The seasonal shortage of top quality domestic slaughter cattle in the Riverina gave the market an edge this week, with prices improving by up to 5c/kg at NVLX Wodonga on Tuesday.

The trend was evident over all trade cattle, where the best lighter trade steers sold 4c dearer to reach a top price of 354c, while medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 333c to 345c/kg.

Trade heifers experienced stronger demand overall classes which was a reflection on the improved quality offering to the previous market and, stronger demand from several domestic processors. Generally trade prices were 2c dearer with the medium weight heifers making from 300-344c to average 328c/kg.

Vealers were also in demand, particularly the lighter weight portion, with a top price recorded of 358.2c/kg. At the same time heavier vealer steers were 10c dearer selling from 326-348c/kg.

Store cattle prices this week responded to rain across the region and a better quality line-up of secondary stock. Weaner store cattle sold into Goulburn Narrandera as well as the local area. This resulted in prices jumping 15c/kg with weaner steers making from 310c-341c/kg boosting steer values by $40-$50/head.

The smaller group of feedlot buyers did not affect values with prices generally 4c dearer. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 326c -341c to average 332c/kg. Angus heifers suitable to feed on met with stronger competition and sold to 324.6c pushing overall heifer prices 5c/kg higher. Medium weight heifers to place on feed averaged 315.5c/kg.

A reduced offering of heavy grown steers and bullocks sold to waning demand, with buyers not prepared to push prices beyond 328c/kg. The market for heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold 11c cheaper, while bullocks eased 5c to average 323c/kg.

A slightly larger yarding of cows sold to a small group of buyers, with only three processors operating. Well finished cows to slaughter sold to steady demand, with prices firm to 7c cheaper for the heavier portion. The better high yielding types made from 260-279.6c/kg. Leaner grades were generally unchanged to 4c easier averaging 245c/kg. Cows returning to the paddock made from 229-232c/kg. Heavy bulls with good shape made from 264-292c/kg.