POWERHOUSE sales continued last Wednesday as the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange hosted the Wangaratta Premier Blue Ribbon Grown and Weaner sale with just over 5000 cattle penned on the day.
Following on from the bumper sale on the previous Friday, the yarding again presented high end quality cattle that were up for the taking.
Price trends remained strong as a reflection of the previous Blue Ribbon sale the previous Friday, as northern buyers turned up in big numbers, presenting a strong presence keeping the competition fierce among local buyers as market prices remained firm.
Nutrien stock agent Daniel Fischer was pleased with the sale as local interest sparked competition to keep cattle in the local area.
“We had a solid sale with plenty of local and interstate interest which proved successful for vendors as the bidding competition remained strong across the board,” Mr Fischer said.
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"Seeing a lot of stock remain local was fantastic with stock afterwards heading to Euroa, Benalla, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Corowa.
“Despite the dry season, again, results overall proved that there is still confidence in the market as buyers and vendors remained active.
“Moving forward we are seeing the market sitting in a good position compared to this time last year.
“Most importantly it’s about supporting our local producers and putting them in a good position for local and interstate interest to keep the confidence building.”
Market prices saw steers 350kg go for 3.60/kg, 280-350kg steers at 4.10/kg, seven month old steers 280kg and under at 4.50/kg, heavy heifers 350kg at 3.05/kg, heifers 300-350/kg at 3.30/kg and light heifers 200-280kg at 3.40/kg.
Laceby cattle producers Phillip and his daughter Megan Callus on 780 acres with more than 200 cows.
They have been running their Angus commercial stud for 32 years presented 79 steers and 51 heifers to the Blue Ribbon sale.
Phillip said over the last 12 months the market has been on the improve, more so in the last four months, and he believes the market is gaining momentum thanks to heavy rains up north.
“Compared to this time last year, the market has dramatically improved, despite the dry period, we still have feed in our paddock which is fantastic,” Mr Callus said.
“Local producers are sitting in the 'catbird' seat with an influx of interested buyers from up north who have had plenty of rainfall with perfect paddock conditions that have made their presence known by driving up prices and have been fiercely competitive.
“This alone has been a godsend to the cattle industry locally as sales have been very strong and we are seeing a huge lift in confidence, and hope this can continue into the coming months.
“Our preparations on our property have really paid off with 30 tonnes of super phosphate being applied last November which assisted in the amount of feed leading up to now.
“We have commenced spreading lime to continue our maintenance program and see the trend of quality soil continue.
“As a result of hard work, we have quality cattle that present solid body weight that are in perfect condition.
“The sale overall went better than expected with a great return in sales pricing, as we now focus on our autumn calves as they have started early with 29 calves born already.”
