Quality was evident at Tumut with many lines of well-bred cattle on offer: unfortunate, as all producers are now only too aware, the weight and finish of their stock was less than vendors would have preferred.
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With 900 cattle penned, mostly Angus and black baldies, competition was restricted and buyers were mostly able to dictate terms even though top pens of steers sold for an estimated $2.70/kg.
Elders, Tumut livestock agent Chris Annetts quoted the market as being ‘firm on current trends given the seasonal outlook’.
“Considering the conditions at this point of time with little grass the cattle were in great condition,” he said.
“Values are on par with other sales and the vendors are meeting the market.”
Mr Annetts noted many of the cattle penned were the annual draft presented by vendors this time each year, but there were cattle in the yarding only due to declining seasonal conditions, with producers unwilling to take stock any further with the unfavourable outlook.
“It was a great opportunity to purchase breeders which would not normally have been available,” he said.
Indicative sales for yearling steers ranged from $875 to $600, while similar age unjoined heifers topped at $730 with light weights selling for $330.
PTIC females sold for $900 while cows with calves topped at $1400 and down to $1000, with light weights selling for $760.
Top price for the sale was $1400 paid for 10 Hereford cows, four and five years, with calves sold on account Chris and Lisa Howell, “Whispering Pine”, Adelong.
Other sales included eight two year black baldie cows, 2 two years with calves sold for $1040 by R.J and R.J Webb, “Mundongo”, Tumut to Harden-district restocker.
PTIC Angus heifers sold $900 on account Robin Hill Dairies, Tumut.
Among the good selection of yearling steers on offer, the McMahon family, “Bahwidgee”, Adelong sold 14 Angus, 13 months, Arden-blood for $875, while J.R and T.M Callaway, “Araluen”, Gilmore recieved $720 for their 24 Angus, 11-12 months, Dunoon and Ireland-blood.
Buyers from Yass and Harden competed with local restockers and commission buyers operating for feedlots and restocker clients. Elders, Tumut conducted the early spring store sale.
