PHOTO: Topping the market at WVLX Mortlake today was this pen of Angus X steers that J & J Kelly sold for 338c/kg on account of Terry Ryan, averaging $2028ph.
Numbers decreased to 1,427 head at WVLX Mortlake this week, some 263 less than the previous week’s offering. Again the quality of the yarding displayed a good lead, but all categories have been effected by the continuing dry with an increase in very plain and secondary types. The grown cattle and bullocks held good weight, but again the seasonal effects were evident with the cattle on offer including the few manufacturing types. The sale comprised 230 grown types, 471 trade weights and 708 cows along with 18 grown bulls with some of the regular processors not in attendance, the market was well supported by feeder and restocker interest.
The market showed resilience and at times was erratic however the better end was firm to slightly dearer for the trade cattle. The secondary cattle were again cheaper by 20c/kg. The better covered heavy beef cows lost 25c/kg whereas the medium weights and dairy breeds gained 5 to 10c/kg, with grown bulls gaining 15c/kg.
A small number of vealers sold to 324c/kg with the trade weight steers and heifers selling between 280c and 332c/kg. Grown cattle topped at 338c with manufacturing types topping at 228c/kg. A good mix of cows were on offer with heavy beef cows selling from 190c to 240c/kg, with the medium weights between 145c and 190c/kg. The better covered dairy breeds were in general between 175c and 210c/kg with grown beef bulls to the trade 230c/kg.