PHOTO: Topping the market at WVLX today was this pen of Murray Grey bullocks that Brian O’Halloran sold for 332c/kg, averaging $2302ph for IG & BA Boyd.
Due to the prevailing dry conditions in the Western districts there was a sharp increase in numbers to 1,992 head at WVLX Mortlake today representing an increase of 703 on last week’s numbers. The lead were similar in quality to the previous week, however there were more plain secondary types on offer with the trade weight cattle. The market comprised 355 grown cattle along with 587 trade and 1003 cows and 41 grown bulls.
The grown cattle and bullocks displayed good weight and finish and the cow offering was mostly of good quality over both beef and dairy breeds. The increase in overall numbers brought an increase in lighter weight cows. Not all the regular buyers were present, however there was restocker interest in a market that was firm over the better end of the trade cattle and bullocks along with the grown heifers with the secondary cattle cheaper by 30 to 40c/kg and more in places. Cows lost 30 to 40c/kg and more for the lighter weights with bulls back 20c/kg.
A small number of vealers made from 285 to 322c/kg. Trade steers and heifers were selling between 290 and 322c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 332c with manufacturing steers selling up to 258c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold from 180 to 246c/kg with the medium weights between 140 and 175c/kg. The better covered dairy cows were generally between 175 and 216c/kg with grown beef bulls to 230c/kg.