The Yea annual calf sales, to be held in January 2019, are split over two days, with Rodwells and Landmark selling around 2500 head, according to the agents.
While some of the annual supply have been sold early, supply should not be down too much on 2018 numbers.
Rodwells’ newly appointed manager for the Yea and Alexandra region Tyson Dennis said cattle weights will be down 20-40 kilograms on the 2018 sales, but the breeding and quality will prevail.
Elders Yea manager Ryan Sargeant indicated they should yard a similar-sized yarding of 3500 cattle, although it was a little difficult to tell until closer to the sale.
The season south of Yea is better than to the north, which will present buyers with a yarding that is more diverse.
While everyone hopes for northern rain to boost competition, buying competition from local, South and West Gippsland, and the Western District and South Australia, producers and feedlots, should create good even demand.
The Yea and Alexandra districts have a broad range of quality bloodlines, and the quality of these attracts many repeat buyers to the annual Yea sales.
Te Mania, Anvil and Banquet Angus bloodlines are very strong, but there is a strong influence of Tasmanian bloodlines that also attract good bidding.
Charolais bloodlines are not as prominent as they were, but Hereford and Poll Hereford breeding is highly sought after at Yea.
What is emerging is competition for a live export order, which departs late January.
This is for Angus steers, and the weight required ranges from 300-360 kilograms.
Given the varying season in the Yea and Alexandra districts, there could be a good supply of cattle to suit this order.
The strength of this competition will depend on how many they need.
Add this into the mix of repeat buyers, northern competition and the potential need for cattle if it rains, and sales should be strong.
Rodwells and Landmark will conducts its sale first at Yea on January 4, while Elders will conduct its sale on January 11.