Tremendous weight gains in young cattle across western Victoria are the talk of the industry as graziers gear up for potentially one of the best weaner sales series on record, agents say.
Thousands of weaner cattle will flow through saleyards in the western district in the first two weeks of January, with cattle expected to sell to well over $2000 a head.
Feedlotters, backgrounders and restockers will vie for some of the cattle on offer and increased competition from northern and western buyers could see prices push well above current levels, industry commentators believe.
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Charles Stewart director Jamie McConachy, who sells at Colac and Mortlake, said cattle across the western half of the state had rebounded well after a wet and soggy winter.
"Spring and early summer has been tremendous for grass growing and weight gains on these weaner cattle," he said.
"We're seeing autumn-drop weaners already that are fetching over 400 kilograms and that is unheard of.
"By the time we get into January, sure we do see 400kg weaners but we don't see it in early and mid-December."
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Mr McConachy acknowledged the weight gains were partially due to the ideal seasonal conditions across southern Australia, but also pointed to breeders and their years of work.
"The southern cattle are so well-bred now and when you combine that with huge amounts of feed, it equates to huge weight gains," he said.
"We hope to get a good group of feedlotters at our sales because they keep the cattle industry ticking.
"They're a regular support base and they put a huge floor in a lot of markets."
Bullock fatteners and backgrounds will also find a position along the pen ring to add to the intensity of the sale fixture.
"These could be the best ever weaner sales on record which is something unique and something to look forward to," Mr McConachy said.
"It's a very special time we're living in and we hope that it will remain like this for some time."
Nutrien Casteron livestock manager Rick Smith said conditions were starting to dry across his district.
"It's been very good in the western district after a slow start to autumn and a mild winter," he said.
"We're into the second week of December and all our north-facing ground is starting to go, as are the clovers but we've had it good up until now.
"The season's been a month behind, whether you're harvesting or you're baling.
"Our lambs are only starting to go and all of this should have happened in November."
Bryce Eishold
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
