High hopes for good results

January and February are two of the busiest months on the sale's calendar, and usually the main comment from agents and producers in North East Victoria is: "we want rain in the north".

Given the fact it is January and February, and that northern New South Wales and southern Queensland have depleted their herd due to extensive drought, this still applies.

Because if it does rain there in the next two months, restocking and fattening will commence.

However, after an excellent year of growth in all districts of the north east, and recent heavy rainfall, local competition holds the potential to set the pace for steers in 2015.

Producers selling finished steers and bullocks have recently been paid between $1000 and $1500, and this should encourage strong demand for replacement steers.

While heifers have lacked a lot of the strength of demand, feedlot competition will improve and breeders will be looking for replacements after selling cull cows for good money.

Equally, the expectations for the coming year remain high, and this in itself will lift confidence.

Sales in the Yea, Euroa and Wangaratta areas open on January 9 with Elders Yea offering 3500 steers and heifers.

Bruce Elliott, Elders Yea, said the saleyard had a capacity of 3500 head, and the yard would be full of high quality calves.

Rodwells and Landmark Yea will offer 3000 Angus mixed-sex calves on January 16, and 1500 Hereford and European mixed-sex calves on January 21.

Adam Mountjoy, Rodwells Yea, said it had been an exceptional season and the calves would be heavier and in prime condition.

Many sales are on in the North East, and the Western District too, and some sales will clash.

However, strong feedlot and southern competition would help make these sales.

The three saleyards have to fit in with each other and Wodonga, and Euroa agents, will offer 2500 steers and heifers on Wednesday, January 14.

A similar scenario applied at Euroa both for quality and competition.

The Euroa agents have already held two sales in November and December, which were very good.

Entering this mix of top quality steers and heifers were the 4500 head at Wangaratta, which would spread over two days.

Friday, January 23, will see 1500 cattle penned, but the main sale is on Friday, February 6, when all agents will offer a premium yarding of 3000 cattle.