Tasmanian weaner sales off to a bright start at Powranna

MORE than 1900 cattle went under the hammer at Tasmania’s first autumn weaner sales of the year.

SOLID PRICES: Demand was steady even with few interstate buyers attending Roberts’ weaner sale at Powranna last week. Picture: CHRISTOPHER TESTA

MORE than 1900 cattle went under the hammer at Tasmania’s first autumn weaner sales of the year.

Roberts kicked off the season at Powranna last Thursday.

Roberts livestock manager Nick Towns said demand was steady on last year’s opening despite a lack of interest from the mainland.

In interstate sales prices have dropped in a buyers’ market amid extremely dry conditions.

The selection of steers at Powranna included lines from the North, North East, East Coast and far South, with weights 10kg to 20kg heavier than last year, according to the National Livestock Reporting Service.

The heaviest steers made $1130 to $1350 each or 330c/kg, while mediumweights sold at about 350c/kg.

Top price of the sale was $1350 for steers from Springvale on the East Coast, while steers from Hatherley made $1340, Guilford $1330 and Wattle Corner $1310.

Heifer calves averaged about 280c/kg and the top price was $1190 for 17 heifers from Hatherley.

Mediumweight heifers sold for about 275c/kg, or from $750 to $860 a head, while lightweight pens went for about 265c/kg or $640 to $790.

Most buyers were from the North-West, Northern Midlands and North East with a few cattle heading South.

Cows and calves fetched up to $1700, Huntsman Farm bagging the top price.

Mr Towns said with local cattle numbers remaining low, the state would benefit from early autumn rain after several dry months. Roberts holds its next sale at Powranna on Thursday from midday.