A record number of cattle 2,911 were yarded at Mortlake today representing an increase of 700 head. Overall quality was very good. The grown cattle and bullocks displayed more weight with a step-up in manufacturing steers. There was a good mix of beef and dairy breeds in the cow market where most of the regular buyers operated, including an additional interstate processor on 1128 grown cattle, 980 trade, 760 cows and 46 bulls.
Grown cattle remained firm with the manufacturing steers gaining 10 to 15c/kg overall as the sale progressed. Trade cattle, in an erratic market were firm to slightly cheaper dependent on quality. Good milk vealers gained 15c/kg. Better covered beef cows were also stronger by 15c/kg and more so for the heavier weights. Medium to lightweight cows improved by 30c and dairy cows were 30 to 50c/kg dearer in places. Bulls were softer by 30c/kg.
More vealers were on offer this week making from 210c to 282c/kg. Trade steers and heifers sold between 200c and 274c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 263c and manufacturing steers were selling from 200c to 238c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold from 210 to 247c with the medium weights selling between 190 and 210c with the dairy cows generally from 182 to 241c/kg. Beef bulls topped at 218c/kg.