Numbers were hard to source this week, with many local cattle sold earlier in the season when prices were higher. Bulk of the yarding were younger categories and quality was mixed. There were ample percentages in prime condition and suitable for the butcher orders. The market trend overall was firm, with only quality in places contributing to any price variations.

Over 200kg vealer steers returning to the paddock averaged 286c before topping at 302c/kg. The same weight heifer portion to the restockers and backgrounders eased 4c, making from 234c to 284c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers also to restocker orders remained firm at 254c to 284c/kg.  Prime conditioned younger cattle to the butchers sold to solid competition, with prices for the higher yielding pens consistently in the 320c to 360c/kg range. Cows improved in quality and numbers lifted, week-on-week, as prices gained 8c/kg. The plainer 2 scores averaged 201c.

KEMPSEY

A much smaller yarding of 520 head were penned at the regular Fat Sale and Market Day, and while some lines were presented in great order, some cattle were showing the effects of a cold, dry winter.  Market trends varied, with most of the younger cattle firm to dearer, while grown steers were easier, and cows firm to dearer.

Lightweight re-stocker weaner steers under 200kg topped at 398.2c/kg, firm on last sale, while similar weight weaner heifers generally sold from 280c/kg to a top of 344.2c/kg for good quality Angus heifers. Heavier weaner steers from 200kg-280kg sold to 356.2c/kg which was cheaper than last sale, while heifers in this weight range made from 260c/kg-320c/kg. 

Veal to processors up to 280kg sold to a top of 288c/kg, back 10c on last sale.  The best bobby calf made 380.2c/kg, up 12c on last sale.

There were only a handful of grown steers and heifers on offer with the best of the steers over 400kg selling to 266c/kg, back on last sale.  Around 70 cows were penned, and these met with good competition.  Light cows up to 400kg topped at 232.2c/kg, up 16c on last sale, while those from 400kg-520kg sold to 230.2c/kg, up 18c on last sale.