Naracoorte weaner heifer sale
27 January 2012
There was a mixed quality yarding of just over 3,500 head at the Naracoorte heifer weaner sale last Friday. Angus heifers made up the largest portion of the market, with Murray Grey, Hereford, Black Baldy, Shorthorn, European and British cross heifers also on offer.
Demand was solid from feeder, restocker and wholesale orders from a wide range of regions. Overall the heifers averaged 202¢/kg lwt, or around $580/head. South Australian restocker orders came from Penola, Mauope, Naracoorte, Keith, Lucindale and Wattle Range, with feeder purchases from Padthaway and Burra.
There were also strong interstate orders from Ballarat and Warrnambool, with a Tasmanian order operating for Smithton clients. NSW orders were also prominent, with cattle returning to Scone, Yass, Holbrook, Wodonga and Mildura. There were also two domestic processors purchasing throughout the sale.
Light weaner heifers were in limited number, largely reflecting the favourable seasonal conditions. Good quality medium weight Angus lines generally sold from $573 to $675/head, after topping at $740/head – ranging from 213¢ to 232¢/kg lwt. There were some plainer Angus medium weights offered, which brought $542 to $632/head, or 192¢ to 224¢/kg lwt. A good numbers of medium weight Hereford heifers were offered, but varied in quality, with sales generally ranging from $504 to $610/head, but reaching as high as $640/head. Sales ranged from 197¢ to 216¢/kg. British cross medium weights averaged $490 to $618/head, or 192¢ to 222¢/kg lwt.
Angus weaner heifers dominated the heavy end of the sale, ranging from $630/head, with one exceptional pen topping at $920/head after some spirited bidding. This left most sales closer to $731/head, or 208¢/kg lwt. The European cross heavy weights made to $750/head, although most were closer to $650/head, or around 189¢/kg lwt. The Black Baldies reached $755/head to average $733/head, while the British cross lines averaged around $642/head.
Print this page
Email page
Go back to top