THE annual Alice Springs Show Sale acts as a local showcase for station-bred feeders from across the Central Australia region and further North, and Thursday’s sale was arguably the strongest in Australia for young cattle for the week.

Coloured heavier feeder cattle were quoted at around 530-550c/kg, while ‘Queensland’ Angus (showing a little ear) were around 600c.

Even without consideration for the freight component to get the cattle home (one contact quoted at least 55c/kg to get the steers back to a typical Darling Downs feedlot and at least 40c for consignments into the Riverina), the market was very strong.

Most offerings were sold in two-to-four deck lots, and the fantastic season being experienced across much of Central Australia was reflected in liveweights 30-40kg heavier than normal for the annual sale, Beef Central was told.

Buyers – mostly lotfeeders chasing good large lines of feeder cattle – came from South Australia, NSW, Queensland and Victoria, reflecting the wide range of market options open to Central Australian producers.

Major buyers included Hell’s Gate feedlot, Balraynald NSW, Morgan Pastoral Queensland (Kurrawong feedlot), Princess Royal feedlot SA, Teys Charlton feedlot, ACC Brindley Park (Roma Queensland), plus some backgrounders operating on lighter types.

The yarding of 3869 head was dominated by steers 400-500kg (1687 in number) and 330-400kg (657 offered). Genetics were mostly Angus and Angus crosses, other British and British crosses, and some Santas and Droughtmasters and their crosses.

Photos: NTCA

The best of the heavy feeders 400-500kg sold to 602c/kg and averaged 545c. Lighter lines 330-400kg for backgrounding topped at 580c and averaged 522c, while the heaviest steers +500kg got some penalty on weight from feedlot buyers, averaging 500c.

The Fogarty family from Palmer Valley Station topped the sale with 425-435kg Certified Organic and EU certified Angus steers at 602c/kg.

See this week’s separate fortnightly feeder steer update.