Willow Grove breeder John Bergamin says improved seasonal conditions in central Gippsland have helped grow and prepare his cattle ahead of January's annual Pakenham weaner sale.
Mr Bergamin's family have bred Herefords under Bergamin Pastoral Co since the mid-1960s and diversified their operation to include Angus about 15 years ago.
Trusted genetics along with careful management have given the operation a strong reputation for quality grass-fed cattle.
"My father purchased the property in 1964 and we've been breeding Herefords for as long as I can remember," Mr Bergamin said.
"We've more switched over to the Angus than we are the Herefords now which is all market driven."
Situated on 530 hectares, the operation consists of about 500 Hereford and Angus breeders.
"Originally we were a pure Hereford operation but we did have Angus bulls back then to primarily cross over our first calf heifers just for ease of calving. So Angus has been on the farm for a while but more as a full-on operation in the last decade or so," Mr Bergamin said.
Bergamin Pastoral Co will present 150 Angus and 50 Hereford steers at the sale as well as a few lines of heifers from both breeds.
"The Angus are predominately by Te Mania Angus bulls - the cows have come from various places but are mainly home-bred - and the Herefords are from Yarram Park bulls from over in the Western District," Bergamin Pastoral Co manager Ben Cumming said.
"Our weights are going to be better this year and I think the cattle will present a bit better too.
"They presented well last year but to have a few extra kilos on them always helps and we expect prices to be pretty good."
Decent spring rainfall has bolstered conditions in the region as the more than 1800 tonnes of pit silage has been cut for storage from Mr Bergamin's property this year.
"The last few autumns have been completely failed and quite dry but the last two springs, particularly the most recent spring with the August rainfall, set us up for good seasons," Mr Cumming said.
"It's allowed us to get an extra cut of silage and take a cut of hay of as well and we expect to have 700-odd round bales this year."
The improved seasonal conditions have also boosted the presentation of the Bergamin cows, while the calves are expected to record higher weights.
"By the time the sale comes around we expect they will weigh around the 330-kilo mark on average," Mr Cumming said.
"We always strive for that minimum and we hope the top pens will be well and truly over that and 20 kilos in front."