Geelong livestock market report

LAST week’s yarding of 349 cattle was substantially down in numbers on the previous sale, which was most likely due to the rain that filled some dams and provided some green pick in places.

The rain was welcomed but with some pastures shot, without follow up rain very soon the new shoots will perish.

Confidence was up with bullocks 10 to 20 cents per kilogram dearer with the top price realising $1,713.60 or 288.0 cents per kilogram for bullocks sold on account of Robert Polly of Mt Moriac.

Robert’s cattle were presented in great condition finished off on quality lucerne and oaten hay sourced locally off irrigation at Connewarre.

Sourcing good quality grass hay is nearly impossible at the moment but cereal and lucerne hay is still available from local irrigators who are now on their third cut of lucerne.

Cows were five to 10 cents per kilogram dearer regaining ground lost on the previous sale.

Good quality cows a touch under 600 kilograms sold to $1,398.30 or 237.0 cents per kilogram.

All classes of veal were five to six cents per kilogram dearer and young cattle were up to 10 cents dearer on last sale’s rates.

Steer veal (grain) Steer veal (milk) selling to 306.0 cents per kilogram selling to 290.0 cents per kilogram Heifer veal (milk) selling to 280.0 cents per kilogram Heifer veal (grass) selling to 280.0 cents per kilogram The yarding of 1,622 sheep and lambs saw values for sheep $2 to $4 per head dearer with two tooths up to $5 per head dearer.

Best and plain lambs remained firm with top prime lambs sold to $145 for a draft of 11 lambs sold on account of P Heath of Balliang.

Moriac farmers Malcolm and Jan Newling presented the largest pen of ripping prime lambs which made $144 per head.

OTHER QUOTATIONS: Two Tooth – $115 Cross Bred Wethers – $120 Cross Bred Ewes – $95 Merino Ewes – $81