Rural
Market remains steady heading into winter
STRONG numbers turned out for last Friday’s store sale at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange despite prices still sitting below average.
Corcoran Parker cattle agent Reiley Murtagh was pleased with the overall sale with local feedlots and farmers alike making a strong presence to purchase, keeping prices steady in the market.
“The June auction presented 850 cattle overall which is slightly down on last month, however is a positive outcome coming into winter,” Mr Murtagh said.
Steers 400–480kg sold for320–345c/kg, steers 280–320kg sold for 300–360c/kg, feeder heifers 350–420kg sold between 280–330c/kg, lighter heifers 200–300kg sold for 260–320c/kg, and cows and calves sold for $1000–$1620 per unit.
“Although prices were cheaper on the day, cows and calves were the biggest hit,” Mr Murtagh said.
“There were plenty of buyers and opportunists present who were mainly locals.
“Some lots were out of condition due to coming into the winter months.
“The current market is not all doom and gloom with things expected to pick up again in the coming months which will inject some confidence in vendors and buyers.
“Now is still a great time to be in the market and purchase some great livestock.”
Benalla livestock commission buyer Garry McCorkell, who has been farming for 60 years and runs cattle on 180 acres, was at the sale looking to purchase cattle despite a below average market.
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“The sale of cattle remains steady but prices are down which is the current trend for now,” Mr McCorkell said.
“Prices are certainly cheaper compared to 12 months ago.
“Prices at the sale remained much the same on Friday in comparison to the last three months.
“I purchased a number of cattle for clients that are headed to various feedlots.”
Mr McCorkell purchases cattle and “finishes” them with weight gain and condition and sells them on to another producer.
“Buying and selling in the market right now leaves a smaller profit based on the current market situation and I cannot see things bouncing back anytime soon,” he said.
“The season has been slow with recent floods as farmers are still bouncing back.
“However, a mild autumn has given confidence to farmers coming into the winter period.
“The outlook is for a dryer winter with less rainfall predicted which again goes in the favour of local cattle producers.
“I believe come spring, the market and prices will return to normal.”