched 408c/kg or $1946.

Feedlot buyers were strong on these types, with good depth in the buying field.

Alistair Cozens of Koroit sold 58 grown Angus steers weighing 568kg. He was hoping for 380c/kg-plus but they sold for 400c/kg, which he said was “perfect money”.

He said dry weather and cricket damage to pastures were impacting his farm, but he was one who didn’t hesitate to jump back into the market, purchasing weaner steers weighing 244kg for 460c/kg which he will sell in 12-months time.

He said he was $200 a head up on his sale cattle so he was prepared to buy again.

“It is the Western District, it will rain,” Mr Cozens said.

Another local willing to jump in ahead of the break in the season, despite how tight conditions are now, was Andrew Morton from Yambuk.

He was buying young weaner steers for 410-422c/kg, or $906-$1008 weighing 221-239kg, which he said was good prices for quality cattle.

“I know the cattle, one pen I sold them hay earlier this year, so I have been feeding them in a way,” he said.

An indicative price on quality weaner steers were 32 Roseneath Angus steers, 403kg, which made 411c/kg or $1656.

But prices varied greatly on type and condition.

Nick and Jo Lillie from Bostocks Creek sold 121 well covered Hereford steers and heifers.

Of these, 53 steers at 434kg made 370c/kg or $1605 and a lighter pen at 334kg for $1169.

“That was reasonable on today I thought, but when things are tighter you do feel it on Herefords,” Mr Lillie said.

“But when times are good, they make just as much”.

Commission buyers such as Duncan Brown and Campbell Ross supported the sale, along with Thomas Foods International buying a load of heavy cattle.

Elders Mortlake branch manager Hayden Lanyon bought a few pens for a Mallee farmer, and said it was a critical time for the region, as many producers struggled with feed and water supplies.

Mr Lanyon said the large yardings were a result of producers not holding any excess stock, or selling as soon as they were able.

He said some of today’s auction was showing the signs of the season. “There are some holes (in demand) here today,” Mr Lanyon said.

Heifers are yet to sell.