Cattle markets in the past week have been erratic and NVLX Wodonga experienced the same fluctuating price trends, depending on quality and competition. Agents yarded just over 1900 cattle, 100 less than the previous market.

The quality of the yarding was quite good, with producers offloading mostly well finished stock in varying weight ranges.

Select lines of well-bred vealer steers to feed-on are still commanding over 310c despite the cheaper trend of 5-15c/kg over yearling categories. Medium weight feeder steers 400-500kg made from 246c-284c to average 274c/kg. Lighter weight yearling steers 330-400kg averaged 286c/kg.

The price correction for feeder heifers was significant because of reduced competition. Feeder heifers sold 12c cheaper to average 266c/kg.

Bidding for trade steers was weaker and only top drafts of well finished steers attracted spirited bidding. Prices were generally 5c cheaper, with 400-500kg steers topping at 286c to average 271c/kg.

The heifer market was erratic at times, with buyers not willing to lift rates much past 265c/kg. A major supermarket competed for the top pens, paying up to 269c/kg. Trade heifers 400-500kg sold firm making from 244-269c/kg, while the lighter trade weights 330-400kg slipped 13c to average 253/kg.

Weaker demand from processors drove much of the price falls for export cattle, with heavy grown steer and bullock rates dropping 4-11c/kg. Heavy steers 500-600kg slipped 4c topping at 277c to average 262c/kg. Bullock quality varied and aged bullocks were overlooked by some buyers. Younger bullocks made from 240-270c/kg with the main run averaging 263c/kg. Cross bred bullocks took a hit with prices tumbling 9-11c/kg. Heavy cross bred steers and bullocks sold from 233-258c/kg.

The cow market sold to strong demand over all weights and grades. Heavy cows lifted 1-2c to average 230c/kg. The better leaner grades gained 3c making from 205-230. Plainer types were limited ranging from 185-194c/kg. The best of the bulls sold from 252-284c/lg.