Damp wintery type conditions and subdued competition eroded prices at the top end in a smaller sized yarding of just over 850 cattle at NVLX Wodonga. The market opened cheaper on the back of the mixed quality and weaker demand.

Steers suitable for the trade were up to 25c cheaper, with domestic processors more selective across all weights and grades. Crop finished and supplementary fed steers sold from 310-343c to average 327c/kg.

Heifer price trends varied with quality and weight tending to be the driving factor. Prices for better finished heifers were generally 7c cheaper selling from 308-355c/kg. Plainer shaped heifers with cover sold from 265-302c/kg.

Vealers were in short supply and the best kill price recorded was 380c with the balance selling from 340c to 376c/kg.

Good quality lines of Angus steers weighing 200-300kg attracted strong competition from local restocker demand, with the lead pens selling from 352-390c/kg. Heavy pens back to the paddock 330-400kg averaged $1397

A mixed selection of secondary steers was penned, with some cattle showing the effect of the dry autumn conditions. The regular feedlot and opportunistic feeders were present however not all were active. Some feedlot buyers were restricted by age weight and breeding, which contributed to values softening up to 13c/kg for lighter weight steers. Lighter weight feed steers topped at 351c to average 341c/kg.

Medium weight steers to feed on were 6c cheaper making from 325-346c/kg.

After some gains export cattle lost momentum due to weakening demands. Grown steers were quoted as 6c cheaper making from 290-315c/kg. Heavy bullocks were thin on the ground and the better pen lots sold from 310-345c/kg. Heavy heifers attracted all processors and were up to 18c dearer owing to the step up in quality, to sell at 295-314c/kg

The cow market lacked the drive of last week, with some processor competition patchy. Heavy cows sold 4c cheaper, while leaner grades sold either side of firm. High yielding beef cows sold from 238-259c to average 243c/kg. Leaner grades ranged from 210-246c/kg.