The market seemed to lose some heat, with easier prices trends over most yearling categories. There were signs at the market that trade and feedlots are not prepared push the market upwards, particularly at the plainer end of those categories.

Trade cattle market lacked intensity of the previous week, with rates up to 15c/kg cheaper due to very few supplementary fed stock. Trade heifers 400-500kg sold from 285-345c to average 304c/kg. There were limited numbers of steers 400-500kg purchased by domestic processors. The best of prime steers sold 10c cheaper making from 302-344c.kg.

Vealers were in shorter supply and this week there was plenty of weight on offer. The better covered fresh calves 330-400kg sold firm to a few cents dearer, selling at 330-380c/kg. Vealers lacking finish sold mostly to feedlots making from 320c to 340c/kg.

The yearling feeder steer market sold to a reduced field of buyers and showed weaker price trends of up to 17c/kg. The bulk of the feeder steers made from 305-330c/kg. Lighter weights heifers 330-400kg were keenly sought and the better quality lines sold 6c higher making from 305-327c/kg. .

Light weight steers returning to the paddock ranged from 330-364c/kg to average 357c/kg.. The heifer portion attracted a few more restockers and back grounders, selling from 318-358c/kg.

The cheaper prices were evident for export cattle with some buyers very selective. Heavy steers 500-600kg slipped 4c making from 280-316c/kg. Bullocks were well supplied and steady demand from a southern processor helped cement a floor in rates. Bullocks generally sold 8c to average 300c/kg.

In a line-up of just over 600 cows not all southern processor operated fully while, other southern buyers were selective in making purchases. All grades of cows generally sold 2c- 5c dearer, with the better run of cows selling from 223-250c/kg. Lean cows sold to stronger bidding making from 205-230c/kg. A mixed selection of young and older store cows sold from 213-231c/kg.