And after a long, frustrating wait, the stars finally aligned for vendors this week.

Prices were ‘red hot’ at the mountain calf sales at Omeo, Ensay and Benambra earlier this week, where recent rain has transformed the season into a magnificent early autumn break.

Hereford steers at Benambra averaged $638 or an estimated 210c/kg estimated, with heifers averaging $514 or 197c/kg.

At Omeo, Angus steers averaged $617 or 224c/kg, as heifers averaged $504 or 197c/kg.

For many cow-calf producers these prices realised returns often $100 or more compared to last year, as liveweight prices stormed up to 45c/kg ahead of weaner rates paid at sales in early January.

The first B-Double loads of cattle to travel the Benambra-Corryong road for destinations north left Benambra on Tuesday night in an escorted convoy.

The move was designed to speed the transport of cattle out of the Omeo-Ensay-Benambra sales.

Three trucks from Gavin O’Sullivan and one from Dom Shanahan made the historic journey, escorted by VicRoads pilot cars.

Three of the B-Doubles were destined for Coonamble.

This was the first of four planned B-Double convoys made on a trial basis over the Benembra-Corryong Road.

The Gippsland weaner season continues next week with Gelantipy on Monday, Bairnsdale on Tuesday and two sales at Heyfield on Friday.