HEAVY autumn-drop weaner steers topped at $740 and sold from $1.85-$1.95/kg at Colac today.
The yarding of 3300 head, mostly Angus, attracted strong buying support from South Gippsland and a spate or orders from northern and central NSW.
Prices were $25 to $50 up on last year.
The vendors were not complaining, the agents were describing the sale as 'very solid' and the buyers were resigned to paying the prices.
Mark Jacob's pen of 21 April/May drop steers from Dreeite set the pace.
These steers at 376kg sold for $735 or $1.95/kg.
The bidder was Don Bowman from Elders Korumburra, who persisted in the heavier pens, including paying $740 or $2.03/kg for J Merkelbach's 10 Angus weaners from Moolap.
Mr Bowman had to contend with Elders' Ron Rutledge who was buying for the Charlton Feedlot.
Both booked nearly 100 head of steers heavier than 340kg at rates averaging nearly $1.90/kg.
South Gippsland orders were secured also by Elders Leongatha's Rohan McRae and Rodwells' Damian Minogue
In the lighter pens - 300-340kg - prices nudged $1.95.
Commission buyer Dennis Henderson was a major bidder buying for the Jalna Feedlot, Bethelwood and Werribee Agriculture.
In total he was bought nearly 600.
NSW began to surface when the weights fell to 320kg.
Elders Orange representative Tony Ruan bought 120 head, while Dave Henry of Davidson Cameran and Co bought nearly 220 for Gunnedah clients.
Greg Darmody of Gibb & Co Queanbeyan also bought 220 or two B-double loads for Yass and Queanbeyan clients.
Half of the Colac yarding, mostly above 300kg had been weighed, to average 333kg.
Secondary and third lines of weaners with estimated weights from 250-280kg sold above $2/kg at prices from $450-$550.
Charles Stewart Dove auctioneer Terry Dove said much of increased demand at Colac was due to the excellent seasonal conditions in South Gippsland.
Mr Dove said weights were certainly up on last year, despite the dry early early Spring.
