Rain depleted numbers at NVLX Wodonga. The yarding of 1,100 was almost 300 less than last week and was mostly made up of yearlings and weaner types.

All buyers were active in a dearer market for all categories; even plainer cattle were dragged higher due to limited supplies. 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 and stronger feedlot demand.

Medium weight feeder steers posted big gains following the rain across NSW and Victoria to sell 15c dearer making from 318-368c/kg. Lighter weight steers lost traction selling 7c cheaper to average 333c/kg

The feeder heifer market lacked the quality of previous sales, with plenty of lines winter effected. Rates however did continue to show improvement. Light weight feeder heifers sold from 313-345c while the medium weight gained 8c making from 330-337c/kg.

A big trade price mover this week was medium weight heifers in response to the reduced supplies, with southern processors driving the market higher. Trade heifers jumped 8c, topping at 360c to average 340c/kg. Medium weight trade steers gained 1c ranging from 344-359c/kg.

An encouraging trend was significantly dearer prices for heavy cattle particularly heavy grown steers 500-600kg as buyers struggled to fill loads. Heavy steers jumped 22c recording a top price of 358c, while steers needing more finish were also keenly contested due to lack of numbers making from 340-352c/kg. Bullocks also recorded healthy prices gains of 11c/kg, pushed along by strong export and domestic competition. The spotlight too was on heavy heifers with the first pen of the day estimated to weigh 550kg sold for 352c, with other sales ranging from 295-347c/kg.

Cow rates were another big improver, with prices up to 27c/kg dearer. Leaner grades made from 228c-273c/kg. Limited supplies of heavy well finished cows sold 17c higher averaging 265c and topping at 278c/kg. Store buyers underpinned leaner grades with cows returning to the paddock selling up to 40c dearer. The better runs sold at 202-244c/kg.