Feeder steers weighing 280 to 320 kilograms commanded 349c/kg.

Vendors sold a total of 3994 cattle at the market and quality slipped compared to previous weeks.

Yearling heifers suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply, while the steer portion was exceedingly limited.

Heavy export cattle numbers remained similar however feedlots dominated this category. The usual export and domestic buyers were present.

The small number of well finished vealers sold to weak domestic competition making from 268c to 295c/kg. Vealers steer and heifers which lacked finish were keenly sought by some feedlots, selling from 290c to 335c/kg.

Medium weight grass finished heifers suitable for the trade sold 8c cheaper to average 277c/kg.

There were very few prime C3 medium weight trade steers purchased by domestic processors, with the bulk of this category purchased by feedlots. The better shaped steers to the trade averaged 295c/kg.

Local restocker demand and much stronger feedlot competition lifted prices considerably for light weight steers. Lighter weight steers returning to the paddock averaged 341c/kg. Back ground feeder steers of the same weight made from 282c to 349c/kg. Well-bred lighter weight steers, 330-400kg, sold to stronger feedlot demand to average 324c/kg.

Medium weight C2 feeder steers made up a fair percentage of the yearling steer offering and prices lifted 5c higher to average 318c/kg.

Lighter weight heifers, 330-400kg, sold to a larger group of feedlot buyers, making from 276c to 300c/kg. The good quality supply of heavy grown steers sold to a small group of export and domestic processors and demand was slightly weaker, with the better finished young steers purchased by feedlots.

The better quality pens of prime finished C3 and C4 steers to slaughter made from 268c to 295c/kg. Heavy steers to feed on attracted steady bidding, selling from 285c to 317c/kg.

Cow numbers increased and quality was fair. Well finished heavy cows eased 4c to average 240c/kg.