Leongatha: How the Gippsland cattle sales are weathering dry times

Steers and heifers might have sold $100 a head less than at previous markets, but green feed and strong throughput is sheltering the region from volatility.

South Gippsland’s Leongatha cattle market is emerging as an insulated market, with throughput and quality remaining strong in the face of widespread dry conditions.

But agents say prices for steers and heifers have softened in comparison to previous sales, down as much as $100 a head in portions of the market.

Data from Meat and Livestock Australia showed about 3500 cattle were penned at today’s store cattle sale, with quality across the yards.

Larger lines of breeder cattle were offered by vendors, with a selection of 800 Angus steers weighing in above 400kg.

While there was a smaller crowd lining the rails, local agents were well represented, with a few feedlot operators placing bids but not driving the market.

According to MLA, the top pen of weaner steers made $1440 a head for 24 Angus, weighing at 375kg and making a return of 384c/kg.

Steers in the lighter weight categories sold on average between 352c/kg to 357c/kg, while heavier steers in the 600kg range sold in the range of 350c/kg.

In the heifer sale, heifers averaged 367kg, and made returns averaging 297c/kg.

Nutrien Leongatha livestock agent Eddie Hams said the good quality cattle sold to good prices, particular in the heifer portion of the market.

“It wasn’t too bad, but it was about $100 cheaper on some cattle. The heifers held up pretty well, especially the ones with a bit of weight, making about $300/kg,” Mr Hams said.

Mr Hams said plenty of cattle stayed in the Gippsland region, while strong numbers of cattle from East Gippsland were yarded, in a sign of dry conditions elsewhere in the state.

“It’s just so dry … we want rain down here,” Mr Hams said.

“That’s a problem everywhere, people have got a bit scared and it’s bringing the bullock price back.”

Despite the challenges facing the market, Mr Hams said Leongatha continued to yard strong numbers, reflecting an almost insulated market due to feed availability throughout South Gippsland.

“Our country is very green down here, most of the cattle here today would have gone back to the paddock,” Mr Hams said.

“I bought for a lot of clients. We’re sort of our own market here, we’ve got our feed, which we’re lucky.”