Tuesday’s 70th Benambra weaner sale of 1390 Herefords saw a packed carpark and laneways crowded with buyers presented with 861 steers and 505 heifers.

Most were in forward to fat condition because of the good season.

The top pen of only three head made $780, but most of the steers made between $530 and $710.

NLRS markets reporter Peter Kostos estimated the steers made to 230c liveweight with an average of 210c.

But he noted that a lot of these cattle had not been weaned, and will have some weight loss for the buyers by the time cattle reach their destination.

Gippsland buyers and a purchaser from Warnambool were the major buyers of steers, while there was more competition from northern operators for the heifer portion.

Heifers sold very well with most bought to return to the paddock or feedyard. There were a couple of processors operating on heifers.

One Elders agent purchasing for a client at Hay said while his heifers would be returning to wet pastures, but the that grass would soon come.

Because of the good quality on offer the top price for heifers was $605, bought to feed.

Most heifers made from $450 to the top price, at an estimated 197c liveweight price.

Heifers made to a top of 221c with a range estimated between 182c and 221c.

Elders’ David Hill said it was an outstanding result following rain throughout the eastern states with the industry totally different to what it was earlier in the year.

“This is a fantastic season that’s been 10 years coming. Producers can go forward with plans, rather than having to source fodder and feed out to keep their herds going.”

He said the top end steers were all over 200 cents a kilogram with those in the 320-340kg weight range making 225-230c.