Unseasonably warm and dry weather conditions drew a bigger than expected yarding of almost 2,000 cattle at NVLX Wodonga.

The season was reflected in young cattle prices with better-quality vealers holding their values best, while plainer stock bore the brunt of cheaper trends.

The vealer market did fluctuate and prices were affected by as much as 19c/kg, however fresh calves did attract the better competition. European veal and their crosses made from 300-324c/kg. Vealers lacking shape and condition sold at 266-298c/kg.

The trade cattle market opened cheaper, with trade steers selling 17c easier, the better covered 400-500kg making from 278-316c to average 292c/kg.

The trend was not as severe for the heifer portion where prices slipped 8c/kg it followed in line of cheaper trends at other selling centres in Victoria. The main lines of 400-500kg heifers to slaughter made from 280-304c to average 284c/kg.

Prices for feeder steers also slipped due in part to less major feedlot competition from NSW and Queensland. The cheaper market encouraged increased local feedlot competition across the 400-500kg weight range, helping cement a floor in prices. This weight ranged topped at 316c to average 292c/kg.

Prices for young feeder heifers were solid and prices were generally unchanged to a few cents dearer. Feeder heifer’s 330-400kg made from 276- 308c/kg.

Heavy grown steers and bullocks sold 7-17c/kg cheaper. The better finished pens of heavy grown steers made from 270-298c, while bullocks averaged 280.6c/kg.

The cheaper trend continued in the cow market according to National Livestock Data where heavy well finished cows shedding a further 25c/kg to average 212c/kg. Leaner grade sold to slightly stronger demand to ease 13c/kg. Leaner grades made from 190c- 242c/kg. Plainer cows made from 120-185c/kg. Heavy bulls sold 28c cheaper making up to 240c/kg