Yarding 4975 Change 175

The bigger numbers caused mixed price trends over some categories.

Changes to feeder cattle prices in the past few weeks show how the market is still finding a balance between supply and demand.

There were fewer orders this week and prices dipped 11c for medium weight steer weights 400-500kg to make from 240-329c/kg. Lighter weights experienced prices fluctuations to firm making from 240-315c/kg. In the heifer run prices for light and medium weights dipped 2c-8c with those categories selling from 210-298c/kg.

The yearling trade market tracked cheaper, with reports of plenty of box meat on offer. The better finished steers slipped 6c making from 300c-328c/kg. Competition for trade heifers was also softer which resulted in rates dipping 6c/kg. The main line of heifers 400-500kg sold at 255-314c/kg.

Despite rain and a stock agent from Geelong prices for store steers was 14-18c cheaper. The bulk of the lighter weight steers 200-280kg selling from 200-300c/kg.

A shortage of heavy steers at major selling centres gave the market greater momentum this week, with prices improving by up to 28c/kg. The dearer trend was obvious at the commencement of the sale with top quality younger lines of grass finished bullocks recording a top price of 341c/kg.  There was however a weaker trend for heavy steers 500-600kg with prices easing 4c/kg, the better runs of bullocks consistently made from 284c-336c/kg.

Another strong sale was for of the heavy heifer portion where heifers weighing 540kg plus made up to 318c/kg. All of the better shaped heifers selling from 262c to 315c/kg.

Despite an almost full field of buyers Cow rates slipped 4-7c/kg. Well finished cows sold from 245c-268c/kg. Leaner cows made from 200-248c, while plainer types travelling back to the paddock sold from 180-242c/kg.

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