Warrnambool weaners will present with weight, according to local agents, after a cold winter has given way to milder spring conditions.
JJ Kelly Stock Agency livestock agent Jack Kelly says the January 21 sale was a little later than previous years, to avoid clashing with the other western district auctions.
"It's just the way the calendar falls," Mr Kelly said.
"Numbers will be very similar to last year, although we sold a few weaner cattle at the November sale.
"People have plenty of feed, it will suit them going in January then and there are plenty of people looking for cattle."
He was hopeful of good support from South Australian buyers and feedlots were also expected to be "very, very strong.
"The cattle will look well, because it's been such a good year - they have had plenty of time to wean, and all should be ready to go.
"It's the third year in a row its been booming along beautifully, it looks fantastic down here - we are really looking forward to it."
Nutrien Ag Solutions Warrnambool livestock agent Kieran Johnston said he expected good numbers at the January 21 sale.
"With the amount of feed that's around at the moment, will mean it will be pretty solid, I would have thought," Mr Johnston said.
"The rain in the north, in NSW and up into Queensland, will mean they will have feed.
"It will be a good opportunity to buy some very well bred calves, in good numbers too."
While some cattle had been brought forward, to capitalise on good prices, there were still good numbers, which hadn't been sold.
"We had a rough winter, we had a very cold winter, that lasted.
'Our calves only started putting on the weight, in the last couple of months."
He said prices would be on a par to current sales.
"We haven't seen prices, this high before."
Brian O'Halloran livestock agent Anthony Mahony said he felt the weaners would present in very good condition, at next year's sale.
"They will probably have a bit extra weight about them, there will be a fair bit of local competition as people have been selling their older cattle for good dough, they need to replace, and I think it will be a fantastic opportunity to do that," Mr Mahony said.
"Of late, I have noticed the calves have started to put on weight fairly quickly - we are starting to get a bit of sunny weather and that is doing the weaner's a world of good.
"I expect them to have a bit more weight, than last year.
"People get a bit frightened when weaners start making this type of money, but my old saying is if you are steer finisher, or looking to buy heifers to join, you just have to be in the game.
"I don't think there is much point leaving your money in the bank."
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
