Rain has buoyed the cattle market by reducing numbers an invigorating demand from processors feedlots and restockers at NVLX Wodonga.

Prices generally opened up 10-20c /kg higher.

The market influence was rain over the weekend with reports of 18-30ml recorded across the supply area.

The hot spots in bidding this week were for top quality trade cattle and heavy export categories.

The national Livestock Reporting Service said Prices to feedlots were 9-21c dearer with the steer portion 400-500kg averaging 278c or $1304 per head. In the heifer run prices were pushed up by 21c with 330-400kg selling from 270-279c, while the medium weights sold at 255-273c/kg. Steers to the restockers jumped 28c in the vealer run selling from 280-316c, with the avenge price being $968.

There was a big change to the rates meat buyers were prepared to pay with trade heifers bouncing 20c/kg due in part to tight supplies further south. The bulk of the medium weight trade heifers made from 252-285c/kg. Price gains of up to 10c were recorded for trade steers. The steer portion 400-500kg regularly made from 278-295c/kg.

Vealers were in greater numbers and quality overall was excellent. The best B muscled vealers sold to 315c/kg. European vealers and their crosses sold from 275-314c/kg.

In the export market buyers paid premiums rates for all well finished stock. Prices for both heavy steers 500-600kg and bullocks lifted 15c/kg, with bullocks averaging 279c/kg.

The cow market opened up stronger over all classes heavy cows sold 5-7c dearer due to increased competition. Heavy cows made from 217-240c, while leaner types sold at 182-200c/kg. Better shaped bulls sold 5-10c higher selling from 243-264c/kg.