Michael Stevens, of SEJ said the steer portion of the yarding improved by $20-$30 a head, compared to a fortnight ago.

However, heifers sold firm to slightly cheaper and proved “good buying” for the large gallery of local backgrounders.

“We’ve had a fantastic season here in South Gippsland and people seem to be taking a chance,” Mr Stevens said.

He quoted older steers from $750-$800 or 165-170 cents a kilogram, while steers 12-16 months, fetched $550-$700 or 190-200c/kg.

The market top went to Tom Anton, Toongabie, who sold 29 Angus steers, 482-539kg, Pinora-blood, from $852-$920, average $883.

The draft were finished on oats at Mr Anton’s farm, north of Traralgon.

“I sold their brothers earlier in the year to the feedlot market and they probably returned a better price here today,” Mr Anton said.