JOINABLE quality heifers were the highlight of the feature weaner sale at Wangaratta.
Some sales matched steer rates on a cents per kilogram basis.
Local agents such as Peter Dargan said the top drafts of heifers were $50 dearer than the previous special sale at the centre a fortnight ago.
The top dollar sale for heifers was $790 for a pen of Angus Charolais-cross from breeders Anthony and Katrina Bailey, with the 11-12 month-old calves having a displayed weight of 388kg (203c/kg).
The premiums for the better-bred heifers were more obvious on the lighter weights, a case in point being 61 Hereford heifers from Murpack.
The lead pen of 33 calves averaged 312kg and sold for $710 (227c/kg), while the adjoining pen of 28 at 282kg sold for $10 more at $720 or the equivalent of 255c/kg.
Landmark auctioneer Daniel Fischer did note that once the sale moved onto plainer runs of fattening style heifers the market did correct and “become a bit sticky’’ at 190-200c/kg.
The steer section was topped by a pen of heavy Charolais-Angus cross steers that weighed 419kg and sold for $865 (206c/kg).
They were bred by the Bailey family.
The lead run of European-cross steers sold to solid demand at between $720 and $840 for most.
Although the most intense competition for steers was for Angus due to the influence of northern orders from commission buyers Graham Ward, Duncan Brown and Damian Whyte who were wanting calves for clients to background.
The better lines of Angus steers sold from $700 to $760 at rates varying from 215c to 230c/kg.
