Record Breaking Week at HRLX
Published on 30 January 2026
The Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) has recorded its biggest sales week on record, with more than $22 million worth of livestock sold in a single week, a powerful sign of renewed confidence across the region’s agricultural sector.
The milestone was achieved during the week of 12-16 January 2026, capping off a standout period for the exchange and providing a welcome boost for producers following two challenging years of drought.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Dennis Heslin, said the result was an encouraging signal for local farmers and the broader rural economy.
“After the season we’ve come through, these results really do put a smile on the faces of a lot of farmers,” Cr Heslin said.
“To see strong prices, particularly for heifers performing well above expectations, speaks volumes about the confidence returning to the region. That doesn’t happen unless people believe in the season ahead and are prepared to invest back into their herds.”
Local restocker demand underpinned the strong results, supported by improved seasonal conditions following good rainfall last spring and plenty of feed on the ground.
Heifers were the standout of the week, exceeding price expectations by a significant margin. While early forecasts suggested prices of 420-460 cents per kilogram, most heifers sold between 460 and 500 cents, with some reaching as high as 520 cents per kilogram.
“There had been an expectation that producers might focus on short-term trading to improve cash flow, rather than restocking,” Cr Heslin said.
“But we saw a lot of heifers going straight back out to be joined, which is a really strong indicator of long-term confidence in the season to come.”
Steer prices largely met expectations, with Angus steers selling between 500 and 550 cents per kilogram, and coloured steers achieving 470-485 cents per kilogram.
Another positive surprise was the weight of cattle coming through the yards. Despite a tough start to the season, most cattle averaged 370-410 kilograms, consistent with long-term averages.
“At the start of August, farmers were facing some very difficult conditions, so these cattle had a rough go for the first five months,” Cr Heslin said.
“The weight they’ve carried into the yards is a real credit to the skill and tenacity of our producers, and to the rain we were fortunate enough to receive in the final months of the year.”
HRLX remains one of the busiest and most important livestock exchanges in the country, selling more than one million sheep and over 50,000 cattle last year alone. Results like this reinforce its role as critical infrastructure supporting the economic heartbeat of the Southern Grampians.
More information about upcoming sales and results is available via the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Facebook page.