Leongatha autumn-drop calves to be offered at a series of sales

From mid-January to mid-February, mixed-sex weaner calves will flow through the Victorian Livestock Exchange at Leongatha.

Agents said strong cattle prices had already brought forward some annual drafts of mixed-sex calves to be sold earlier than usual, while other producers were holding onto their cattle for a month or two longer due to the available feed.

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SEJ Leongatha livestock manager James Kyle said the cattle would present in "excellent" condition despite a wet winter and late spring start.

"It's been one of the wettest years on record here in South Gippsland so everything is later than usual, but we expect the cattle to present in forward condition," he said.

"The country will hang on for longer over summer as a result of that rain and we reckon cattle will weigh an average of 30-40 kilograms heavier compared to the same time last year."

Among the feature consignments at the VLE will be 100 Angus steer calves, 10-11 months, offered by Greenwald Pasotral Company, Foster/Nambrok, featuring Dunoon Angus bloodlines.

RV & R Dowel, Leongatha South, will sell 50 Poll Hereford steer calves, 10-11 months.

David Pilkington and Frances Toohey, Doonagatha, Sandy Point, will sell 100 Angus steer calves, March/April 2021-drop.

Libby and Kevin Heggen, Hedley Range Red Angus, will sell their annual draft of 100 Red Angus steers, nine-10 months.

G & K Belcher, Woodside, will sell 150 Angus mixed-sex weaners, 10 months.

Elders Leongatha and Korumburra livestock manager Rohan McRae said many of his clients had opted to sell their calves in late spring and early summer.

"A lot of the calves have been sold early," Mr McRae said.

"People have taken advantage of the prices."