Widespread rain did not deter producers, with cattle numbers lifting to 5075 and was mostly made up of yearlings.

All buyers were active in a dearer market for secondary yearlings, while domestic and export prices varied depending on quality. High yielding supplementary fed stock were paid premium prices for the better finished lines, with all southern processors having to compete strongly against each other for a market share.

The market was stronger for weaner steers less than 200kg, with overnight rain motivating restockers. Light weight steer rates lifted 49c selling to a top of 422c/kg, with the better drafts making from 355-411c/kg. Heifers returning to the paddock also sold to strong demand, which saw prices rise by 9c to average 337c/kg.

Feeder steers posted modest gains following the rain across NSW and Victoria. Medium weight steers 400-500kg sold 7c dearer making from 284-314c/kg. Lighter weight steers 330-400kg were keenly sought which resulted in a dearer trend of 1-2c to average 300.5c/kg

The feeder heifer market lacked the quality of previous sales with plenty of lines affected by the spring conditions. Rates however did continue to show improvement in places. Light weight feeder heifers sold from 284-317c while the medium weight gained 3c making from 260-290c/kg.

Yearling heifer rates fluctuated within a few cents per kilogram of two weeks ago. The highest price on Monday was 294c, while most sales of better finished heifers made from 270-288c/kg.

Trade steer rates were robust lifting 9c/kg owing to the stronger feedlot demand. The strongest bidding was for the European cross fed portion which reached a top of 318c/kg. Most sales ranged from 278-315c/kg.

Heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold to solid competition from export and domestic processors. Heavy steers gained 3c to top at 294c and average 286c/kg. Heavy bullocks were in greater numbers selling at 270c to 295c/kg.

Cow rates fluctuated, with price trends mixed. Leaner grades slipped 7c making from 205c-235c/kg. Good supplies of heavy well finished cows sold 2c higher averaging 240c and topping at 256c/kg.