ONLY two days of sales pre-Easter, and a smaller penning of cattle led to some very strong demand at times at VLE Pakenham.
Some of this was driven by very strong demand from feedlots, and processors putting cattle out on feed for the winter months.
This strong competition saw around 25 per cent of the yarding purchased to feed-on, which put extra pressure on processors to secure supply.
Having said that, a lot of the cattle purchased to feed were in plainer condition, not necessarily suiting trade buyers.
Because of lesser quality, vealers averaged two cents to five cents per kilogram lower. The balance of yarding sold at rates unchanged to seven cents per kilogram dearer.
Vealer prices peaked at 269 cents with most making between 208 cents and 255 cents per kilogram. While there were some very good quality yearlings penned, strong competition saw some sell at the dearer rates. Some was feedlot driven, but some occurred with processors wanting cattle to fill the working week.
Steers made from 200 cents to 240 cents with supplementary fed to 257 cents, while most of the heifers made between 195 cents to 235 cents with the top being 245 cents per kilogram.
Feedlots purchased most of their requirements from the penning of 850 yearlings paying mostly between 212 cents and 235 cents per kilogram. While some were in good condition, a number were of plainer quality and muscle score.
Strong competition for heavier steers and bullock saw the best yearlings make to 228 cents per kilogram. However, demand was strong for the steers, and C muscle grades were from 193 cents for extra heavy to 210 cents per kilogram for prime bullocks. Medium weight bullocks made to 224 cents per kilogram.
The VLE draw for the week commencing Monday 25 April is as follows: 1, Nathan Gibbon; 2, Elders; 3, Everitt and Seeley; 4, Mick Hornsby; 5, Alex Scott; 6, Rodwells; 7, SEJ; 8, Landmark.
The next store sale is Thursday 28 April commencing at 10am.
Vealers
Ten, N. J. and S. K. Geary, Boorool, 364.5 kilograms, 260 cents per kilogram, $946.31; 10, P. and P. Calway, Labertouche, 398, 252, $1000; 20, Bella Vista, Yanakie, 424.8, 250.3, $1063.14; 11, Brewers Dairy, Toora, 388, 244.7, $943; 18, M. J. Burton, Bayles, 281, 244.6, $687.55; 14, P. and H. Miller, Poowong, 406, 239.3, $971.89; 21, R. J. and C. M. Pearson, Headley, 368.8, 236.9, $873.78; 19, Shoreham Farming, Shoreham, 374.2, 235, $879.39; 10, R. Dakin, Glen Forbes, 391, 233.4, $913.91; 14, M. and D. Conroy, Kilmore, 413, 230, $951.29; 9, O. Talha, Yarra Glen, 389, 227.1, $883.32; 15, Abro Investments, Nar Nar Goon, 480, 226.7, $1088.17; 8, G. Russo, Tyabb, 450.6, 225.5, $1016.38.
Steers
Seventeen, R. Dickenson, Marysville, 451, 238.6, $1076; 15, K. Reed, Kilmore, 547, 223.6, $1222.35; 9, N. Black, Monomeith, 498, 223.2, $1111.54; 14, M. Elliott, Flinders, 562, 221.6, $1046.5; 7, Medhurst Vineyard, Gruyere, 521, 220.6, $1150.30; 15, K. Abbott, Millgrove, 559, 218.6, $1222.70; 10, D. Broome, Cora Lynn, 646.5, 218, $1409.37.
Heifers
Thirteen, R. and J. King, Leongatha South, 372, 230, $856.3; 14, J. and R. Smith, Kardella, 439.3, 222, $975.21.
Bullocks
Eleven, G. and L. Rouse, Pakenham, 622, 223.6, $1391.40; 13, D. F. and M. A. Austin, Wonthaggi, 636, 213.2, $1356.28; 26, S. Vassie, Boisdale, 617, 212, $1309; 9, G. L. Beaumont, Yellingbo, 657, 211.6, $1390.68; 12, D. and J. Smith, Flinders, 608, 209, $1270; 10, K. R. and A. Couch, Bass, 771, 208, $1604.72; 7, Mandurrama P/L, Bangholme, 652, 205.2, $1338.20; 10, J. Dunscombe, Cranbourne, 810, 195, $1579.50.
