Steers, 360-450 kilograms, sold for $1038-$1258, averaging 289c/kg, while 280-360kg steers went for $940-$1094, averaging 296c/kg.

Heifers, 360-450kg, fetched $992-$1100, averaging 277c/kg, and those 280-360kg went for $828-$1045, averaging 278c/kg.

No matter what breed, weight or sex of the sale pen, the prices achieved fell mostly into a tight trading range of 270-300c/kg with infrequent sales going higher and lower.

Steers were as much as 20-25c/kg or $80-$100 a head cheaper than other steer sales in other western weaner sales earlier this month but heifer prices were held closer to firm.

The inclusion of national feeder-processor, Teys Australia, into the buying field for the first time at this year’s western weaner sales, provided much-needed stability, with no live export or premiums for EU-accredited evident throughout the sale.

The Teys order for its Jindalee, NSW, feedlot secured two loads from the heavy black steer pens, while Kyneton processor, Hardwick of Kyneton, bought more than 500 steers and heifers, with some of its haul going direct for processing but the majority going for finishing on grain at various destinations.

A handful of South Australian orders secured a further 550-head of cattle on the day.

However a bevy of local south-west backgrounders, who were keen for replacement stock, provided the bulk of the opposition to the small band of volume buyers.

Geelong agent HF Richardson and Creek Livestock, Mount Gambier, were also prominent buyers, claiming the best presented yard, offered by Michael and Alison Kearns of Minjah near Caramut.

Their yard of 23 Michali Trust Angus steers, 393kg, made 291c/kg while Aringa West sold a double yard of 45 EU Angus, 382kg, at 302c/kg, to local buyer Stan Robinson. 

An outstanding display of Charolais-infused lines also took pride of place in the annual January sale.

The best presented Charolais pen went to GJ & MA Riordan, with their yard of 19, 408kg, selling at 301c/kg.

Quality across the 2940-head yarding was outstanding.