Once again the seasonal shortage of prime finished cattle gave the market some momentum; however trends were mixed this week at NVLX Wodonga.

Vendors were rewarded when domestic processors became the market drivers for well finished trade and some export cattle in order to secure numbers.

The highlight of the sale was supplementary fed yearlings where the heifer portion recorded a top price of 340c to sell 10c dearer. Medium weight steers 400-500kg generally sold unchanged making from 312-338c to average 328c/kg. Plainer finished trade cattle sold down to 288c/kg.

Less processor bidding for vealers pushed rates down by 20c/kg at the top end. Vealers sold from 289-350.6c/kg. Plainer and lighter weight vealer prices were in influenced by stronger restocker and feedlot demand. Veal to feed on sold from 313-330c/kg. Steers back to the paddock sold 20c/kg higher. Well-bred vealers returning to the paddock ranged from 310-356c averaging $1009.

Feeder steers were limited and prices did bounce around on plainer pens throughout the sale. Feed steers sold 10c lower due impart to plainer quality to average 310c/kg. Feeder heifer rates kicked 10c, with a few more orders in place. The bulk of the yearling heifers sold at 278-312c/kg.

Wintery conditions and a price correction last week depleted bullock numbers leading to a price surge of 10c for steers 600kg plus. Well finished pens sold at 270-304c to average 293c/kg. Heavy steers were few and rates were firm making from 266-312c/kg.

In the cow market most of the usual winter buyers participated and competition was slightly softer. A run of heavy beef cows averaged 251c topping at 261c/kg. Leaner grades sold from 220-246c slipping 3c/kg. Store cows were keenly contested selling at 218-240c/kg. It was a mixed quality line up of bulls, with heavy bulls regularly selling from 263-300c/kg