The market at NVLX posted a rally after a few weeks of cheaper trends in a yarding of 1200 cattle.

The highlight on Tuesday was improved demand from exporters for the best pens of heavy grown steers and bullocks. Helping push prices along was a major processor returning to the market after a lengthy absence. Heavy steers and bullock sold from 7-10c dearer making from 250-276c for the better finished lines.

There was also a lift recorded for trade cattle across vealer and yearling categories. The National Livestock Reporting service reported B muscled European calves sold on average 10c dearer. Well finished vealers sold from 272-315c/kg. British bred calves sold from 250-282c/kg.

The market did fluctuate on plainer young yearling cattle and off types with not all feedlots operating or restockers. For example with not all feedlots operating steers 400-500kg sold up to 20c cheaper making from 240-293c averaging 268c/kg. Off type steers back to the paddock sold from 180-240c, while well-bred steers sold from 264-302c/kg.

Yearling trade steers sold to buoyant demand from all domestic buyers to gain 3c making from 256-299c/kg. Bidding for yearling heifers stepped up another notch with a run of 400-500kg averaging 13c/kg dearer toping at 288c giving vendors an average of $1222 for 444kg

It was the first time in quite a few months that a full field of buyers operated at the cow market. Quality was excellent and all buyers were keen to secure heavy well finished types. Major export buyers pushed prices 8c higher for heavy cows reaching a top price of 218c to average 210c/kg. The middle run of leaner types sold either side of firm making from 175-201c/kg.