Despite drying conditions numbers fell at NVLX Wodonga to 975 head.

Cattle markets in the south have been somewhat erratic in opening sales this week with price fluctuating depending on quality and supply. The one positive trend was improved competition and stronger prices for secondary cattle with supplies of these beginning to tighten.

Select bullocks over 600kg that are well muscled and offered processors good meat yields are still commanding over 300c/kg. The better covered steers sold from 300-320c, while aged and steers lacking finish sold down to a low of 270c/kg. Heavy steers sold to a smaller group of buyers with Thomas Food International absent from the market. Steers 500-600kg generally sold firm to a few cents easer making from 190-317.2c/kg.

Vealer prices were effected 5-9c due to a drop in quality. The top price for veal was 370c for a B muscled steer, with the bulk selling from 320-367.6c/kg. Veal lacking finish met with strong demand from both restockers and feedlots. Vealers to feed-on sold from 342-360c/kg. Vealers sent back to the paddock made from 349-400c/kg.

Predictions of rain inspired plenty of restockers into action. Light weight steers to turnout 200-280kg sold at 379-418c to average $1074.

Domestic processors were forced to shift their focus to trade heifers due to the lack of steers suitable for the trade. Prices lifted 2c for trade heifers 400-500kg with the main lines selling at 285-330c/kg.

There were only a handful of steers 400-500kg which sold to the trade, rates was mostly unchanged making from 300-352c/kg.

Benefiting from fewer numbers was secondary steers suitable to feed-on 400-500kg, which generally gained 14c to average 330c/kg. Lighter weights were also keenly sought lifting 4c making from 310-362.2c/kg.

It was more of the same in the heifer run with buyers eager to secure numbers in any weight category. Light weight heifers 330-400kg jumped 19c making from 310-357.2c/kg.

A small offering of 375 cows sold to the usual turnout of buyers. The limited supplies kept the market buoyant as all buyers struggled to fill orders. Heavy cows sold 2c dearer making from 238-255c/kg. Leaner grades sold at 208-236c/kg. Store cows sold at 200-264.2c/kg.