MORE than 16,500 calves will stream out of Victoria's North East over three big days of sales next month.
But just where they will sell to remains the big unknown.
A bumper season in the Ovens, Kiewa, Mitta, Tallangatta and Murray valleys will see the tops of the steer calves tip the scales at 400kg and southern restocker demand steady, selling agents say.
But without significant and widespread rain across NSW this week, the northern buyers who typically underpin these annual sales will be noticeably absent and rates will suffer, says Corcoran Parker principal Trevor Parker.
"We expect the going to be tough," Mr Parker said.
The sales run from January 6 to 8. Mr Parker said the tops of their draft of steers would weigh 370-400kg and the balance 300-330kg.
He said there would be fewer heifers than in past years due to low prices. "Lots of people who have the grass have opted to hold heifers, join them and wait until the market improves," he said.
However, he said first-cross females will sell well, aided by a steady cow market.
"We expect joined heifers to make from $800 to $900 as old cows have been making up to $700," he said.
Corcoran Parker, Elders and Landmark will kick off with 4000 Angus calves on January 6 and a further 4000 Hereford, black baldy and European-blood calves the next day.
Independent agents Brian Unthank Rodwell, Paull & Scollard, Peter Ruaro Livestock and Kindelland Livestock & Property will combine to offer a further 4500 mixed-sex calves for their annual weaner sale on January 8.
Brian Unthank Rodwell's Michael Unthank said he expected the best steers to command 170-180c/kg and heifers 155-160c/kg.
"As long as the sale holds (their) pre-Christmas rates, our vendors will be happy," he said.
A further 1500 first-cross females will be offered at Wodonga on January 14, 2000 beef-bred females the following day and 2000 store cattle on January 21.
