The market maintained the strong trend from the previous sale at NVLX Wodonga this morning, spurred on by the seasonal shortage of trade cattle in the south.

Agents tendered a smaller yarding of just over 1700 head.

The market attracted some restocker competition from local and a southern buyer across secondary grades. Like the season, some cattle offered had been set back by the dry conditions, while others were in forward store condition showing freshness. Weaner steers consistently sold from 340-354c and up to 372.2c/kg.

A fair percentage of the yearling cattle offered lacking finish sold to feedlots. Domestic processor demand continued to be the market highlight, with buyers paying up to 349c for trade steers to average 334.6c/kg.

Trade heifers also sold to keen competition with prices fully firm. The bulk of the heifer run weighing 400-500kg sold at 305-342c/kg.

Apart from a few standout lines the feeder steer market was mostly 6-15c/kg dearer. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 292-352c, while the lighter weights 330-400kg sold at 326-341c to average 332c/kg.

There were some excellent lines of well-bred secondary heifers which met steady demand from feedlots. Strong competition from local feedlots lifted rates 3c/kg higher.

Heifers 330-400kg sold from 290c-328c/kg. Vealer heifers to feed on found solid support from the south making from 313-358c to average 326c/kg.

The export market lacked a major supermarket and supply dropped noticeably to the previous market. The better finished pens of heavy Steers 500-600kg sold firm to 1c dearer making from 270-322c/kg, while bullocks jumped on the back of tight supplies with prices lifting 7c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold from 266-318c/kg.

There was steady buying competition from the south in the cow market and this helped cement a floor for leaner grades with prices falling back 8-11c.

Leaner grades sold from 200-227c/kg; high yielding beef cows eased back 2-3c/kg; and heavy cows made from 228-240c/kg.