Cattle prices posted significant gains at NVLX Wodonga yesterday. Numbers dropped by a third with only 1320 yarded. Rises of more than 25c were recorded for export cattle, with demand for the correct export article described as a much needed purchase.

Yearling heifer prices also improved with buyers forced to up the ante on the better finished pens of crop finished and supplementary fed lines. Trade heifers jumped 15c reaching a top of 346c to average 331c/kg.

Trade steers were keenly sought with domestic buyers facing off for a market share of the supplementary fed portion. The best price recorded was 365.2c/kg for a pen of grain fed steers estimated to weigh 450kg, with medium weight steers averaging 346.6c/kg. Lighter weight trade steers 330-400kg made from 314-355c/kg.

For vendors selling lighter weight secondary steers demand was very strong, with all types benefiting from increased competition from lot feeders. Young feeder steer, sales ranged from 315-342c/kg. Prices were generally 10c dearer. Heifers that were in similar weight range and condition also met a stronger feedlot market. The better lines lifted 18c making from 307 to 320c/kg.

The pressure of tightening supplies of export cattle contributed to dearer price trends. There was plenty of interest from all buyers for heavy grown steers 500-600kg with prices lifting 10c/kg. The better finished younger steers made from 320-349.2c/kg. Prices soared 27c/kg for bullocks, with buyers paying a premium for younger lines. Bullocks in general averaged 335.9c/kg. The highlight of the heifer sale was a pen of magnificent Angus heifers estimated to weigh 620kg which reached a top price of 346c/kg. Most heifers sold 20-28c higher to average 320c/kg.

It was a much smaller line up cows, with all weights and grades represented. Heavy cows trended 3c cheaper with processors more selective when making purchases. High yielding beef cows made from 255-276.2c/kg. Helping boost rates was renewed processor demand for good clean leaner cows, with prices 6c higher, fetching 246-266c/kg. Heavy bulls made from 260-287c/kg.