Set in the heart of the north-east of Victoria, Wangaratta Livestock Exchange will again be the focus of the annual weaner calf sales in late January and early February.
Justin Keane, Corcoran Parker, said numbers should be close to, if not the same as the 2018 sale.
The larger part of the drawing area of this sale has not been heavily affected by the drought, which has affected much of the north east district.
Wangaratta agents will offer between 3500 and 4000 cattle in their sales on January 30 (steers) and February 1 (heifers).
After the extended cold winter, the weight of the cattle may be affected, although there is not expected to be a big reduction.
The Wangaratta calf sales should attract buyers from far and wide, and agents are hoping for more ran in the drought areas of NSW to add to recent flurries of northern competition.
A lot will depend on rain, but not only in the north.
West and South Gippsland, and parts of the Western District, have experienced tremendous grass growth in November and December.
This should see regular buyers return.
Local bullock fatteners continue to receive good value for their bullocks, and should play a large role in Wangaratta’s weaner sale results.
Producers selling at the sales will be pleased to know of recent changes to the management of the Wangaratta saleyard.
Late September, in an agreement with the Wangaratta City Council, na independent board was formed to manage the saleyard.
This board is totally independent with four board members, two agents, Justin Keane and Daniel Fisher, and two producers, John Muracca and Doug James.
Mr Keane was keen to emphasise that Council will still operate the yards, but the board will manage it.
A major advantage to producers is a decision by the board to charge a selling fee of $10 a head for all cattle sold in their store sales, which includes weigh fees, and handling.
Money earned will go back into the running and potential further development of the saleyard.