MORE than 6000 steers sold to rates at least $20-$40/head cheaper than a fortnight ago at Naracoorte last week.
The massive yarding attracted a good field of buyers but they were not enough to hold prices up.
They averaged about $660 a head or 210c/kg.
The market lacked more local South East restockers, who were scared off by the drying summer conditions.
"Many people have just gotten home from their beach houses and Robe and have been surprised at how quickly the feed and lucerne has dried out, so they won't be buying today," one agent commented.
The top money was $880, paid for 24 Angus-cross calves, sold by Rob Savage of Chesapeake Pastoral at Lochaber. They were bought by T&R Pastoral.
"I'm happy with that, we made similar money last year but they are a bit heavier today," Mr Savage said.
Selling agent Thomas DeGaris and Clarkson's Darren Maney said the sale "probably lacked the punch of the local buyers as people are worried about the feed drying off".
He estimated the sale was $20-$40 cheaper than the last weaner sale a fortnight ago at Naracoorte.
But lighter calves sold well, he said.
Medium and light weight steers averaged 215-230c/kg, he said and lighter calves made up to 260c/kg but down to 230c/kg in places.
Heavier calves made 180-210c/kg.
NSW buyers were strong, including Sundown Pastoral. Buyer Rob Walker secured 1148.
"It is a softer market than the last few days, but the quality here is outstanding," he said.
"People have listened to the fact that we like our calves weaned and that they travel better that way, we haven't lost any this year.
"The drafting here has been excellent and the carriers, such as Martins and O'Sullivans have done a terrific job. Like tonight they are getting all these cattle out before the heifer sale tomorrow."
In all Mr Walker bought 5500 from the Western District and South East during this season's weaner sales, he said.
Other major buyers included Hopkins River Beef, Lion Rural at Mount Gambier , Landmark's Mark Barton for NSW clients around Walcha, Molong and Warren, a Burra feedlot and some local interest.
T&R Pastoral's Ben Davies bought 287 non-EU steers, averaging 196c/kg. This is compared to steers he bought out of Naracoorte for an average price of 212c/kg. "Non-EU cattle are 15c/kg cheaper today."
EU-accredited cattle attracted just a 1c/kg premium on the steers Mr Davies bought last week.
He paid an average of 198c/kg on 75 EU cattle compared with 218c/kg, or 20c/kg more, two weeks ago.
"The cattle were presented very well, I think the prices were lower because farmers were worried about feed drying off," he said.
