News

Jan 06, 2023

StockCo’s Chris Howie, with input from Toby Hammond, provides a quick overview of current sales at Naracoorte and Wodonga.

Weaner vales have reverted to prices seen 2 years ago. Good quality with plenty of weight, larger numbers of lighter calves may be harder to find but Casterton is normally good to fill a load or 2. Seems to be some good buying value if you pick through. Plenty of sales to come.  

For those in the agency business, there’s a new agency training workshop starting 20th February 2023 for any new recruits. Call Simone at Wodonga Tafe on 0455 240 307 to register. 

Market Take-Aways

• Well bred, weaned calves are attracting additional competition; I suggest 10 – 12 cents.
• Larger lines of EU calves at Naracoorte with weight 350kg+ are obtaining a premium with many staying in system; 10 – 15 cents
• Overall prices are on par with 2 years ago. Many are bidding to a price level on calves offered dollars per head $1,580 – $1,640 or $1,780
• Dollars per head vs cents per kg – this year the cents per kilo cattle are outperforming those offered dollars per head. Some rough sums are showing 15-20 cents. Cents per kg buyers seem to be buying with more confidence and prepared to go to their bid limits.
• Feedlot support – significant number of major players not operating.
• Local support and bullock fatteners seem to be the main punch. This may see later sales become a buying opportunity. Put some orders together.
• Lighter calves are receiving support from northern order (more on a truck). Lighter secondary heifer buying support started to fail towards end and maybe an opportunity.
• Breed differences. Angus are still the leader on price although weight for age must be considered. Black Baldies were 10 – 15 behind with XB and Hereford calves about 10 – 20 cents behind. The few lines of well-bred Shorthorns achieved rates equivalent to the Average angus runs.

Market Overview
Ranges are across all offered and indicative only

Naracoorte predominately Angus steers

• Weight          Spread $/hd       Spread cents per kg
• 400+             $4.68 – $4.39     $4.78 -$4.48
• 350 – 400     $4.80 – $4.25     $4.78 – $4.38
• 300 – 350     $5.20 – $4.50     $5.00 – $4.32
• 250 – 300     $5.24 – $4.80

Wodonga all breeds – steers

• Barnawartha      Spread cents per kg
• 400+                      ($5.20) $4.90 – $4.30 Brackets are repeat buyers on some heavies and not reflective of balance of sale
• 350 – 400              $5.35 – $4.50
• 300 – 350              $5.90 – $4.85
• 250 – 300              $6.05 – $5.00

Wodonga Heifers – all breeds Wodonga sale report.

• 400+                     NA
• 350 – 400             $1,680 – $1,870
• 300 – 350             $1,400 – $1,700
• 250 – 300             $1,000 – $1,350
• 200 – 250              NA

StockCo specialise in livestock funding. If you or your clients want to start trading in 2023, our Regional Livestock managers are happy to have a chat.

General Advice Warning
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.