Market up despite falling quality

There were approximately 1000 export and 1100 young cattle penned this week at VLE Pakenham, representing a decrease of 1300 head week-on-week.
There was a full field of buyers present and operating in a dearer market.
Quality was not as good as the previous sale, with limited numbers of prime cattle penned and many drafts showing the effects of the drying summer.
The vealers suited to butcher orders sold four cents to six cents per kilogram dearer for most.
Yearling trade steers gained four cents to nine cents, while the heifers gained eight cents per kilogram for most.
Feeder steers and heifers sold close to firm.
Grown steers improved four cents to seven cents while the bullocks lifted two cents per kilogram.
Heavy weight grown heifers sold two cents per kilogram dearer.
Heavy weight Friesian manufacturing steers gained four cents while the crossbred portion lifted 10 cents per kilogram for most.
The vealers sold mostly from 212 cents to 257 cents per kilogram.
Yearling trade steers made between 215 cents and 242 cents per kilogram, while yearling heifers suited to the trade sold between 200 cents and 240 cents per kilogram.
Feeder steers made from 204 cents to 226 cents with the heifer portion from 196 cents to 212 cents per kilogram.
Grown steers sold from 216 cents to 239 cents per kilogram.
Bullocks made between 210 cents and 239 cents per kilogram.
Heavy weight grown heifers showing good finish sold between 198 cents and 225 cents per kilogram.
Heavy weight Friesian manufacturing steers made from 190 cents to 205 cents, with the crossbred portion from 190 cents to 220 cents per kilogram.
The VLE Draw for the week commencing Monday 2 March is as follows: 1, Nathan Gibbon Livestock; 2, Elders; 3, Everitt, Seeley and Bennetts; 4, SEJ; 5, Rodwells; 6, Landmark; 7, Alex Scott and Staff.
The next Store Sale is Thursday 26 February commencing at 10am.
Vealers
Twelve, P.C. and K.M. Eden, Glen Forbes, 419 kilograms, 231.8 cents per kilogram, $971.66; 18, B. and A. Chapman, Toora, 376, 229.1, $862.30; 39, H. White, Gisborne, 412, 223.8, $922.71; 29, S. Fairbrother, Boolarra, 364, 222.1, $808.76; 11, M. Hendriksen, Skye, 343, 220.4, $755.38; 17, J. Coleman, Bittern, 374, 217.7, $813.30.
Steers
Fourteen, W.E. Bastin, Glengarry, 594, 230.8, $1371.35; 18, G.F. and M.A. Coffey, Glen Lyon, 589, 227.2, $1338.18; 13, Green Meadow, Devon Meadows, 520, 226.0, $1175.20; 14, Y. and W. Foss, Pakenham, 423, 226.0, $956.46; 18, Wellard Rural Export, Lindsay, 522, 221.7, $1157.16; 9, D. Campbell, Romsey, 496, 218.0, $1085.33.
Heifers
Ten, Naum Dellios and Co., Werribee South, 655, 198.0, $1296.90.
Bullocks
Nine, R. and E. Franklin, Balnarring, 678, 230.0, $1558.89; 7, G. and L. Rouse, Pakenham, 661, 226.0, $1494.83; 23, H.S. and I.L. Stephenson, Bayles, 604, 220.8, $1333.66.