Lowe opened up the cheque book to purchase nearly 25 per cent of the 3724 cattle on offer.

Rodwell-Peter Ruaro Livestock agent, Peter Ruaro, said Mr Lowe had certainly sent tongues wagging.

“Andrew Lowe has been a standout today,” Mr Ruaro said.

“He was the same last week and again this week.

“He has also been fairly active buying up in the Western Districts as well.

“My guess is he is filling up for export jobs and restocking in the north as well, without knowing the specifics.

“Without having seen the figures yet, I estimate he would of bought over 20 per cent of the yard or around about 750 head of cattle.”

Apart from Lowe there were still plenty of other buyers vying for their slice of the action.

“There was still a good cross-section of buyers,” he said.

“Represented by the Tasmanian buyers in the deep south and as far north as Gunnedah.”

While the penning of calves included some very good quality, a larger percentage of the yarding were of lighter weight.

“Given the season the cattle producers have had to endure – it’s been a mixed season depending on what area you live,” he said.

“But overall the cattle are in pretty good condition.

“But if you want to compare it to the same time last year the cattle are probably 20-30 kilograms under.

Mr Ruaro said buyers looking to purchase the same lines as previous years were forced to pay extra.

“Each breed has its top end and its secondary end but overall its been fairly consistent,” he said.

“It’s probably the repeat buyers who are prepared to pay more to get the stock of the sellers they have purchased from previously.

“They are willing to pay that 5 or 6c/kg extra to obtain those cattle because they know the history of the seller and know the cattle they are buying will perform.”

John Witherow from “Edenderry” Murmungee, sold 20 Hereford heifers, 8-10 months old.

He said due to the dry conditions, his heifers were up to 20 kilograms lighter than previous years.

“It’s been a tough gig this year weather-wise,” Mr Witherow said.

“It was a dry spring following a tough enough autumn and winter.

“My top calves weighed about 20-kilograms less.

“But I was happy to secure 320c/kg for my best cattle while the next lot down went for 278c/kg.

“Every seller wants the little bit more, but it is what it is.”

WEANER STEERS SELL TO $1150

With 3724 weaner and grown steers and heifers on offer during the second day of the multi-breed auction at NVLX on Friday, the heavier cattle sold to strong demand across the board, while it was felt the middle range of weights were a bit easier.

Top price in the weaner steer pens was $1150 paid for the 22 Hereford steers, 10-months, Mawarra-blood and weighing 388kg sold by Jeanette McCormack, Muskerry, Bullioh.

Mrs McCormack was on hand along with her son David to receive the sash for the best presented pen of Herefords sponsored by the Hereford Society and judged by Peter Steer, from JBS Australia, Albury.

Other good prices included $1090 paid for 22 Herefords, Wirruna- and Yavenvale-blood weighing 388kg and bred by M.G and S.A Trewin, Barcoo Ridge, Bungil Park, Victoria and $1125 paid for 27 Hereford steers, 10 to 12 months and weighing 391kg sold by Mountain View, Walla.

Ann-Maree Collins, Kenmere Commercial, Cookardinia was presented with the sash by the Victorian Region of the Charolais Society for best presented pen.

Her offering of 18 steers, eight to nine months and weighing 392kg sold for $1140.

In the pens of weaner heifers, R.P and E.A Schmidt, Yackandandah, Victoria sold 25 Charolais-cross, weighing 319kg for $825 while N.J Blewett, Mudgegonga, Victoria sold 10 black Limousins weighing 331kg for $905.

The sale was lacking competition from the north but was made up by Tasmanian buyers and an export order according to Rodwells Peter Rurao auctioneer Murray Bullen, Albury.

There was strong interest from Tasmania for heifers, with support from Narrabri, Braidwood and Corryong competing with northern Victorian restockers and feedlot operators.

The sale was conducted by BUR, Rodwells Peter Ruaro and Schubert Boers.

- with STEPHEN BURNS