The market opened strongly post-Easter, but agents were surprised by the lower turnout, attributed to weekend rain.

Total numbers reached 4600, but were drawn for 5300. The quality of the offering ranging from fair to good.

All buyers made it to the sale with a few more feedlot orders in play this week. Cows stole the show in a big offering of 1350 head. A big number of processors were all bidding keenly to acquire cows in all weight categories.

In trade market, domestic processors struggled to compete with feedlots, limiting purchases. Trade heifers fetched from 284c to 366c, with steers reaching 342c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers rose by 20c to 40c, with buyers paying a premium for well-bred types.

Steers 400 to 500kg sold from 300c to 370c/kg, while heavyweight feed steers peaked at 355c/kg. Feeder heifers improved by 20c, averaging $1283/head for medium weights. Restockers showed interest in well-bred lighter steers, raising rates by 30c to an average of $891. In the heavy export sale there was plenty of competition from lot feeders and processors for steers above 600kg. Prices improved 4c with the bulk selling from 293c to 345c/kg. Heavy grown steers suitable for processors slipped 19c, selling from 276c to 305c/kg. Heavy cows gained 25c making from 240c to 286c/kg.

The middle run of leaner types under 530kg sold from 220 to 250c/kg. Store cows were highly sought, ranging from 220c to 247c/kg.

Market reporter: Leanne Dax