Locharnoch weaners impress in Emerald

The family sold 480 Droughtmaster/Santa Gertrudis cross weaners (199 heifers and 281 steers) at the sale, with the steers topping the sale at 387.2c/kg averaging 226kg, and the heifers also topping the sale earning 315.2c/kg averaging 204kg. 

Mr Howard said he usually sells via Auctions Plus, but decided the Emerald yards would be the best market for the younger weaners. 

“The season just hasn't been good enough for us this round of weaners, we had to get them off their mothers,” he said. 

”The oldest would be eight months probably, we probably have (weaned) a month earlier (than usual).”

In addition to the home block, the Mr and Mrs Howard alongside their son Jason also have Aldele, and Hyde Park. 

While it is dry everywhere, Mr Howard said they did still have a decent amount of feed.

“We are having to put out a lot of lick, and we just had to get the calves off,” he said.

“Those old cows will be right now.”

The family run 1500 breeders and the herd is predominantly Droughtmaster, with some Santa Gertrudis bulls. 

The cattle were booked under Barcoo Land and Cattle and auctioned by Brock Palmer, Emerald Land and Cattle Company (Livestock). 

Mr Palmer said the result was fantastic to see. 

“It was well above what the market has been recently,” he said.

“I’d say that's as good as anywhere in the State this week.”