A Powerhouse sale at Gunnedah

The yarding, which includes big lines of Angus and European-cross weaners, attracts strong interest each year, with feedlots looking to take the heaviest weaners.

Victorian agent Anthony Delaney, Rodwells and Co, Pakenham, is among the feedlot buyers who supports the sale each year, purchasing between 100 and 200 head for Victorian feedlots.

Having such a big selection of Euro-cross weaners is a big bonus.

"For the lotfeeding job, we chase that Euro-cross calf," Mr Delaney said.

"If you go to other sales there are only a few pens of European bred cattle."

 The Gunnedah sale is good timing for Mr Delaney's clients.

"It's the perfect timing for us to be putting them on feed," he said.

"We can get them started on feed before the cold weather hits, they're already halfway through their program once winter sets in.

"I try to buy them at 300kg, otherwise they'll be backgrounded for a while.”

Selling agent Luke Scicluna, Davidson, Cameron and Company, Gunnedah, said the sale would include between 4500 and 5000 weaners, with another 1000 head to be sold at Moree the following day.

“Calves are coming from Timor, Nundle, Quirindi, Gunnedah and Narrabri, and we’ve got a couple of lines from the Walgett area for the first time.”

Mr Scicluna said he expected a slightly stronger market compare to last year, thanks to recent rainfall across the region.

Last year’s steers topped at 363 cents per kilogram and $1329 a head and averaged 316c/kg and $892, while heifers sold to a top of 329c/kg and $1173, averaging averaged 287c/kg and $789.

“We’re expecting a strong market, in line with other regional sales, because of the rain, but also the quality calves that are yarded,” Mr Scicluna said.

“The rain has been patchy but I think there’s been enough people getting under that rain, and it’s allowing more people to plant oats.”