Cattle markets in the past week have been somewhat erratic and NVLX Wodonga experienced the same fluctuating price trends, depending on quality and competition. Agents yarded just over 1200 cattle with numbers similar to the previous market.

The quality of the yarding was mixed, with producers offloading some unfinished stock in varying condition on the back of cheaper price trends. The yarding did comprise of some very good bullocks displaying plenty of weight and yield along with grass finished and supplementary fed yearlings.

Select lines of well-bred steers are still commanded over 290c despite the cheaper trend of 17c/kg. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 263c-294c to average 283c/kg. Lighter weight steers 330-400kg sold to lack lustre competition which at times was quality related to average 271c/kg.

Feeder heifers 330-400kg were limited and prices remained unchanged making from 245-272c/kg.

Bidding for trade steers was solid and only top drafts of well finished steers attracted some spirited bidding. Prices were generally 2c lower, with 400-500kg steers topping at 295c to average 278c/kg.

The heifer market was very strong at times, with buyers willing to lift rates in order to secure the top drafts. Buyers holding select butcher orders such as Gather Cole, Herds and Hardwicks competed strongly lifting prices 6c/kg. Trade heifers 400-500kg sold from 252-280c/kg.

Weaker demand from a major processor and a major processor absent from the market drove much of the softer trends for export cattle, with heavy grown steer and bullock rates dipped 5c/kg. Heavy steers 500-600kg topped at 285c to average 277c/kg. Bullock quality was excellent at buyers were prepared to lift rates to secure the high yielding pens. Younger bullocks were firm to a few cents dearer in places making from 268-288c/kg with the main run averaging 278.6c/kg.

The cow market continued its steady price trend of the past couple of weeks. Heavy cows were unchanged to average 239c and topping at 270c/kg. The better covered leaner grades sold to erratic demand at times making from 202-238c/kg. Store types and heifers were keenly sought by restockers and the bulk of the plainer types sold from 210-240c/kg.