At NVLX Wodonga sale this week, numbers were significantly higher with 1755 cattle penned.

A seasonal shortage of export cattle gave the market extra momentum this week, with prices improving by 11-17c and more in places. The dearer trend was evident at the commencement of the sale, with top quality lines of heavy grown steers 500 -600kg in shorter supply. Bullocks were limited and buyers rallied to secure numbers. The better finished Bullocks sold at 270-302c/kg. Young heavy grown steers ignited the bidding, with the top draft making to 307c/kg. The better runs of young heavy steers consistently made from 280c-302c/kg.

Another feature of the heavy export market was the heifer portion where an exceptional pen of Angus heifers weighing above 500kg made 290c/kg. Most of the better shaped pens lifted 11c selling from 258c to 288c/kg.

The trade market experienced a surge in prices as buyers struggled to compete against the higher rates offered by feed lot operators. Medium weight grass finished steers lifted 4c with domestic buyers paying to a top of 301c/kg. The better finished steers made from 280c-300c/kg. There was stronger demand from domestic processors for young heifers weighing 400-500kg which lifted prices 18c/kg. The biggest influence on the price increase was caused by stronger northern feedlot competition.

Vealers were keenly sort with a Queensland order cementing a floor in rates. The highest price paid was 333c/kg for vealer steers to feed on, while veal to slaughter topped at 323c/kg. Overall vealers sold from 290 321c, with the heifer portion enjoying a price rise of 10-14c/kg.

Another market to experience a jump in prices was for well-bred feeder cattle where prices jumped 10-20c/kg. The bulk of the yearling offering sold to feedlots with demand strengthening considerably to the previous sale. Medium weight feeder’s steers topped at 313c to average 306c/kg. Feeder heifers were a hot ticket item selling 20c dearer, making from 281c-317c/kg.

There was an increase in lighter weight store conditioned weaners, which sold to strong restocker bidding. There were no flat spots in the market with steers 200-280 kg constantly making from 286c-323.2c/kg.

The cow market opened on a stronger note with price 10-12c higher due to strong northern demand. Well finished cows made from 212c-238c/kg. Southern and northern export processors battled it out for leaner categories lifting prices 10-16c/kg.