Cattle prices at NVLX Wodonga yesterday were boosted by reduced numbers in a yarding of just over 930.

Frequent wet weather has hindered producers, with sodden country proving difficult to move stock.

There was some exciting price gains recorded in the trade market as records continue to be broken. Price surges of another 8-9c were achieved.

Among the highlights of the sale was an average of 376c for vealer steers which topped at 387.6c/kg. The heifer portion was also in high demand fetching 335-387.2c/kg.

Trade steers hit a high note defying most pundits. Well finished steers 400-500kg jumped 8c to sell from 351-381c, while the lighter weights made 378-386c/kg.

Scarcity of quality trade heifers lifted rates by 9c as the wet season affects supply. The bulk of the better shaped heifers sold at 340-387c to average 353.1c/kg.

Feeder type steers were in short supply and prices were generally unchanged to 6c dearer. Mediumweight steers made from 345-377c/kg.

A mixed quality yarding of feeder heifers saw plainer types jump 10c while well-bred heifers to feed-on gained 12c due to an extra feeder order.  Well-bred heifers fetched 344-366c/kg.

Less heavy cattle and fewer buyers competed in the export run. The lack of numbers left rates unchanged to a few cents dearer. The better shaped heavy steers and bullocks returned 344-370c/kg.

Heavy heifers were limited and heifers with shape ranged from 300-344c/kg.

The cow market found its legs early, with sales easing lifting 6-9c/kg heavy beef cows sold at 272c-299c averaging 285c/kg. Leaner grades met with sporadic competition making from 232-277c/kg.