The Border’s independent agents sold just over 4100 Angus steers and heifers with prices consistent across the sale.

“Nobody expressed disappointment, let’s put it that way,” said Peter Ruaro, Peter Ruaro Livestock, after Thursday’s sale.

“I think all we can look for at the end of the day is consistency in anything we do and that’s what we got today.

“When you get the consistency at a good level no-one’s going to be too disappointed.”

Paull and Scollard agent Luke Demiel believed their lines were on par with the opening day offering, “if not probably just a fraction better in places”.

After the highs of 12 months ago expectations of a major price slump loomed over start of the premier sales season. While prices have corrected downwards enthusiasm remained high.

“The sale was very good, above expectations. It wasn’t quite as dear as this time last year,” Mr Demiel said.

“This time last year the Blue Ribbon weaner sales were exceptional and, with the way the market’s been over the past couple of months, everyone was obviously expecting it was not going to be quite as dear as this time last year, but the prices we did get met expectations.”

Mr Demiel said local buyers were supported by a strong contingent from the north.

“There was plenty of local buyers today but certainly a fair few of the northern buyers were operating. From Glen Innes, Forbes, Gunnedah, Tamworth,” he said.

It was a view supported by Mr Ruaro.

“I thought the locals were pretty quiet to be honest. It was more the commission buyers with their northern contracts, or orders, and a few northern NSW agents, from as far as Moree and all points in between.

“Very few cattle went south, it was the northerners that really helped us out today.”

Paull and Scollard, Peter Ruaro Livestock/Rodwells, Schubert Boers and Brian Unthank Rural conducted the sales.

“Overall it was a very good, solid result and I think everyone’s gone home pretty happy,” Michael Unthank, BUR, said is his day two market wrap.