This week's prime cattle market has seen further decline in quality and numbers as producers hold off selling.
In Victoria, further significant rains are forecast later this week driving more confidence into the farming sector for a prosperous spring just around the corner.
A large portion of beef producers have established pastures, enabling them to carry stock forward.
As the days get longer and cattle begin to produce better gains, farmers are choosing to wait until the predicted price rises in spring.
Right now in the prime market sector, we are seeing some very plain cattle with a lot of processors sourcing directly from feedlots.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator on Monday was 531 cents a kilogram carcase weight, which was 3.31c/kg down from last week.
It is safe to say these lower prices are largely due to the decline in quality.
Quality trade cattle were limited at all venues with domestic processors buying selectively amongst less competition.
Prices were mixed at Wagga Wagga, NSW, with trade heifers improving by 3c/kg to average 308c/kg, but steers slipping 6c/kg, to reach 336c/kg.
Pakenham trade eased 3-4c/kg with steers making up to 344c/kg and heifers selling between 330-338c/kg.
A stand out market was Swan Hill where prices remained firm due to quality lines of grain assisted stock.
The best of the steers made 366c/kg and the heifers sold between 332-360c/kg.
Opportunities are vast for restockers and feedlots as northern states continue to experience seasonal hardship.
Some buyers are sourcing cattle from northern sales, while some are sending stock south to sell.
Wodonga saw some secondary lines of yearlings travelling from Guyra, NSW, and Armidale, NSW.
131 over 400kg steers sold at Wodonga to feedlots between 275-330c/kg, jumping 11c/kg.
At Wagga Wagga, NSW, 271 over 400kg feeder steers sold between 310-345c/kg.
Grown steers and bullocks have been limited and the quality fair with most centres reporting a lack of finish.
Swan Hill hit a high of 360c/kg for heavy grown steers which was 6c/kg less than a fortnight ago.
Leongatha's grown steers made between 342-357c/kg.
A pen of over 750kg bullocks lifted back up 14c/kg at Leongatha, reaching 361c/kg, with the majority weighing 600-750kg selling between 345-356c/kg, easing 3c/kg.
Cows had a further price correction due to reduced competition over most markets.
Pakenham plummeted a further 13-18c/kg for heavy 3 and 4 scores beef cows, selling between 245-289c/kg.
Warrnambool slipped 10-11c/kg, reaching 290c/kg, whilst Wodonga's cow market reduced by over half, selling in a firm to easier market making between 235-295c/kg.
