By ERWIN CHLANDA
Records tumbled at the cattle sale in Alice Springs today when $2.6m worth of stock was sold to buyers from five states.
Steers fetched up to $2.94 a kilo and heifers $2.70, averaging about $2.50.
This is “well in excess of previous records,” says veteran stockagent Jock McPherson.
The yarding was just under 3000 head at the region’s main sale, traditionally held on the day before the annual show.
However, last year drought canceled the sale, making this boomer more than welcome for this outback cattle region.
NT Cattlemen’s Association CEO Tracey Hayes said it was a great opportunity for Central Australian pastoralists to showcase their product. The lineup included EU and Organic certified cattle.
About 30 vendors were represented from the region of about a million square kilometres.
Three agents handled the offering – Territory Rural McPherson, Landmark and Elders.
The highest priced steers, 87 milk toot
h Hereford Angus cross, came from Lucy Creek and the Brangus heifers from Napperby.
Although there is a relatively new rail line – for decades the traditional way cattle were transported to the markets – the current operator, Genesee & Wyoming, does not offer the service any longer.
These cattle will be taken to South Australia, NSW and Victoria by roadtrain, mostly to feed lots and fattening up farms.
For the first time there were live export buyers present – these cattle will be shipped overseas via Broome in WA, and Darwin.
The transport costs are about $80 a head to SA – more for further destinations.