Weaner sales in Victoria also reflected the dearer trend as light steers made as much as 269c/kg (liveweight) spurred on by northern restockers looking for grasscutters.

David Hill, Elders, Omeo, Vic, said it was an outstanding result after the rain, and the industry had totally turned around from 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 to keep their herds going.”

Strong northern buying interest – principally from Coonamble, Forbes and Dubbo – saw most steers at Omeo and Benambra trade at a 20c to 35c premium to the eastern young cattle indicator.

Key account manager for Elders, Andrew Talbot, Tamworth, bought 205 Hereford weaners (tops at $690) and 202 Angus weaners where the top pen was knocked down for $745 over the two sales.

An undisclosed Coonamble client was behind Mr Talbot’s bidding card.

He said the pen of Angus calves he paid $745 for were March/April 2009-drop with plenty of potential to grow on for the heavy feeder market.

And it seems that’s exactly what is planned for these steers, which weighed in between about 330kg and 350kg.

“Coonamble has had it’s yearly rainfall in the past two months and now it’s having an exceptional season with high quality pastures,” Mr Talbot said.

He said the steers would be grown out and turned off at 500kg-plus weights towards the end of this year.