About 615 head were penned at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange store sale at Bairnsdale on Friday, nearly half what was yarded at the sale a fortnight earlier.
Meat & Livestock Australia market reporter Brendan Fletcher reported while quality had declined on the previous sale, there were dairy-bred and crossbred cattle well represented, while breeders' calves were in short supply.
"The buyers gallery was a little more spacious with fewer orders operating on the smaller offering, while all the regular locals were in attendance," Mr Fletcher said.
"There was limited feedlot and processor inquiry.
"Steers sold to firm demand with prices close to equal, while heifers were more limited and sold a little dearer."
A larger selection of cows with calves at foot averaged $350 a head cheaper on recent sales due to quality.
The top pen of weaner steers made $2170 for 10 Angus, 324 kilograms, which equated to 670 cents a kilogram.
The top of the yearling steers fetched $2990 for six Angus, 632kg, or 473c/kg.
The top-priced yearling steers were five Angus that made $2750, 471kg, or 583c/kg.
The top of the weaner heifers made $1860, for seven Angus/Hereford-cross, 300kg, or 620c/kg, while yearling heifers hit $2240, paid for four Hereford heifers, 458kg, or 489c/kg.
Cows with calves at foot sold from $1770-$3660.
