Young secondary cattle prospects were solid, but trade and export categories sold to fluctuating price trends at NVLX Wodonga in a yarding of just over 1,400.

The market developed some erratic trends this week, but store prices remained solid. Many of the better lines of secondary weaner steer and heifers 200- 320kg achieved premium prices.

On the back of forth coming rain restocker confidence was high, with several store orders in place. Angus steers returning to the paddock topped at 402c to average 382c or $975. Meanwhile demand for straight-bred light weight black heifers continued their popularity and topped at 386c/kg.

Feedlots operated with some caution this week as there were increased numbers not suitable to feed-on. Well-bred secondary steers 330-400kg were 1c easier making from 340-389c/kg. Medium weight feeders steer jumped 10c to average 366c/kg. Secondary heifers suitable to feed on were in shorter supply selling unchanged fetching 322-370c/kg..

All trade buyers were present this week which lifted values by as much as 5c/kg. Demand was stronger for medium weight trade steers 400-500kg and the better finished pens of supplementary fed attracted all processors. In general medium weights sold 5c dearer making from 352c-378c/kg.

There was a substantial price lift for vealers with a pen of Angus cross steers supplementary fed, posting the top price of 406.2c/kg. Most of the better shaped veal showing freshness and yield made from 350-402c/kg.

Well finished trade heifers were well supplied and prices bounced around depending on who was buying. The best of the trade heifers made from 328-402c to average 346.6c/kg.

In the export market numbers lifted putting some supply pressure on prices due to the limited number of export processors operating. Heavy grown steers 500-600kg firmed selling from 310-360c/kg. Heavy bullocks topped at 349c to average 343c/kg.

Heavy heifers sold to solid competition with the better shaped heifers 500-600kg making from 294-346c/kg.

Cow prices opened weaker, with sales 2-6c cheaper. Heavy cows made from 278-298c to average 284c/kg. Leaner grades were notably plainer than the previous week making from 232-282c/kg.