Weaner sales off to a strong start, what to expect next?

The 2025 weaner season has kicked off with a bang, as sales across the southern regions have recorded high prices and strong clearance rates. Momentum is set to continue in the coming weeks, with a series of back-to-back weaner sales interfaced through the AuctionsPlus platform.

The action on Monday begins with the Hamilton Angus Weaner Steer Sale, where 4,500 head will be up for grabs. APlus News spoke to the president of the Southern Grampians Livestock and Real Estate Agents’ Association, Heath Templeton, about what to expect at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) this week.

With five physical cattle sales scheduled at HRLX in the coming week, Mr Templeton believes that, following last week’s strong results, prices will likely strengthen further with rain forecast across the eastern seaboard expected to bolster prices. 

“The rain will be a massive factor as to how dear it will get,” he said.

While Western Victoria is further from major markets in New South Wales and Queensland, Mr Templeton does not expect this to impact price premiums.

“In costs, we’re that extra 20 cents a kilo to 15 cents a kilo further away from New South Wales and Queensland than Wodonga. So that's always a factor that the buyer would be putting into consideration,” he said. However, reflecting on current market trends, he remains optimistic about the upcoming sales, adding, “I’d say it’ll be very strong, if not the same.”

Earlier in the week, General Manager for Ottley Livestock Finance, Tom Rookyard, reported on the figures from weaner sales over the past few days with over 13,000 head yarded at Barnawartha (NVLX), Victoria. 

Who’s buying?

The strong prices and demand have drawn a mix of buyers, including local, interstate, and feedlot operators. Feedlots have been particularly active in securing large numbers of steers and heifers, especially heavier lines.

Australian Livestock & Commodities Manager for StoneX, Ripley Atkinson, believes feedlot operators have been selective in weight ranges, with heavier cattle in strong demand.

“Feedlots are driving the market across both steers and heifers and have been selective in weight ranges. The heavier lines and cattle continue to be in strong demand,” Mr Atkinson said.

Mr Templeton also highlighted that buyers from New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria are expected to be active. “Every year we get a few from New South Wales, the odd one from Queensland, and Victorian buyers. So I’d say it’ll be a mix of everyone,” he said.

The 2024 season in Victoria

The 2024 season in Victoria has been one of the driest on record, impacting cattle quality, with stock expected to be slightly lighter than in previous years. However, Mr Templeton remains optimistic, noting that late-season rainfall has helped improve cattle condition.

Increased demand for slaughter cattle

Beyond the weaner sales, demand for heavier slaughter cattle has remained strong, leading to space limitations at some saleyards.

“The kill cattle side of things is getting extremely strong. At Mortlake, we’ve put a cap on our fat sale this week, which I’ve never heard of,” Mr Templeton said.

“One, there’s no water. Two, there’s no feed, and three, the prices are good, so everyone’s walking out of everything they can,” he explained.

With a strong start to the season and ongoing demand, all eyes are on the upcoming sales to see how the market continues to unfold.

Don't miss out on your opportunity this weaner season. View all upcoming weaner auctions here.