Cattle prices reflected the wide variation in the condition of stock being sold at NVLX Wodonga this week, ranging from 10c to 30c cheaper in a smaller offering of 1,200 cattle.

The smaller field of buyers and weaker export competition generally put a halt to the dearer rates of last week. Reduced working days at nearby abattoirs took the edge of prices and secondary type heavy steers lacking finish. Prices for both heavy steers and bullocks were generally 8c-9c cheaper fetching from 275-330c/kg.

Vealer quality was quite mixed as the pressure of ongoing dry weather and colder conditions showed across some pen lots. There was a price correction of 10-20c/kg. The highest price recorded was 386c for a single steer, with most pens selling from 313-385c/kg.

Store prices dipped 23c for the better quality light weight steers with bidding from restockers at lower levels. Dry weather appeared to slow store buyers demand over all classes. Well-bred steers to turnout made from 323-360c/kg.

There was also some noticeable price corrections recorded for medium weight trade heifers. Prices generally fell 21c, the main lines selling from 278-340c/kg.

Yearling steers were well supplied; however much weaker feedlot demand saw most steers suitable for the trade selling at cheaper rates of 8c/kg. The better shaped steers and, with some pen lots grain fed made from 330c-375c/kg.

The shortage of top quality yearling feeder steers 400-500kg contributed to a cheaper trend of 28c to average 316c/kg. Steers 330-400kg sold 22c cheaper, making from 301-346c/kg.

It was a similar story for the feeder heifer market with fewer feedlots operating and only odd pens 400-500kg suitable for feeder buyers. The shortage of well-bred heifers underpinned the market with the bulk of the feeder heifers easing 6c selling from 301-346c/kg.

In the cow market numbers dropped significantly and all weights and grades were represented. Heavy cows sold frim making from 236-252c/kg. Leaner grades sold to erratic bidding at times making from 214-244c/kg. There was some restocker demand on light weight store conditioned lines fetching 195-226c/kg.