Cattle from across East Gippsland will be yarded next Monday for the annual special spring store cattle sale at Bairnsdale run by Bill Wyndham and Company Livestock.
Cattle are listed by vendors from Marlo to Buchan and Gelantipy, Benambra to Meerlieu and all areas in between, including Johnsonville, Nicholson, Wy Yung, Cabbage Tree and Lindenow South.
There are about 2000 head up for offer at the store sale, making the total a decent 1000 head less than last year, something Bill Wyndham and Co selling agent, Colin Jones, said was a direct result of seasonal conditions.
“With the season we’ve had this year we’re guaranteed a start to the spring,” Mr Jones said.
“Last year winter was a lot tougher, hence we had about 3000 head offered.”
He said buyers from South Gippsland and various feedlots had indicated they would attend Monday’s sale.
“It’s usually a very well-supported sale,” he said.
“People come back every year and buy the same cattle, which is a credit to the vendors.
“We also have quite a good run of older cattle with plenty of two-year-old bullocks in the sale.”
There are several noticeable differences with this year’s special spring sale, namely the day and time.
Traditionally a Tuesday sale, this year after the closure of the Pakenham yards and the resulting change in sale days in various districts, Leongatha has started selling its prime cattle on Tuesdays.
The Wyndham sale was moved to the Monday so as not to clash, with an earlier than usual 9am start time.
Another interesting element is the number of vendors declaring themselves Never Ever accredited with the buying program run by Greenham.
First time spring store sale vendors, Brent and Merryn Henderson, will sell Angus weaners from their family operation at Ensay, including 20 steers, 15 heifers, all Pinora blood and 10-11 months old, also Never Ever accredited.
The Hendersons have a split calving herd and will sell their autumn-drop offering in March.
In March, 2024, they sold Angus steers weighing an average 386kg at $1050 a head, and Hereford steers weighing 338kg at $860/hd.
“We’re hoping things keep going up,” Mr Henderson said.
“These are the heifers first calves, so we’ll see how they go.”
Mr Henderson said they had joined the Never Ever program to add more marketing options for their cattle and for the buyers.
Long-time vendor, Lea Worseldine of Creighton Grange Angus, Mt Taylor, will offer about 40 head.
“I think it will be a good sale,” Ms Worseldine said.
“I went to the last store sale recently to compare cattle types and the price jumped a couple of hundred dollars a head.
“Our weaners are 10 months old and are very quiet, we weaned them in late June.
“They’re looking alright so we’re hoping for a good price, it will be interesting to see how it goes.”
She said the weaners were by Merlewood and Adamleuca bulls.
Ms Worseldine said they had joined the Never Ever program as the declaration allowed buyers to buy with confidence and gave an added value to their stock.
Mr Jones said the past winter had been wetter and slightly colder than last year.
“Some cattle are showing the effect of those seasonal conditions, but the breeding is there and that’s what will get them through,” he said.
The Bill Wyndham and Company Livestock and Real Estate Special Spring Store sale will start at 9am on Monday, August 12.
