Weaner markets provide an early insight
24 January 2025
Key points:
- NSW and Queensland are active in weaner sales.
- A number of animals were lighter and unweaned due to the season in southern Australia.
- Some pens fetched over $2,000/head.
Earlier this month, MLA covered several Victoria weaner sales. Here, our analysts have summarised the key insights from those sales – which are an important barometer of restocker sentiment for the remainder of the year. The market reports for the weaner sales covered by MLA are available here.
Despite dry and difficult conditions in western and south-east Victoria, the sales were rather strong. The dry season meant more unweaned animals were presented for sale than usual and that some weights were back. This, however, did not dent demand.
Buyers from Queensland and NSW were active in the markets given improved seasons and better grass availability in the northern states. The prices, yardings and interest indicate that northern restockers and feedlots expect the market to perform well in 2025.
There was a keen interest from buyers in Wodonga, with some Angus weaner pens fetching over $2,000/head.
Additionally, MLA has produced some collateral helping explain the weaner market – especially end markets, weights and location which you can view here.
