Numbers were back by 1149 compared to the previous sale.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service numbers fell significantly and despite this, prices lost considerable traction over most categories.

A large percentage of cattle were secondary types with plenty of frame and little fat cover.

Yearling steers and heifers suitable for the trade were in short supply.

Grown steer and bullock numbers declined and buyers were forced to bid on the odd pen lots.

It was the usual field of buyers operating in a cheaper market.

The seasonal shortage of vealers saw prices fluctuate according to finish. The better covered veal sold from 240c to 284c/kg.

Trade heifers benefited from steady competition. Medium weight trade heifer sold 4c cheaper, to average 273c/kg.

Trade steers were limited and most steers were supplementary fed, selling from 235c to 314/kg.

Weaner cattle sold to much weaker trends, with most restockers not willing to push prices. The bulk of the steers returning to the paddock sold from 195c to 256c/kg.

Secondary light weight heifers sold to substantially weaker demand to average 196c/kg.

Light and medium weight feeder steers sold to most of the usual buyers.

Medium weight feeder steers eased 6c, to make from 240c to 300c, while the lighter weights sold 17c cheaper, to average 270c/kg.

Feeder heifers, 330-400kg, were 27c cheaper, selling from 194c to 275c/kg.

Domestic and export processor struggled to source stock which resulted in a dearer trend.

The better quality pens of prime finished steers and bullocks made from 255c to 293c/kg.

Cow numbers declined and demand weakened over some categories.

Heavy cows topped at 233c, to average 218c/kg.

The D3 medium weight lines tracked 15c cheaper, to average 173c/kg. Plainer cows eased 17c, with the D2 types averaging 126c/kg.