The Victorian weaner sale season has opened at pace, with the first week and the start of the second delivering strong yardings, excellent cattle quality and encouraging buyer competition across the state.
There was strong interest in the offerings at the Mortlake Feature Female Sale.
Despite hot conditions and ongoing challenges from bushfires in the in the northeast and southwest, the market has proven resilient, underpinned by solid fundamentals and improving confidence.
North-east regional sales
Sales kicked off strongly in northeast Victoria, with major fixtures at Wangaratta and NVLX Barnawartha attracting large numbers and a broad buyer gallery. At NVLX Barnawartha (Wodonga), close to 8,000 head were yarded on the opening day, followed by a further 5,000 head later that day at Wangaratta. These sales were conducted under very hot conditions, yet quality remained a standout feature.
According to Elders National Livestock Manager Peter Homann, the standard of cattle was “extremely good,” with genetics and weaning practices continuing to improve year on year. The majority of cattle were well-weaned, well-handled and suited to a range of programs, from backgrounding through to feedlot entry.
Prices in the north-east reflected the strong quality on offer. Weaner steers generally sold in the range of 530 to 560 cents per kilogram, with better lines pushing into the high-500s. Heifers followed suit, typically selling around 40 to 50 cents per kilogram back on comparable steers. While there was some interstate inquiry from New South Wales and limited interest from Queensland, the bulk of cattle were secured by Victorian and Riverina buyers.
Sales through Yea and Euroa are expected to continue this trend later in the week, reinforcing the positive start to the season.
Western District sales
In the Western District, the weaner run gathered momentum through Colac, Mortlake, Casterton and Hamilton. The season commenced with Colac’s ‘Birregurra Feature Weaner Sale (Colac Regional Saleyards), where all breeds were well represented across two days of selling. While buyer competition remained measured, sales were described as rock solid, with excellent presentation setting the tone for the following week.
This week saw major steer sales at Casterton and Hamilton, alongside female and feature sales across the region. At Casterton, Angus steer weaners saw heavier steers selling from 500 to 530 cents per kilogram, with lighter weights achieving similar money. Hamilton’s All Breeds Steer Weaner Sale saw steers carrying more weight, with some lines reaching close to 400 kilograms and making up to 540 cents per kilogram. Euro and Hereford steers generally sold at a discount of around 20 to 30 cents per kilogram to Angus types, reflecting breed and buyer preference.
Western District values were broadly in line with the north-east, despite fewer New South Wales buyers operating in the region. This was offset by strong support from local producers and South Australian buyers, particularly from the south-east. Freight and resting requirements remain a consideration for northern movement, but demand has remained consistent.
Feature female sales at Mortlake, Leongatha, Barnawartha and Naracoorte also contributed to the depth of the market, with buyers actively seeking replacement and backgrounding females.
A strong outlook
Seasonal events continue to influence sentiment. Flooding in Queensland and fires across parts of Victoria have added an element of uncertainty, alongside broader discussions around export settings. However, Mr Homann believes the underlying outlook remains positive.
“2026 is shaping up as a very strong year for livestock producers,” he said.
“Strong sales at Casterton and Hamilton this week show that buyers remain confident and active.”
Looking ahead, with major fixtures still to come at Yea (to be held at the Leongatha saleyards on Friday 16 January), Euroa (to be held at the Wangaratta saleyards on Thursday 15 January), Mortlake and Wangaratta, producers are being encouraged to view the current market as both a strong selling opportunity and an attractive buying proposition.
With plenty of sales still ahead and demand holding firm, the Victorian weaner season has opened with momentum with signs suggesting that this is set to continue.