Buyers hold back as prices rise

There were approximately 680 export and 900 young cattle penned this week at VLE, Pakenham, representing a decrease of 300 head week-on-week.
There was a full field of buyers present competing in a dearer market, although not all buyers were operating fully.
Quality improved, at least in places, with an increased supply of grain assisted yearling cattle and a more limited but better quality run of grown steers and bullocks.
The limited selection of vealers sold up to 20 cents per kilogram dearer with competition from butchers and lot feeders very strong.
Yearling steers and heifers suited to the trade improved around 15 cents for most while the steers to feed on gained five cents to 15 cents per kilogram with the larger gains in the heavier weight categories.
Grown steers and bullocks sold eight cents to 15 cents dearer while the heavyweight Friesian and crossbred manufacturing steers held firm.
The limited selection of vealers sold mostly from 220 cents to 296 cents per kilogram. Yearling trade steers made between 250 cents and 291 cents per kilogram.
Yearling heifers suited to the trade sold between 230 cents and 283 cents per kilogram. Feeder steers made from 220 cents to 262 cents with the heifer portion from 214 cents to 248 cents per kilogram.
Grown steers sold from 240 cents to 294 cents per kilogram.
Bullocks made between 250 cents and 290 cents per kilogram.
Heavyweight Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 214 cents and 230 cents with the crossbred portion between 222 cents and 255 cents per kilogram.
The VLE Draw for the week commencing Monday 18 May is as follows: 1, Nathan Gibbon Livestock; 2, SEJ; 3, Rodwells; 4, Elders; 5, Landmark; 6, Everitt, Seeley and Bennetts; 7, Alex Scott and Staff.
The next Store Sale is Thursday 21 May commencing at 10am.
VEALERS
Six, J.S. and S.M. Anderson, Lang Lang, 365 kilograms, 277.4 cents per kilogram, $1012.49; 48, A. and K. Rakip, Bunyip, 265, 247.8, $656.68.
STEERS
Twelve, T. and R. Eacott, Labertouche, 685, 289.6, $1984.97; 37, K.M. and J.M. Kelly, Ullswater, 525, 285.8, $1500.32; 11, D.K. Jeffery, Lang Lang, 621, 280.0, $1741.09; 11, P.R. and L. Ismail, Launching Place, 550, 276.4, $1520.22; 7, A. Zumpo, Pakenham, 478, 262.6, $1254.85; 12, C. and C. Watkins, Dromana, 420, 261.6, $1097.00; 21, Carpenter Nominees, Cranbourne South, 441, 250.6, $1105.15.
HEIFERS
Twenty four, Guest Farming, Yering, 458, 276.6, $1266.00; 22, V. and R. Biasi, Bunyip North, 470, 273.6, $1288.41.
BULLOCKS
10, J. Donkin, Healesville, 612, 280.6, $1717.90; 12, D. and B. Hardy, Dalmore, 652, 270.0, $1760.00.
FRIESIAN BULLOCKS
Ten, R.J. Close, Lang Lang, 666, 216.6, $1443.64.