Rain buoyed the cattle market at NVLX Wodonga by reducing supplies in the north and due in part to the Labour Day holiday held in NSW.

Nearly all classes of stock were quoted dearer by the National Livestock Reporting service (NLRS) thanks to a mix of stronger processor and feedlot demand combined, with a shortage of cattle.

Northern rain invigorated export prices, with Dinmore abattoirs back in the game after a lengthy absence. Heavy Bullocks 600kg plus were a highlight lifting 9c/kg. The well finished portion made from 260-272c/kg to average 267ckg. Heavy steers 500-600kg gained 5c topping at 273 averaging 276.4c/kg.

Tightening supplies of trade cattle impacted the market with most types of yearling heifers showing dearer trends. Medium weight trade heifers jumped 8c fetching 236c to 268c/kg. Trade steers were in greater numbers, with feedlots dominating well-bred pens. Domestic processors pushed rates 10c higher with the bulk of the better finished steers selling at 260-278c/kg.

There wasn’t a lot of change to the rates in the vealer market with prices fully firm to 7c dearer. Well finished European vealers with plenty of yield made from 269-309c/kg. British bred vealers to slaughter were firm selling from 246-260c/kg.

Feeder cattle prices are gaining momentum with most categories posting back- to- back price increases. Generally feeder steers lifted 5c selling at 255-295c/kg.

The standout of the secondary cattle market this week was several orders for feeder heifers as buyers look to assemble more heifers creating a lift of up to 20c/kg. Buyers were keen to secure 330-400kg weight range paying from 232-262c, while vealer heifers to feed-on topped at 273.2c/kg.

There was resurgence in the cow market, with an extra buyer operating. Heavy cows lifted 5c making from 210c-228c/kg. Leaner grades were up to 10c dearer selling from 200-217c, while plain types sold at 181c to 198c/kg./kg.