The large numbers of young cattle lacking finish continue to struggle in the market however the better finished cows continue to sell to very solid competition.

Numbers were up by 950 this week for a yarding of 2340.It was a mixed yarding with good numbers of cows along with some good lines of ideal feeder cattle. There were very few properly finished trade cattle of grown steers though there was some good pens of well finished grown heifers.

Young cattle lacking finish though made up a large percentage of the yarding as the dry conditions continue. Most of the cattle were sourced from local districts long with a large consignment from the Coonamble district. Most of the regular processor and feeder orders were operating however restocking orders are becoming scarce.

NLRS advises the few cattle to the trade were firm with prime yearlings selling from 250c to 296c/kg.

The very best of the feeder steers were dearer selling to 326c but most though were 4c to 5c/kg cheaper. Feeder heifers finished 8c cheaper. Feeder steers sold from 200c to 326c with the medium weights averaging 270c and the heavy weights 305c/kg as buyers continue to struggle to find cattle that are heavy enough. The feeder heifers sold from 200c to 274c with the lightweights averaging 250c and the medium weights 260c/kg.

Young cattle to the restockers were 35c cheaper and more in places with some calves finding it difficult to attract a bid and there were some young cattle passed in. Young steers to the restockers sold from 56c to 272c with the light calves less than 200kg averaging 159c and the heavier weights weighing 200kg to 280kg averaging 228c. The young heifers to the restockers sold from 40c to 218c with the lightweights here averaging 168c and the heavier weights 180c/kg.

The few grown steers were firm with the small numbers making it difficult to draw a comparison. The prime medium and heavy weights sold from 275c to 292c/kg. Grown steers to the feeders sold to 304c/kg. Grown heifers were 10c dearer with the better types selling from 250c to 279c/kg.

Plain condition light and medium weight cows to the processors were up to 20c cheaper while the properly finished heavier weights were firm to 2c dearer. 1 and 2 score cows sold from 70c to 168c while the better 3 and 4 scores sold from 155c to 259c which was paid for some C muscle Charolais cows. The prime heavy weight cows averaged 233c/kg. Plain conditioned cows to the restockers were up to 30c cheaper selling from 70c to 170c/kg.

Bulls were around firm for the better types selling from 210c to 256c/kg.

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