Prices rose slightly for well-bred steers and heifers at Bairnsdale last Friday as a yarding of 1100 cattle was presented for sale.
Agents said prices were between $30 and $50 dearer a head on most lines of cattle, except cows and calves which which remained on par with previous markets.
Bill Wyndham & Co livestock agent Gerard Ogilvie said the quality was strong considering the dry conditions in eastern Victoria.
"We had some very good steers from Bimbimbie and they had heavy Angus steers, 542 kilos that made up to $1600," he said.
"We had a good run of Hereford steers about 14 to 16 months of age out of Omeo for Peter Smith and they were up to 460 kilos, the top draft, and they made $1430."
Peter Hopkins, Wy Yung, sold a pen of Angus steers, 541kg for $1650 or 304c/kg.
Sharp Fullgrabe director Graeme Fullgrabe said South GIppsland buyers bolstered demand.
"There was a lot of confidence with 40 mils of rain in the area which gave a bit of heart to the sale and Leongatha had a pretty good sale the day before so we had a few agents from there come and buy some cattle," he said.
"We had a fair few locals trying to buy both the steers and heifers but the cows and calves were no dearer really.
Leo and Matthew Rijs, Wangarabell Station, Genoa sold 60 Angus steers, 340-360kg and averaged 320c/kg.
"We had six Charolais D and H Wigg bulls that were 20 months old from Maffra and they averaged $2300, topping $3200," he said.
Elders Bairnsdale livestock manager Morgan Davies said lighter cattle were less prominent at the sale.
"It means they've either been sold or people have hung onto them with the recent rain," he said.
"But we need a big drink of rain to make any difference so people need to set their hopes on an early autumn break and hope for the best."