Cattle prices at NVLX Wodonga yesterday mostly showed weaker trends, as numbers rose heading into the first week of winter. Agents yarded a mixed quality offering of just over 1270 head.

Most affected by the cheaper trends were heavy export cattle which eased 14-18c/kg. Heavy steers had limited competition making from 266-298c, while bullocks sold at 270-307c to average 292c/kg.

Big numbers of cattle now on feed are starting to influence trade prices, with buyers not prepared to push the market unless the article is top quality and suit select butcher orders. This was evident at the sale with grainfed cattle selling to a low of 318c/kg. Other sales of well-finished grainfed steers sold from 330-358c, which lifted trade rates by 17c.

Grainfed heifers sold to a top price of 340c, while grass-finished made from 290-320c/kg easing 6c.

Vealers were in short supply and some pen lots were outstanding. The best price recorded was 369c, while other sales eased 6c selling at 318-365c/kg.

Feeder heifer rates slipped 7-14c, with dry conditions in some areas forcing plainer types onto the market. The bulk of the heifers 330-400kg made from 292-333c to average 318c.

It was an opposite story in the steers run, with an extra feeder order helping push prices 10c higher. Steers 330-400kg made from 320-369c to average 352c.  Medium weight feeder steers were unchanged making from 287-354c.

Lighter weight steers returning to the paddock sold 5-7c cheaper with the well-bred steers making from 344-398c/kg.

Cow numbers dropped to 427 along with 21 bulls. Quality was mixed with a fair percentage of the yarding reflecting the cooler conditions. Heavy cows sold firm to 4c dearer making from 244-261c. Leaner grades sold at 217-251c. There were a few more heavy cows offered and rates jumped 15c for cows with some condition. The bulk of the dairy cows made from 178-227c/kg. Bulls with shape made from 255-303c.