On the back of stronger trends Monday in NSW due to the public holiday in Victoria, Wodonga NVLX penned a slightly larger offering of only 1,600 cattle.

Once again a shortage of domestic and export cattle gave the market some momentum with prices improving by as much as 20c/kg for yearling trade cattle. Most of the secondary lines were purchased by a smaller group of feedlot buyers.

The limited supplies of well finished cattle continue to set alight bidding amongst domestic processors, with yearling steers to slaughter selling up to 20c higher. Medium weight trade steers topped at 350c, with sales generally ranging from 312c to 348/kg. The mixed prices for plainer steers meant overall secondary stock to the trade averaged around 308c, similar to last week.

The reduced supplies of grass finished and supplementary fed trade heifers sold at 295c-349c lifting 1c/kg.

Vealers were in reasonable numbers and the better finished pens were unchanged topping at 369.6c/kg. Other sales of veal fetched 318-358c/kg.

Well bed secondary lighter weight steers found solid support from feedlots. Consistent prices of 325-347c/kg for steers weighing 330-400 kg meant feedlot prices were generally 13c/kg higher. Medium weight steers to feed-on sold to steady competition to average 326c/kg.

Steady local lot feedlot competition pushed weaner and yearling heifer prices to 330c/kg. The bulk of the secondary heifers to place on feed sold from 305- 328c, with the lighter weights 330-400kg averaging 320c/kg.

On the export front, prices for heavy grown steers and bullocks continued to gather some pace as supplies run short of demand. Angus steers 500-600kg topped at 320c, while other sales ranged from 275-318c/kg.   Heavy bullock rates lifted 9c making from 280-317c/kg.

There were 800 cows penned and quality slipped with many lines lacking yield. Bidding was stronger with prices 2-3c dearer. Heavy beef cows made from 228c-244c, while leaner grades sold at 190-233c/kg.