Markets

NVLX Wodonga 20 Oct 2015: Numbers decline, quality improves

Leann Dax, 20/10/2015

This week’s offering of just over 1700 cattle at NVLX Wodonga declined by 800 head. Quality improved notably, with good supplies of top quality domestic trade cattle.

Trade prices lifted as buyers were more intent on competing for a market share on all the better finished lines. Young cattle suitable for the trade generally experienced a 12c rise, although there were times where plainer conditioned stock struggled to attract competition.

European steers and their crosses commanded the better trade prices and steers 400-500kg generally made from 280- 317c averaging 305c/kg. Medium weight trade heifers were in better conditioned, which contributed to a rise in demand from processors. The better finished lines sold from 240-311c to average 277c/kg. Amongst the heifer offering was two large runs of Hereford heifers from Broken Hill, which attracted spirited bidding from both restockers and lot feeders. Mr Shultz from Morven purchased both pens paying from 244-248c to average 245c/kg.

Vealers were a highlight at the top end where a few pens made from 315-328c/kg. The better price rates however were for select pens which suited domestic orders. Most veal ranged from 250- 313c/kg. Vealers that lacked finish sold to restock and feed orders to average 298c/kg.

Weaker feedlot competition saw secondary heifer and steer prices slide 5- 6/kg. Lighter weight feeder heifers 330-400kg to feed on made from 232-263c/kg. Secondary steers lacked the quality and demand from previous weeks to average 293c/kg.

Prices were strong for Heavy grown steers 500-600kg in a smaller offering than the previous sale. Heavy steers were up to 12c dearer as processors scramble to fill their orders. Most of the better finished younger steers made from 290c-311c/kg. Bullock quality varied which didn’t deter buyers with bullocks topping at 299c to average 282c/kg.

Cow numbers almost halved with agents offering just over 600 head. The lower numbers and increased northern competition pushed prices 12-14c higher. Heavy cows made from 214-234.2c to average 226c/kg. The better leaner fetched 188.225c/kg. Heavy bulls topped at 283c/kg.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated.
Contributions that contravene our Comments Policy will not be published.

Comments

Get Beef Central's news headlines emailed to you -
FREE!