The Mountain Calf Sales held last week once again showcased the strength of Victoria’s cattle industry, with approximately 8,500 calves passing through the yards over the two-day event.
Elders auctioneers on the rails at the event: (L-R) Chris Wilson, Campbell Czempinski, Anthony Delaney, Ryan Sargeant, Alana Websdale.
Morgan Davies from Elders Bairnsdale, a seasoned livestock agent, has attended every sale for the past 20 years, and shared insights into the market, cattle conditions, and the unique nature of the high-country sale.
While the number of cattle presented was typical for this time of year, Morgan noted that ongoing dry conditions have pressured many producers into selling.
“It’s pretty dry here at the moment, like it is across most of Victoria, so a lot of people’s hands are tied. They have to sell,” he said.
In terms of condition, Morgan highlighted that while many calves had lost some bloom due to weaning, they remained an ideal buy for backgrounders and finishers.
“They’re all frame, perfect buying cattle. You’re going to see instant gains if you buy them now,”
“The sale featured strong numbers of Black Angus, Herefords, and Hereford-cross cattle, with many buyers returning year after year to secure high-quality stock.”
Buyers traveled from across Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and throughout Victoria, reinforcing the sale’s reputation as a key event on the cattle trading calendar.
Image showing a great turnout for the annual event in the picturesque setting.
Pricing remained steady despite the softening market conditions, with lightweight steers fetching close to $4 per kilogram and mid-range Hereford steers selling for $3.50 to $3.60 per kilogram, figures that satisfied both buyers and vendors.
Morgan said it was fantastic to see so many pink shirts in attendance.
“I would like to thank all the staff that come to help us here at the mountains. Staff from broad expansion, from Gundagai to Tasmania, a few from Hamilton and Mortlake, Deniliquin. Plenty locally from across Gippsland and every other branch in between,” Morgan said.
“It takes a team of over 80 Elders staff to run the sales from agents, administration plus staff back running the branches so we can get away.
“We don’t often get the whole Elders crew in one place, so we love getting together and making it happen.”
Reflecting on his two decades of involvement, Morgan recalled the many unpredictable moments that have shaped the event, from cattle breaking loose in the streets of Omeo to extreme weather conditions, including snow, bushfires, and dust storms.
“Every year, I start the week telling my wife, ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen, but something will,’” he said.
The Mountain Calf Sales remain a cornerstone of Victoria’s cattle industry, blending tradition with strong market demand and a true sense of community.
Sale results
Omeo Blacks Sale
- Yardage: 3,059
- Average Price: $1,160
- Total Steers: 1,518, Average Price: $1,244
- Total Heifers: 1,540, Average Price: $1,078
Benambra Sale
- Yardage: 1,478
- Average Price: $1,090
- Total Steers: 787, Average Price: $1,231
- Total Heifers: 691, Average Price: $930
Ensay Sale
- Yardage: 1,186
- Average Price: $1,191
- Total Steers: 760, Average Price: $1,303
- Total Heifers: 426, Average Price: $990
Omeo Hereford Sale
- Yardage: 1,308
- Average Price: $1,257
- Total Steers: 901, Average Price: $1,348
- Total Heifers: 407, Average Price: $1,055