This year’s Omeo Angus sale represents a great opportunity to purchase quality drafts of heifers which would normally be retained by High Country breeders, according to Elders Omeo manager David Hill.
“Herd numbers are drastically reduced at the moment and if the season does break, there won't be many heifers on offer for some time,” Mr Hill said.
“The heifers being sold this year are the tops from local breeders and should be staying in the system but with the current seasonal conditions, they are not.”
Although numbers for this year are down, the renowned weaner sale, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 12, at 12pm, is expected to yard about 3500 Angus and black baldy steers and heifers.
“Numbers are down about 300 to 400 head as some producers have had to sell their calves earlier, “ Mr Hill said.
He estimated weights would be about 30 kilograms to 40kg lighter than previous year’s yardings, with the majority of weaners weighing in at 230kg to 320kg, while yearling cattle will be about 320kg to 400kg.
“Buyers can expect an even spread of mature autumn 2018-drop weaners and some later spring-drop calves plus yearlings," he said.
“Traditionally vendors have supported and targeted this sale, but this season has made it pretty challenging for them to get to March with water and feed becoming a major concern. But producers have acknowledged the return purchasers who buy cattle annually to go into their programs by holding their stock for the March sales.”
Buyer interest is expected to come from a wide range of areas including north-eastern Vic, eastern parts of NSW and Tasmania.
“Overall the cattle are in genuine store to forward condition and will suit most restocker, feedlotting and backgrounding requirements whether it’s young cattle, yearling cattle or heavier weaned cattle.”
Elders Bairnsdale manager Morgan Davies agreed and said he was impressed with how well the cattle had stood up, considering how tight the season had been.
"The calves have weaned really well, the effort everyone goes to in producing these calves and the pedigree of the stock is next to none," he said.
He said they were realistic about the prices, but expected the cattle to reach current market values or better.
Some of the major Omeo vendors include Frank and Dawn Boulton from Gelantipy with 300 Angus and Angus/Hereford-cross heifers and 100 Angus steers on offer while Meringo Pastoral, Benambra, will sell a draft of 300 EU-accredited mixed sex Angus calves.
Black Mountain Station will offer 200 weaned steers while Ken and Chris Connley, Benambra, will sell 300 Angus steers and heifers.
