Nobody wants to admit it but 2017 could be the final chapter in the Hamilton weaner sales story.
With the new WVLX (Mortlake) saleyards set to conduct its first store cattle market early in February the writing could unknowingly be on the wall that this iconic and much celebrated event is set conclude.
Hamilton agent Michael Kerr, who has been party to more than 50 years of Hamilton weaner sales, declares the selling of cattle at the Portland Road yards have not be read its final rights.
“We don’t know,” he said firmly. “It will depend of the local producers and the agents if selling will be continued next year at Hamilton.” On the prospects of upcoming sales Mr Kerr said the market does not carry the same hype as current lamb and sheep sales.
The prospects for beef are strong but subdued, he said.
“Our saving grace in the Western District is our season. We have plenty of feed in paddocks, plenty of hay and plenty of water. But we don’t want the market to get cheaper because we cant afford to make the same mistake as sheep when prices collapsed, flock numbers plunged to rob supply.”
“What the cattle market does need he says is more competition. More competition for high quality beef for export, more competition for domestic sales and more competition from lot feeders and live export.
If we lose our competition especially in the saleyards the future, whether at Hamilton or Mortlake, will not be as overly bright, he said.
“Hamilton and more broadly the Western District has a unique product that is highly sought both domestically and overseas. And local producers should have a lot to say along with the agents on the future of Hamilton sales and the ultimate support of Mortlake.”
As far as this year’s weaners are concerned, Mr Kerr said the genetics that have been infused into a large number of the Western District herds have come to the fore as a result of the exceptional season. “From what we have inspected a good number of the crossbred calves should present with weights from 400 to 450kg, and 350 to 400kg for the blacks and Hereford calves.”
And while these weights may place some limitations on the long distance buyers, the season has provided a flying start for specialist southern operators to supply all aspects of the market.