BUYERS tore into Shepherdson and Boyd’s larger-than-expected 5300 head annual weaner sale in Toogoolawah today, with the general run of steers making 320-330c/kg live.
Lot feeders and Victorian buyers put a solid floor in the market with plenty of steers selling making $950 to $1050-plus/head. Even the top pens of smaller 220kg weaner steers were hitting the $1000 mark.
Victorian buyers were particularly active, taking home an estimated 1500 head.
Auctioneer Dick Boyd said the market was reflecting the good rain that had fallen across Victoria and NSW.
“The rain certainly helped stir up the market but there are still plenty of dry areas in this part of Queensland,” Mr Boyd said.
“The dry weather heading into winter has seen more cattle come forward but fortunately there are plenty of buyers chasing these quality bred weaner cattle.”
The yarding was described as the largest offering of Charolais type cattle in Australia.
Glenn Titmarsh from Tandora Grazing Company, Maryborough, said the family property at the mouth of the Mary River was enjoying the best season in a 100 years.
“The past 17 months on Tandora have been tremendous, the best in 100 years,” Mr Titmarsh said.
“Before that we seemed to be in either severe drought or in flood.”
Mr Titmarsh estimated the 730 Tandora cattle offered at Toogoolawah were 30-40kg heavier than last year.
The yarding was judged earlier in the morning by Kev Perkins, Kjal Feedlot, Wondai, and Bill Sparkes, Niagara, Bell. The champion pen of steers was yarded by Lyndhurst, Crows Nest, while Tandora Grazing Company, Marlborough, had the champion pen of heifers.
About 2000 heifers were offered, generally making 290-300c/kg.
