WODONGA reaped the rewards of northern competition at opening weaner sales, earning major premiums over southern calves.
While Wodonga's offering of 12,900 head generated $9.8 million for vendors and price rises, Western District producers missed out.
Many of their drafts of calves sold cheaper than pre-Christmas and the normal premiums for lighter calves were non-existent.
Landmark buyer Mark Barton said the Hamilton agents' decision to change the sale dates this year affected northern buyers' ability to get to the Western District.
"It was a mistake to split it," he said.
"Vendors deserve as much competition as they can get and that decision removed some of the northern competition from the Western District sales. They didn't ask buyers."
Landmark Casterton's Greg Bright agreed the changed dates "didn't help".
Their belief was backed up by prices paid at Wodonga, where heavy weaner steers made to 250c/kg but lighter steers, 250-350kg, sold to 284c/kg.
This compared with the best rates in the Western District of about 250c/kg at Hamilton and Casterton, where most calves returned 220-230c/kg.
But what did attract a premium were weaners accredited through the European Union program, which sold up to 10c/kg dearer than non-EU cattle.
Towong cattle producer Glen Ward sold 336kg Angus steers at Wodonga for $870 (258c/kg liveweight) and classed the prices as a "good rate".
"The tops made $80 more than last year," he said.
"Overall the market is pretty satisfying - feed and grain prices could have a little to do with it."
Albury's John Fowler paid 252c/kg, or $770-$870 for Angus heifers, 344kg, at Wodonga, and also rated the market as dearer. " I thought I would have to pay $800-$820 but the market was $50 dearer."
In the Western District, vendors were more subdued but accepted the cheaper rates paid reflected the current prime cattle market.
Vendor Geoff Notman, of Mt Widderin, sold Hereford steers to $871, well down on last year's $1012.
"I think today's market reflects the fact that prices last year were a bit too high," he said.
"These prices are more sensible for the buyers, and there is still a margin in it for the breeder so we're still happy."
Meanwhile the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator closed at 419.25c/kg on its first day of trade on Monday, down from 2011 close of 426.75c/kg.
