East Gippsland has now had a couple of drops of rain, the later falls much more significant.
This aided stronger competition, which combined with that of South and West Gippsland, created a stronger sale for younger steers at Bairnsdale.
Prices for some of the younger steers were quoted up to $100 a head dearer, while all of the older steers and bullocks were firm to cheaper, depending on their weight.
Agents yarded 1300 cattle, which was down by 1000 head on their previous sale three weeks prior.
Some of this was due to the rain, and some to the closeness of Christmas.
Heavy yearling steers were least affected by the increased demand, which saw the highest price steers make $1580.
W McInnes sold the heaviest pen of bullocks, 620 kilogram Angus and Angus-Herefords, for $1500.
Colin Jones, Bill Wyndham & Co, said there was less competition for older steers, and prices were easier.
Trevor Robinson, Forge Creek, sold a pen of pure Charolais steers, 578kg, for $1580, which was a firm sale.
H&I Regan sold 14 Angus steers, 544kg, for $1460, which was down on the previous sale.
The Hutton Family sold 37 Hereford steers, Mawarra-blood, that were bred by the Sandy family at Swifts Creek, and purchased in early autumn.
These steers, which weighed from 443-471kg, sold from $1350-$1410.
Highlighting the sale of younger steers was P&P Sutton, “Quire Station”, Buchan South, whose 71 Angus steers, Lawsons and Ireland-blood, sold from $1070-$1260, which was up to 358c/kg.
Heifer prices showed little change with one regular buyer absent, affecting the outcome.
KP Hurley, Glenaladale, sold 23 Angus and Angus/Shorthorn heifers, 14 months-old, for $800.
The best price for yearling heifers was $930, with one feedlot making some purchases.
Most of the younger heifers sold in a range of $550-$750.
Agents offered 72 cows and calves, most of which were in very plain condition.