Powranna store cattle sale exceeds expectations

The Powranna Store Cattle Sale yesterday proved a success all round with vendors, buyers and livestock agents pleasantly surprised with the results.

Elders livestock agent Gavin Coombe said there was a bit of apprehension going into the sale considering the dry summer, but there was a heavier yarding than expected of 2483 cattle and the outcome was positive.

Angus and angus-infused cattle made up about 70 percent of the sale, herefords were thin on the ground, with only a few first-cross lines, and store cattle rounded out the lots towards the end.

Angus steer weaner calves fetched between 530-600 cents depending on weight while the heifer portion were around 460-570 cents.

Top prices of around 2000 cents was paid for the yearling off cattle with another 12 months of growth on them.

“Prices were back around 10-20 cents in some cases but we were coming off some solid sales previously so that was just a correction in the fat market from the processor end,” Mr Coombe said.

“We’re looking at some good margins for those who rear and grow cattle and good margins for selling to the processors – we’re really in a bit of a sweet spot at the moment.”

“From a historical point of view, looking at processing cattle this time of year, the price is as high as I’ve seen it in my time with livestock over the past 30 plus years.”

Both Elders and Nutrien agents confirmed that there was still plenty of positivity in the market, with signs of an early rain break and plenty of fodder still around thanks to a good hay and silage season.

Nutrien Livestock agent Warren Johnston said it was a great day, considering that the dry summer continues for many areas of the state.

“It could have been a tougher market than it was, but there’s still some bulk feed around in the north-west and we’re only a couple of good autumn rains away from getting back to an exceptional growing season,” Mr Johnston said.

“The prime cattle market is good and this gives everyone confidence to keep buying.”

Two of the biggest vendors at the sale were Glencoe and Greenlawn, from the east coast, where the dry has been biting hard.

An Australian Wool Network sale is coming up later in the month, marking the start of the true calf-selling season followed by alternate Nutrien and Elders weekly sales. 

MORE RESULTS AND PHOTOS FROM THE STORE SALE IN OUR PRINT EDITION ON FRIDAY