Hazy conditions caused by Victorian bushfires greeted buyers at Colac's heifer weaner sale on Monday where more than 1500 cattle were presented for sale.
Joined heifers topped the market at $1775 for a pen of nine Angus heifers by Lavender and Drake, however, prices and demand eased on others lines of cattle, agents said.
Western Victoria restockers took advantage of the cows and calves and preg-tested females, while a select group of feedlotters put a floor in the sale.
Colac Stock Agents Association president and Charles Stewart & Co agent Matthew Nelson said grown and weaner heifers made between 240-255 cents a kilogram on average.
"Prices were consistent and were what we were expecting today," Mr Nelson said.
"Considering the state of the country with fire and drought we can't have over expectations so I think we were on par with what other regions are experiencing."
Agents initially expected to yard about 1800 heifers, however, the smaller yarding was due to a number of factors including good seasonal conditions in western Victoria.
"We also thought the little cattle were going to be a bit tougher so the tail end of the calves might not have been there which forced our numbers back a bit," Mr Nelson said.
HF Richardson Geelong/Colac auctioneer Matt Sculley described the sale as "tough going".
"We were prepared for it, but we were hoping it was going to be a bit better," Mr Sculley said.
"We expected 240-250 cents a kilo and there were a few pens that made up to the 270s but personally I was expecting the result we had but would have liked a bit more."
In memory of their late father - Murray Howard - who died last year, Matt and Sarah Howard, Beeac, sold one of the top pens at the sale with 10 Angus heifers, 395kg, for $1090 or 275c/kg.
"Most years [Murray] didn't sell the tops of his drop, they kept the best heifers, but this year they were their absolute best heifers which was a credit to them and to Murray," Mr Sculley said.
Shone and Sheedy also recorded a top pen with 26 Angus heifers, 9-11 months, 319kg, for $900 or 282c/kg.
Charles Stewart Dove Colac director/auctioneer Shelby Howard said the sale reflected the challenging conditions the industry was experiencing across Victoria.
"The top-end of the weaner cattle were very good but prices did reflect a bit what's happening across the state," Mr Howard said.
"Feedlotters weren't so strong on the cattle here compared to last year's sale but I think we have to expect that given the current situation across the state.
"We had a very good run of Charolais cattle here today from Richard and Phyllis McDonald who presented a good pen of heifer weaners ... and the top of their cattle today made $920."
Mark and Leah Jacob, Dreeite, sold 96 heifers, incluing a pen of 15, 336kg, for $835 or 248c/kg.
Fairview sold 8x8 Hereford heifers with September/October drop calves for $1950.
Mingawalla Ag sold nine Angus heifers, 13-14 months, 372kg, for $850 or 228c/kg.
Oslands sold 12 Shorthorn heifers, 10-12 months, 375kg, for $900 or 240c/kg.
The Pines Farming sold 14 Angus heifers, 10-11 months, 367kg, for $900 or 245c/kg.
D and P Kelly sold seven Angus heifers, 335kg, for $820 or 244c/kg.
D Triangle sold four Red Angus heifers, 10-11 months, 330kg, for $780 or 236c/kg.
