THE absence of one of last year's biggest weaner calf buyers made little difference at the first of the true weaner sales last week.
With about 60,000 calves due to be sold at the annual calf sales, starting in the Western District and Wodonga in the New Year, Naracoorte's sale of 4200 weaner steers last week was the first indication of buying patterns.
Steers topped at $905, in a strong start to the season.
Although this was below last year's top price on a dollar-a-head basis of $930, the average was 10c/kg liveweight dearer.
One northern NSW buyer bought quarter of the yarding, while there was also strong support from local bullock finishers.
While JBS Australia - a volume buyer at the calf sales earlier this year - was absent, it did not affect the market.
