Numbers at Monday’s cattle sale halved to 944, though quality was improved from the previous sale. There was a better offering of finished and supplementary fed cattle available, along with the usual plainer types. Cows made up a large percentage of the yarding. The usual buyers were present and competing in a cheaper market.

Yearling steers eased 8c to 10c/kg. Processors paid from 220c to 267c/kg for medium and heavy weights. Those to feed received from 220c to 280/kg. A better offering of finished heifers saw prices hold firm to 4c better to make from 220c to 260c/kg. Those to feed were 10c easier to receive from 220c to 245c/kg.

Grown heifers sold from 180c to 230c/kg. Cows were 2c to 5c easier, with heavy 2 score making from 153c to 193c, while 3 scores sold from 186c to 204c/kg.

Numbers at Tuesday’s sheep and lamb sale decreased to 25,100 from a new year high the previous week, with lambs showing the biggest decrease. Lamb quality was fair, with a good supply of fed finished lambs offered, along with the plainer types. The usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.

Light lambs lifted $6 to make from $114 to $123/head. Trade weights were $5 better, making from $125 to $149/head.

Heavy and extra heavy weight lambs were well supplied, making from $5 to $8/head dearer. Heavy lambs received from $148 to $173/head, with extra heavy weights receiving from $158 to $227/head. Carcase prices averaged from 620c to 660c/kg cwt.

Mutton numbers comprised primarily Merinos and prices showed an increase. Merino ewes sold from $97 to $144/head. Crossbred ewes varied in price from $81 to $149, with Dorper ewes reaching $96/head.