RESTOCKERS chasing first cross vealer mothers paid to $1980 at Wodonga today. 

The first day of the Premier annual female sale kicked off with a yarding of 950 females.

Major vendor Neville Watkins, of Charleroi, offered 190 Angus and Hereford-Friesian cross heifers, two and a half-year-olds, joined to stud Limousin bulls for an eight-week February calving.

The run averaged $1539 and topped at $1620, with one lot passed in.

A disappointed Mr Watkins said last year's offering had averaged $1610.

"The market was down on last year, although cows and calves did top at $1980," he said.

"Many heifers with four to six week old calves sold for $1700.

"There was not enough people there – maybe they can't get suitable replacements and are switching to beef bred heifers.

"We do a fair bit to present the cattle with blood testing, joining and pregnancy testing so it is a bit of a cost."

Mr Watkins said April calving heifers sold for $1500 and bottomed at $1260.

"Most pens were selling for $1500 which was similar to the (pre-Christmas) market," he said.

Tomorrow's day two of the Premier sale is set to feature 3200 beef bred females.