Weaner wonderland as prices jump

Many vendors are reporting profits 40 cents a kilogram to 50c/kg higher than at the same time last year. But, many are offering lighter cattle because of dry spring conditions.

Naracoorte Combined Agents Association chairman Jason Mahney said prices had risen 20-30c/kg compared to sales held before Christmas.

"At the moment, prices are being boosted because of the rain that's fallen through NSW and Qld," he said.

Mr Mahney said cattle from weaner sales had been sold to locations throughout the eastern states, including Roma, Qld, and Inverell and Albury in NSW.

"We had two weaner sales before Christmas and because the weather conditions had been dry and there wasn't enough paddock feed many people thought it was time for their cattle to go," he said.

"I just think with a lot of cattle being sold previously, we've now hit that time where numbers are back and that's driving the prices up."

There were widespread rains across SA and Vic's Western District in the past week, with Naracoorte recording more than 25mm and many in the Western District receiving 25-50mm overnight on Monday.

"This rain will help some summer crops and the lucerne, but it's really too early for the pasture paddocks to benefit," Mr Mahney said.

Black cattle were still highly sought after in the saleyard.

"Angus is still the main breed where people are paying better money," Mr Mahney said.