Thursday’s sale drew a yarding of 700-800 head and prices for better-quality beef and dairy-beef steers and heifers were up by 5-6c/kgLW on last week, Keith West of Carrfields Livestock reported.
There was plenty of buyer interest in the offering and bidding was bolstered by outside support, mainly from Northland.
The steer section included a few pens of 30-month beef and dairy-beef steers, 470-540kg, which traded at $2.75-$2.91/kgLW, $1390-$1475.
The better 18-month steers, 405-450kg, sold at $3-$3.10/kgLW, $1220-1370. The next cut at 370-400kg was mostly lesser-bred beef-cross types which earned $2.75-$2.90/kgLW. Lighter dairy-type lots at 330-360kg fetched $2.45-$2.65/kgLW.
A good line-up of weaner steers was presented and nice whiteface and Hereford lots at 220-265kg made $800-$855. Whiteface steers in medium order sold at $740-$800 and a handful of lighter steers returned $550-$620.
Good 18-month heifers, 360-420kg, traded at $2.70-$2.78/kgLW, $1040-$1155, with many heading north. Medium heifers, 320-360kg, made $2.70-$2.80/kgLW, $900-$970, and a small number of lighter heifers earned $770-$850. The best of the weaner heifers fetched $590-$665, with medium types making $540-$580 and lighter lots $450-$500.
About 400 cattle were presented at Wednesday’s prime sale and prices for most steers, heifers and cows firmed by 3-5c/kgLW. Heavy steers sold at $2.77-$2.79/kgLW, mediums $2.65-$2.70/kgLW, lighter $2.60-$2.64/kgLW. Heavy heifers returned $2.64-$2.69/kgLW medium $2.58-$2.63/kgLW. Dairy cows sold well, with some lots up by 10c/kgLW on last week. Heavy beef-type cows earned $2-$2.14/kgLW, heavy Friesians $1.77-$1.99/kgLW. Medium boners made $1.68-$1.77/kgLW, lighter cows $1.50-$1.55/kgLW. A handful of prime bulls sold at $2.60-$2.70/kgLW.
Store lambs dominated the yarding at Monday’s sheep sale. Prime lambs traded at $96-$104, with stores making $52-$75 and prime ewes $60-$68.
