Numbers climbed higher at NVLX Wodonga, with agents penning more than 1,200 cattle.

Cattle prices lost momentum with most categories recording cheaper rates. Weaker feedlot and domestic processor competition across all categories caused a price correction.

Reasonable numbers of lighter weight steers hit the sale this week with vendors keen to sell due to weeks of softening price trends. Well-bred yearling feeder steers were commanding an average price of 288c for the 330-400kg weight range and price were back 15c/kg. The medium weight portion 400-500kg was generally cheaper, with the better bred pens making from 270c to 310c/kg.

Feeder type heifers sold to lack lustre competition resulting in a price fall of 20c/kg. Heifers 330-400kg sold at 256-265c/kg.

The increase in spring supplies of cattle suitable for the trade at all selling centres saw prices slip significantly. The plainer yearlings wore the brunt of a cheaper trend, with some trade buyers only operating on the top quality pens. Medium weight trades steers sold 8c cheaper to average 281c/kg. Trade heifers weighing over 400kg lacked competition at times causing prices to slip 8c most of the better quality pens made from 245-285c/kg.

The best of the medium weight vealers sold to 329c with only specialist butcher orders keen to secure the well-shaped high yielding types. The bulk of the vealers were well finish but generally sold to weaker demand making from 277-329c/kg. Lighter weight vealers to slaughter 280-320kg topped at 332 to average 320c/kg.

Prices for bullocks slipped as competition weakened 4-8c/kg. The bulk of the heavy steers selling from 250- 291c/kg. The market for heavy bullocks fluctuated dependent on age and breed. National livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) said bullock rates average 280c/kg.

Cow numbers were steady and quality mixed with lighter weights lacking yield. Only three processors made purchases throughout the sale, while other companies watched and followed the market. Generally the market slipped 5-10c/kg across the middle run while heavy cows eased 2c/kg. Heavy cows ranged from 234-249c while the leaner trade types averaged 233c/kg. Plain cows made from 160-197c/kg. Bull prices lifted with European bull topping at 286c/kg.