Cattle prices lost traction at NVLX Wodonga leading into the Christmas holiday break.

In the smaller yarding of just over 500, rates generally fell for yearling and heavy cattle 4-11c/kg as processor prepare for abattoir closures.

Bidding was described as selective across yearling categories suitable for the trade. Yearling trade cattle lacked the quality of the previous sale, owing to the limited supply. Trade steers sold 10c cheaper selling at 265-270c to average 266c/kg. Medium weight trade heifers sold up to 11c cheaper making from 248-259c averaging 249c/kg.

The good quality supply of vealers kicked prices 11-12c/kg. Domestic processors were very keen to secure the limited supply paying from 262-312c/kg.

Restocker demand fluctuated across secondary stock categories however; well-bred lighter weight vealer steers attracted the most competition to sell 3c/kg higher. The better bred lines sold from 301-308c/kg.

Bullock and heavy steer rates varied. Good quality heavy grown steers were least effected by the cheaper trend of 4c, with odd sales of milk and two teeth pens touching firm. The mixed quality offing of bullocks sold 9c cheaper selling from 255-263c/kg.

In the cow market there were insufficient numbers to quote. The better types sold from 190-225c/kg.