Hereford heifers sold to a top of 375c/kg on the back of restocker demand at the Cooma autumn special calf sale this week.
Selling agents Monaro Livestock and Property sold 1177 heifers to average $854 and 2976 steers to average $973 at the April 6 sale.
Overall, the sale averaged $940, with buyer support from Albury-Wodonga, Myrtleford, Corryong, Yass, Young, Gundagai, Tumut, Wagga, Warren and South Australia.
Lotfeeders were active on the heavier end of the Hereford steers, and butchers, backgrounders and restockers on the heavier heifers.
The middle run of Hereford steers sold to backgrounders and trade buyers, while backgrounders were strong on the lighter end.
Auctioneer Will Dixon said vendors were pleased with averages for steers up by $220-$250 on last year and their heifer averages jumping by $300.
The sale opened on a pen of grown Hereford steers, 18-20 months, sold by Peter and Sue Knox, Bombala, to Ladysmith feedlot for $1345.
Michael and Sue Litchfield, Numeralla, sold 12-month-old steers, also to Ladysmith feedlot for $1305, and their seconds at $1210.
The Goggin family, Billilingra Partnership, Bredbo, sold autumn drop steers for $1180 to Costello Rural, Corryong, and G & P Luton, sold a pen of 22 9-10 month old Hereford steers for $1030.
Mr Dixon said purebred steers weighing an estimated 275kg sold for $975 or 354c/kg.
“Most of the lighter Hereford calves sold for 360-380kg and were tickling 400c/kg to backgrounders,’’ he said.
Jim and Marilyn Williams sold a run of 65 Hereford steers, 260kg, for $950 or an estimated 365c/kg.
The couple also sold 48 Kaludah blood heifers for $900 or an estimated 375c/kg.
Hereford heifers topped at $1100 for autumn drop females estimated to weigh 420kg.
“The heavier Hereford heifers sold for $1000-$1100, the middle run $830-$930 and lighter end $400-$770,’’ Mr Dixon said.
“We had 85 registered bidders but the sale was propped up by 40 per cent of those.’’
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