PRICES were down $50-$70 a head on last year's results at the Wangaratta annual blue ribbon weaner sale on Friday last week, where 2262 cattle were yarded.
Landmark Wangaratta agent Daniel Fischer said cattle were lower in comparison with last year's sale, particularly smaller lines and secondary cattle.
However, the middle end of the black cattle, weighing 300-350 kilograms, were dearer in comparison to recent sales in the North East, with prices ranging from 225-245 cents/kg.
"Heifers sold well on recent sales and were suitable for fattening and feedlots," he said.
Albury commission buyer Graeme Ward was one of the main buyers, picking up about 300 head.
There was also solid local support with the majority of the cattle travelling within 150 kilometres of Wangaratta.
Weaner steers sold to a top of $840, while heifers reached $720.
Angus steers, 350kg-plus, sold mainly from $740-$840, while the middle run of Angus steers, 250-350kg, made $640-$770.
Selling the top price steers was S Montgomery, Wangaratta South, with nine The Grange and Ardrossan-blood Angus, 410kg at 9-10 months, which made $840 or 204c/kg.
Other significant steer sales include the Milano family, Hansonville, trading under Onalim Nominees, who sold 57 Witherswood-bld Angus steers from $745-$785 or 209-227c/kg.
The Milanos also sold 96 Hereford steers, Mawarra and South Boorook-blds, from $620-$760.
Eric Milano was pleased withthe prices but said they weresofter this year with their tops down $60 a head on last year's sale.
Kieran and Pat Fogarty, Boorhaman, trading under Buchlyvie Pastoral Co, were awarded the champion pen for their 22 Te Mania and Ardrossan-blood Angus steers, 397kg at 11-12 months, which sold to $835 or 210c/kg.
The brothers also sold another 43 steers from $760-$800.
They have been selling at the Wangaratta weaner sale for a couple of years and this year they were able to achieve heaver weights due to a strong season with good feed.
The Fogartys run about 300-350 Angus breeders and also sell at the Wangaratta fat market.
Four Winds, Hansonville sold 42 steers, Witherswood and Welcome Swallow blood, from $760-$800 or 216-230c/kg.
Source: farmonline.com.au
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