January Weaner Sales Expected to Mirror Previous Years Amidst Drought Challenges

Despite drought conditions forcing many cattle out of Victoria and southern New South Wales earlier this year, January’s weaner sales are forecasted to be on par with previous years. Livestock agents indicate that many producers opted to sustain their cows and calves through the challenging autumn and winter months, and their efforts have paid off with an abundant spring and a strong start to summer.

Brett Shea, Elders Albury Livestock Manager, noted, “Numbers will be similar as will weights because these weaners were really well looked after and have had a great finish. The weaners I have seen have plenty of weight on them.”

Justin Keane, Director at Corcoran Parker, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the dedication of producers in maintaining their Angus cattle for the January sales, ensuring they were adequately fed during tough times. He commented, “There will be less coloured cattle, but that is also a result of people shifting to black cattle.”

Market observers suggest that some producers may decide to market all their weaners, contrary to the traditional practice of only selling the lead animals, to maintain sales numbers.

Market Prices Remain Steady with Local Competition

With the earlier destocking in southern regions, it is anticipated that cattle will be adequately absorbed this year. Peter Homan, National Livestock Manager at Elders, indicated that prices are expected to stay robust, driven by local competition in the market. “I don’t foresee prices galloping ahead, but I certainly don’t see them going backwards. I think everyone would be happy to see current prices reflected in the weaner sales,” he stated.

“Spring was exceptional for the western districts of Victoria and southeast South Australia. Producers are cutting two years’ worth of hay and silage, and I’ve never seen so much feed being produced,” Homan added, highlighting the impact on local competition.

Increased Supply of Weaned Cattle

The importance of weaning cattle cannot be overstated, especially since unweaned calves often experience significant discounts. Keane noted that the market has shifted preference toward weaned cattle, with many producers keen to start the weaning process earlier. “In January, a large number of weaned cattle will be available because they were removed from their mothers early, allowing buyers to prefer these animals,” he asserted.

“Improper weaning practices, such as pulling calves off their mothers for just two days, are becoming less common. More producers are taking the time to perform proper weaning, resulting in calmer cattle that are better suited for buyers,” Homan remarked.

Encouraging Pre-Vaccination in Cattle

Another notable trend for the January weaner sales is the increasing interest from buyers in pre-vaccinated cattle, particularly for respiratory diseases. Homan suggested, “Currently, there hasn’t been a premium for pre-vaccinated cattle, but one should be established to incentivize producers selling to backgrounders and lot feeders.”

Upcoming Southern Weaner Sales Schedule

Here is a comprehensive list of the major southern weaner sales scheduled for January, along with expected numbers:

• Monday, January 5: NVLX Barnawartha Blue Ribbon Grown & Weaner Sale (1000)
• Tuesday, January 6: NVLX Barnawartha Angus Weaner Sale (6500)
• Wangaratta Feature Angus Cattle (5000)
• Colac Birregurra Weaner Steer Sale (1800)
• Wednesday, January 7: NVLX Barnawartha Premier Angus Grown & Weaner Sale (4000)
• Colac Birregurra Weaner Heifer Sale (1400)
• Yea Weaner Sale (3500)
• Thursday, January 8: NVLX Barnawartha All Breeds Premier Hereford, Euros and Other Breeds Grown & Weaner Sale (2200)
• Naracoorte Weaner Sale (Steers – 5000 across two days)
• Wangaratta All Breeds Sale (2000)
• Friday, January 9: NVLX Barnawartha Premier Hereford, Euros & Other Breeds Grown & Weaner Sale (3500)
• Naracoorte Weaner Steer Sale
• Yea Weaner Sale (3500)
• Monday, January 12: Hamilton Angus Weaner Sale (4600)
• Tuesday, January 13: Hamilton All Breed Weaner Steer Sale (3500)
• Casterton Angus Steer Weaner Sale (2400)
• Wednesday, January 14: Hamilton Hereford Steers and Mixed Sex Euros (2500)
• Casterton Hereford Steer Weaner Sale (1000)
• Thursday, January 15: WVLX Mortlake Feature Weaner Sale (8000)
• Hamilton All Breed Weaner Heifer Sale (2500)
• Naracoorte Weaner Heifer Sale (3000 across the two days)
• Friday, January 16: Hamilton All Breed Heifers Sale (3500)
• Naracoorte Female Cattle Sale
• Yea Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale (3500)
• Casterton Weaner Heifer Sale (2200)
• Thursday, January 22: Naracoorte Weaner Steer Sale (5000 across the two days)
• Friday, January 23: Naracoorte Weaner Heifer Sale

As the January weaner sales approach, the market remains dynamic, reflecting both the resilience of producers adapting to challenges and the evolving preferences of buyers.