She was joined by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the Nationals candidate for Upper Hunter David Layzell along with a large media contingent.

The reason for the visit was the upcoming by-election for the seat of Upper Hunter. A must win for The Nationals if the NSW Coalition want to retain their majority in the lower house.

As the group made their way between the selling pens buyers were obviously distracted requiring a word or to from the auctioneer to regain their attention.

He suggested to the Coalition leadership team that this was One Nation territory and then returned to selling an nice pen of Angus steers.

And in good news for sellers the market trend was dearer for a mostly good quality yarding.

MLA market report:

The over 200kg vealer steers returning to the paddock gained 20c, as the heavier pens lifted 18c/kg. Prices for the medium weights ranged from 532c to 614c, with the heavier end making from 496c to 586c/kg. The vealer heifers to the same orders also gained 20c, with prices ranging from 494c to 566c/kg.

Yearling steers to the lot feeders and restockers sold 5c to 15c dearer, as the medium weights made from 410c to 498c/kg. The yearling heifers also sold to solid competition, with the lighter weights to the restockers reaching 516c/kg. The limited selection in prime condition and suitable for the butchers and trade buyers continue to sell to strong competition, with the best vealer heifer reaching 512c/kg.

The export heavy weight steers to the processors sold at firm prices and ranged from 320c to 338c, while the older heifers reached 360c/kg. The cows trended 8c dearer, as the better covered heavy weights received from 285c to 298c/kg. Cows with calves reached $3000/unit.