The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator closed last week 14c down week-on-week and the Wodonga market followed suit. The indicator is trending 194.25c/kg below the same time last year and has dropped more than 20.11c/kg in the last month.

The trade market continues to struggle against a deteriorating season and weak demand from both domestic processors and feedlots. Rates for trade steers was quoted by the National Livestock Reporting Service 18c cheaper with only select buyer interest throughout the sale. The better finished steers made from 246-271c/kg.

In the heifer market buyers were reluctant to push prices, with only nine sales above 250c/kg. The bulk of the trade heifers sold from 225-262c to average 247c/kg.

Vealers bore the brunt of the cheaper trend with buyers discounting all types by as much as 40c/kg. Well finished vealers recorded a top price of 292c to average 278c/kg. Plainer vealers made from 238-255c/kg.

Feedlot prices have weakened further in the past seven days, with some selling centres hit with hefty discounts of up to 22 c/kg including Dubbo and Tamworth. There was a mixed selection of medium weight steers at Wodonga 400-500kg and prices were back 15c to average 268c/kg. The lighter weights found support from local feedlots and were firm to 3c easier making from 245-286c/kg.

There were limited feed lot heifer orders and not a lot of heifers to suit feed lots. The bulk of the lighter weights sold 20c cheaper making from 233-257c/kg.

The cow market has continued to be a solid performer over some categories. The middle run of cows was the highlight holding firm to average 216c/kg. Demand weakened for well finished types and prices slipped back 9c, with the bulk selling from 220-239 averaging 230c/kg.