Casino weaners crack $1000

Mr Budd, who also judged the 4327 head offered, bought about 500 head for his property Cooaga at the George & Fuhrmann annual weaner sales on April 27-28.

"They're just exceptionally well-bred cattle," Mr Budd said.

"Casino has a big reputation for quality and good even lines of cattle and that can be seen very clearly in this yarding."

During the two days of selling, the yarding grossed more than

$3 million to average $697/head.

Riverina and Victorian buyers were reduced in numbers in the buying ranks compared to previous years but plenty of competition was generated by northern NSW and southern Queensland buyers.

Sale toppers at $1037/head were 386kg EU-accredited Santa/Hereford-cross offered by John and Maree Smith, Woodenbong, that sold liveweight for 281.2c/kg.

The Smiths also sold 60 Santa/Hereford-cross heifers at auction for $805 to the Cockatoo Cattle Co, Wandoan.

The sale was dominated by regular buyers including NSW producer Greg Upton, Pindari Tops, Walcha, who bought more than 700 head despite continuing to battle a dry season on the New England.

"It's pretty much wing and a prayer stuff," Mr Upton said.

"We will need some rain to get these calves through on grass for the EU market. Even though this market looks strong, the prices are about the same as the buy in price that feedlots are paying for feeder steers." Bob Jamieson, Bob Jamieson Agencies, Inverell, was a major force in the sale, buying more than 600 head on behalf of about eight clients in north-west NSW.

"Some of these calves will go straight onto pasture to gain 60-100kg before they go into a feedlot," Mr Jamieson said.

"The heavyweights will go straight into feedlots."

Also in the mix was Casino weaner sales stalwart Hayden Lamb, Wickham Farms, Killarney, who bought more than 300 head.

George & Fuhrmann is now gearing up for the annual Stanthorpe annual blue ribbon weaner sale on April 9.