Rain spurs confidence at Wodonga cattle market

Young steer prices jumped 20c/kg at Wodonga with northern demand surging. See how the market played out on Thursday.

The northern demand for young steers intensified at Wodonga, with prices lifting by 20 cents per kilogram.

The surge came as soaking rain pushed further south into NSW and buyers began to question how long Victoria’s early sell-off of weaners could continue.

Lightweight Angus steers sold to 514c/kg, pushing the average cost for weaners in the 200-280kg range above $1000 per head.

The official saleyard result reported an average of $1037 for 1178 small steers sold at an average rate of 424c/kg, though quality lines of black steers consistently fetched above 440c/kg.

Victorian producers welcomed the dearer market, many of whom are still being forced to offload stock as winter looms, pastures remain bare, and surface water is scarce.

Saleyard records were again under pressure, with a yarding of 6500 cattle — surpassing the 5993 head sold just two weeks ago. Offerings ranged from cows and calves and PTIC females to a large volume of young steers and heifers under 350kg.

While the sheer number of cattle was initially confronting – especially for agents struggling to shift cows and very light females early in the sale – the tone lifted as spirited bidding emerged for quality weaners.

Vendor Bill Hotson of Chiltern said it was excellent to receive “this sort of money”.

He made the rare decision to sell his Angus weaners early into the store market rather than carry them through to feedlot weights in spring.

Vendor Bill Hotson pictured at the Wodonga market. Picture: Jenny Kelly

Mr Hotson’s lead pen of 25 EU-accredited Angus calves, August/September drop and weighing 327kg, sold for $1410 (431c/kg). The second line, at 275kg, made $1230 (447c/kg).

Corcoran Parker principal Kevin Corcoran said there was a noticeable shift in confidence, driven by rain in northern regions and a glimmer of hope for a seasonal break in the south.

“These young cattle are a good 20c dearer,” he said.

“There’s been significant rain across parts of NSW and Queensland in the past week and that provides confidence. But there have also been a few locals buying a pen here and there, and that wasn’t happening a fortnight ago.”

Corcoran Parker auctioneer Justin Keane pictured at Wodonga cattle sale. Picture: Jenny Kelly

While some sales were to local northeast traders, the market was dominated by commission buyers with northern orders and NSW-based agencies.

Key players included: AWN Squires, Inverell; Ian Morgan Livestock, Tamworth; Rob Dulle, Ardrossan Angus, sourcing light cattle for northern orders; and commission buyer Damian Whyte, among others, sending truckloads to NSW and Queensland.

Destinations included Moree, Cootamundra. JBS was also active on heavier steers.

Ben Goodman, agent with Ian Morgan Livestock, said their area had received 50-100mm of rain in the past week, with parts of the Hunter Valley receiving over 200mm.

He noted Victorian cattle were proving ideal for their autumn buying, offering good breeding and frame size, and only needing condition and weight gain.

At Barnawartha, their focus was on calves over 300kg for quicker weight conversion off early-sown grazing crops.

Steers 280-330kg sold to 460c and averaged 410c/kg. while steers 330-400kg averaged 402c/kg. However, a premium returned for the very light calves.

Mr Goodman said he was surprised at how strong the demand was for steers down to 170kg, with northern buyers becoming wary of dwindling Victorian supply.

“The northern buyers are wondering what will happen with the supply of these weaners from the south, especially if it rains, because a lot have already been sold,” he said.

Southern agents echoed that concern, warning that the extent of the sell-off was greater than many realised.

Russell Mawson, Nutrien, Euroa, said many lines had already left their books, and the traditional end-of-financial-year sales could be cut to one day.

“We’ve got 250 calves in this Barnawartha sale today and we’ve been selling them everywhere, even up into Wagga Wagga,” he said. “In a few weeks, everything is just going to stop because it’ll all be sold.”

Notable Sales – Young Steers at Barnawartha:

● W & J Lucas: 31 Angus, 10-12 months, 346kg @ $1490 (430c)

● C Rigoni: 67 Angus, 8-9 months, 303kg @ $1340 (442c); 33 @ 255kg @ $1150 (450c)

● Colquhoun Park: 24 Angus, 277kg @ $1230 (444c)

● Shadow Creek Pastoral: 36 Angus, 268kg @ $1210 (451c)

● Chessel Family Trust: 13 Angus, 273kg @ $1250 (457c)

● N & S Jacob: 18 Angus, 248kg @ $1110 (447c)

● Corrective Services Brookfield: 22 Angus, 200kg @ $1010 (505c)