TRLX acting manager Dan Greenwood said he was expecting the quality to be even better than the good weaners which sold at the store cattle sale on March 21.

Last year’s drop of weaners has been hitting NSW saleyards since February – but the rain in the final week of March has really helped push sales along.

Tamworth Saleyards Selling Agents’ Association president Angus Newcombe said a massive penning of between 2000 and 3000 weaners was expected this Friday.

“The quality and condition is still, surprisingly, pretty good from the season that we’ve had,” Mr Newcombe said.

On Friday, the so-called inaugural Weaner Challenge & Sale, which starts at 11am, will see a $1500 prize given to the seller of the champion pen of steers.

The prize includes $1000 worth of MultiMin and Cydectin Long-Acting from Virbac Animal Health, plus $500 from the Tamworth Saleyards Selling Agents’ Association.

Sellers are coming from Walcha, Woolbrook, Manilla, Yarrowitch and Willow Tree.

There were also more than 1000 weaners sold in the store cattle sale on March 21.

Garvin & Cousens stock and station agent Chris Gooch said Gunnedah had a “red-hot sale” of weaners in the last week of March.

“As a whole, it will definitely see the market improve over the next few weeks,” he said.

The market had “definitely lifted – it’s stronger, without a doubt”.

“Over the next few weeks it will continue to push forward,” Mr Gooch said.

There had not been such a big demand for heifers – but with the rain and oats having been planted the outlook had improved.