Editorial: Farewell to old sale yards
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THE return of northern buyers after a two-year absence sparked a buying frenzy at the opening premier weaner sale at Wodonga yesterday.
Recent rain in drought-stricken parts of northern NSW and southern Queensland lifted the confidence of buyers who snapped up the offering of close to 5000 Angus steers and heifers.
After two years of depressed prices, local producers were among the biggest winners as bidding for heavy weaners around the 400-kilogram mark opened about 230 cents per kilogram and continued to get better throughout the day.
Some farmers were reporting increases of $200 on last year’s prices, with rates well up on those before Christmas.
The buyers flocked to Wodonga from Moree, Tamworth, Walcha, Goondiwindi, Coonamble and Gunnedah, while South Australian feedlotters were also active.
Agent Trevor Parker, from Corcoran Parker, said the local producers cashed in.
“The breeders have had it pretty hard for the last 10 years,” he said.
“But I think they are about to ride the crest of a wave again.
“It is only happening because the global demand for red meat is as strong as it is.”
David McDonald, from Rosewhite, sold 119 steers, with his top draft selling for $930 per head and his lower end cattle still attracting $750 per head.
“The sale is up a lot,” he said.
“The rain up north has no doubt helped to bring the buyers back.
“We had a good autumn and had enough feed to keep them going through the spring.”
The majority of Mr McDonald’s March-April born weaners were snapped up by northern buyers.
Tim Scott, from Table Top, also had a select pen of six autumn drop steers heading north to Tamworth for $1035 per head.
“The demand is strong in many spots this year,” he said.
“The rain has helped a lot. But the quality of the cattle here today is exceptional.”
Heifers were also in strong demand, with prices ranging from 210 to 220 cents per kilogram.
Albury-based commission buyer Graeme Ward said it was a dream result for the last premier weaner sales held at Bandiana ahead of the shift to North Barnawartha.
“The seasonal conditions after two years of bad drought in a lot of these places up north are on the improve,” he said.
“These fellows haven’t had access to good, well-bred cattle, so they have headed this way.
“Some of them have now had up to 12 and 14 inches of rain.”