Good returns at cattle sale

Local demand, some outside competition, grass in paddocks and the promise of rain resulted in better than expected returns for around 1400 cattle at Matawhero yesterday.

There were some nice lines of 18-month steers but the majority of the cattle were in good store order.

The entry included a few lines from outside.

Thirty-month and 18-month steers made estimated cents per kilo (CPK) rates above recent outside sales and similar heifers produced rates right up to the best.

Te Kohanga Station took top honours with the $792 paid for 29 bulky Devon cross 18-month steers and Otonga Station, Lottin Point sold 30-month steers at $800 and $815.

Medium steers sold for $630-$695 and smaller sorts fetched $512-$560.

A couple of lines of 30-month heifers traded at $505 and $552 and condition was the factor in 18-month heifers making $500-$560, Waitangihiia Station accepting the $560 for the best lot. Other medium heifers made $400-$490 and there were smaller heifers at $365-$390.

Several lines of cows with calves looked good buying at $790-$870 while a pen of three-year heifers, RWB sold at $705. Lighter cows, RWB went at $517-$585.

A few yearling and weaner bulls made $300-$370 for beef-bred and Friesian bulls made $300-$345.

A small offering of weaner heifers topped at $335 with others at $287-$290 and a line of Fres/Here cross weaner heifers from Cambridge made $295.Some results.