The first sale of year produced a smaller offering of only 1,240 cattle.

The seasonal shortage of top quality domestic and export slaughter cattle gave the market an edge at Wodonga, with prices improving by up to 12c/kg.

The trend was evident over all slaughter cattle, where the best heavy Bullocks sold 10c dearer to reach a top price of 280.6c, while grown steers over 500kg made from 262c to 282c/kg.

Trade cattle experienced stronger demand overall classes with domestic processors struggling to outbid feedlot buyers across all lines of grass finished steers and heifers. Generally trade prices were unchanged to 2c/kg dearer. Trade steers sold from 270-304c, while the heifer portion sold at 250-298c/kg.

Vealers made up the bulk of the yarding and were in high demand, particularly the heavier weight portion with prices 7c/kg dearer, odd sales more. At the same time heavier vealer heifers were 5c/kg dearer. The best price recorded was 324c, while most other sales ranged from 275c-321c/kg. Vealers lacking finish sold 12c dearer to feedlots, selling from 282c-225c/kg.

The smaller group of feedlot buyers did not affect values with prices generally unchanged. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 275c -319c to average 303c/kg. Lighter weight Angus heifers suitable to feed on met strong competition and sold to 300c/kg.

It was a small test for the cow market on Wednesday with only 190 yarded. Both heavy and the better covered lean cows sold to similar price trends of the pre-Christmas sale. Heavy cows made from 204-226c to average 215c/kg. Leaner grades sold at 180-212c/kg. The best bull topped at 270c/kg. .