PHOTO: These Angus grown steers that HF Richardson sold for 354c/kg topped the WVLX prime market today, averaging $1639ph for GL, MJ & CJ McKenzie.

With no Mortlake WVLX prime cattle market last week and the prevailing dry conditions being experienced, numbers increased significantly to 2,480 head representing an increase of 1,840 on the market a fortnight ago. It was a very mixed quality yarding over all categories. The better pens of grown cattle and bullocks carried good weight and there were plenty of manufacturing steers on offer. The sale comprised 379 grown cattle along with 732 trade weights and 1,342 cows and 27 grown bulls. Most of the regular buyers were present and active along with feeder and restocker interest evident.  

The market was strong over most categories for the lead cattle with the best gaining 10c/kg. Manufacturing steers were up to 15c/kg dearer with the trade cattle remaining firm. The secondary lesser quality cattle were cheaper. The better-covered beef cows remained firm to 10c/kg stronger with the majority of the cow offering including the dairy types softer by 10c/kg. Grown bulls were firm with some heavy weights stronger.   

A small number of vealers topped at 354c/kg. Trade steers and heifers sold from 280c to 330c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 345c/kg with manufacturing steers selling up to 285c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold from 210c to 270c/kg with the medium weights between 150c and 190c/kg. Well covered dairy cows were selling generally between 155c and 215c/kg. Grown bulls reached 258c/kg.

Market Report: Reproduced courtesy of Meat & Livestock Australia Limited. Click HERE for full WVLX market report.