Cattle prices were unable to maintain the stellar run from the previous week, with prices easing over most categories. The yarding of 1,674 was up to 10c cheaper with trade and export cattle both taking a hit.

The season was reflected in prices with plainer unfinished trade cattle finding it difficult to attract all domestic buyers. A large portion of the supplementary fed yearlings were also tail-enders and buyers were very selective when bidding. Generally prices for trade steers sold 5c cheaper, with the medium weight steers 400-500kg averaging 340c/kg. Lighter weight trade steers 330-400kg was unchanged making from 300-332c/kg.

Prices for yearling heifers varied; with the quality dropping away as traditionally occurs this time of year. The better shaped and finished heifers 400-500kg sold from 306-339c/kg. Surprisingly lighter weight supplementary fed heifers 330-400kg posted gains of 5c fetching from 300-341c/kg.

Agents said there were very few secondary cattle suitable for lot feeding or restocking this week, with producers having offloaded cattle earlier in the winter. They said most producers have now cleared the decks. Store steers were limited and prices ranged from 295-327c a cheaper trend of 21c/kg.

There was a wide price variance recorded for secondary steers based on condition and quality. The better bred steers to feed on 400-500kg easing 5c selling from 312-342c/kg.

Secondary heifers suitable to feed were limited and prices were mostly unchanged selling from 290-310c/kg.

Quality bullocks made up to 350c but some lines of older steers were tougher to sell. Overall bullocks sold 7c cheaper averaging 328c/kg. Heavy grown steers sold to solid demand from major domestic processors making from  312-346c/kg.

Bidding for heavy grown heifers was subdued with the lack of breeding and aged pens a major factor in the fall in values. Prices were 9-10c cheaper making from 282-335c/kg.

Tighter numbers helped lift prices in a line-up of only 280 cows. Quality was again mixed, with plenty of lines winter effected. Heavy well finished types and hard lean cows attracted the strongest competition. The better finished high yielding cows jumped 10c reaching a top price of 283.2c to average 273c/kg. The better lean cows made from 242-272c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to a very small group of buyers and prices ranged from 268-293c/kg.