There was 1600 cattle at NVLX Wodonga 60 more than the sale held two weeks previous.

The cattle market is still trying to find its level after three weeks with interruption to supply due to Easter and the Anzac public holiday last week. Most categories recorded mixed trends due to the plainer offering.

The supply of young domestic cattle was very limited. The National Livestock Reporting service data showed premiums for vealers and grain assisted yearlings.

The main run of European vealer steers and their crosses sold at 350-397c/kg to be a 15c dearer than two weeks ago. The heifer portion sold to mixed trends which was quality related. The better finished heifers sold at 360-390c/kg.

Prices for trade steers tracked at similar to the last sale, with grain assisted cattle igniting the bidding. Trade steers 400-500kg sold from 330-367c/kg.

Trade heifers sold to fluctuating prices at times amid seasonal pressure caused by a shortage of feed for some producers. Trade heifers spiked at 376c for the supplementary fed portion with the bulk selling at 315-348c/kg, lifting 6c/kg.

Well-bred secondary steers were in high demand from local and northern feedlots. Steers 400-500kg gained 5c selling at 313-365c to average 344c/kg. It was more of the same for the lighter weight vealer steers to back ground. A wagga feedlot paid to 390c for young well-bred vealer steers, with the bulk averaging 373c/kg.

There were only limited supplies of heifers suitable to feed on with the main run 330-400kg selling at 300-364c/kg.

Export cattle were in short supply which resulted in a price lift of 2-6c/kg. Heavy steers sold at 290-338c, while heavy bullocks made from 285-317c/kg.

Cow numbers lifted significantly with 400 more than the previous week. All weights and grades were represented in a mixed yarding. The market softened 5-6c for heavy cows despite most processors operating. The bulk of the heavy cows sold from 239c-254c/kg. leaner types made from 208-243c/kg. There was less urgency for store cows and prices dipped 10c to average 218c/kg. Bulls sold to spirited competition to record a top price of 300c/kg.