HAMILTON’S Annual Weaner Sales begin on Monday at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange.

The week will see 22,000 head of cattle put through the yards.

Livestock Agents Association president, Craig Pertzel said the week is always an “iconic yarding of cattle”.

“The Hamilton weaner sales are renowned as some of the best calves in Australia,” he said.

“Most heavy steers will trade between 300 and 310 cents per kilogram, medium and light between 330 and 380c/kg

“Which will make most steer calves between $1000 and $1300.”

Lanyons director, Warren Clark, said recent rains have strengthened price expectations.

Mr Clark was confident Hamilton’s sales will see more inquiry from northern buyers which was sure to increase the sales’ competitiveness.

“You will see a lot more yellow number plates than in previous years,” he said.

“Expectations are a bit brighter than they were before Christmas. There’s been a lot of moisture in the north and it’s given everyone a bit of confidence.”

“The northern boys are all cattlemen and they’ve had a big sell off due to the El Niño.”

With rain revitalising pastureland in northern Victoria and parts of New South Wales, producers are looking for young cattle.

He pointed to strong sales in Wodonga and Wangaratta this year, which he says are promising.

Bernie Grant from LMB Livestock & Land said black steers at the Mortlake sales on Thursday were ticking along between 300 and 330c/kg.

Across the week, the majority of steers were going for 300 or 310c/kg and he expected Hamilton will on par, even a bit dearer given strong producer presence at sales in the state’s north this week who are sure to make their way down.

“It will be similar and if it’s a tad stronger that would be fantastic.”