DETAILS FROM LAST WEEK’S SALE: Vendors sold 4700 comparison cattle. According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service secondary cattle are starting to come into the market in bigger numbers as the dry autumn effects more producers across the region.

However, given the increased supplies on offer, secondary yearlings held up well. Trade cattle were in short supply, with domestic buyers once again dependent on the well finished heifers to secure supplies.

A full field of buyers were in attendance along with more feedlot and restocker competition. Vealer numbers declined and quality was mixed. The better finished veal sold from 272c to 329c/kg. Vealer lacking finish sold to feedlots and restockers from 250c to 346c/kg. The limited supply of trade steers lifted 9c making from 286c to 300c/kg. The main run of trade heifers were aided by strong feedlot demand. Well finished heifers suitable for the trade were generally unchanged making from 246c to 279c/kg. Light weight store steers once again sold to mixed price trends with Angus steers more keenly sought. Weaner steers back to the paddock made from 272c to 350c/kg.

Medium weight feeder steers sold 7c/kg cheaper which was quality related. Lighter weight feeder steers met solid support to average 295.6c/kg. Light weight feeder heifers were in high demand under 330kg and lifted 4c to average 277c/kg. Medium weight feeder heifers were unchanged from 244c to 277c/kg. Heavy steers and bullocks sold to steady demand from processors along with some strong feedlot competition. The better finished C3 and C4 steers and bullocks to slaughter sold from 251c to 285c/kg. All weights and grades were represented in the cow market.

Competition fluctuated, with some processors entering the market mid-morning. Heavy cows sold to much cheaper price trends to average 208c/kg. Leaner types met weaker demand from restockers and the better covered D2 and D3 types to slaughter made from 186c to 213c/kg. Store cows sold from 175c to 225c/kg.