Cattle numbers at NVLX Wodonga lifted significantly to just over 3,000, as producers moved to capitalise on the price rises of the past week.

Generally rates held up remarkably well, and while prices did soften for trade and export categories, secondary stock sold to dearer trends.

The vealer market did show some price variations, however rates still remain very high. European vealers and their crosses made from 312-322c easing 5-6c/kg. British bred vealers made from 286-315c/kg. Feedlot competition across vealer categories was solid with vealers to feed on making from 290-328c/kg.

There was a big line up of yearling trade steers, with prices fluctuating firm to 4c easier as buyers had bigger numbers to select from. Medium weight steers 400-500kg made from 292-314c to average 306.6c/kg. Similarly the market for trade heifers waned with prices easing 4c/kg. The bulk of the medium weight heifers made from 273c-301c to average 284c/kg. Plainer heifers lacking shape ranged from 248-263c/kg.

There was a price kick for light weight steers 200-280kg returning to the paddock with prices jumping 44c/kg. The well-bred portion sold from 333-340c to average 338c/kg. Store heifers sold from 276-300c/kg.

Feeder steers held their value with plainer shaped types also keenly contested. Bidding intensified for well-bred lines 330-400kg which pushed prices 3c higher, making from 290-332c/kg. Medium weights sold from 290-333.4c/kg.

Heifers to feed on were in shorter supply and not all feedlot buyers attended or operated fully. Well-bred pens made from 280-304.2c/kg.

The spring season was reflected in the export market with most pens of heavy steers and bullocks of outstanding quality, with agents offering plenty of weight and yield. Southern and northern buyers were operating however prices did ease 4-7c/kg. Heavy grown steer’s milk and two teeth attracted the better competition making from 290-309.2c/kg. Older steers with plenty of finish made from 275-296c/kg. Heavy bullocks sold from 275-304c to average 294.2c/kg.

A much larger line up of 1180 cows was tendered and quality was quite good, with plenty of good yielding cows through the yarding. Competition lacked the intensity of the past week and prices fell 20-22c/kg. Heavy cows made from 234-252c to average 241c/kg. Leaner cows sold from 217-244c/kg. Heavy bulls topped at 299.6c/kg.

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