Weaner numbers have swollen to 3200 at the Wangaratta weaner sale in January as more producers are lured to the centre's competitive selling fees.
Elders, Corcoran Parker and Rodwells will hold a weaner sale comprising of overflow cattle from the Northern Victorian Livestock Exchang at Wodonga on Wednesday, January 5.
The yarding is significantly up on last year's 2000 head, which Wangaratta Associated Agents president Oliver Mason said was due to "price and performance" at the centre.
"Wangaratta has started to show itself as a store selling centre having the cheapest selling costs in the state," Mr Mason said.
"One of our feature lines of cattle have a few extra and there were southern vendors that were happy with the results so they are adding a few more.
"The centre is well located with a good drawing area from Mansfield and southern districts, as well as plenty of local cattle that want to go early.
"A lot of our autumn calf producers traditionally aim for this market and they've stuck with their program."
The traditional combined agents weaner sale has been split into two separate sales - with autumn-bred steers offered on February 2 and heifers on February 4.
"While we had a tight winter, we have had a very good spring and so the calves will be up there with weights on previous years," he said.
Mr Mason anticipated yardings would compare to last year, when 2000 steers and 1500 heifers were sold.
"In the last two years we have interfaced with AuctionsPlus, as well as the significant rainfall through eastern Australian, means there should be strength from northern orders," he said.
"The current bullock prices will mean there will be plenty of local demand too."
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
