Weaner steers sold well at this month's Colac store market, on the back of rain in the region, which boosted the confidence of local restockers.
HF Richardson's Matt Sculley said the best Angus weaner steers were dearer than last month, making from 280-320 cents a kilogram carcase weight, while the lighter Angus heifers were cheaper.
"A lot of them made from $500-600," Mr Sculley said.
"There was increased local demand from backgrounders, due to recent rain, that's what caused the price increase for the best weaner steers."
He said JV & CR Gannon, Birregurra, sold 15 Murdeduke blood Angus steers, 285kg, six-eight months old, for $905, or 317c/kg.
M & H Lenehan sold 10 Angus steers, 284kg, for $890, or 313c/kg.
Feedlot competition was also evident, especially on the heavier cattle.
Agents quoted this month's yarding of about 1000 cattle as 'firm', on the May sale.
Charles Stewart and Co's Matthew Nelson said prices for beef steers ranged from 270-315c/kg, while crossbreds went for between 200-250c/kg.
"There was a fair variety of cattle and buyers, as well," Mr Nelson said.
Competition largely came from local producers, with some feedlots and northern buyers also active.
Charles Stewart Dove's Phil Douglas said going into winter, the cattle presented very well.
"I would call it a solid sale, from start to finish, especially the steers, which were quite good," Mr Douglas said.
"The better bred weaner steers were around the 295-310c/kg mark, with mainly grass finishers purchasing them.
"The heifer run was the toughest, a lot of heifers sold for between 220-250c/kg, mostly to the fattening job.
Mr Douglas said buy orders on Euro cattle were welcome.
Among the weaner Angus steers was a pen of 13, offered by G&D Beggs, averaging 310kg, which sold for $930 or 300c/kg.
Avondale also sold five Angus steers, 400kg, for $1200, or 300c/kg, while Williams Enterprises sold five Charolais steers, 377kg, for $1120, or 297c/kg.
The top pen of heifers was sold by N & S Lubcke, Winchelsea, who sold a pen of eight, 18 month old Angus/Hereford-cross females, 448kg, for $1120, or 250c/kg.
"Once you got off your feeder cattle, heifers were not overly dear, ranging from 180-220c/kg," Mr Nelson said.
Cows and calves topped at $1200.