CHAROLAIS calves perform well at northern weaner sales each year, with good demand from lotfeeders and restockers, according to Charolais Society of Australia breed development manager Colin Rex.
Large numbers of European breed weaners are sold through the Gunnedah Powerhouse liveweight weaner sale, as well as the annual George and Fuhrmann annual European weaner sale, the second of three weaner sales at Casino.
The main advantage of Charolais cattle are through heterosis (hybrid vigour), whether in cow and calf production or to improve weight gain to finish cattle earlier, Mr Rex said.
"With the powerhouse sale, we've traditionally had a good number of Charolais-cross calves from Moree, Barraba, Gunnedah and the Liverpool Plains.
"A lot of these areas are focused on crossbreeding and they acknowledge the benefit of heterosis with Charolais cattle.
"With the coastal country being a tougher environment Charolais bulls cross well with the Bos Indicus females. Charolais calves have regularly topped that sale."
Both sales, Gunnedah and Casino, are on March 30.