A larger yarding of just over 1,700 at NVLX Wodonga produced mixed results as spring markets gear up.

Trade cattle prices are beginning to dip, which traditionally occurs this time of year. But prices are still well above this time last year.

There was a price correction on average of 10c for vealers with prices dipping to a low of 340c while the tops of the drafts made from 380-422c/kg.

The mixed price results for yearling trade cattle were somewhat surprising given trade heifers were well supplied. Medium weight trade heifers were unchanged to 2c dearer making from 330-376c averaging 356c/kg.

Steers suitable for the trade lacked the buyer intensity of past sales which equated to a rate drop of 14c/kg. The main run of trade steers sold at 352c-390c/kg.

Feeder steers were a hot ticket item with increased buying competition pushing rates 10-16c/kg higher Well-bred feeder type steers 400-500kg made from 348-386c averaging 371c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steers also sparked the bidding making from 350-389c/kg.

In the export market bidding ramped up with domestic and export processors clashing for a market share. Heavy steers 500-600kg jumped 7c to average 362c/kg. Heavy bullocks were well supplied lifting 2c fetching 322-376c/kg.

Heavy grown heifers were in short supply and prices equalled last week’s rates. The better shaped pens sold from 295-357c/kg.

In the cow market not all buyers attended or operated fully. Most processors were not prepared to push prices which resulted in a cheaper trend of 7c to 8c/kg. Heavy cow’s sold at 245-278c/kg. Leaner types fetched 233-270c/kg.