Herefords in the High Country – Hinnomunjies Enduring Success.

The first leg of the highly anticipated Mountain Calf Sales kicked off in Hinnomunjie yesterday morning, with Nutrien agents yarding an impressive 1,008 cattle that went under the hammer. Top prices soared to $2,250, with an overall sale average of $1,155.50, grossing a significant $1,164,740. 

The event attracted an outstanding crowd of registered bidders, with locals also converging on the sale to get an early indication on pricing ahead of the Benambra, Omeo and Ensay sales. Despite the challenging seasonal conditions experienced across Southern Australia over the past 6 to 12 months the sale proved a success with confidence in the market remaining steady. The sale once again demonstrated the unwavering demand for quality Hereford cattle and set a strong precedent for the remainder of the Mountain Calf Sales.  

The prestigious Champion Pen was awarded to Peter Soutter’s pen of 24 steers, which sold for $1,530 to Wellington Livestock. Judge Alan Mitchell praised the steers as “genuine calves at 10 months of age, deep, good square cattle, good in the hair, well weaned, and just a really nice pen of calves.” 

New buyers Michael and Carol Nichol, Warragul VIC, were eager to check out the market, looking to purchase at the Mt Calf Sales for the first time in 2025.  

The sale also saw the participation of emerging producers Carmen and Jaime Fitzgerald from Shannonvale, VIC, who sold their first pen of steers to Nutrien East Gippsland. They are looking to expand their herd, with Jaime stating, “We are looking at purchasing more heifers in the next 18 months to 2 years.”  

Discussing his breeding program, Jaime highlighted key selection criteria: “I look for good calving shape, muscle content, dark eyes, and good temperament—the quieter, the better—especially with the kids, as my eldest daughter Imogen (13) is keen to start helping.” 

A milestone moment was celebrated for independent agent Graeme Fullgrabe, who marked his 50th Hinnomunjie Sale at the iconic Mackenzie’s Lane Saleyards. Wrapping up the sale, Graeme Fullgrabe reflected on the event, noting, “It was a hell of a crowd, wonderful people, and the cattle looked good. No different to other years really. With South Gippsland not being in the flashest of seasons, we’re relying heavily on the feedlots, and they’re doing a short 60- or 90-day feed, which is very good. We drafted all the heifers that we thought might have gone to breeders, but with the current cow market, they’ve all gone to feedlots because they had the frame and were at least 350kg.”