CATTLE bloodlines that have been bred through generations of expert farming experience will go under the hammer at the annual Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale on January 31 and February 2.
Some 4000 head of steers will be sold on Wednesday, January 31 and 2500 head of heifers on Friday, February 2, with the first lot up for grabs from 9am.
Favourable climatic conditions off the back of a wet season in the north and significant rainfall in the southern country of Australia have produced ideal conditions for beef cattle to thrive and the sale is expected to draw buyers from across the Victoria and interstate.
Corcoran and Parker livestock agent Reiley Murtagh gave an appraisal of the offerings ahead of what's well-known as the highest quality cattle sale of the year.
"The majority of the cattle are held from breeders in the area that really aim for this blue ribbon sale and there is a lot of good quality from our area with people who have been traditionally selling in this sale for years," he said.
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"These people are growing them from a poddy (calf) and getting them to anywhere from 10-12 months and they invest a lot of money in their bulls and genetics to get them primed for the sale.
"The sale has been a great success for years prior and it will continue to be for many years to come."
Mr Murtagh said top bloodlines will extend from Te Mania, Alpine Angus and other renowned bull sales from the area and beyond.
He explained that the vendors have been refining their breeding programs for generations and a lot have been coming to the sale year in year out for decades.
"They have continued to up the quality of their cattle based on this sale," he said.
"There has been a lot of rain in the northern sector and around here which has kept the flats greens and the confidence up with the buyer.
"The lesser effect of the El Nino and the rain will show through at this sale and we can see it being as good or just a touch better than our January sale."
Some $4.5 million was amassed from 4900 steers at the start of January with the going price ranging from $3.05/kg to $3.50/kg.
The heifers, ranging from 33kg to 400kg, averaged $2.60/kg with high quality heifers much sought after.
"There will be something for everyone at this sale, with the current market to suit vendors and buyers," Mr Murtagh said.
