The greatly reduced yarding of 750 mixed quality cattle at the regular Wodonga Special Store Cattle sale last Thursday met with strong competition through all types.
Recent rain meant some cattle could not be loaded on the farm, and many producers are holding onto their stock with renewed optimism for the season.
With not a lot of store cattle available, agents were saying it was a “wonderful opportunity to buy quality stock”.
Elders Wodonga manager, Matt Tinkler quoted the market as being strong in line with present demand.
“There was a lot of competition on limited numbers of cattle,” he said.
Local and district restockers provided strong competition with only limited purchasing opportunities available for lot feeders.
Indicative prices young steers ranged from $815 to $1200, while lightweight steer calves sold from $290 to $685 depending on condition.
Young unjoined heifers ranged from $895 to $1105, with the lighter end selling from $310 to $650.
The few pens of older steers sold from $1160 to $1320.
Cows with calves ranged in price from $1000 to $1600.
An excellent draft of 59 Angus steers, 8-9 months and weighing up to 347kgs offered on account Graeme and Dawn McCauley, “Tiviot Dale”, Huon, Victoria sold for $1200.
Other good sales of young steers included a pen of 26 Angus calves, 7-8 months and weighing 316kg offered on account Ian, Vera and Kate Finger, “Nillahcoottie Park,”, Mansfield, Vic, which made $1160.
The McCauley family sold 21 Angus heifers, weighing 320kgs and unjoined for $1020, while Ian Vickers, “Carawatha”, Berrigan, sold six Shorthorn heifers weighing 298kg for $900.
The Craddock family from Euroa, Vic sold eight Charolais heifers weighing 276kg for $895.
Older Angus steers with frame offered on account of Trevor and Lesley Lashbrook, “Bungil Station”, Granya and weighing 406kg sold for $1320 for a pen of 12, while a second pen of 15 Angus steers weighing 338kg sold for $1160.
Allan Odewhahn, “Bona Vista”, Walla Walla sold 20 Hereford steers, weighing 384kg for $1240.
A feature line of Shorthorn cows with calves and in store condition sold on account Ian Vickers, “Carawatha”, Berrigan sold to top of $1600 for the pen of 21.
Mr Vickers sold a second pen of 11 cows with calves for $1470.
Other sales of cows with calves included a pen of 10 Santa Gertrudis offered on account of the Hood family, Tawonga, Vic, sold for $1470, while the Baxter family, Barnawartha, sold nine Angus cows with their second calves for $1600.
The sale was conducted by Wodonga Associated Agents, Elders, Landmark and Corcoran and Parker.
