Tough going for plainer stock at Leongatha store sale

Damian Minogue, Rodwells, said the yarding was made up of about 1400 cattle, including 800 steers, 500 heifers and about 100 cows, calves and joined females.

"The best quality cattle were fully firm, but once it got into the secondary, more crossbred types, they were a little bit cheaper and a bit tougher going," Mr Minogue said.

Cattle were drawn from the local area and down to East Gippsland.

"I would say the top end of cattle were fully firm, the other cattle could have been $20-30 a head cheaper," he said.

"Because of the continuing dry conditions, and a lot of cattle on offer around the state, everyone is becoming a bit more selective and cautious in their purchases."

Mr Minogue said better quality Angus cattle sold from between 260-295 cents a kilogram.

The top pen of 13 by J&B Cox, Yarram, averaging 559kg, sold for $1530, or 274c/kg.

Among the other top sellers were D&G Hunter, Trafalgar, who received $1240, or 280c/kg, for 12 18 month-old Angus steers

Westside Meats, Bacchus Marsh, was the main feedlot buyer, with most cattle going to local producers.

Alex Scott & Staff livestock manager Rob Ould, Wonthaggi, said the condition of stock had slipped, as cattle started to show the effects of the season.

"It was certainly much cheaper, there's no doubt about that," Mr Ould said.

Yarramundi Pastoral sold 15 10 month-old Black Baldy steers, averaging 360kg, for $1000, or 272c/kg.

White Creek received $950, or 273c/kg, for 26 Red Cross steers, averaging 348kg.

CJM Partnership sold eight 14 month-old Hereford steers, averaging 334kg, for $830, or 248c/kg.

Among the heifers, R&C Coates sold nine Herefords, 12 months-old, averaging 382kg for $865, or 226c/kg.

R & W Neocleous received $1280 for 14x14 Angus cows with Limousin calves at foot.

W&E Foreman also sold 14x14 Angus heifers, with Angus calves at foot, for $1280.