A mixed quality yarding of cattle at NVLX Wodonga created some varied price trends this week. The market showed gains on some categories, but losses on others in a similar size yarding of 1,530 head.

The best price recorded was 330c/kg for medium weight vealer steers. The better finished milk calves were quoted 4-6c cheaper by the National Livestock Reporting service. European vealers and their crosses made from 316-329c/kg. Any light weight milk calves which lacked finish sold to feedlot buyers and restockers selling unchanged to a few cents dearer, for the better shaped pens. The fresh well shaped calves to feedlots ranged from 290-327c/kg.

After some solid gains the last few weeks trade steers sold 12c cheaper making from 305-323c with a single pen of medium weight European cross steers reaching a top price of 325c/kg. Medium weight heifers remained firm averaging 292c while their lighter weight sisters averaged 384c/kg.

Secondary steers suitable to feed on sold to varying price trends particularly steers less than 400kg. Lighter weight steers lacked the competition from northern feedlots this week, which impacted on values. Well-bred lighter weight steers 330-400kg made from 292-318c slipping 14c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers 400-500kg sold to strong local feedlot demand with prices mostly generally unchanged selling from 292-314c/kg.

Secondary yearling heifers suitable to feed on were keenly contested by increased feedlot demand keeping prices firm. Yearling heifers 330-400kg sold from 282-300c to average 291c/kg.

There was a resurgence from domestic and export buyers for Bullocks, which lifted rates 5c/kg. The better finished younger bullocks made from 280-305c/kg. A major export processor was keen to secure the top end of the younger heavy grown steers 500-600kg which kept prices unchanged. Prices hit a high of 315c/kg while most of the better finished steers sold from 282-313.6c/kg.

After some strong price trends in past weeks the cow market lost some traction, with agents offering 1140 cows and 62 bulls. Prices were in general 4-13c cheaper. Heavy well finished cows offering buyers weight and yield made from 220-246c/kg. Leaner grades ranged from 185-248c to average 219c/kg. Plainer cows sold from 178-195c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to weaker demand making from 226-250c to ease 9c/kg