Bentham Auction Mart’s Wednesday schedule has long been a staple for regional producers, kicking off at 11 a.m. with rearing calves and weanlings, moving to feeding and cast sheep in the early afternoon, and wrapping up with spring lambs and prime hogs. This established rhythm is set to expand in 2026 when the mart will host a dedicated dairy cattle sale, slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. The offering will feature a range of young stock, including newly calved cows, in‑calf heifers and maiden heifers, giving buyers a focused selection of breeding‑ready dairy cattle alongside the broader livestock program.

The addition reflects a growing trend among Australian auction houses to weave dairy cattle more tightly into their regular livestock calendars. Operators such as C&D Auction Marts Ltd, B&M Auctions of WI, William Kent Inc., Elders Bendigo and Elders Rural Services Bundaberg all list livestock and agriculture as core categories, and while their public catalogs highlight a variety of species, the consistent inclusion of dairy cattle signals heightened demand from dairy producers seeking fresh genetics and herd expansion opportunities.

Buyers can expect the same live‑auction energy that defines Bentham’s weekly events, complemented by online bidding platforms that broaden participation beyond the immediate region. The focus on young, fertile animals—newly calved, in‑calf and maiden heifers—underscores a market shift toward building productive herds from the ground up, rather than acquiring mature stock. As these auctions continue to blend traditional species with targeted dairy cattle sales, producers are afforded a one‑stop venue to source the full spectrum of livestock needed for diversified farm operations, reinforcing the auction mart’s role as a pivotal hub for the nation’s dairy sector.

Based on 6 digest summaries · Generated December 26, 2025