General rain across the supply area in the past four weeks has contributed to spring numbers remaining low for this time of year. Wodonga agents yarded 1,830 cattle just over 600 more than the previous sale.

There was steady demand for light weight secondary weaner steers and heifers, with restockers the market drivers in this category. Young weaner steers 280-320kg returning to the paddock made from 315-347c to average 330.5c/kg or $1012. There were a few more orders in place for store heifers 280-320kg and they sold from 290-303c/kg.

Secondary steers suitable to feed-on sold to a larger group of buyers with another major feedlot also operating. Light weight steers 330-400kg lifted 9c making from 306-348c averaging 340.1c/kg. Medium weight steers to feed on were unchanged making from 319-344c/kg.

The feeder heifer market met with increased competition from two more major feedlots and prices were generally unchanged. Heifers 330-400kg made from 295-328c to average 316c/kg.

Vealers were limited and prices were similar to last week’s rates, with the better finished veal making from 315-356c/kg. Vealers which lacked finish 280-330kg sold to steady demand from restockers and feedlot competition making from 318-325c/kg.

The increased numbers of well finished trade heifers sold to a larger group of buyers. There were only a handful of heifers that failed to break the 300c/kg mark. Medium weight trade heifers eased 8c to average 320c/kg.

The pressure of limited trade supplies and steady feedlot competition saw medium weight trade steers unchanged. There were sales throughout the market where prices did lift above 350c/kg. Grass finished and supplementary fed medium weight steers sold from 327-362c/kg.

Both export and domestic buyer competition was solid, with heavy grown European steers reaching a top price of 344c while other sales ranged from 304-342c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold 5c easier ranging from 308c-326c/kg.

Heavy export heifers were keenly sought selling 10-15c/kg dearer with a couple of pens of charolais heifers igniting the bidding. The younger better shaped heifers made from 292c-332/kg. Plainer shaped and older lines ranged from 248-290c/kg.

The cow market gained traction, with sales stronger due to increased competition from an extra major processor after a short absence. Heavy cows sold 4c dearer topping at 285.2c to average 268.8c/kg. Leaner grades were better conditioned this sale and prices were unchanged. The better covered lean cows made from 248-272c/kg. The bull market sold to steady demand with heavy bulls selling from 255-296c/kg.

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