Studstock sales firm up slightly with averages solid: The Land's Last Lot
Agents say studstock prices have firmed up slightly over the past fortnight, with studs recording solid averages without any mammoth top prices.
Auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, said while the market had firmed up slightly, there was still variations to results depending on the individual circumstances of each sale.
"The sales that have gone well have been more local reasons," he said.
"I don't think there's a real strong trend yet but it has firmed up a bit."
Studs that traditionally had support from southern clients were feeling the impacts of the poor season, he said, although Queensland buyers were still active.
"I'm still seeing people chasing heifer bulls, and I am seeing a bit of a trend towards people wanting to get bulls that look like bulls," he said.
"Maybe there's a bit of a softening on the enquiry for some of the very high numbered, US bulls."
Scott Cooper, Elders studstock, said growth for age traits were highly sought after.
"A lot of people are selling weaners into a pretty lucrative market, so that 400-day weight, I think, is pretty important," he said.
"With the whole last fortnight, our clearance rates have been pretty good.
"The averages have been solid and that's without any massive high prices."
He noted confidence was very high among all beef producers and this was reflected in the sales.
Mr Cooper agreed the reduced southern support was having an impact on some results, but the outlook was positive.
"I do think we'll see the south, in a commercial sense, start restocking very soon and be wanting to buy females," he said.
"It's a good time to be breeding cattle."
He noted while there were a lot of Angus bulls on the market, other breeds were also attracting good results.
Angus results over the past two weeks included Glenavon, Bald Blair, Eastern Plains, Eaglehawk, Tivoli, XL Beef, Waitara, Boambee, Hillview, Myanga, Te Mania, Outwest, Nairn Park, Bannaby, Kidman, and Booroomooka.
Simmental sales included Hobbs Livestock and Woonallee; Yalgoo, and Supple offered Herefords; along with Wakefield Charolais and the Northern Limousin sale.
