Smaller saleyards in regional locations have been under pressure in recent years to compete with larger selling centres but livestock agents argue otherwise

Cattle prices have lifted another 40c/kg (cwt) in the past week as processors battle with restockers for limited supplies at saleyards.

Another large yarding, 2552 cattle on offer.

Wharves start to re-open in China after coronavirus lockdown, but delays getting back to full manufacturing could continue for weeks.

Rain has certainly changed the beef cattle market with hands opening pockets as graziers view the future holding investment returns.

Frenzied buyer bidding at both prime and store sales has pushed cattle prices beyond 500c/kg (lwt).

None of the weaner steers sold below the 330 cents a kilogram at Carcoar weaner sale last Friday.

Thursday's Dubbo prime cattle sale set an even higher bar for prices fetched in all categories.

Strong start to year in prime cattle

Excellent but patchy rain along the New England Tablelands, including the fire affected Eastern Fall, has lifted prices in northern prime sales this week.