Cattle prices surged due to a combination of lower numbers at NVLX Wodonga (890) and tightening supplies of well finished cattle at other selling centres.
And while this week’s Easter holidays break distorted the market by disrupting regular supplies Friday and Monday there is some speculation amongst agents, that prices could continue to show signs of improvement.
The highlight of the sale was in the vealer run, where the top price recorded was 351c/kg for a European heifer. The bulk of the offering made from 290-345c/kg.
According to the National Livestock Reporting Service, it was a similar story for yearling trade heifers where prices jumped 26c/kg. Medium weight heifers 400-500kg regularly made over 300c to average 315c/kg. Yearling steers to the trade were keenly sought with the supplementary fed portion igniting the bidding to sell up to 17c/kg higher. Domestic processors paid from 306c-337c/kg.
There were very few yearling steers and heifers to suit the smaller turnout of buyers. Steers lifted 13c ranging from 290-330c while the heifer portion sold at 270-300c/kg.
It was a strong performance in the export market where heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold to aggressive bidding by domestic processors to lift 13c and top at 315ckg.
Cow numbers declined, resulting in demand strengthening over all categories. Heavy cows sold 8c dearer making from 230-250c/kg. Leaner lines lifted 6c selling at 195-242c/kg. The best of the bull topped at 265c/kg.
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