The Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange was bustling today as backgrounders, restockers, feedlotters, and commissioned buyers gathered for the Hamilton all breeds steer sale. Buyers from across Queensland and southern parts of Australia flocked to secure steers at the 14 January fixture sale.
The sale grossed $3,623,374 with 2652 lots sold and recorded an average price of 405c/kg or $1366, an increase compared to the previous year’s average of 326c/kg or $1106. Steers weighing under 280kg averaged 399c/kg, with the lead pen of autumn drop steers in this weight range fetching 450c/kg or $1187. Among the standout performers, a pen of Hereford steers from Inverell Herefords topped the sale for steers weighing between 281kg-320kg, achieving $1540 or 444c/kg. The average was 418c/kg. Steers weighing between 321kg – 360kg, with an average of 398c/kg, reached a top of 426c/kg or $1230, while heavier steers above 360kg averaged 385c/kg and sold to a top of 420c/kg.
John and Liz Craig of Inverell Herefords presented a standout pen of 44 cattle, earning them the Champion Pen ribbon. Judge Sam Larsen of Elders Smithton Tasmania praised the steers for their weight for age, shape, length, and bone structure. Larsen remarked, “These calves have got plenty of weight for age, good shape and length about them and there’s plenty of bone to work with, so I think they’ll grow into pretty big bullocks within the next 12 months. They’re bred very well, so they should perform.”
Commissioned buyer Andrew Lowe from Wagga Wagga, NSW, secured over 300 steers for Northern NSW backgrounders, including the Champion pen of Inverell Hereford steers at 382c/kg or $1589. Alex Scott & Staff agents Neil Darby and Morgan Croucher from Warragul purchased Hereford cattle for backgrounding in West Gippsland, while Willinga Pastoral Co. acquired 284 head destined for Juandah Plains, Wandoan QLD.
Despite concerns over seasonal conditions, the sale performed strongly, with lighter weight steers receiving high bids. Vendors noted that rainfall had been sparse since mid-2024 but did not significantly impact the sale outcomes. John Craig said, “We’ve entered these cattle this year at pretty similar weights to last year. They’re weighing 403kg this year, compared to 406kg last year.”
Today’s sale demonstrated strong demand, particularly for backgrounders and lighter weight steers. The competitive bidding and notable prices reflect the resilience and quality of the cattle offered today.

The Hamilton all breeds steer sale grossed $3,623,374 with 2652 lots sold and recorded an average price of 405c/kg or $1366

The Champion pen of Hereford steers awarded to Inverell Herefords, John and Liz Craig. L-R Sam Larsen, Elders Smithton, Liz Craig, John Craig and Alastair James, CEO Herefords Australia

Elders in action as the bids fly on 14 January at Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange

David Jenkin, Banemore Herefords, Penshurst Vic.

Nutrien take the bids at the Hamilton all breeds steer sale 14 January 2025

George and Archie Malseed, Myamyn.

Violet, Bonnie and Jaymen Fletcher, Bessie Belle.

Ben Davies, Thomas Foods with Alastair James, CEO Herefords Australia