Overnight rain measuring 10-25mm throughout Western Victoria flushed out additional buying support for store cattle at Ballarat on Friday.
Competing for a yarding of almost 2750 head a greater number of large-scale feeder operators led the charge backed up by a groundswell of local backgrounders eager to put cattle back in the paddock.
Across a steer yarding of 1680 prices overall averaged 15-18c/kg or $30-$50 a head higher while the 925 heifer penning gained 10, and up to 30 cents on some heavier well-bred pen lots.
Heavy steers, 450-600kg, made $1510-$1900 and averaged 334cents. Feeder steers, 360-450kg, made $1350-$1660 and averaged 366c/kg wjile lighter 280-360kg steers made $1150-$1400 and averaged 390c.
Heifers, 360-450kg made $1280 to $1500 and averaged 364c while lighter 280-360kg heifers made $1110-$130 and averaged 366c/kg.
