Bidding was competitive on the top quality pens, with prices reflecting recent improvements in prime sales.

Most of the 1800 yarding came from stations north of Port Augusta, including Alice Springs.

Elders' auctioneer Darrell Sims said there was strong demand from the Adelaide Hills with buyers also coming from the South East, York Peninsula, and the Mid North.

"Steers sold as well as the last sale but heifers were $20-$30 down," he said.

Top steer weaners made about $2 a kilogram.

Mr Sims said adverse seasonal conditions had encouraged vendors to offer younger stock.

A small number of pens showed the effects of the drying season but the majority were in fresh store condition.

Topping the sale was RW Nutt & Sons, Curnamona Pastoral Company, with a pen of Poll Hereford steers at $600.

Contract cattle buyer Chris Hocking, Strathalbyn, was pleased to pick up top value, fresh steers for his clients.

Mr Hocking took 80 steers and heifers, bound for lucerne pastures at Meningie and crop paddocks at Booleroo centre.

"The prices were cheaper than the last store sale at Dublin and the quality was better," he said.

Redwood Holdings, Springton, topped the cow-calf section with a pen of 12 selling to Clive Fisher, Loxton, for $845.

David and Jill Michael, Carriewerloo Station, Port Augusta, sold 40 Hereford and black baldy heifers to $380.

Bob Greenfield, South Gap Pastoral Company, Port Augusta enjoyed returns of $470 for a pen of Shorthorn steers.

Another pen of Shorthorn steer weaners went to Jansen Livestock, Balaklava, for $525.

Bruce Nutt, Pandurra Station, Port Augusta, sold 100 mixed sex weaners to a top of $445. And his Oakden Hills station, managed by Kym Hunt, sold steers to $550, heifers to $382 and cows and calves to $480.

* video footage available in www.stockjournal.com.au