A FEW less cattle this week at Baw Baw Livestock Exchange, Warragul, and two major buyers missing on both days saw prices ease marginally, although demand is still quoted as firm.
Both Wednesday and Thursday saw condition lacking in some areas with heavier cattle still selling to strong demand.
The easier competition bought the top prices back slightly in all categories.
On Wednesday 70 bullocks eased three cents to 181.0, weights were slightly heavier and the top was 193 cents.
Fifty two heifers remained firm with no change in the average at 171.4 cents and reached 188 cents.
Fifty six steers made to 175.6 cents this week and eased four cents on average to 181.5 cents.
One hundred and ninety four vealers saw a larger slip in the average, returning 200.3 cents which was 14 cents lighter.
Light stores sold to strong demand but processors were hesitant in this area and one feedlot absent causing the lighter average veal this week to top at 247.6 cents.
Bull prices on Thursday were 2.5 cents back averaging 157.2 cents.
Heavy condition bulls sold to good demand topping at 182 cents.
A good yarding of 26 head were offered.
Three hundred and thirty eight cows also saw good heavy beef cows sell strongly and were regarded as dearer.
Some beef pens lacked condition and weight and eased two to three cents.
Solid Friesian cows also sold well and attracted strong competition.
Cows reached 173.2 cents this week and averaged 145.4 cents.
The Draw for Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 November is as follows: 1, SEJ; 2, Scotts; 3, Elders; 4, Landmark; 5, Gibbon.
Vealers
Two, AngusX, R. and D. Knight, Glengarry, 340 kilograms, 247.6 cents per kilogram, $841; 4, Char, J. and A. Fahey, Thorpdale, 366, 240, $879; 4, Limo, E. Lissenden, Vesper, 367, 237.6, $871; 1, LimoX, R. Lake, Vesper, 345, 236.2, $815; 1, Limo, W. Hunt, Ellinbank, 385, 233.6, $899; 3, LimoX, G. and H. Ferguson, Shady Creek, 358, 232, $831; 1, LimoX, C. Gow, Mt Worth, 415, 231.2, $959.
Steers
One, LimoX, J. and D. Fletcher, Drouin East, 455, 200, $910; 1, Hereford, D. Wilcox, Yarragon South, 545, 190, $1035; 1, Angus, M.E. Woolcock, Flynn, 530, 188.6, $999.
Bullocks (550kg)
Six, Angus, J. and M. O’Brien, Cowwarr, 587, 193, $1132; 3, Angus, R. Pollock, Heyfield, 566, 190, $1076; 4, Simm, W. and L. Clapp, Bunyip, 583, 189.6, $1105; 3, AngusX, S. Watts, Buln Buln, 608, 189.6, $1152; 7, Angus, S. and J. Knight, Tanjil South, 608, 188.2, $1144; 1, Angus, R. and J. Chandler, Jindivick, 555, 185.6, $1030; 9, Angus, J. and S. Patrick, Warragul, 638, 178.6, $1139; 1, Angus, M.E. Woolcock, Flynn, 830, 172.6, $1432.
Heifers
Seven, LimoX, M. and C. Gerimia, Shady Creek, 563, 174.2, $981.
Export cows and heifers
One, Limo, P. and J. Sullivan, 525, 173.2, $909; 4, Limo, C. Gow, Mt Worth, 532, 166, $883; 1, Simm, R. and B. Dickenson, Iona, 660, 165.6, $1092; 6, Brahman, Aussie Timbers, Hay, 547, 165.2, $903; 1, AngusX, C. and J. Fitzpatrick, Catani, 605, 162.6, $983; 1, Angus, C. Stewart, Mirboo North, 610, 162, $988.
Friesian cows
One, Friesian, C. and C. Bagot, Jindivick, 350, 163.2, $571; 1, Friesian, M. and J. Thorn, Tinamba, 800, 160, $1280; 1, Friesian, T. Smethurst, Athlone, 750, 160, $1200; 1, Friesian, D. Barry, Drouin, 640, 158.2, $1012; 1, Friesian, J.W.G. and N.E. Webb, Gainsborough, 650, 158.2, $1028; 1, Friesian, Jayanal P/L, Longwarry, 685, 157, $1075.
Bullocks
Eight, Santa, G. McPhee, Thorpdale, 456, 183, $834; 1, Friesian, R. and A. Purvis, Nyora, 775, 168, $1302.
Bulls
One, Limo, J. Rigano, Ferndale,880,182,$1601; 1, Angus, Aussie Timber, Hay, 550, 168.6, $927; 1, Angus, C. Stewart, Allambee, 830, 162.6, $1349; 1, Friesian, N. and D. Blamey, Catani, 965, 157.6, $1520; 1, Friesian, W.R. Griggs, Yarragon, 725, 153.2, $1110.
