Yarding 3655 Change + 429

The reasonable prices offered last week caused increased supplies of plainer conditioned weaners and yearlings to enter the market. The plainer selection did effect processors competition but provided feedlot companies and restockers with more choice.

Store cattle prices weakened following on from the price surge the previous week.

This was evident over lighter weight classes with the bulk of the weaner cattle prices struggling to attract restocker demand slipping 30c to average 351c/kg. Steers suitable to feed on sold to a smaller group of buyers resulting in a price correction of 40c/kg. Well-bred young steers 330-400kg made from 318c-380c to average 352c/kg.  The medium weight steers 400-500kg  fetched 276c to 401c/kg.

Medium weight  secondary feed heifers 400-500kg softened 8c, due to less orders in play. The better covered heifers topped at 370c to average 336c/kg. There were greater numbers of lighter weight heifers under 400kg to feed on and they made from 300c-372c/kg.

Bidding for medium weight trade steers weakened as domestic processors battled feedlots to acquire supplies. After some price spikes, medium weight steers topped at 380c to average 339c/kg.  The heifer portion lacked the quality of past weeks and prices slipped 60c, with the better finished lines making from 300c-330c/kg.

Despite the seasonal shortage of export cattle, bullock prices weakened 23c making from 318c-368c/kg.  Heavy grown steers 500-600kg sold 20c cheaper to average 340c/kg.. Heavy heifer prices slipped, with the better shaped pens selling from 300c-368c/kg.

Most  processors operated in the cow sale however, demand was patchy at times.  Prices generally softened 1c-3c/kg. Heavy cows made from 270-310c while good clean lean cows sold from 220c-290c/kg

Market reporter: Leann Dax

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