PHOTO: Topping the market today at WVLX Mortlake were these Highland heifers that JM Ellis & Co sold for 405c/kg, returning $1549ph for NJ McIntyre.
Total Yarding: 905
Mortlake numbers decreased by 560 head this week for a total offering of 900 cattle. It was an offering showing the effects of the winter on livestock being a good lead and tailing off to a fair number of plainer types. Majority of the cow offering were dairy breeds with the beef cows offered being medium weights with limited cover. A fair number of manufacturing steers were also penned. Most regular buyers were in attendance not operating to full capacity. Restocker and feeder interest was sound with most of the beef breeds and trade cattle purchased by feeder operators. The yarding consisted of 225 grown cattle, 290 trade and 385 cows and included 6 bulls.
The market for grown cattle gained 10c to 15c/kg with most of the trade types stronger by 10c/kg. Manufacturing steers were 10c to 20c/kg dearer. Heavy beef cows remained firm to slightly dearer with the medium weights gained 10c and the light cows gained 10c to 20c/kg.
Trade steers and heifers made between 295c and 350c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 330c/kg. Low numbers of vealers made to 315c/kg. Manufacturing steers sold from 210c to 275c/kg. Good beef cows sold from 210c to 273c/kg with the medium weights between 180c and 250c/kg. Dairy cows were generally between 185c and 238c/kg with grown dairy bulls to 225c/kg.