At NVLX Wodonga sale yesterday, cattle prices dipped as numbers lifted to 2230. The market showed two distinct price trends, with young cattle to restockers dearer but cattle to processors cheaper.

Some of the price falls were significant.  Trade steers 400-500kg, for example, slipped 15c to average 327c/kg. Looking at the big picture the flush of numbers has allowed meat processors to move away from rates of recent months.

Trade heifers were again well supplied, with a local feedlot and major processor cementing a floor in rates. The main run of medium weight heifers sold unchanged to 4c dearer topping at 320c to average 309c/kg.

Once again there was an excellent selection of vealers in all weight ranges and prices trended 9-15c cheaper, with the heifer portion wearing the brunt of the price dip.  Processors were subdued and the price spread was wide for well finished pens. The bulk of the vealers made from 318-378c with a single calf topping at 390c/kg.

Feeder steers sold to smaller group of buyers and demand was significantly weaker ,with prices dragged back 11-14c/kg. Medium weight steers made from 310-341c/kg.

In contrast the feeder heifer market ramped up with bidding intensifying for heifers 330-400kg. The strong local feedlot demand drove prices 10c higher to sell at 300-337c/kg.

After some price reductions in recent weeks, bullocks recorded cheaper rates of up to 10c/kg. Major buyers were subdued, with reports there was plenty of stock coming direct to works. Bullocks 600kg plus sold at 273-318c/kg. Heavy steers 500-600kg attracted steady demand from both exporters and domestic processors to remain unchanged to 2c easier. The better shaped steers made from 300-325c/kg.

Heavy cow rates were unchanged fetching 241-253c. Leaner types were in short supply selling at 215-252c/kg.