NSW, QLD buyers keen on black Omeo calf sale

Elders Omeo livestock manager David Hill said the yarding was lower than initially advertised after some calves were retained following summer rainfall.

"We've had some cattle withdrawn because of the season that's come through now so we expect to have between 2500-2700 straight vendor-bred Angus and Black Baldy steers and heifers," Mr Hill said.

About 40 per cent of the yarding will be European Union accredited while about half of the cattle will have been weaned.

"The majority of weights in the black cattle will be 350-360 kilos for probably 15-20 per cent of the cattle but there will be a lot of cattle 280-320 kilos," Mr Hill said.

"Earlier in the peace we would've said the cattle would have been lighter than generally normal sales but the way the season has come forward since January with the rain we've had, the cattle will be very similar compared to previous years."

Feedlots and restockers are likely to be among the potential buyers as interstate visitors are expected to descend into Omeo in the first week of March.

"We've had enquiries from Queensland, northern New South Wales, feedlotters and also repeat buyers that have been buying these cattle annually and there's also restocking and local interest as well," Mr Hill said.

"Generally, the Hereford sale is the lead of the weaner sale circuit that we run but on a cents per kilo basis it's a pretty average spread between the Angus and Hereford cattle.

"Purely and simply it comes down to the quality and vendors are rewarded for breeding quality lines of cattle."

Lewis and Sharon Pendergast, Benambra, will feature calves at the sale, with 250 Angus and Angus-cross mixed sex weaners.

Other notable breeders include Ian Junor, Hinnomunjie, who will sell 140 Angus mixed sex calves while Black Mountain Station, Wulgulmerang, will offer 200 Angus August-September drop steers.