Jill Howe sold 16 Angus steers from her 150-head property at Tarrawingee at Wednesday’s Wangaratta sale. Mrs Howe was pleased with the average price of $1530, despite it being lower than 2022 prices. Photo: George Hillas-Howe
More than 3800 weaner steers were sold at last Wednesday’s yard sale at Wangaratta, with 2210 heifers auctioned on Friday.
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Corcoran Parker auctioneer Justin Keane said prices were at a level appropriate for the current market.
“These prices are at values that people can trade with,” Mr Keane said.
“The current market conditions are still on an average of about $1650 to $1700 per beast,” he said.
Corcoran Parker auctioneer Justin Keane, taking a break during Wednesday’s steer sales in Wangaratta, said the market was now back to a level “that people can trade within”. Photo: Andy Wilson
The highest price for steers on Wednesday, February 1 was $2060 with an average of $1584.
More than 2200 heifers sold on Friday, February 3, returning an average price of $1347 with the highest price of $1940 for a pen sold to Mindara Park in Benalla.
Nutrien livestock specialist Dan Ivone said the sales were of “very good” quality stock.
“They’ve done a good job; it’s very similar to January’s market,” Mr Ivone said.
Jill Howe travelled from her Nawarrah Park Angus Stud at Tarrawingee to sell 16 steers and said she was quite pleased with the result.
“The average weight of ours was 290kg and the price $1530,” Mrs Howe said.
“But last year we could sell for $2200,” she said.
Last year’s rain did not affect the family’s property — where they also breed more than 80 Welsh ponies and cob horses — as much as it did other farms.
“The rain meant we did have to move the cattle around a bit but at the same time, we have had good spring pasture; it’s still green,” she said.
Joining Mrs Howe was daughter George Hillas-Howe and her associate Ash Russell who have begun their human resources consultancy that also advises on workplace safety.
The task of managing a large turnover of health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic saw the pair form their own company, and they were at the sales to observe safety infrastructure.
“We have been operating for only six months and serve all areas of industry, including agriculture,” Ms Hillas-Howe said.
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