The bulk were younger cattle, with the majority suitable for the restockers and lot feeders.

There were also fair percentages of prime cattle suitable for the butchers which were also scattered throughout the market.

The usual buyers competed, with the younger drafts remaining close to firm, and the older heifers and cows trended cheaper.

The over 200kg vealer steers to the restockers ranged from 282c to 374c depending on breed, with the heavier drafts reaching 358c/kg.

The same weight heifer portion, also to the restockers, made from 290c to 324c/kg, with only breed and quality contributing to any price variations.

The yearling steers improved by 4c, with the medium weights making from 310c to 333c/kg.

Yearling heifers sold at similar prices, from 274c to 331c/kg.

The prime conditioned young cattle to the butchers lifted 7c, the best making 358c/kg.

There were too few grown steers to quote, while the grown heifers sold at cheaper prices to range from 210c to 230c/kg.

Cows trended 6c cheaper, the plainer medium weights averaged 182c, while the better covered heavy weights ranged from 210c to 218c/kg.

The best heavy weight bull topped at 260c/kg.

Bowe & Lidbury reported this week (July 24) a total yarding of 500 cattle. The quality was generally down on previous sales, together with the condition, so it was a good opportunity to buy cattle.

Export cattle prices were variable, and trade cattle 5c to 10c cheaper/kg overall. 

Best vealers $2.85/kg-$3.46/kg; Light & Medium vealers $2.60/kg-$3.98/kg; Yearling steers $2.80/kg-$3.30/kg; Yearling heifers $2.40/kg-$3.07/kg; Restocker steer weaners/vealers $2.80/kg-$3.55/kg; Restocker Heifer weaners/vealers $2.50/kg-$3.00/kg; Export heifers N/A; Export steers/bullocks N/A; Cows $1.60/kg-$2.49/kg; Bulls $2.00/kg-$2.48/kg.