THIS market straight after the long Easter break is never a large sale, which was the case again this year with 119 bullocks, 192 cows and nine bulls penned.
The quality of the sale was very mixed with more bullocks offered but there was a big reduction in the number of cows yarded. Prices were unchanged to five cents per kilogram lower, which was due in part to the quality variations but there was less competition in all parts of the sale.
A good number of the cattle sold in the bullock sale in good to very good condition, although most weighed under 600 kilograms liveweight.
Two large pens store condition steers sold to restockers at 159 cents, while most of the better quality bullocks and steers made between 160 cents and 169 cents per kilogram. Manufacturing bullocks were diverse in their quality and made from 136 to 154 cents per kilogram.
The big reduction in the number of cows penned did nothing to lift demand.
In fact, there was less competition and there was an inkling of reduced demand, particularly for the lighter weight cows.
Price averages were up to seven cents per kilogram lower but some of this was due to quality changes.
Better quality beef cows made from 132 cents to 137 cents with some younger cows and heifers making up to 156 cents per kilogram.
Larger frame one and two score cows made between 114 cents and 135 cents with lighter weight cows making from 80 cents to 116 cents per kilogram.
Steers
Fifty, P. Evans, Loch, 551 kilograms, 165.7 cents per kilogram, $913.21; 25, Nar Nar Goon Angus, Nar Nar Goon, 402, 158.6, $637.80.
Bullocks
Six, N. Knights, Garfield, 586, 157, $921.00.
Cows
Nine, Gisborn Park, Gisborn, 485, 137.7, $667.00; 6, B.R. and M. Couch, Bass, 693, 134.6, $933.40; 5, Robert Mason, Somerville, 594, 134.6, $799.60; 7, Reita and Wilmott, Kilcunda, 605, 126.9, $767.86.
The VLE draw for the week commencing Monday 20 April is as follows: 1, Everett and Seeley; 2, Nathan Gibbon; 3, SEJ; 4, Rodwells; 5, Landmark; 6, Elders; 7, Alex Scott; 8, Mick Hornsby.
