More than 9300 Angus cattle were sold during the opening week at Barnawartha with all agents pleased with results.

After the record highs of the past 12 to 24 months, concerns of a market slump were unfounded as prices reflected the quality, helped by friendly competition.

This week’s sales for Herefords and mixed breeds open on January 10 with Corcoran Parker again conducting a solo sale of about 2500 calves and grown cattle.

Independent agents will offer more than 3000 on January 11 with Landmark and Elders listing upwards of 2800 head on Friday to close the premium weaner sales.

“It was an excellent start,” Elders Albury agent Brett Shea said of Friday’s sale, “It probably exceeded our pre-sale expectations, it’s fair to say the market built as the week went on.

“Generally the Angus demand a small premium but we’re very confident we’ll receive similar results this week … once the price is set for these weaners they keep making it all through January.”

Alongside restockers, quality Hereford and Black Baldys are in demand among certified grass-fed producers looking to build on their herds.

“There’s a lot of grass-fed programs where the end product is the meat, Certified Grass-Fed, whether they’re black or red or whatever they all fall into the same bracket, and that will drive the market this week,” he said.

Mr Shea said many vendors breed with the January sales in mind which drew repeat buyers familiar with the lines on offer.