Firm Market for Cattle at Bairnsdale Sale

Locals, feedlotters, and Central Gippsland restockers turned out in force to restock at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange, driving prices up for lighter cattle by $20-$30 a head. The sale saw a solid turnout of 1200 head, with most categories selling firm, except for the heifer portion which showed a slight improvement. Quality, however, was lacking, with only a limited selection of well-bred calves and yearlings available. The demand for heavy feeder cattle and yearling steers over 400 kilograms was strong, with most selling firm.

Key Takeaways:

• The sale was well-supported by locals, feedlotters, and Central Gippsland restockers, driving up prices for lighter cattle by $20-$30 a head.
• 1200 head of cattle were yarded at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange, with most categories selling firm.
• Quality of cattle was lacking, with only a limited selection of well-bred calves and yearlings available.
• Demand for heavy feeder cattle and yearling steers over 400 kilograms was strong, with most selling firm.
• The heifer portion of the sale showed a slight improvement.
• Youngs Creek Pastoral sold eight, 470kg, steers for 380c/kg or $1790.
• Miss L Woodgate sold 15, 401kg, steers for 410c/kg or $1650.

Statistics:

• 1200 head of cattle were yarded at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange.
• Prices for lighter cattle increased by $20-$30 a head.
• 1140 fewer head of cattle were sold compared to the sale a fortnight ago.
• Youngs Creek Pastoral sold eight steers for an average price of 380c/kg, totaling $1790.
• Miss L Woodgate sold 15 steers for an average price of 410c/kg, totaling $1650.

Sources:

• Monique Patterson, "Cattle prices on the rise at Bairnsdale sale"
• Brad Obst, Nutrien Bairnsdale livestock manager
• Brendan Fletcher, Meat & Livestock Australia livestock reporter
• Morgan Davies, Elders Bairnsdale livestock manager
• Youngs Creek Pastoral
• Miss L Woodgate