Numbers fell by 1000 compared to the previous week.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service rain across the supply areas resulted in numbers easing significantly.

Most of the usual buying group were present and operating, along with a major domestic processor after a lengthy absence.

Trade buyers struggled to purchase well finished steers and to compete against the higher prices offered by feedlots.

There were insufficient numbers of trade steers to quote, with a single pen recording a top price of 347c/kg.

Competition for trade heifers 400-500kg improved, influenced by an extra processor and the improved quality, with the well finished heifers gaining 12c/kg.

Medium weight trade heifers made from 302c 336c, while light weight grain assisted heifers sold from 275c 321c/kg.

Rain and numerous store orders combined to increase prices for young weaners by 20c/kg.

Light weight steers returning to the paddock sold from 305c to 338c/kg, to average $942/head.

A market to experience fluctuating trends was for feeder heifers, where prices were from 6c to 12c cheaper, with the lighter weights averaging 288c/kg.

Lighter weight feeder steers sold to at 346c, improving 6c to average 333c/kg.

Medium weight feeder steers made to 346c/kg.

The seasonal shortage of export cattle and improved quality increased prices from 16c to 19c/kg.

Top quality younger lines of heavy grown steers 500-600kg to processors made from 316c to 332c/kg.

Heavy C4 bullocks sold from 305c to 322c/kg. Heavy heifers over 500kg sold to a stronger trend from 10 to 20c, while the better covered and younger heifers sold from 286c to 336c/kg.

The cow market opened on strong note for well finished types, with prices 3c dearer, averaging 261c/kg.

The better covered lean cows D2 and D3 sold from 210c to 254c/kg.