The final Casterton sale of 2025 highlighted the resilience and quality of the Hereford heifers. Despite earlier seasonal challenges, the sale underscored the importance of selective breeding and adaptability, with Herefords proving their mettle once again. Agents yarded an impressive 2,476 heifers, recording an average price of 324c/kg or $910 per head.
Tallara Holdings, managed by Anthony and Bindy Lees of Miga Lake, achieved the top price pen of Herefords, selling for 340c/kg or $1,031 to Injemira Beef Genetics in Book Book, NSW.
David Lyons of Melville Park Herefords also made significant contributions, selling 27 Hereford heifers, weighing 273kg, for 302c/kg or $824. Mr Lyons compared the challenging conditions of early 2024 to the severe drought of 1967/68, highlighting the resilience of the Hereford breed during tough times. He remarked, “Even when it is tough, the Herefords handle it very well. They’re easy doers and once they do get feed, they respond very well and bounce back quickly.”
Dr. Jane Gaussen of “The Livestock Vet” in Pallagio, VIC, praised the resilience of Herefords during difficult seasons emphasising the importance of breeding programs and selective genetics. Dr Gaussen noted “The Herefords have performed really well in their response to feed, and although they [producers] had to supplement with feed, it was the right decision. The condition of the cattle reflects this.”.
Dr. Gaussen also highlighted the fertility of Hereford heifers, stating their “amazing ability to get in calf even off the back of a dry season.” She elaborated on the advantages of working with Herefords, saying, “Their docility is a really attractive advantage from a handling perspective. Herefords typically are very docile, and they learn very quickly. A really good docile animal is going to be less stressed, and a less stressed animal is going to put on more kilos more efficiently. They’re going to have better immunity, they’re going to have better response in different environments, and they’re going to be more adaptable which is really, really important.”
James Brown of Ray White Rural, Albury, judged the champion pen of Herefords from Tallara Holdings, noting the impressive presentation and uniform quality of the cattle. “The richness and colour displayed are true to type for the breed,” he said, commending the evenness and quality of the heifers. Despite challenging seasonal conditions, Mr Brown acknowledged the overall good presentation of the cattle across the Western District sales. He credited producers for maintaining high standards.
The Casterton sale revealed varying averages based on weight categories: heifers under 280kg averaged 281c/kg, heifers between 281kg-320kg averaged 317c/kg, heifers between 320kg-360kg averaged 327c/kg, and heifers over 360kg averaged 335c/kg. Rick Smith, Nutrien Casterton’s livestock manager, noted the positive impact of additional buying support from NSW buyers, which injected more confidence into the annual market compared to earlier sales in the week.

David Lyons, Melville Park Herefords sold his pen of 27, 273kg heifers for 302c/kg or $824

Elders take bids on the final Casterton sale in the western districts weaner circuit for 2025

Dr Jane Gaussen, The Livestock Vet, Pialligo, VIC with Bindy Lees, Tallara Holdings and 2nd year Animal Science student from University of Adelaide, Abbey Freebairn.

Connor, Hannah and Nick Lambert

Jeoff Hortle, “Butchers” with Manny Carlin, “Taronga”, Casterton.

James Brown, Ray White Rural, Albury who awarded the Champion Pen of Herefords to Bindy Lees, Tallara Holdings and purchaser Marc Greening, Injemira Beef Genetics, Book Book, NSW

Nutrien in action at the final Casterton weaner sale for 2025

Lucy Cameron, Clyde Lawrence, Karinga Herefords, Abbie Cameron and Hugo Cameron, Casterton

Casterton heifers, Friday 17 January 2025