Yarding 3550 Change 350

Numbers jumped to 3550 due to the looming Easter holiday break.

It has become all about numbers and the location of well-bred cattle as northern orders continue to push prices higher.

More feedlot buyers made it to the market and created a sense of urgency over all steers categories.

The only cheaper section of the market was across  the lightweight classes where there was no great  depth to the restocking gallery, with mostly locals operating.

Light weight steers returning to the paddock averaged $1790 dipping 30c/kg. The splitter calf portion sold at 715c to 900c to average $1390

Prices spiked 5-10c for feeder steers 330-400kg recording a top price of 658c to average 618c/kg.

The medium weight steers ranged from 530 to 619c/kg.

The only cattle suitable for the trade was yearling heifers and buyers stepped up paying from 470c to 550c/kg.

Feeder heifers sold to solid competition which meant prices were unchanged .

The better-bred heifers sold from 506c to 582c/kg.

Medium weight heifers lacked the quality of the previous sale dipping 9c to record a top price of 557c/kg.

Heavy steers came under fire from major feedlots which contributed to a dearer trend of 8c/kg.

The better covered steers 500 to 600kg made from 430c to 568c/kg.

Steers and bullocks suitable for export and domestic buyers made from  414c to 470c/kg.

There were 750 mixed quality cows offered to the usual buying group.  Heavy cows sold to weak demand at times slipping 8c/kg.

The bulk of the heavy better covered cows sold from 366c to 390c/kg.

The middle run sold to fluctuating competition selling from 280c to 356c/kg.

Market reporter: Leann Dax

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