A YARDING of 813 head penned last week at Baw Baw Livestock Exchange, Warragul, saw prices ease across the board, with several factors contributing.
The long Easter break was followed up by larger than usual numbers.
This eased the pressure on competition, and the number of northern cattle now available also has a bearing on prices with more head on the market.
Eighty eight bullocks saw the average ease 22 cents to 177.6 cents, although the weights were lighter.
This saw the per head price slip $135, the top bullock made to 200 cents. Seventy three heifers took the biggest hit with the average back to 164.7 cents, and the top was 190.6 cents. Heifers last week averaged slightly heavier which held the per head price at a reasonable level.
One hundred and sixteen steers were the best performers with the average slipping 14 cents to 187 cents and the top was also 200 cents.
Five hundred and thirty vealers saw good competition for the better end, with vealers reaching 273.2 cents but overall the average was easier at 212 cents compared to last sale with was 19 cents easier.
A bit of a reality check on Thursday as both bulls and cows recorded easier prices with both averages slipping 28 cents.
Better heavier cows eased around 20 cents with the lighter cattle easing bigger margins.
Seventeen bulls reached 153.2 cents and the average was 134.8 cents, whilst 555 cows made to 191.2 cents which was up on last week, with processors starting the action at 153 cents.
Two main private buyers held the good quality cattle prices above this mark, with cows averaging 120.5 cents.
The draw for Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May is as follows: 1, Elders; 2, Scotts; 3, Gibbon; 4, SEJ; 5, Landmark.
Vealers
One, Limo, E. Lissenden, Vesper, 365 kilograms, 273.2 cents per kilogram, $997; 2, Limo, T. Saddler, Nar Nar Goon, 310, 267.6, $829; 1, Limo, J. Linn and Sons, Childers, 335, 267.6, $896; 1, Bel/Blue, J. and J. Balcombe, Nambrook, 375, 266.6, $1000; 2, Limo, S. Failla, Willowgrove, 335, 262, $878; 1, Braunvieh, T. and J. Onley, Won Wron, 410, 260.2, $1066.
Export cows and heifers
One, Murray, Grey, Ballan Park, Labertouche, 500, 158, $790; 1, Friesian, L. and P. Lancey, Nyora, 465, 155.2, $721; 1, Gelbvie, Neerim View Gelb., Neerim, 470, 153.2, $720; 1, Limo, S. and A. Crestani, Neerim, 545, 153.2, $834; 1, Angus, D. and G. Williamson, Allambee, 655, 149.2, $977; 7, Friesian, C. and M. Young, Neerim, 722, 148, $1068.
Bullocks
Nine, Angus, C. Lewis, Neerim East, 598, 193.2, $1155; 1, Angus, B. and B. Taylor, Yarragon, 605, 192, $1161; 14, Angus, B. Fullerton, Tyers, 613, 185, $1132.
Steers
Twenty, Hereford, S. Duncan, Mirboo North, 549, 200, $1098; 3, Angus, R. Pollock, Heyfield, 531, 200, $1062; 7, Angus, Pullut Investments, Nilma North, 485, 199.6, $969; 10, Angus, J. Rabar, Neerim South, 494, 195, $963.
Heifers
Eleven, HerefordX, R. and E. Jones, Moe, 437, 190.6, $832; 4, LimoX, C. Gow, Mt Worth, 522, 186, $970; 4, LimoX, J. McDougal, Vesper, 541, 184, $995.
Bullocks
One, Angus, N. Lukie, Bunyip, 660, 162.2, $1070.
Bulls
One, Limo, J. Bravington, Newry, 710, 153.2, $1087; 1, Angus, K. and C. Baird, Glengarry, 910, 152.6, $1388; 2, Angus, Pullut Investments, Morwell, 970, 150, $1455; 1, Angus, K. and J. Carmichael, Bunyip, 920, 150, $1380; 1, Angus, B. Webb, Trafalgar, 915, 143.6, $1313; 1, Angus, L. and M. Hall, Shady Creek, 615, 140, $861.
