According to Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service numbers decreased significantly.

Quality was mostly secondary as producers off load plainer stock to take advantage of the significantly dearer trends.

Yearling steers and heifers suitable for the trade were in short supply. A larger group of feedlot buyers were present and operating over all categories. Inspired restockers operated in weight ranges below 400kg and were prepared to push out feedlots on well-bred Angus steers.

Heavy steer and bullock numbers were similar, and prices continued their impressive run. Cow numbers increased and quality was excellent to only fair in places.

The limited supply of trade cattle distorted prices. Trade steers and heifers sold from 290c to 370c/kg. There was bigger numbers of well-bred light weight weaner steers and heifers which resulted in restockers, commission buyers and agents lifting prices 20c to 40c/kg higher.

Weaner heifers, 200 to 280kg gained 20c, making from 280c to 432c/kg. The lighter weight steers sold 41c dearer to record a top price of 496c/kg.

A bigger buying group operated in the feeder steer market. Rain intensified bidding for lighter weight steers to average 380c/kg. There was stronger demand for feed steers, 400 to 500kg.

The well-bred portion gained 10c making from 346c to 412c/kg. Light weight feed heifers attracted a large field of buyers.

Prices spiked 13c to 17c with the lighter weights topping at 390c, to average 356c/kg.

Grown steers met strong competition from processors and feedlots which lifted prices by 6c to average 339c/kg. Bullocks were in short supply and quality was very good which was reflected in the dearer trend. Bullocks sold from 298c to 355c/kg.

The cow market fluctuated before firming, driven by a shortage of numbers in the north. Heavy cows eased 3c to average 289c/kg. The D2 and D3 cow prices were erratic.

The bulk of the D2 and D3 types sold from 240c to 293c/kg.