Trump's tariffs don't affect prices at Show cattle sale

By ERWIN CHLANDA

Local stock agent Steve Gaff says the price at the Show cattle sale was much the same as last year or a little better.

The Donald Trump tariffs "had no effect at all," probably because the Australian market is affected in a different way – 10% tariffs – compared to other countries.

Undoolya Holdings topped the sale, their Hereford steers reaching up to $4.54/kg.

The combined agents sale enjoyed a broadened buyer demographic through the live interfaced sale platform delivered by StockLive: Distant buyers could watch the cattle and place their bids online.

Online bidding added more than $650,000 in total sale value, according to StockLive.

Mr Gaff, of Red Centre Rural, estimates 15% of the offering was sold in that way.

His company has been operating in Alice Springs for eight years, after he was managing stations in the Channel Country.

He says the modern endusers of Central Australian cattle are increasingly aware that they are getting "clean green beef" raised on natural pastures.

According to a media statement the offering, sold through Centre Ag Services, included lines averaging up to 450kg.

Standout consignments included 460 head of Santa X and Charolais X steers from Huckitta Station, 280 Droughtmaster steers from the Garden Station and 220 Santa X steers from Pine Hill Station.

Teys Naracoorte and Teys feedlot operations at Charlton in Victoria purchased 352 head at a top price of $4.46/kg for a line of Angus steers from Palmer Valley Station.

ABLCo, a new buyer to Central Australia, bought 118 Santa cows offered from Sandover Pastoral.

Other large processors and feedlots were also active online from Queensland and New South Wales, including Roxborough Ag who purchased lines of feeder steers up to $1,353 per head.

The volume buyer of the sale was GDL Dalby who purchased 524 head and was supported by GDL Alice Springs who purchased 253 head.

PHOTO: Local pastoralists supporting the Show are clearly keen to have a new generation coming along. There are special sections for the youngsters – Handler Hand Reared Poddy, Handler Led Class, Calf Classic Dress Up, Junior Judging and Juvenile Judging.