PHOTO: J & B Jamieson presented this pen of Angus X bullocks at the WVLX Prime Market that Elders Kerr & Co sold for a top of 353c/kg, making $2212ph
Numbers increased to 2,733 head at Mortlake’s WVLX Prime Market, a rise of 1292 on the previous sale. It was a good offering of most categories for the top end however not as good as the previous week with a number of cattle still showing the effects of the dry conditions and this was most noticeable in the trade cattle.
The grown cattle and bullocks displayed less weight for the lead. The cow offering consisted of mostly good quality lines with a fair mixture of beef and dairy breeds as well as increased numbers of light weight cows on offer. The sale comprised 647 grown cattle plus 907 trade and 1,153 cows as well as 26 grown bulls. Most of the regular processors were present and very active in the market with good support across all categories.
Bullocks and manufacturing steers increased by 20c to 30c/kg. Trade cattle and vealers were dearer by 30c to 50c/kg in places. Most cows were 20c/kg stronger overall categories and more in places especially for medium to light weight lines. Grown bulls remain firm although some dairy bulls sold to a dearer market of up to 20c/kg.
This week the offering of vealers made between 300c and 412c/kg. Trade steers and heifers sold between 300c and 360c/kg. Grown steers topped at 358c/kg. Manufacturing steers sold up to 308c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold from 230c to 290c with medium weights between 190c and 235c/kg. Good condition dairy cows generally sold between 185c and 252c/kg. Grown beef bulls made to 250c/kg.