CATTLE producers from throughout the Alpine Shire and beyond will be out in force at Myrtleford today for the Myrtleford Spring Special Cattle Sale.
The sale commences at the Nutrien Ivone Yards (corner of Matheson Rd and Great Alpine Rd) from 10.30am and agent Dan Ivone expects between 1200 to 1300 head to be yarded.
"They're mostly local cattle from the Ovens, Kiewa and King valleys," he said.
"It's been a pretty tough autumn and winter and some of the cattle may be a little down on condition, but they're quality cattle and hoping the prices will reflect that.
"We're hoping to see a bit of interest from feedlots for the bigger steers, and local producers for the cows and calves and weaners."
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Mr Ivone said a number of producers were looking to lighten their stock numbers.
Local producer Scott Witherow is among them, offering up 33 cows and calves.
He had hoped for better conditions this year, but ultimately made the early decision to sell stock.
“We didn’t get the break we were hoping for this autumn,” Mr Witherow said.
“And the (pasture) growth from over the winter season has been lower than anticipated.
“So, we’ve had to rely on buying additional hay to feed our animals.
“Rather than rely on ‘ifs’, ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’, I’ve made the hard call to sell them."
Mr Witherow said he would have liked to have kept the animals until the calf sales in May next year, but he's had to cut numbers back to let the feed go further.
“It is how it is, farming’s a gamble and you’ve got to make decisions,” he said.
Despite the current conditions, Mr Witherow said he was looking forward to attending today's sale.
“It’s a good local event, convenient for nearby farmers,” he said.
“Some attend just for the social aspect and for a good day out.
“If it’s nearby, you face less cartage for your cattle, moving them over a shorter distance.
“It’s easier on the cattle and also the farmers who don’t have to travel to Wangaratta or Barnawatha to sell their animals.”
For information on today's sale and other upcoming events, visit: https://herdonline.com.au/
