Despite some rain across the supply area numbers increased.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service a common trend was the lack of well finished cattle suitable for the trade, with all secondary cattle selling to restockers and feedlots.

There was also considerable light weight stock being pushed onto the market under 350kg. Heavy export and domestic steers were in reasonable supply and there were 750 cows penned.

There was mixed demand for light weight secondary weaner steers and heifers, with feedlots and back grounders the market drivers, while restockers lacked the intensity of previous markets.

Young weaner steers, 280 to 320kg, returning to the paddock made from 412c to 472c, easing 12c/kg to average $1360/head.

There were a few store orders in place for light weight heifers however, buyers were more selective resulting in a cheaper trend of 18c/kg. Trade steers and heifers were limited, and competition was subdued.

Trade steers eased 22c to average 405c/kg. Trade heifers made from 349c to 400c/kg.

Secondary steers suitable to feed-on sold to a small group of buyers with major feedlots attending but not all operating. Medium weight steers, 400 to 500kg, were unchanged making from 360c to 427c to average 402c/kg. Lighter weight feeder steers gained 2c selling from 390c to 425c/kg.

Feeder heifers sold to steady competition with the usual buying group all keen for a market share. Feed heifers were unchanged to average 389c/kg. Both export and domestic buyer competition waned, which resulted in a cheaper trend of 24c/kg.

Heavy grown steers reached a top price of 388c to average 361c/kg. Heavy bullocks made from 349c to 382c/kg.

The cow market lost considerable traction, with sales erratic as the sale progressed. Heavy cows sold 26c cheaper to average 292c/kg. Leaner grades were of mixed quality and prices were generally 13c to 27c/kg cheaper. The better covered lean cows made from 240c to 284c/kg.