Another month without substantial rain across the greater southwest region swelled clearance numbers to almost 4000 head for the April store cattle sale at WVLX (Mortlake) saleyards on Thursday.
However in spite of this much larger yarding demand from the feedlot section valued heavier grown steer prices 10 cents a kilogram kilogram higher while feeder heifer rates were jumped by 20c/kg.
Heavier steers taken by the feedlot sector posted prices between $2.80 and a top of $3.22/kg while the best of the heifer prices rose to 300c/kg as most met a market pitched on $2.65 and $2.86/kg.
The market for weaner steers, on the overhand, was significantly more two-paced, with the best conditioned steers sold to a top of 318c/kg while heifer weaners were sold to a best of 288c/kg.
Open Auction Steers reached a high of $800 for large lines presented in fresh condition while most other sales of young weaners faced limited inquiry and were sold mainly between $480 to $760.
Open Auction Heifers made up to $570/head, which was firm on last sale, once again, those seasonally affected met limited inquiry and were sold in a $350 to $600 per head price bracket.
Cow and calf outfits were sold to a topped of $1260, while sales of joined cows made to $1600.
Crossbred steers made up to 238c/kg.
Feeder operators from Victoria, South Australia and three destinations in the Riverina, NSW all made their presence felt however the restocker demand was restricted to the more coastal areas and the South Australia/Victorian border districts.