Former Warrnambool Stock Agents Association president Anthony Mahony said the cattle were presenting well after the heavy rain of last week. 

“It’s not a big yarding but we’re seeing a very nice line of cattle,” he said. 

Recently appointed president Jack Kelly said the sale had been “very, very good” with a yarding of 1400 head, attracting buyers from across the State and into South Australia. 

“It was sort of a real winter-time yarding because of the cold weather lately,” he said. 

“Which gives people an opportunity to buy lighter heifers and steers.”

Mr Kelly said local interest was also strong with south-west farmers well placed for a good spring. 

“A lot have sold-off fat cattle across winter and the grass is starting to grow too so they’re cashed up to buy now,” he said.

“It’s a ripping start to a great season.”

The top price for steers was 410 cents per kilo, making just on $1533 with open auction steers reaching $1300. Heifers sold at 365c/kg bringing the top price to $1532 and open auction top price to $1420. Best cows and calves made $2675.

“Really, really happy with the result,” Mr Kelly said. 

Elders agent Jack Hickey said the open auction was “strong” with prices “as good as (they’d) seen”.

The runner-up 2016 Victorian Young Auctioneer said the sale had been very good with “grass everywhere” leading into a good season. 

South-west farmers agreed the sale was a positive start to spring.

Port Fairy farmer Julie Holcombe brought her three grandchildren to the sale to sell eight heifers. 

“It’s been a good wet season,” she said. “It’ll definitely make for change.”

Hawkesdale farmer Richard McRae also said it was shaping up to be a good season.

The farmer of 30 years brought his wife Caroline, son Blake, 2, and 11-week-old daughter Tess to the Warrnambool sale for the first time. 

“It looks good so far,” Mr McRae said. “We’ll have to see how it goes.”