The Mountain Calf Sales continued in full force at Benambra on Tuesday, 4 March, with Elders agents yarding approximately 1,700 Hereford calves. A strong crowd of buyers and vendors gathered for the highly anticipated sale, which once again highlighted the enduring demand for quality Hereford cattle.
A standout moment of the day was Russell and Merilyn Pendergast being awarded the prestigious Herefords Australia Best-Presented Pen. The couple, long-time Hereford breeders, were elated to receive the recognition with Mrs. Pendergast stating, “It had been 15 years since we last received the award, and we’re so happy to be recognised for it.”
Their pen of 81 Hereford, Mawarra, and Sugarloaf Creek-blood, 10-11 month mixed-sex cattle sold strongly, with the best-presented pen fetching $1,590, and 12 steers selling for $1,220. The Pendergasts also sold 37 heifers at the sale, with 14 making $1,110, another 14 selling for $1,090, and nine reaching $990.
The Champion Pen was judged by Lincoln McKinlay, who praised the winning steers as “probably the most uniform pen in the yards—really nice and industry-relevant. They’re going to go on and feed really nicely. They’re beautifully marked, with plenty of bone and performance, and that’s the end result of sourcing really good quality genetics over a long period. Plenty of performance and plenty of growing left and just beautifully finished.”
Among the visitors at the sale were Cliff and Judy Hayes from Swan Hill, who attended with their son Peter and daughter-in-law Allyson, looking to incorporate Hereford heifers into their Shorthorn cross operation. Also selling at the sale were Craig and Bonnie Orchard, who yarded 173 head for W.A. Pendergast, and Stuart Pendergast, who sold 300 head across the three sales on Tuesday. Both vendors were pleased with the results, noting the prices exceeded their initial expectations.
Manny Portelli, a repeat buyer from Warragul, returned to Benambra this year to purchase another pen of steers from Dianne Anderson, with Mr Portelli reflecting that the steers purchased from the same sale last year had performed exceptionally well, motivating him to buy again.
Elders auctioneer Ryan Sargeant commented on the diverse buying gallery and strong competition, noting that the best lighter steers hit “just” on 400 cents per kilogram. “Expectations at Benambra were well and truly met and even exceeded in some areas. In general terms, the market was very solid considering the season we’re having, but I think they all sold very strongly,” Mr Sargent remarked.
Benambra sale 2025
The Champion pen of Hereford steers going under the hammer with Elders for $1590.
Kylie Ward, Taylah Tulloch, Indy Murray and Tegan Vanderslick, East Gippsland Livestock Exchange.
Craig and Bonnie Orchard, Benambra.
Stuart Pendergast, Joss Battersby and Ella Bennett.
Elders team in action under the scorching sun at the 2025 Benambra leg of the Mountain Calf Sales.
Allyson, Peter, Judy and Cliff Hayes, Swan Hill.
Manny Portelli, Warragul, purchased a pen of steers from Di Anderson.
Alastair James, CEO Herefords Australia and Anthony Delaney, Elders.
Ryan Sargeant, Elders.
