Wangaratta stock agents said they were expecting a similar number of steers for next year’s weaner sales as in 2017, after an excellent spring in the north.
Ruralco Wangaratta’s, Peter Dargan said the steer sale, on Wednesday, January 31, would be followed by heifers on Friday the second.
“We are looking at 2500 steers and about 1500 heifers,” Mr Dargan said. “We have turned out to have had a very, very good spring and things are poking along very well.
He said agents expected the same vendors to present cattle as did last year.
In 2017, about 2500 head of cattle were offered, with Angus steers, 350kg and above, selling for 350c/kg to 370c/kg,
Lighter steers of 300kg to 350kgs fetched 370c/kg to 395c/kg, while lots under 300kg making 400c/kg.
Most cattle would go back into an area of 50kilometres around Wangaratta, although feedlotters were also expected to be active in the market.
“If we had a similar result to last year we would be very happy, because I thought that was exceptional.”
Landmark’s Daniel Fischer said he expected the weaners to be slightly heavier than last year.
“Price wise, if we got to last year’s highest prices it would be fantastic, but if it backed off, I still think people would be quite happy,” Mr Fischer said.
He said heifer numbers may be back on last year, because of the strength of the live export market.
‘Generally speaking, I think the calves will present incredibly well,” Mr Fischer said.
“They are displaying the genetics that are out there and we should see some calves hitting their full potential.”
Corocoran Parker director Kevin Corcoran said he also expected similar numbers to last year, based on preliminary booking estimates.
“A lot of local people have had a pretty secure season, there is no urgency to jump in and sell the autumn drop weaners,” Mr Corocoran said.
He said the local fatteners in all the surrounding valleys, including the King and Ovens regions, as well as from the Wangaratta district would absorb most of the cattle.
“To get much New South Wales support, we would need to see significant January rain through central and northern NSW and southern Queensland,” Mr Corcoran said.
”And the forecast tells us that’s what’s going to happen.”
But he said northern buyers would then be faced with carting heavier cattle home.
Mr Cocoran said agents were also expecting good support from Gippsland, who would be turning off bullocks in December and January and looking for replacements.
