The bidding continued on the eve of the final day of the western district’s weaner sales at the Hamilton All Breeds Heifer Sale on Thursday 16 January. There was strong participation as repeat bidders battled it out for the 1750 quality heifers in the line up at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange. Hereford producer John Craig from Inverell Herefords spoke about the challenges of the dry season, noting, “Although we’ve come off the back of a very difficult season, we’ve just had a good preg [pregnancy] testing which is always a bonus about the breed, with pretty close to 90% in a very dry season that’s seen 175ml [of rain] below average. To still come away with 90% average was good.” John and Liz Craig were also awarded the Herefords Australia Best Presented Champion Pen for their heifers, marking it the second time this week they received the honour. Judge Cody Chapman from JBS Central Victoria praised the quality of the heifers, noting their depth and good breeding, giving recognition to their Yarram Park and Glendan Park bloodlines. Mr. Chapman, who was attending today as an observer to meet with a few clients and gauge the market, noted it was encouraging to see the strong confidence in the market, as reflected in the attendance today and the previous day at the Hamilton All Breeds Steer Sale.
The sale saw a total gross of $1,774,330, an average price of 334c/kg or $1014, with the top price reaching $1388 or 380c/kg. The Champion Pen of purebred Inverell Herefords, owned by the Craig family, sold for 344c/kg or $1,062, purchased by Marc Greening of Injemira Beef Genetics, NSW. Mr Greening also bought the neighbouring pen of 36 Yarram Park, Injemira, and Melville Park blood heifers from the Beerik Partnership for 340c/kg or $955.
The fourth Hereford sale on Thursday was part of a series of Western District weaner sales, with the final sales set January 17, at Casterton in the morning, followed by another sale at Hamilton to conclude the week. As buyers quickly ushered cattle to the loading pens at the conclusion of the sale, they made the dash to Western Victoria Livestock Exchange at Mortlake, where another 8,000 cattle were auctioned.

Herefords Australia CEO, Alastair James with John “JT” Turvey, Condamine, QLD

Alastair James with Liz and John Craig, Inverell Herefords who were awarded the Champion pen of Herefords.

Ben Hiscock, Mt Napier, Jackie O’Brien, Hamilton and Eddie, Digby.

Bruce Millard, Hamilton.

The buyer gallery, Hamilton 16 January.

The Champion pen of Hereford heifers, Inverell Herefords.

Judge of the Champion pen of Hereford heifers, Cody Chapman, JBS Central Victoria.

Elders in action taking bids at the Hamilton All Breeds Weaner Heifer sale, Thursday 16 January 2025

Inverell Herefords John and Liz Craig with Alastair James and Marc Greening, Injemira Beef Genetics, Book Book NSW who purchased the champion pen of 308kg heifers for 344c/kg or $1,062.