According to Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service competition was stronger across all cow grades going to both processors and feeders.

The store conditioned cow portion gained momentum as the sale progressed and overall, with cow prices 10c to 25c/kg dearer, with the dearest trend coming from the cows going back out to feed.

The trade cattle had a bit more weight this week as there were fewer calves under 200kg live weight penned.

Although prices are still highly variable within each grade of stock, there was some upside on some lines of feeder steers and heifers.

The finished young cattle remain scarce. The best of the vealers made to 276c/kg.

The majority of the medium and heavy feeder steers made from 222c to 284c, while the feeder heifer portion sold from 170c to 230c/kg. The 3 and 4 score heifers to the trade made from 205c to 268c/kg.

The 400-500kg steers predominantly went to the feed lotters, making from 225c to 278c, while the 500-600kg C3 and C4 steers to the trade made from 248c to 267c/kg. The 600kg plus steers reached 236c/kg, but there were very few about.

The baron heifers made to 242c/kg. The heavy 3 and 4 score beef cows made from 142c to 180c/kg.

The plainer 1 score beef cows sold from 92 to 159c, as restockers paid from 113c to 140c/kg

MLA APPOINTMENT: MLA, the research, development and marketing service provider for the Australian red meat and livestock industry, has today announced the appointment of Jason Strong as managing director.

MLA chairwoman Dr Michele Allan said the board unanimously supported the appointment.

"The MLA board is extremely confident that Jason will make an outstanding contribution to MLA and will continue to foster the prosperity of our industry on behalf of the red meat producers we serve," Dr Allan said.

"He returns to MLA with comprehensive red meat and livestock experience, knowledge."