In the rostrum prime steer prices remained steady though heifers came off the high prices of the last sale of 2016.
Store lambs were the highlight in the sheep pens, and buyers were determined to pick up what they could from a yarding of 2900. Over half the offering were Corriedale and Corriedale-cross ram and ewe lambs from one property. Light lambs sold for the highest cents-per-kilogram with all trading for $45-$66. Medium ewe lambs returned $71-$76, with males making $73-$74, and mixed sex, $68-$71. The top end males sold for $78-$85.
After the excitement of the store section, the prime market was more subdued, with prime lambs better reflecting the easing schedules at $80-$119. Ewe prices also eased, with good to heavy types making $78-$106, which covered the majority. Light ewes traded at $61-$65.
Only prime cattle were offered in the rostrum and were mainly steers and heifers. Steer prices remained steady, with high yielding lines earning $2.80-$2.90/kg, and forward stores, $3.00-$3.11/kg. Heifers came off the lift of the last sale, though prices were still solid, with primes making $2.75-$2.88/kg. Friesian heifers returned $2.35-$2.43/kg, and other dairy, $2.21-$2.23/kg. Cow and bull numbers were low, though the top beef cows managed $2.09-$2.11/kg.
