Weaner cattle prices reach new heights at Leongatha

Weaner cattle fetched $100 more per head in a week as nearly 3000 mixed-quality cattle secured higher prices from feedlotters and restockers alike.

A Leongatha selling centre has hosted a “very dear sale” as nearly 3000 mixed-quality cattle secured higher prices from feedlotters and restockers alike.

The Victorian Livestock Exchange drew about 3000 cattle on Thursday, with livestock agents quoting weaner prices about $100 dearer a head within one week.

Alex Scott & Staff livestock agent Rob Ould said feedlotters continued to bid on heavier cattle, with local restockers stepping into the market ahead of spring. He said most cattle made between 480-500c/kg.

“The job was certainly taken another lift again, I would’ve thought heavier cattle were still selling well to extreme rates, but the well-bred weaner cattle have stepped up another notch again,” he said.

“Now we’re starting to see a lot of restockers stepping up and dipping their toe in the water.”

He said the VLE’s Tuesday fat market held strong, with cows fetching between 420-430c/kg and fat cattle prices “getting stronger and stronger each week”.

“The prospects of the job ahead look very good and everyone’s on board,” Mr Ould said.

“The yarding is still showing a bit wintry, certainly the weather will change that, as it warms up the cattle will get better too.”

Most cattle made between 480-500c/kg at the Leongatha store sale on July 24. Picture: Rachel Simmonds

One feature line of cattle included Baw Baw Angus, who sold 15 steers, 296kg, $1590 or 537c/kg, 15 steers, 279kg, $1580 (566c/kg), 16 steers, 257kg for $1550 (603c/kg) and 16 steers, 239kg for $1480 (319c/kg).

They also sold 57 Angus heifers weighing 253kg for $1260 or 479c/kg.

Elders Leongatha livestock manager Michael Foote said prices were “very dear” across a mixed yarding of about 2700 cattle.

”Extra heavy feeder bullock cattle are firm to a shade better on the last week or two. Those weaners all kicked from $100 from last week, and lifted another $100 today to 530c/kg to 600c/kg,” he said.

“The quality probably wasn’t as good as we’ve had over the recent months.”

Another feature line included Eloora Shorthorn’s 100 Shorthorn steers, Feb-April drop which agents believed to sell between 460-500c/kg.