RECORD prices characterised the annual Kerang and District Agricultural Society’s annual poultry auction on Monday.
Society president and auctioneer, Geoff Davey said he had been involved with the auction for approximately 20 years and had never seen stronger prices.
“The prices were the feature of the day; they were the dearest I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“The top price was $215 for a peacock sold by Brendan Steel, followed by $150 for three hens sold by Cindy Brown and $100 for three little bantams sold by Brett Cross.”
Mr Davey said the auction was almost as big as last year’s record 568 lots, with sellers travelling from as far afield as Ballarat, Euroa, Shepparton, Deniliquin, Balranald, Brim and Hopetoun.
“It was slightly smaller than last year, but still our second-biggest ever, and we couldn’t have asked for a better crowd,” he said.
While the society only charges a fee of $4 per pen – which is often much less than the hefty commission deducted at other auctions – Mr Davey said it was still an excellent fund-raiser, helping to meet growing costs including insurance.
Faye Colangelo and her three grandchildren were among the many locals in attendance at the auction, selling 12 Sussex hens and eight guinea fowl.
“I’ve been selling birds here on and off for 15 years and I usually get a good price,” she said.
“It’s a reasonable cage fee and it’s very well run.”
