There were signs this week in a similar sized yarding of 3500 that buyers are unwilling to push rates, with secondary cattle showing mixed price trends.

Bidding generally flat lined for feeder steers 400-500kg with prices easing 3c/kg. The bulk of the steers made from 225-300c with an odd sale to 301c/kg. Lighter weight steers 330-400kg firmed making from 248-301c/kg.

There were some positive results recorded for feeder heifers with increased competition lifting rates 5-7c dearer.  Heifers 330-400kg sold at 235-282c, while heavier feeders averaged 279c/kg.

There was little movement in early sales for weaner steers with the market continuing to hold at last week’s rates. Steers 200-280kg returning to the paddock, fetched 216-294c/kg to average $647.

Weaner heifers sold to patchy demand with the plainer shaped heifer making from 110-180c/kg. Well-bred lines sold from 215-246c/kg.

Trade steers were limited with insufficient numbers to quote. The few steers to slaughter sold from 275-282c/kg.

Heifer suitable for the trade was keenly sought and the top heifers supplementary fed reached 294c/kg. Other sales ranged from 250-286c lifting 9c/kg.

There wasn’t a big selection of heavy steers and bullocks but all sales trended dearer. The heavy steers and bullocks sold 4-8c dearer, most selling from 258-285c/kg.

The cow market was firm to a few cents cheaper for the middle run of leaner types. A southern processor was absent this week, which caused prices to drift 3c for the D3 and D2 lines. The bulk sold from 140-186c/kg. Heavy cows made from 188-221c/kg. Ends….