Numbers fall on dearer market

AT VLE Pakenham there were approximately 1000 export and 900 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 80 head week-on-week.
There was a full field of buyers present and competing in a dearer market.
Quality was plainer again with a larger proportion lacking finish as seasonal conditions continue to deteriorate with the onset of cold nights and an ongoing lack of feed on the ground.
A limited selection of vealers suited to butcher orders sold at similar prices.
Yearling steers and heifers to the trade improved 10 cents to 20 cents with strong demand from lot feeders (paying up to 260 cents for Angus feeder steers), as well as processors having to compete for the more limited selection of well finished calves.
Grown steers gained seven cents to eight cents while the bullocks lifted mostly 13 cents and up to 20 cents per kilogram in places.
Heavy weight Friesian and crossbred manufacturing steers improved five cents to 15 cents per kilogram.
The vealers sold mostly from 210 cents to 277 cents per kilogram.
Yearling trade steers made between 237 cents and 278 cents per kilogram.
Yearling heifers suited to the trade sold between 223 cents and 268 cents per kilogram. Feeder steers made from 226 cents to 260 cents with the heifer portion from 215 cents to 247 cents per kilogram.
Grown steers sold from 245 cents to 278 cents per kilogram.
Bullocks made between 254 cents and 272 cents per kilogram.
Heavy weight Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 204 cents and 231 cents with the crossbred portion between 233 cents and 254 cents per kilogram.
The VLE Draw for the week commencing Monday 11 May is as follows: 1, Elders; 2, Everitt, Seeley and Bennetts; 3, SEJ; 4, Alex Scott; 5, Nathan Gibbon Livestock; 6, Landmark; 7, Rodwells.
The next Store Sale is Thursday 21 May commencing at 10am.
VEALERS
Ten, B. and A. Chapman, Tooradin, 363 kilograms, 269.2 cents per kilogram, $978.19.
STEERS
Twenty, B. Copelin, Seaview, 566, 278.2, $1576.70; 15, Watergrass Hill Angus, Neerim, 531, 277.0, $1470.87; 18, T. and K. Kitchin, Pakenham South, 547, 275.0, $1504.10; 10, Portelli Family, Warragul, 561, 273.6, $1536.25; 18, Watermill Park, Red Hill, 530, 266.2, $1410.00; 16, S. and L. Jungwirth, Monomeith, 540, 265.0, $1431.00; 19, R.J. Close, Lang Lang, 573, 264.0, $1514.89; 9, Ybell Farms, Clyde, 506, 252.0, $1275.40; 11, B. and C. Smith, Clyde, 436, 245.3, $1070.35; 27, G. Evendon, Swifts Creek, 584, 226.7, $1324.00.
HEIFERS
Nine, 53rd Mayalda, Bass, 493, 264.6, $1303.90; 55, T. and E. Fall, Yarra Junction, 436, 264.5, $1153.82; 14, Plume Park, Lang Lang, 498, 251.6, $1254.41; 11, Ybell Farms, Clyde, 511, 248.6, $1269.64; 6, W. Bickerton, Yarra Junction, 587, 240.6, $1411.52; 7, F. Puglisi, Pakenham, 415, 237.0, $983.55.
BULLOCKS
Twenty, D. and P. Roberts, Yarragon, 610, 277.0, $1691.09; 8, Halvy Trust, Neerim, 708, 270.6, $1918.00; 7, P. Hansen, Toongabbie, 688, 266.4, $1835.00.
FRIESIAN BULLOCKS
Thirty four, D. and P. Evendon, Morwell, 593, 224.7, $1332.00.