In a smaller yarding, cattle prices have seen an uptick, driven by demand from feedlots and export processors.

Cows were in high demand, with well-finished types increasing by 10c and selling between 330c and 352c/kg. Leaner grades, which made up the majority of the offering, sold from 220c to 320c/kg.

A standout observation was the lack of heavier stock, prompting export processors to pay premium rates for well-finished cattle. One major processor even moved into well-finished heifers under 500kg to secure sufficient stock. Heavy heifers with good shape sold between 320c and 360c/kg, while trade weights of 400 to 500kg fetched 320c to 356c/kg. Notably, there were very few trade steers to quote as they were mostly in store condition.

Heavy export steers were scarce, selling from 340c to 376c/kg.

The feeder steers market gained momentum as the sale progressed, with prices improving by 7c and the majority selling between 330c and 411c/kg. Lighter weights topped out at 400c/kg. Feeder heifers were available in reasonable numbers, though the quality was generally plainer. Price gains of 3c to 5c were common, with the better-bred heifers selling from 310c to 354c/kg. Light weight weaner steers back to the paddock sold to a limited buying pool selling from 320c to 372c, while their heifer counterparts made from 234c to 320c/kg.

Market Reporter: Leann Dax