According to Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service dry conditions and strong prices contributed to higher numbers.

The limited availability of good domestic trade cattle meant processors had to up the ante to purchase stock. Secondary cattle were well supplied with a large percentage destined for feedlots.

All the regular export and domestic buyers were in attendance.

There were several northern and local restocking orders in place however buyers struggled to find adequate numbers of well-bred types.

In the trade market, domestic buyers competed strongly to acquire steers 400kg to 500kg.

Steers suitable for the trade averaged 474c/kg.

A single pen of European cross steers recorded a top price of 495c/kg.

Feedlots put a solid floor in trade heifer prices which resulted in a price lift of 3c/kg.

Medium weight trade heifers sold from 398c to 456c/kg.

Light weight secondary steers 200 to 280kg sold to a top price of 715c/kg to average $1577 per head.

The heifer portion recorded a top price of 575c/kg.

Prices for feeder steers were strong for all weight categories.

Steers 400 to 500kg sold from 400c to 489c to average 466c/kg.

Medium weight feeder heifers eased 2c averaging 448c/kg.

Not all processors operated in the export run.

Heavy steers and bullock sold to stronger competition from domestic buyers, feedlots and some export demand.

Prices for C3 steers and bullocks ranged from 365c to 451c/kg.

Heavy heifers were in shorter supply and several processors along with feedlots keenly contested the younger portion.

The bulk suitable to process, selling from 333c to 392c/kg.

In the cow market, not all processors operated.

Heavy well-finished cows sold from 296c to 338c/kg.

Leaner cows were in short supply making from 250c to 313c/kg.