‘Unheard of’ prices at Victorian weaner sales spark concern cattle market is overcooked

Farmers are banking on an ever-increasing market to get a return after paying “never seen before” prices for young cattle at sales in Victoria this week.

Each year the state hosts a series of “weaner” cattle sales, which kicks off in the first week of January. Young, recently-weaned cattle are sold to buyers who will continue to feed them and grow them until they reach full weight.

However, increased competition has led many to suggest this year’s sales are the best, or most expensive, ever — prompting fears that beef farmers might struggle to make a profit at the other end.

The extra demand has, in part, been attributed to buyers travelling to Victoria from Queensland and New South Wales, where farmers are seeking cattle to…