Cattle markets in the past week have been erratic and NVLX Wodonga experienced the same fluctuating price trends, depending on quality and competition. Agents yarded 2530 cattle 1300 less than the previous market.

The quality of the yarding slipped, with producers offloading unfinished stock in varying condition on the back of dry conditions and cheaper prices.

Select lines of well-bred steers are still commanding over 300c despite the cheaper trend of 10-20c/kg. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 275c-311c to average 300c/kg. Lighter weight steers 330-400kg averaged 299.1c/kg.

The price correction for feeder heifers was more severe under the weight of bigger numbers and reduced competition. Feeder heifers sold up to 25c cheaper to average 258c/kg.

Bidding for trade steers was much weaker and only top drafts of well finished steers attracted spirited bidding. Prices were generally 23c cheaper, with 400-500kg steers topping at 310c to average 290c/kg.

The heifer market was erratic at times, with buyers not willing to lift rates much past 275c/kg. A major supermarket competed strongly for the top pens, paying up to 281c/kg. Trade heifers 400-500kg sold 22c cheaper while the lighter trade weights 330-400kg slipped 31c/kg.

Weaker demand from processors drove much of the price falls for export cattle, with heavy grown steer and bullock rates dropping 14-24c/kg. Heavy steers 500-600kg topped at 300c to average 278c/kg. Bullock quality varied and aged bullocks were discounted heavily. Younger bullocks made from 260-286c/kg with the main run averaging 279c/kg.

The cow market continued to lack drive under the weight of numbers and weaker demand. Not all buyers attended or operated however there was a major processor operating from Queensland. Heavy cows feLL 30c to average 216c/kg. The better leaner grades made from 174-218. Plainer types were more difficult to sell ranging from 148-172c/kg. The best of the bulls sold from 252-278c/lg.