Cattle supplies at Victorian saleyards decreased by 11 per cent in the first half of July compared to the corresponding time in 2008, Meat and Livestock Australia reports.
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MLA says the majority of centres realised significant falls in numbers, particularly in vealers offered.
The heavy falls of rain across Victoria hindered any chance of a reasonable yarding in the state with a 43pc reduction at Pakenham and a 42pc drop at Wodonga over the first half of July.
Of the young cattle offered, vealer steer numbers plummeted 29pc compared to the corresponding period in 2008.
MLA says the reduction in numbers was heavily worn by processors, while those to restockers and feeders held relatively stable.
Going against the trend was an influx of yearling steers, with 19pc more offered this July, with processors and feeders capturing most of the yarding.
Grown steer throughput across the state lifted 15pc on last year.
This rise in supply was predominantly captured by processors, taking 95pc of the total grown steer offering over the first half of July.
Cow yardings slipped 5pc on last year with 16pc less going to slaughter.
Offsetting this trend, however, was a 22pc rise in dairy cows to market, due to the current subdued dairy market.
