NUMBERS flowing onto the chopper cow market slowed this week, with rises of five to 20 cents a kilogram reported at some sales.
Gippsland commission agent Bruce Watson said over-the-hook offer prices had improved significantly as a result of the tighter supply.
He quoted heavy Friesians (520kg-plus) from 310-330c/kg dressed weight, while medium weights (400-500kg) were from 280-300c/kg and light weights (less than 400kg) were from 230-250c/kg.
At the Colac prime sale, the cow market was dearer with prices from the start 5-10c/kg live weight higher for all but the poor one score cows which remained unchanged.
The E1 cows sold from 90-118c, while D1s were from 118-145c and the D2 grades made 140-165c/kg.
At Shepparton, the cow market met with steady demand for their mixed quality selection and most prices were unchanged, yet better conditioned cows were up to 5c/kg higher, while at Camperdown cows were mostly firm with the 1 score dairy cows between 116-150c/kg.
Heavy 2 and 3 scores sold from 145-167c/kg.
