The Western District’s weaner sales continued on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with the Hamilton All Breeds Mixed Sex & Euro Weaner Sale. About 2800 cattle were yarded, achieving an average price of 375 cents per kilogram (c/kg) or $1,182 and grossing $3,191,729.60. Independent agents—including Southern Grampians Livestock, Kerr & Co Livestock, J.M. Ellis & Co, LMB Livestock, and Lanyons Stock & Station Agents—facilitated the sales, catering primarily to buyers from Northern New South Wales, South Australia and local regions.
The Champion Pen of Herefords was awarded to Beerik Partnership, operated by Gordon, Jane, Owen and Meg McClure. Judge Tim Hutton, “Nigretta”, Hamilton praised the pen for its consistency and quality, noting, “They’re consistent, have a more even load and are good quality.” Gordon McClure commented on the seasonal challenges, stating, “We had a pretty ordinary winter, good until October; ’til now, water is going to be cutting out soon.” Despite these conditions, their champion pen averaged 366 kg, with Mr. McClure commenting that “they’re down 15kg now, [down] 25kg at weaning but they’ve weaned well,” reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the breed.
The champion pen of 31 Hereford, Yarram Park, Injemira and Melville Park blood steers were purchased for 384c/kg or $1,407 by commission buyer Andrew Lowe from Wagga Wagga, NSW, who bought the total draft of 73 Beerik Partnership steers on offer. The latter comprising of 42 steers weighing 346 kg, sold for 390c/kg or $1,349, destined for feedlotter Paul Mason in Wellington, NSW. Mr. Mason also acquired the top-priced Hereford, Yarram Park and Mawarra blood steers from Leon Wheeler of Wallacedale—a pen of 31 steers weighing 391 kg at 406c/kg or $1,589.
Although the heavier weights seem to slightly perform better today with weights between 320kg to over 360kg averaging 370c/kg; weights under 320kg averaged not far behind at 360c/kg. That said a standout in the under 320kg weights was Alva Downs’ Cam and Carol Emmerson who sold their pen of 20 Simmental x Hereford steers, weighing 290 kg, for 414c/kg or $1,202. These steers are heading to a dairy farm operation in Mt. Gambier to be grown out as bullocks.
The strong performance of the sale underlines the ongoing demand for quality weaners, even amidst seasonal challenges. The resilience shown by the breeders, particularly in tough conditions, and the solid prices achieved, highlight the robustness of the market in the Western District.

The buyer gallery at Hamilton 15 January

Cameron Pepper, Tahara, Alice and Rhys Wheeler with baby Oliver, Wallacedale

Champion pen awarded to Beerik Partnership, Jane and Gordon McClure with Judge Tim Hutton, “Nigretta” and Herefords Australia CEO, Alastair James.

Take 2 of the Champion pen of Herefords with the Beerik Partnerships, Owen and Meg McClure with baby Rupert.

The champion pen of Beerik Partnership Yarram Park, Injemira & Melville Park blood Hereford Steers, judged by Tim Hutton, “Nigretta”.

Herefords Australia Youth member Mila Pollifrone with her Dad Jo Pollifrone and little sister Nina. Mila has has started her own stud “Limelight Poll Herefords” and is excited that she has her first stud calf due to arrive in April 2025.

Paul and Rhys Malseed, Orana Herefords.