MYRTLEFORD and district cattle farmers certainly produced the goods in town last Friday, with more some 3150 head sold at two major separate sales, making almost $7 million.
The quality yarding of weaner cattle, aided by an ideal spring and summer seasons, drew buyers from across the country which helped many producers achieve higher than expected results in an already buoyant market.
Wade Ivone from Nutrien Ivone Agencies said Friday's Myrtleford Weaner Cattle Sale at the Paull & Schollard yards saw 2050 head sold for a gross total of $4.65 million, averaging around $2268.30 per head.
"It was fantastic to see prices holding solid and then also in some cases there was a rise," he said.
Mr Ivone said steers were purchased to go into Queensland, across Northern NSW, Peninsula, Geelong and Alexandra in Victoria, as well as very strong local support in the valleys and surrounding areas.
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He said heifers were strongly sought after to go into breeding with many buyers returning after being impressed with previous cattle and the quality of breeding.
"Heifers went across to NSW with a repeat buyer from Wagga Wagga returning to purchase heifers with Alpine Angus bloodlines," Mr Ivone said.
Tony Kirk from T&E Kirk in Barwidgee Creek was among happy local vendors, having sold 79 Angus steers (weighing 363kg) for an average of $2448 per head.
Mr Kirk said it had been a very good year for selling cattle, with the Myrtleford sale being dearer than other sales which is good for the farmers
"Having a solid sale means I'm able to do things around the farm like fixing cattle yards, you can put a new ramp in, purchase grass seeds so I'm able to feed the cattle and also have the ability to purchase fertiliser which the price has raised significantly," he said.
The Myrtleford Annual Blue Ribbon Breeders Weaner Sale at the Elders Myrtleford Saleyards saw 1100 cattle sold.
Agent Kirsty Taylor said cattle averaged well over $2000 per head.
"We had plenty of local competition, with the fair majority of the cattle staying local with some of our black heifers going to northern New South Wales which ignited the bidding and saw some exceptional prices," she said.
The next sale in Myrtleford will be the Autumn Special Sale in May which will feature weaners, cows and calves and joined females.
MARKET AVERAGES
Myrtleford Weaner Cattle Sale at the Paull & Schollard yard
R Muller of Buckland Valley: 75 Angus x Hereford steers, 388kg, averaged $2417 per head; and 78 Angus x Hereford heifers, 345kg, averaged $2223 per head;
Brindstock P/L of Lucyvale: 96 Angus steers, 285kg, averaged $2266 per head;
Dalbosco Investments of Rosewhite: 45 Angus x Hereford steers, 363kg, averaged $2368 per head; and 35 Angus x Hereford heifers, 333kg, averaged $2042 per head;
J & B Fraser of Harrietville: 31 Angus steers, 404kg, averaged $2463 per head; and 32 Angus heifers, 355kg, averaged $2343 per head;
T & D Geddes of Mudgegonga: 66 Angus steers, 267kg, averaged $2160 per head;
Key Farm of Myrtleford: 51 Angus steers, 400kg, averaged $2508 per head;
T & E Kirk of Barwidgee Creek: 79 Angus steers, 363kg, averaged $2448 per head;
S Robertson of Buffalo Creek: 47 Angus steers, 353kg, averaged $2417 per head; and 18 Angus heifers, 343kg, averaged $2210 per head;
Vallunga of Buckland Valley: 44 Hereford & Hereford x Angus steers, 352kg, averaged $2300 per head; and 29 Hereford x Angus heifers, 318kg, averaged $2058 per head;
Waverly Farm of Indigo Valley: 31 Angus steers, 334kg, averaged $2331 per head; and 37 Angus heifers, 310kg, averaged $2151 per head.
Myrtleford Annual Blue Ribbon Breeders Weaner Sale at Elders Myrtleford Saleyards
Best presented pen of steers
WJ & MD Goldsworthy: 11 head, 417kg Hereford steers averaged $2490 per head;
B & J Sabljo: 12 head, 430kg Angus steers averaged $2580 per head;
CJ & CA Hall: 16 head, 300kg Black Baldy steers averaged $2210 per head.
Best presented pen of heifers
P & E Howell: 20 Angus heifers, 345kg, averaged $2305 per head;
J Silins: 16 Angus heifers, 274kg, averaged $2115 per head.
