PHOTO: Topping the WVLX market today was this pen of Angus steers that HF Richardson sold for 398c/kg, averaging $2078ph for JA & PR Stebbins.

Mortlake agents yarded 1620 cattle this week, representing an increase of 394 on last week’s numbers. The offering was mixed with the majority of the bullocks well finished. There were more 2 score manufacturing types on offer and most of the trade weight cattle lacked finish. Grain fed trade cattle showing plenty of weight were yarded and the cow offering was principally dairy types with few heavy beef cows available. Not all the regular buyers were on the rail or fully active. Feeder and restocker interest was evident on suitable lines. The offering consisted of 237 grown and 520 trade weights along with 760 cows and 105 bulls.

Despite the drop in quality and numbers the market was resilient to remain firm to dearer for the better finished types. Manufacturing cattle improved by 10 to 15c/kg and more so for the secondary types. Light dairy cows slipped 10 to 15c/kg whilst the medium and heavy weights remained firm to slightly stronger. Beef bulls slipped 15 to 30c/kg.

Trade steers and heifers sold from 320 to 395c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 398c and manufacturing steers sold up to 398c with crossbred steers selling to 368c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold from 300 to 358c with the medium weights between 230 and 280c/kg. Well covered dairy breeds were generally selling between 235 and 320c/kg. Beef bulls topped at 348c/kg.

Market Report: Reproduced courtesy of Meat & Livestock Australia Limited. Click HERE for full WVLX market report or click HERE for all RLX market report information.